Chlorhexidine-based versus non-chlorhexidine IV dressings
Abstract:
In patients with central venous catheters (CVCs) in situ, the development of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) is often linked with increased morbidity and mortality. Sterile gauze or transparent polyurethane dressings are conventionally used as extraluminal barriers; however, antimicrobial chlorhexidine CVC dressings could potentially reduce infection risk. This short evidence-based review examined the literature comparing the effectiveness of chlorhexidine-based CVC dressings against non-chlorhexidine dressings in reducing CRBSI occurrence. Four systematic reviews with meta-analysis were reviewed, all of which reported a statistically significant reduction in CRBSI occurrence on using chlorhexidine-based dressings. Further research is needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of chlorhexidine-based CVC dressings and their effectiveness in reducing CRBSIs in different catheter types and entry sites because infection risk is not uniform.
Reference:
Azzopardi A, Trapani J. Chlorhexidine-based versus non-chlorhexidine dressings to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections: An evidence-based review. Nurs Crit Care. 2022 Dec 28. doi: 10.1111/nicc.12879. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36579384.