In search of new diagnostic modalities and techniques in ventilator-associated pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an infection affecting the lungs of intensive care patients. This thesis addresses new aspects with regard to causative microorganisms, diagnostic algorithms and novel non-invasive diagnostic techniques. Exhaled breath analysis is an emerging diagnostic modality in respiratory medicine. It carries no procedural risks even in critical ill ventilated patients. This could diminish the diagnostic burden of VAP compared to current techniques. Exhaled breath was directly analysed by two different devices (electronic nose and gaschromatography-mass spectrometry) in order to identify patients with VAP. Although promising techniques the results of the studies do not support current clinical applicability.