CLABSI rates associated with 2% CHG-impregnated wipes
Abstract:
Background: Recommendations for different types of bathing to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are still divergent. The objective of this study was to verify whether bed bathing with wipes impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine (CHG) compared to conventional bed bathing is more effective in preventing CLABSI.
Methods: Systematic review of the literature by consulting the electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science from the date of inception until July 1, 2023, with no language or time restrictions.
Results: A total of 84,462 studies was examined, of which 6 were included in the meta-analysis. Data from 20,188 critical care patients included in primary studies were analyzed. The meta-analysis found that bed bathing with wipes impregnated with 2% CHG reduced the risk of CLABSI by 48% compared to conventional bed bathing (RR 0.52; 95%CI, 0.37 to 0.73), and this is moderate-quality evidence. The reduction in length of stay in the ICU and length of hospital stay as well as the risk of death were not significantly different between the study groups. Whether bed bathing with 2% CHG-impregnated wipes increases the occurrence of skin reactions is unclear.
Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides moderate-quality evidence that daily bathing with 2% CHG-impregnated wipes is safe and helps prevent CLABSI among adult ICU patients.
Reference:
Peixoto ÉAC, Poveda VB, Gnatta JR, Oliveira RA. Bathing with wipes impregnated with chlorhexidine gluconate to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infection in critically ill patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Am J Infect Control. 2024 Feb 9:S0196-6553(24)00058-0. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.01.019. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38342345.