Critical Illness Related Pneumonia Rather Than Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)The authors respond:

Effect of Oral Hygiene and 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse in Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia After Cardiovascular Surgery

“…10,11 There is less information on VAP prevention in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, and therefore, the efficacy of using only local antiseptics to decrease the incidence of VAP in these patients remains unclear. Contributing to the controversy are findings supporting the use of local antibiotics to decrease the oropharyngeal microbial load, the use of which results in higher risk of bacterial resistance, allergic reactions, and increased cost.…”