Evaluating The Efficacy Of Respiratory Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation With Bronchial Hygiene Technique On Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score In Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and other pulmonary infections are significant complications in mechanically ventilated patients, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Early interventions that improve respiratory function and reduce infection risk are critical in the management of these patients. Respiratory Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) combined with bronchial hygiene techniques may offer a synergistic approach to enhancing pulmonary function and decreasing infection scores. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of combining respiratory PNF with bronchial hygiene techniques on the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: A total of 128 mechanically ventilated patients were included in the study. All participants received a combination of respiratory PNF exercises and bronchial hygiene techniques (chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, and suctioning) as part of their routine care. The primary outcome was the change in the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS), which assesses signs of pulmonary infection based on parameters such as temperature, white blood cell count, oxygenation, and chest X-ray findings. CPIS was assessed at baseline and after the intervention period. Results: After the intervention, a significant reduction in CPIS was observed across the study population (p < 0.05). The combination of respiratory PNF and bronchial hygiene techniques resulted in improved pulmonary function, including better secretion clearance, enhanced oxygenation, and a decrease in infection-related symptoms, as reflected by a lower CPIS. Clinical parameters such as temperature, white blood cell count, and chest X-ray findings also showed improvement (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The integration of Respiratory Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and bronchial hygiene techniques was associated with a significant reduction in the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) in mechanically ventilated patients. This suggests that the combined approach can effectively improve pulmonary function and reduce the risk of pulmonary infections in critically ill patients. These findings support the use of respiratory PNF and bronchial hygiene as valuable interventions in critical care settings to enhance patient outcomes and potentially reduce the incidence of VAP.