Chlorhexidine bathing to prevent healthcare-associated vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infections: A cluster quasi-experimental controlled study at intensive care units.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), a multidrug-resistant, difficult-to-treat pathogen of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), is now endemic at many intensive care units (ICUs). Chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing is a simple and highly effective intervention to decrease VRE acquisition, but its effect on VRE-HAIs has not been assessed in prospective studies at ICUs. METHODS: This is a cluster quasi-experimental controlled study. Under active VRE surveillance and contact isolation of all identified VRE carriers, four ICUs were assigned to provide 2% CHG bathing for all patients on a daily basis (CHG group) during the intervention period, while another four ICUs were assigned to provide standard care without CHG bathing for all patients (standard care group) during the same period. RESULTS: The CHG group (n = 1501) had a 62% lower crude incidence of VRE-HAIs during the intervention period, compared with the baseline period (1.0 vs. 2.6 per thousand patient-days, P = 0.009), while VRE-HAIs incidence did not change in standard care group (n = 3299) (1.1 vs. 0.5 per thousand patient-days, P = 0.139). In multivariable analyses, CHG bathing was independently associated with a 70% lower risk of VRE-HAIs (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2 to 0.7, P = 0.006). In contrast, standard care during the same period had no effect on the risk of VRE-HAIs (adjusted OR 1.8, 95% CI: 0.7 to 4.7, P = 0.259). CONCLUSION: CHG bathing is a highly effective approach to prevent VRE-HAIs at ICUs, in the context of active VRE surveillance with contact isolation.

Chlorhexidine Bathing to Prevent Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in Hematology Units: A Prospective, Controlled Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing decreases the incidence of bloodstream infections in intensive care units, but its effect has been understudied in patients with hematological malignancies in noncritical care units. METHODS: Adults with hematological malignancies hospitalized for cytotoxic chemotherapy in noncritical care units were offered daily 2% CHG bathing. We compared outcomes of patients who chose CHG bathing (CHG group) with outcomes of those who did not choose CHG bathing (usual-care group). The primary outcome was gram-positive cocci-related, skin flora-related, or central line-associated bloodstream infection. The negative control outcome was gut-origin bacteremia. RESULTS: The CHG group (n = 485) had a crude incidence rate of the primary outcome that was 60% lower than the rate for the usual-care group (n = 408; 3.4 vs 8.4 per 1000 patient-days, P = .02) but had a similar crude incidence rate of the negative control outcome (4.5 vs 3.2 per 1000 patient-days; P = .10). In multivariable analyses, CHG bathing was associated with a 60% decrease in the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.4; P < .001). In contrast, CHG bathing had no effect on the negative control outcome (adjusted HR, 1.1; P = .781). CHG bathing was well tolerated by participants in the CHG group. CONCLUSIONS: CHG bathing could be a highly effective approach for preventing gram-positive cocci-related, skin flora-related, or central line-associated bacteremia in patients with hematological malignancies who are hospitalized for cytotoxic chemotherapy in noncritical care units.

Impact of Chlorhexidine Bathing on Antimicrobial Utilization in Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: This secondary analysis compared antimicrobial utilization among surgical intensive care unit patients randomized to every other day chlorhexidine bathing (chlorhexidine) versus daily soap and water bathing (soap-and-water) using data from the CHlorhexidine Gluconate BATHing trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antimicrobial utilization was quantified using defined daily dose (DDD)/100 patient-days and agent-days/100 patient-days for systemic antimicrobials. Antivirals (except oseltamivir), antiparasitics, and prophylaxis agents were excluded. The 2018 anatomic therapeutic chemical/DDD index was used to calculate DDD. Agent-days were calculated as the sum of calendar days where antimicrobials were administered. Patient-days were defined as time patients were at risk for health care-acquired infections plus up to 14 d. Primary analyses were conducted using linear regression adjusted for baseline Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores. RESULTS: Of 325 CHlorhexidine Gluconate BATHing trial patients, 312 (157 in soap-and-water and 155 in chlorhexidine) were included. The median (interquartile range) of total antimicrobial DDD/100 patient-days was 135.4 (75.2-231.8) for soap-and-water and 129.9 (49.2-215.3) for chlorhexidine. The median (interquartile range) of total antimicrobial agent-days/100 patient-days was 155.6 (83.3-243.2) for soap-and-water and 146.7 (66.7-217.4) for chlorhexidine. After adjusting for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, chlorhexidine bathing was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in total antimicrobial DDD/100 patient-days (-3.9; 95% confidence interval, -33.9 to 26.1; P = 0.80) and total antimicrobial agent-days/100 patient-days (-10.3; 95% confidence interval, -34.7 to 14.1; P = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with daily soap and water bathing, every other day chlorhexidine bathing did not significantly reduce total antimicrobial utilization in surgical intensive care unit patients.

