Oral hygiene with chlorhexidine in preventing pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common infection in intensive care units (ICUs), and oral antiseptic is used as a preventive measure. We reviewed meta-analyses and randomized clinical trials indexed in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases regarding the topical use of chlorhexidine in the prevention of VAP. Eight publications were analyzed. In seven (87.5%) chlorhexidine diminished the colonization of the oropharynx, and in four (50%) there was a reduction of VAP. Chlorhexidine seems to reduce colonization, thus reducing the incidence of VAP.
Beraldo
Carolina Contador
CC
Department of Basic Nursing. Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.
Andrade
Denise de
Dd
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016206:Databases, Bibliographic; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D053717:Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine