COMPARISON OF CHLORHEXIDINE DRESSING VERSUS SIMPLE OCCLUSIVE DRESSING IN PREVENTING CENTRAL ENOUS CATHETER RELATED BLOOD STREAM INFECTION (CRBSI) IN MEDICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

Objective: To compare chlorhexidine dressing versus simple occlusive dressing in preventing central venous catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI) in medical intensive care unit.

Study Design: Prospective comparative study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in Medical Intensive Care (ICU) of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, from Jan 2018 to Jun 2018.

Methodology: Patients were divided randomly into two groups (1:1 randomization). In group A chlorhexidine dressing was applied and in group B normal occlusive dressing was done. Patients were followed after 2 weeks. Ethical approval and consent forms were taken.

Results: Total 48 patients were included in study. There were 21 (43.8%) males and 27 (56.3%) females in study. Mean age of patients was 50.2 ± 11 years. Chlorhexidine dressing had shown statistical significant reduction in catheter related blood stream infection as compare to simple occlusive dressing (p=0.01). Type of dressing is statistical significantly associated with gender (p=0.02). Site of insertion is significantly associated with catheter related blood stream infection infection (p<0.001).

Conclusion: catheter related blood stream infection is the most common form of bacterial infections. Chlorhexidine dressing had significant contribution in reduction of catheter related blood stream infection as compare to simple occlusive dressing. Hospital based strategies are required to reduce risk and complications associated with catheter related blood stream infection.