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Safety of chlorhexidine gluconate used for skin antisepsis in the preterm infant

A K Chapman1, S W Aucott, A M Milstone

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. achapman@mcvh-vcu.edu

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|October 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a common antiseptic for skin cleansing. This review examines the safety of CHG use in preterm infants, addressing its frequent application in Neonatal Intensive Care Units despite limited data.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal medicine
  • Infectious disease prevention
  • Pediatric pharmacology

Background:

  • Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a CDC-recommended topical antiseptic for skin cleansing prior to central venous catheter insertion in adults and children.
  • Limited safety data restricts CHG recommendations for infants under 2 months old.
  • CHG is frequently utilized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) across the United States.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the existing safety data of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) use in preterm infants.
  • To evaluate the clinical evidence supporting CHG application in neonatal populations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on CHG safety in preterm infants.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data and observational studies.
  • Synthesis of safety profiles and adverse event reporting.

Main Results:

  • Inconclusive results regarding the safety of CHG in preterm infants.
  • Potential for adverse events requires further investigation.
  • Evidence suggests careful consideration for CHG use in this vulnerable population.

Conclusions:

  • The safety of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in preterm infants remains under investigation.
  • Further research is necessary to establish definitive safety guidelines for CHG in neonatal intensive care settings.
  • Clinical practice should weigh the benefits against the potential risks of CHG in preterm neonates.

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