News

Clinical Study on Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Published in Journal of Critical Care

ROSWELL, Ga. – July 12, 2011— The Journal of Critical Care has published in its June 2011 edition the findings of a clinical study on mechanical ventilation titled, “A Polyurethane Cuffed Endotracheal Tube is Associated with Decreased Rates of Ventilator-associated Pneumonia.”

The purpose of the study was to determine whether the use of a polyurethane-cuffed endotracheal tube (Microcuff, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Roswell, Ga.) would result in a decrease in ventilator-associated pneumonia rate.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan including Melissa A. Miller, MD, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Jennifer L. Arndt, MS, CIC; Mark A. Konkle, MPA, RRT; Carol E. Chenoweth, MD; Theodore J. Iwashyna, MD, PhD; Kevin R. Flaherty, MD, MS; and Robert C. Hyzy, MD. This study was partially supported by Kimberly-Clark Corporation; see details in the disclosure statement in the study article.

The study is available at this address: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0883944110001632

About Ventilator-associated Pneumonia (VAP)

VAP is a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) predominantly found in hospital intensive care units. Experts say that VAP affects between eight and 28 percent of patients who receive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. VAP also imposes a significant financial burden, with some studies estimating the per-case cost of VAP from $20,000 to $40,000. VAP increases ICU stays by 4 to 6 days, contributing to the high cost and toll it can take on patients, hospitals and the healthcare system. The mortality rate attributed to VAP is estimated to be from 20 percent to as high as 33 percent. To learn more about closed suction systems or for more information about any of the solutions in the VAP bundle, please visit: www.vap.kchealthcare.com

Kimberly-Clark in the Healthcare Environment

Around the world, medical professionals turn to Kimberly-Clark for a wide portfolio of solutions that improve the health, hygiene and well-being of their patients and staff. As part of their healing mission, caregivers rely on Kimberly-Clark to deliver clinical solutions and educational resources that they can depend on to prevent, diagnose and manage a wide variety of healthcare-associated infections. This more than $1 billion global enterprise of Kimberly-Clark Corporation holds the No. 1 or No. 2 market share position in several categories, including infection control solutions, surgical solutions, pain management and digestive health. And throughout the care continuum, patients and staff alike trust Kimberly-Clark medical supplies and devices, KLEENEX tissues, KIMBERLYCLARK PROFESSIONAL skin care products and SCOTT towels for day-to-day needs. For more information, visit .