Heparin Binding Protein Versus Platelet Count and Mean Platelet Volume Kinetics in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of VAP

mechanically ventilated for 48 hours or more and subsequently develop ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). After obtaining approval from the local ethical committee at the Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, and informed consent from first-degree relatives, patients will be enrolled and classified into two groups based on clinical outcomes: Group A (survivors with successful extubation) and Group B (non-survivors with prolonged mechanical ventilation and/or 30-day mortality). Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is defined as ≥21 days of ventilation. Blood samples will be collected from participants to measure heparin-binding protein (HBP), mean platelet volume (MPV), and the MPV-to-platelet count (PC) ratio. Laboratory analysis will be blinded to the clinical outcome group to ensure objectivity. The study aims to investigate the potential of these biomarkers in predicting prognosis and guiding clinical decisions in patients with VAP.