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Antiseptic use in the neonatal intensive care unit - a dilemma in clinical practice: An evidence based review

Sundar Sathiyamurthy1, Jayanta Banerjee1, Sunit V Godambe1

  • 1Sundar Sathiyamurthy, Jayanta Banerjee, Sunit V Godambe, Children's Directorate, Department of Neonatal Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom.

World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics
|May 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are a major risk for NICU infants. While chlorhexidine (CHG) shows promise for skin disinfection, more research is needed on its safety, especially for preterm infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal intensive care
  • Infection prevention
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants face high risks of healthcare-associated infections (HAI).
  • Topical antiseptic agents are crucial for preventing or reducing HAI in neonates.
  • Various antiseptic preparations are used globally, necessitating evidence-based recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on preferred topical antiseptic agents for skin disinfection in neonates.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different antiseptics, including chlorhexidine (CHG).

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature on topical antiseptics for neonatal skin disinfection.
  • Analysis of evidence supporting specific agents like chlorhexidine (CHG).

Main Results:

  • Chlorhexidine (CHG) is a promising antiseptic, but safety concerns exist, particularly for preterm and very low birth weight infants.
  • Evidence supports CHG for umbilical cord cleansing.
  • Some evidence suggests topical emollients may reduce mortality in infants in developing countries.

Conclusions:

  • Further large-scale, multicenter randomized clinical trials are essential.
  • Optimal and safe antiseptic use in neonatal intensive care, especially for preterm infants, requires further investigation.

Keywords:
AlcoholAntisepticsChlorhexidineDisinfectantsNeonatePovidone-iodinePretermTopicalVery low birth weight infant

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