The Journal of hospital infection
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Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the influence of oral chlorhexidine (CHX) in preventing nosocomial lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Most have failed to demonstrate a reduction in the incidence of LRTI. The present meta-analysis summarizes the effect of oral CHX on the development of LRTI. ⋯ Further analyses showed that this result applied only to patients ventilated for up to 48h (RR(random): 0.58, CI95: 0.45-0.74; and RR(fixed): 0.56, 95% CI: 0.44-0.72). Oral CHX should be included among preventive measures performed to reduce nosocomial LRTI. Whether it has an impact on the development of LRTI in patients requiring mechanical ventilation for a longer period of time remains unresolved.