ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A major source of microbial colonization of short-term central venous catheters (CVC) is the patients' endogenous skin microorganisms located at the CVC insertion site. The aim of this study was to determine if a transparent film dressing incorporating a 2% (weight/weight) chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) gel decreases CVC and insertion site microbial colonization compared with a nonantimicrobial dressing in adult patients in critical care. METHODS: On CVC removal, samples for microbiological investigation were taken from both the skin surrounding the CVC insertion site and also from sutures securing the CVC. The sutures and intradermal and tip sections of the CVC were also collected for microbiological investigation. Microorganisms recovered from the samples were subsequently tested for susceptibility to CHG. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the number of microorganisms recovered from the CVC insertion site, suture site, sutures, and catheter surface in the CHG dressing group (n = 136) compared with the nonantimicrobial dressing group (n = 137). There was no significant difference in susceptibility to CHG between the microorganisms isolated from the CHG and standard dressing study patients. CONCLUSION: A film dressing incorporating a CHG gel pad significantly reduced the number of microorganisms at the CVC insertion and suture sites with concomitant reduced catheter colonization.
Subject(s)
Catheter-Related Infections/prevention & control , Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Central Venous Catheters/microbiology , Chlorhexidine/analogs & derivatives , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Bandages/adverse effects , Chlorhexidine/administration & dosage , Chlorhexidine/adverse effects , Critical Care , Endovascular Procedures/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Skin/microbiology , Sutures/microbiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. In this pilot study, the role of troponin I in IE was assessed. Myocardial involvement distal to the site of infection in IE has been previously described. Elevated troponin was demonstrated in 11 of 15 patients diagnosed with the condition. Patients diagnosed with staphylococcal endocarditis were more likely to have elevated troponin (3 of 3 patients). Patients with elevated troponin I were not more likely to need valve replacement. Troponin I levels did not predict perivalvular extension. It is hypothesized that elevated troponin I is a reflection of myocardial involvement.