Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the burden of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care units (ICUs) globally. However, epidemiological data on VAP in Slovak ICUs, particularly in the context of the pandemic, remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, microbial profiles, and risk factors of VAP in Slovak ICU settings, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective analysis of VAP data was conducted for respiratory intensive care unit (ICU) patients in a Slovak university hospital, comparing data from the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The CDC/NHSN definitions for VAP were applied, and statistical analyses were performed using STATISTICA 13.1. Results: A total of 803 patients were analyzed, representing 8385 bed days and 5836 mechanical ventilator days. VAP rates increased significantly during the pandemic by 111%, from 8.46 to 17.86 events per 1000 MV days (p < 0.001). VAP rates in non-COVID-19 patients increased by 86% during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Pandemic conditions also increased ICU mortality from 25.66% to 40.52% (p < 0.001). VAP was identified as a critical determinant of ICU mortality, contributing to a 21.62% higher mortality rate among patients during the pandemic. Younger age, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and medical (vs. surgical) hospitalizations were associated with higher VAP incidence. Gram-negative bacteria dominated the pathogen profiles, with significant increases observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (183%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (150%), and Acinetobacter spp. (100%). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the incidence and epidemiology of VAP in Slovak ICUs, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in HAI surveillance and IPC practices.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), its etiology, and risk factors in critically ill patients, because Slovakia was one of the countries experiencing a high burden of COVID-19 infections, and hospitals faced greater challenges in preventing and managing CLABSI; (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of CLABSI data from all patients admitted to adult respiratory intensive care units before and during COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. We followed the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control surveillance methodology for CLABSI. Data were analyzed using STATISTICA 13.1; (3) Results: We analyzed the data of 803 ICU patients hospitalized for 8385 bed days, with 7803 central line days. Forty-five CLABSI events were identified. The CLABSI rate significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic (2.81 versus 7.47 events per 1000 central line days, (p < 0.001). The most frequently identified pathogens causing CLABSI were Gram-negative organisms (60.20%). The risk factors found to increase the probability of developing CLABSI were length of stay (OR = 1.080; 95% Cl: 1.057–1.103; p < 0.001) and COVID-19 (OR = 5.485; 95% Cl: 32.706–11.116; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increases in CLABSI in ICUs. These data underscore the need to increase efforts in providing surveillance of CLABSI and implementing infection prevention measures.

The aim of our study was to analyze the attitudes of people – patients and their relatives in proximity of death and dying. End-stage of human life is often associated with changes in the scale of values and needs of the individual. Particular attention was paid to the needs and values that are associated with recognition of limitations concerning to earthly life, but also with the hope of eternal life. Generally, people think that the feelings and coping with death and dying are same in patients and their relatives. The truth is that coping with death and mortality is individual to each person. The problems related to the dying should be coped with by all: dying patients, their relatives and friends. Dying is not letting cold those who are in the presence of dying. In our study we used Acceptation of Dying and Coping with Mortality Questionnaire – 20 Items (ADCMQ20). Research sample consisted of 275 respondents: 95 dying patients and 180 their relatives. All data were processed by SPSS 24 statistical program.