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Selective decontamination of the digestive tract: concept and application
Eva Esther Tejerina-Álvarez1, Miguel Ángel de la Cal López2
1Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Carretera de Toledo, Getafe, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Spain.
Abstract:
Selective digestive decontamination (SDD) is a prophylactic strategy aimed at preventing or eradicating bacterial overgrowth in the intestinal flora that precedes the development of most infections in the Intensive Care Unit. SDD prevents serious infections, reduces mortality, is cost-effective, has no adverse effects, and its short- or long-term use is not associated with any significant increase in antimicrobial resistance. SDD is one of the most widely evaluated interventions in critically ill patients, yet its use is not widespread. The present article offers a narrative review of the most relevant evidence and an update of the pathophysiological concepts of infection control supporting the use of SDD.
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