Infection control and hospital epidemiology : the official journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Nov 2009
Prevention of bloodstream infections by use of daily chlorhexidine baths for patients at a long-term acute care hospital.
To evaluate the effect of bathing patients with 2% chlorhexidine on the rates of central vascular catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infection (BSI) at a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH). ⋯ Daily chlorhexidine baths appeared to be an effective intervention to reduce rates of CVC-associated BSI in an LTACH.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Oct 2009
Effects of preoperative skin preparation on postoperative wound infection rates: a prospective study of 3 skin preparation protocols.
To compare the effects of different skin preparation solutions on surgical-site infection rates. ⋯ Skin preparation solution is an important factor in the prevention of surgical-site infections. Iodophor-based compounds may be superior to chlorhexidine for this purpose in general surgery patients.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Oct 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialEffectiveness of oral rinse with chlorhexidine in preventing nosocomial respiratory tract infections among intensive care unit patients.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the oral application of a 0.12% solution of chlorhexidine for prevention of respiratory tract infections among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. ⋯ Oral application of a 0.12% solution of chlorhexidine does not prevent respiratory tract infections among ICU patients, although it may retard their onset.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Oct 2009
Effectiveness of routine patient cleansing with chlorhexidine gluconate for infection prevention in the medical intensive care unit.
Controlled studies that took place in medical intensive care units (MICUs) have demonstrated that bathing patients with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) can reduce skin colonization with potential pathogens and can lessen the risk of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infection (BSI). ⋯ In our analysis of real-world practice, daily bathing of MICU patients with CHG was effective at reducing rates of CVC-associated BSI and blood culture contamination. Controlled studies are needed to determine whether these beneficial effects extend outside the MICU.