Effect of 0.12% Chlorhexidine Use for Oral Care on Ventilator-Associated Respiratory Infections: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Oral Health

Background:

• The role of 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) requires further investigation.
• Preventing VAP and VAT is crucial for improving patient outcomes in intensive care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of 0.12% CHX oral care versus placebo in preventing VAP and VAT.
• To assess the impact of 0.12% CHX on oral health and microbial colonization in mechanically ventilated patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 57 mechanically ventilated adults.
• Patients were allocated to either 0.12% CHX or placebo groups.
• Oral health was assessed using Barnason's oral assessment guide, and microbial samples were collected from the oropharynx and endotracheal tubes.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in VAT development rates between groups (p = .318).
• A significant reduction in VAP development was observed in the 0.12% CHX group (p = .043).
• Oropharyngeal microbial colonization significantly decreased in the 0.12% CHX group by Day 3 (p = .001).

Conclusions:

• 0.12% CHX oral care demonstrates potential effectiveness in preventing VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.
• CHX use significantly reduces oral microbial colonization, contributing to VAP prevention.