The impact of chlorhexidine bathing on hospital-acquired bloodstream infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing of hospitalized patients may have benefit in reducing hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HABSIs). However, the magnitude of effect, implementation fidelity, and patient-centered outcomes are unclear. In this meta-analysis, we examined the effect of CHG bathing on prevention of HABSIs and assessed fidelity to implementation of this behavioral intervention. METHODS: We undertook a meta-analysis by searching Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane's CENTRAL registry from database inception through January 4, 2019 without language restrictions. We included randomized controlled trials, cluster randomized trials and quasi-experimental studies that evaluated the effect of CHG bathing versus a non-CHG comparator for prevention of HABSIs in any adult healthcare setting. Studies of pediatric patients, of pre-surgical CHG use, or without a non-CHG comparison arm were excluded. Outcomes of this study were HABSIs, patient-centered outcomes, such as patient comfort during the bath, and implementation fidelity assessed through five elements: adherence, exposure or dose, quality of the delivery, participant responsiveness, and program differentiation. Three authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality; a random-effects model was used. RESULTS: We included 26 studies with 861,546 patient-days and 5259 HABSIs. CHG bathing markedly reduced the risk of HABSIs (IRR = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-0.68). The effect of CHG bathing was consistent within subgroups: randomized (0.67, 95% CI: 0.53-0.85) vs. non-randomized studies (0.54, 95% CI: 0.44-0.65), bundled (0.66, 95% CI: 0.62-0.70) vs. non-bundled interventions (0.51, 95% CI: 0.39-0.68), CHG impregnated wipes (0.63, 95% CI: 0.55-0.73) vs. CHG solution (0.41, 95% CI: 0.26-0.64), and intensive care unit (ICU) (0.58, 95% CI: 0.49-0.68) vs. non-ICU settings (0.56, 95% CI: 0.38-0.83). Only three studies reported all five measures of fidelity, and ten studies did not report any patient-centered outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patient bathing with CHG significantly reduced the incidence of HABSIs in both ICU and non-ICU settings. Many studies did not report fidelity to the intervention or patient-centered outcomes. For sustainability and replicability essential for effective implementation, fidelity assessment that goes beyond whether a patient received an intervention or not should be standard practice particularly for complex behavioral interventions such as CHG bathing. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study registration with PROSPERO CRD42015032523 .

Chlorhexidine bathing and Clostridium difficile infection in a surgical intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile is the most common causative pathogen for hospital-acquired infections in the intensive care unit. This study evaluated the effect of chlorhexidine bathing every other day in preventing hospital-acquired C. difficile infection (CDI) using data from the CHlorhexidine Gluconate BATHing (CHG-BATH) randomized trial. METHODS: The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients acquiring CDIs among patients at risk for incident CDIs. Infections detected >48 h after randomization were classified as incident CDIs. Infections detected before or within 48 h of randomization were classified as prevalent CDIs. RESULTS: Of 38 patients (11.7%) who met criteria for potential CDI and underwent adjudication, 24 (7.4%) received oral or enema vancomycin, 18 (5.5%) had a positive C. difficile molecular assay, 14 (4.3%) received an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code for CDI, and 2 (0.6%) had possible pseudomembranous colitis on histopathology reports. The prevalence of CDI was 3.7% (6 of 164) in the soap and water arm and 4.3% (7 of 161) in the chlorhexidine arm. Compared with daily soap and water bathing, 2% chlorhexidine bathing every other day was not associated with the prevention of hospital-acquired CDI (1.3% [2 of 152] soap and water versus 2.0% [3 of 148] chlorhexidine, P = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: It is inconclusive if there was an association between chlorhexidine bathing and incidence of CDI among surgical intensive care unit patients in this study as statistical power was limited. There are limited published data evaluating the association between chlorhexidine bathing and CDI, and this study provides data for future systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Evidence for the effectiveness of chlorhexidine bathing and health care-associated infections among adult intensive care patients: a trial sequential meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Health care associated infections (HAI) among adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) have been shown to increase length of stay, the cost of care, and in some cases increased the risk of hospital death (Kaye et al., J Am Geriatr Soc 62:306-11, 2014; Roberts et al., Med Care 48:1026-35, 2010; Warren et al., Crit Care Med 34:2084-9, 2006; Zimlichman et al., JAMA Intern Med 173:2039-46, 2013). Daily bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) has been shown to decrease the risk of infection in the ICU (Loveday et al., J Hosp Infect 86:S1-S70, 2014). However, due to varying quality of published studies, and varying estimates of effectiveness, CHG bathing is not universally practiced. As a result, current opinion of the merit of CHG bathing to reduce hospital acquired infections in the ICU, is divergent, suggesting a state of 'clinical equipoise'. This trial sequential meta-analysis aims to explore the current status of evidence for the effectiveness of chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing, in adult intensive care patients, to reduce hospital acquired infections, and address the question: do we need more trials? METHODS: A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify trials assessing the effectiveness of chlorhexidine bathing to reduce risk of infection, among adult intensive care patients. With particular focus on: (1) Blood stream infections (BSI); (2) Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI); (3) Multi-Resistant Drug Organism (MRDO); (4) Ventilator Associated Pneumonia; and, Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI). Only randomised-control or cluster randomised cross-over trials, were include in our analysis. A Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) was used to describe the current status of evidence for the effectiveness of chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing, in adult intensive care patients, to reduce hospital acquired infections. RESULTS: Five trials were included in our final analysis - two trials were individual patient randomised-controlled, and the remaining cluster-randomised-crossover trials. Daily bathing with CHG was estimated to reduce BSI in the ICU by approximately 29% (Der-Simonian and Laird, Random-Effects. (DL-RE) Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51, 0.98); reduce CLABSI in the ICU by approximately 40% (DL-RE IRR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.34, 1.04); reduce MDRO in the ICU by approximately 18% (DL-RE IRR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.69, 0.98); no effect in reducing VAP in the ICU (DL-RE IRR = 1.33, 95% CI 0.81, 2.18); and, no effect in reducing CAUTI in the ICU (DL-RE IRR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.52, 1.15). Upper (superiority) monitoring boundaries from TSA were not crossed for all five specific infections in the ICU. CONCLUSION: Routine bathing with CHG does not occur in the ICU setting, and TSA suggests that more trials are needed to address the current state of 'clinical equipoise'. Ideally these studies would be conducted among a diverse group of ICU patients, and to the highest standard to ensure generalisability of results.

