[Comparison of the efficacy of 2 antiseptic solutions in the prevention of infection from peridural catheters]

Abstract

Two antiseptic solutions (iodine polyvidone and chlorhexidine) were compared-in a prospective non-randomized study including 294 parturient women. This study aimed to assess their efficacy against infections through epidural catheters. All catheters were subsequently cultivated. Cultures were significantly positive in 3% of cases after iodine polyvidone and 1% after chlorhexidine decontamination (not significant). No clinical or biological infections were detected. Notwithstanding some apparently unavoidable but moderate contaminations, prevention of infections post epidural analgesia depends principally on a complete adherence to asepsia rules.