title: Use of a chlorhexidine dressing to reduce microbial colonization of epidural catheters.
abstract: We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a chlorhexidine dressing in reducing the microbial flora at the insertion site of epidural catheters. These catheters were used for acute pain management and were dressed either by a standardized method or with a CHX/urethane sponge composite. Microbial colonization of the catheter developed in 9 of 31 controls (29.0%) and 1 of 26 (3.8%) catheters with the CHX dressing (P less than 0.05%). The CHX dressing caused no adverse effects. The data suggest that delivery of antiseptic to the catheter wound site reduces catheter colonization with a possible reduction in the risk of epidural catheter-related infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Sequoia Hospital, Redwood City, California 94062.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Bond
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Garman
mesh_terms: D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001458:Bandages; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017053:Infection Control; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D002710:Chlorhexidine