Intranasal octenidine and universal antiseptic bathing reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence in extended care facilities.

Intranasal octenidine, an antiseptic alternative to mupirocin, can be used for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) decolonisation in the prevention of nosocomial transmission. A controlled before-after study was conducted in three extended-care hospitals in Singapore. All inpatients with >48 h stay were screened for MRSA colonisation in mid-2015(pre-intervention) and mid-2016(post-intervention). Hospital A: universal daily chlorhexidine bathing throughout 2015 and 2016, with intranasal octenidine for MRSA-colonisers in 2016. Hospital B: universal daily octenidine bathing and intranasal octenidine for MRSA-colonisers in 2016. Hospital C: no intervention. In 2015, MRSA prevalence was similar among the hospitals (Hospital A: 38.5%, Hospital B: 48.1%, Hospital C: 43.4%, P = 0.288). From 2015 to 2016, MRSA prevalence reduced by 58% in Hospital A (Adj OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20-0.89) and 43% in Hospital B (Adj OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39-0.84), but remained similar in Hospital C (Adj OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.60-2.33), after adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, prior MRSA carriage, prior antibiotics exposure and length of hospital stay. Compared with the change in MRSA prevalence from 2015 to 2016 in Hospital C, MRSA prevalence declined substantially in Hospital A (Adj OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13-0.97) and Hospital B (Adj OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.22-1.03). Topical intranasal octenidine, coupled with universal daily antiseptic bathing, can reduce MRSA colonisation in extended-care facilities.

Effect of daily cleaning with chlorhexidine on the incidence of contamination of blood cultures in the critical patient. / Efecto de la higiene diaria con clorhexidina sobre la incidencia de contaminaciones de hemocultivos en el paciente crítico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of daily cleaning with 4% chlorhexidine-impregnated sponges in decreasing contamination of blood cultures in critically-ill patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, quasi-experimental, longitudinal, single-centre trial. During 24 months (April 2013 to March 2015), we analysed 237 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, divided into 2groups: one underwent daily cleaning with common soap (control group, n= 108), and the other with chlorhexidine (intervention group, n= 109). Demographic variables, pathology group, severity scores, ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality, and time passed since cleaning to blood culture extraction were included. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed a higher proportion of contaminated blood cultures during the control group period in contrast with the intervention group period (15 vs. 6.3%), with a significant difference: 9.23% (CI95%: 1,34-16,7%), with an odds ratio of 2,73 (CI95%: 1,13-6,63). Surveillance analysis showed lower probability of blood culture contamination within the 18hours following daily cleaning. Cleaning without chlorhexidine increased contamination of blood cultures (HR: 3,05; CI95%: 1,14-8,12). CONCLUSIONS: The use of 4% chlorhexidine-impregnated sponges for daily cleaning of critically-ill patients decreases blood culture contamination incidence and its protection lasts for almost 18h.

