Chlorhexidine Bathing in Critically Ill Children

Central line-associated bloodstream infections are associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and length of hospital stay. The incidence has decreased significantly with the strict implementation of preventive bundle cares and checklists in intensive care units. Bathing with solutions containing chlorhexidine has been included in preventive strategies in recent years. Although some studies have shown that chlorhexidine bathing reduces the frequency of hospital-associated infections, there are important differences in management of practice and adherence to practice in different facilities. The majority of the studies conducted include adult patients. According to the CDC guidelines, chlorhexidine bathing is recommended for children over 2 months of age to prevent Central line-associated bloodstream infections. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of daily bathing with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution in preventing Central line-associated bloodstream infections in pediatric patients with temporary central venous catheters.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients between the ages of 2 months and 18 years who had a temporary central venous catheter * Patients whose follow-up is continued for at least 48 hours with a central venous catheter Exclusion Criteria: * Patients younger than 2 months of age * Patients with a intensive care unit stay shorter than 48 hours * Immunosuppressive patients * Patients with a history of allergic reaction to chlorhexidine * Patients with skin lesions that interfere with skin cleansing with chlorhexidine * Patients whose family did not give consent