Abstract: Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of tigecycline in critically ill patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP). Methods A prospective study was conducted based on critically ill patients with VAP in Intensive Care Unit of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University during Jan 1, 2011 and May 31, 2013. All patients accepted intravenous infusion of tigecycline with a first dose of 100 mg and then 50 mg every 12 h. The course was directed by medical advice. The clinical and bacterial efficacy and safety were evaluated at the end of the therapy. Results A total of 37 patients were included at the beginning, and 33 patients were evaluable at the endpoint. The total clinical success rates was 60.6%. Thirty-six multidrug-resistance bacteria strains were detected in specimens obtained from all patients before the start of tigecycline treatment, and all these strains were sensitive to tigecycline. The total clearance rate was 61% while Acinetobacter baumannii predominated a 60% clearance rate. Adverse reactions were well tolerated with predominantly digestive symptoms, and all responded to symptomatic treatment afterwards. Six patients died within 28 days. Conclusion Tigecycline proved to be effective and safe for critically ill patients with VAP.

Key words: Tigecycline, Critical Illness, Drug Resistance, Multiple, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated