Effect of chlorhexidine bathing on multidrugresistant organism infection in patients in intensive care unit

Abstract:

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of 2% chlorhexidine daily bathing on  incidence of multidrugresistant organism (MDRO) infection in intensive care units (ICUs). MethodsFrom January 2016 to December, patients who were admitted to three ICUs in a hospital were selected for study. Patients who were admitted between January and June 2016 were as control group, between July and December 2016 were as trial group; patients in control group took a bath every day with warm water, trial group took a bath every day with 2% chlorhexidine; incidence of MDRO infection in two groups of patients were monitored.Results917 patients in control group and 953 patients in trial group were treated. There was no significant difference in gender, age, APACHE II score, invasive operation, intervention measure compliance, and adverse reaction between two groups of patients(all P>0.05). Incidence of MDRO infection in trial group and control group were 17.71 cases per 1 000 patientdays and 33.91 cases per 1 000 patientdays. Incidence of CRAB infection in trial group and control group were both higher（7.65‰ vs 13.82‰）. ConclusionDaily bathing with 2% chlorhexidine can significantly reduce the incidence of MDRO infection in patients in ICUs.