Effectiveness of Daily Chlorhexidine Bathing in Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Government Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a common complication of prolonged hospital stay, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of daily chlorhexidine bathing in reducing HCAIs in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methodology: This is a randomized controlled, observer-blinded study conducted over a 6-month period. Included were 2 months to 18-year-old patients admitted to the PICU, randomly assigned to daily bathing with 2% chlorhexidine or to the standard practice of bathing with plain soap and water. Primary outcome was the incidence of HCAI in each group. Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the study. Overall incidence of HCAI was lower in the chlorhexidine group compared to the control group (12% versus 36%, RR=0.33, 95% CI 0.10 – 1.09, p=0.047). Incidence density rate was lower in the chlorhexidine group (5.91 versus 21.03 infections per 1000 person-days, p=0.049). Ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infections were lower in the chlorhexidine group, but results were not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in mortality rates and length of hospital stay. One adverse event of transient rash occurred in the chlorhexidine group. Conclusion: Daily chlorhexidine bathing may be more effective in reducing HCAIs in the PICU compared to standard care.

Baño del Paciente con Clorhexidina en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos para la Prevención de Infecciones Asociadas a la Atención en Salud

“…(Georgieva et al 2020), apoyan la aplicación del baño con clorhexidina por parte del personal de enfermería en los pacientes con riesgo de desarrollar alguna infección asociada a la atención en salud. (Rivera et al 2019) en su estudio también demuestran la eficacia del baño con clorhexidina para la reducción de las infecciones dentro del área de cuidados intensivos pediátricos. Chapman et al señalan los beneficios monetarios de la aplicación del baño con clorhexidina al disminuir los costos en cuanto a los días de internamiento dentro del área de cuidados intensivos y la cantidad de recursos utilizados en los pacientes con infecciones graves (Chapman et al 2021).…”