Early prophylactic antibiotics following endotracheal intubation for traumatic brain injury may reduce respiratory complications.

A rapid literature review was carried out to examine the evidence supporting early prophylactic antibiotics use following endotracheal intubation in patients traumatic brain injury (TBI), to reduce the risk of subsequent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Four papers were identified as suitable for inclusion using the reported search strategy. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of the best papers are tabulated. Current evidence suggests that early administration of prophylactic antibiotics to patients with severe TBI requiring endotracheal intubation reduces the risk of subsequent pneumonia.