Martin-Loeches I, Torres A, Povoa P, et al. - In this pre-planned subanalysis of a large prospective cohort, researchers investigated the effectiveness of appropriate antibiotic therapy in decreasing mortality in patients with ventilator associated-lower respiratory tract infection (VA-LRTI) who suffered cardiovascular failure. This investigation was conducted in eight countries in two continents and included mechanically ventilated patients for at least 48 h. In 689 (23.2%) out of 2960 patients, the occurrence of VA-LRTI was noted, and the development of cardiovascular failure was reported in 174 (25.3%). A link with a higher ICU survival with appropriate antibiotic therapy was not demonstrated by patients with VA-LRTI and cardiovascular failure. A survival benefit with appropriate antibiotic treatment was experienced by patients only with ventilator-associated pneumonia among patients without cardiovascular failure.