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Meta-Analysis
. 2006 Feb;10(1):R35.
doi: 10.1186/cc4837.

Effect of oral decontamination with chlorhexidine on the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia: a meta-analysis

Lilibeth A Pineda  1 , Ranime G Saliba, Ali A El Solh
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Effect of oral decontamination with chlorhexidine on the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia: a meta-analysis

Lilibeth A Pineda et al. Crit Care. 2006 Feb.

Abstract

Introduction: Nosocomial pneumonia is a significant cause of in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Oral care interventions have great potential to reduce the occurrence of nosocomial pneumonia. Studies using topical antiseptic agents yielded mixed results. We hypothesized that the use of chlorhexidine for oral decontamination would reduce the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia in patients requiring mechanical ventilation.

Methods: This study is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of chlorhexidine on the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia. Data sources were Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library, citation review of relevant primary and review articles, and contact with expert informants. Out of 1,251 articles screened, 4 randomized, controlled trials were identified that included a total of 1,202 patients. Descriptive and outcome data were extracted by two reviewers independently. Main outcome measures were the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, and mortality. A random effects model was used.

Results: The incidence of nosocomial pneumonia in the control group was 7% (41 out of 615) compared to 4% (24 out of 587) in the treatment group. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 78% of the total isolates, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most frequently isolated pathogen irrespective of the intervention provided. Duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit length of stay were comparable between the two groups. Overall, the use of oral decontamination with chlorhexidine did not affect the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia (odds ratio of 0.42; 95% confidence interval 0.16-1.06) or the mortality rate (odds ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.28-2.11).

Conclusion: The use of oral decontamination with chlorhexidine did not result in significant reduction in the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia in patients who received mechanical ventilation, nor altered the mortality rate. The lack of benefit may reflect the few studies conducted in this area. Future trials should focus on a combination strategy of mechanical and pharmacological interventions.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Impact of oral decontamination with chlorhexidine on nosocomial pneumonia. Random effects model. CI, confidence interval; OR, odds ratio.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Impact of oral decontamination with chlorhexidine on mortality. Random effects model. CI, confidence interval; OR, odds ratio.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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