Effect of chlorhexidine baths on central-line-associated bloodstream infections in a neonatal intensive care unit in a developing country

J Hosp Infect. 2018 Nov;100(3):e196-e199. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2018.03.022. Epub 2018 Mar 26.

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections, particularly central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), are worrisome in neonates. This study describes the impact of chlorhexidine baths on CLABSI rates in a neonatal intensive care unit in a developing country, through a quasi-experimental study undertaken over 62 months (January 2012 to February 2017) divided into two periods: before and after the implementation of a protocol for chlorhexidine baths in July 2014. The rate of CLABSIs per 1000 central-line-days decreased from 8.64 to 4.28 after implementation of the protocol. The use of chlorhexidine baths appears to reduce the number of CLABSIs in neonates.

Keywords: Bacteraemia; CLABSI; Chlorhexidine; Developing countries; Infant; Newborn.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Bacteremia / epidemiology
  • Bacteremia / prevention & control*
  • Baths / methods*
  • Catheter-Related Infections / epidemiology
  • Catheter-Related Infections / prevention & control*
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects*
  • Chlorhexidine / administration & dosage*
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • Developing Countries
  • Disinfectants / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
  • Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Disinfectants
  • Chlorhexidine