EARLY Antibiotics aDAptation in Severe Pneumonia(The EARLY ADAPT Study)

EARLY Antibiotics aDaptation in Ventilator-Acquired-Pneumonia Treatment After Implementation of a Broad-Panel Respiratory Multiplex PCR Test: A Multicenter Randomized Control Trial Conducted In Swiss Intensive Care Units. The EARLY ADAPT Study.

The objective of the study is to determine whether rapid multiplex PCR testing of respiratory samples can reduce exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics in intensive care unit patients with suspected or confirmed ventilator-associated pneumonia, compared to standard diagnostic methods.

As secondary objectives, the investigators will study antibiotic management and overall antibiotic consumption, as well as escalation or de-escalation events. The investigators will study the potential clinical impact of using multiplex PCR to see if the length of stay in the intensive care unit is reduced, as well as the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (≥ 18 years old)
• Hospitalized in intensive care with invasive mechanical ventilation ≥ 48 hours
• Administration of antimicrobial therapy for suspected VAP at the time of inclusion.
• Expected survival > 96 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Enrollment prior to the current trial
• Participation in an interventional study on the management of AMR that has a direct impact on antibiotic therapy practices.