Decolonization of Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus infections are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, and health care costs. S aureus colonization has been shown to increase risk for invasive and noninvasive infections. Decolonization of S aureus has been evaluated in multiple patient settings as a possible strategy to decrease the risk of S aureus transmission and infection. In this article, we review the recent literature on S aureus decolonization in surgical patients, patients with recurrent skin and soft tissue infections, critically ill patients, hospitalized non-critically ill patients, dialysis patients, and nursing home residents to inform clinical practice.

Intranasal octenidine and universal chlorhexidine bathing can reduce meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus acquisition in an extended care facility in Singapore.

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is prevalent in extended care facilities. We conducted a quasi-experimental before-after study in a 100-bed rehabilitation hospital, from January 2013 to June 2019. Universal chlorhexidine bathing was implemented throughout the period, with intranasal octenidine for MRSA colonizers added from September 2017. Interrupted time-series with segmented regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for at-admission MRSA colonization and hand hygiene compliance, a constant trend was observed pre implementation of intranasal octenidine (adjusted mean coefficient: 0.012; 95% confidence interval: -0.037 to 0.06), with an immediate decrease with implementation (-2.145; -0.248 to -0.002; P = 0.033), followed by a significant reduction in MRSA acquisition post implementation (-0.125; -0.248 to -0.002; P = 0.047).

Patient perceptions of chlorhexidine bathing: A pilot study using the health belief model.

BACKGROUND: Many studies investigating daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing as an infection control intervention to decrease health care-associated infections have focused on reduction of infection and colonization; few studies have assessed CHG bathing compliance, work system factors, facilitators, and barriers to implementation. METHODS: This is a combination retrospective/prospective pilot study conducted at a large academic teaching hospital that implemented daily CHG bathing across all inpatient units. CHG compliance and patient refusal were calculated on the basis of documentation in the electronic medical record. We used the health belief model to guide semistructured interviews with patients about knowledge and barriers related to CHG bathing. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients interviewed, 74% reported using CHG soap during their stay. Average compliance documented in the electronic medical record was 78% with a range of 57%-91% among all hospital units. Sixteen percent of patients declined CHG bathing, and refusal ranged from 3%-29% among all units. Major themes about CHG bathing from patient interviews include low perceived susceptibility to infection, high degree of trust in medical professionals, low knowledge of benefits of CHG, and low perceived self-efficacy in preventing HAIs. CONCLUSIONS: Educating patients about CHG bathing appears to be a critical factor in decreasing patient refusal of CHG bathing.

Antiseptic measures during the insertion and manipulation of vascular catheters. / Antisepsia en la colocación y mantenimiento de los catéteres endovasculares.

Several measures related to asepsis for preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection have been proposed. The aseptic measures recommended by scientific societies include hand hygiene of the person who is inserting or manipulating the catheter; maximum sterile barrier precautions during catheter insertion; disinfection of catheter hubs; the use of needle-less connectors and injection ports; the avoidance of antibiotic ointments (except in hemodialysis catheters); change the dressing if it is soiled, loose or damp; and aseptic technique during dressing changes. Other measures only recommended by the most recently published guides (possibly due to the publication of recent studies reporting their beneficial effects) are the use of antimicrobial-impregnated dressings, changing transparent dressings every 7 days, and bathing of the patient with chlorhexidine. This article is part of a supplement entitled "Antisepsis in the critical patient", which is sponsored by Becton Dickinson.

Impact of chlorhexidine bathing on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus incidence in an endemic chronic care setting: A randomized controlled trial.

We postulated that bathing with 2% chlorhexidine-impregnated antiseptic washcloths could reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) incidence among chronic care patients compared with nonantiseptic bathing. A total of 122 patients on 3 hospital units were enrolled in a 12-month, cluster-randomized, open-label, controlled trial, with 8 patients becoming MRSA positive. The 2% chlorhexidine-impregnated antiseptic washcloths reduced incidence by 71% (0.1 vs 0.44 cases per 1,000 patient days) (P = .14; Fisher exact). The detected difference was not statistically significant because of a low number of observed events.

Chlorhexidine: Patient Bathing and Infection Prevention.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the USA. They are associated with a substantial increase in health care costs each year. Fortunately, many HAIs are preventable, and their eradication is a national priority. Chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing has been used as an infection prevention measure, either alone or bundled with other interventions, with mostly beneficial results. The recent surge in its use as an agent of choice for skin antisepsis has lead to concerns over emerging resistance among microorganisms. Moreover, compliance with CHG-bathing protocols is not routinely monitored. Policies developed to determine the best infection prevention practice must consider that a "one-size-fits-all" strategy may lead to the selection of CHG-tolerant microorganisms, thereby emphasizing the need for more robust guidelines and additional studies on the role of chlorhexidine bathing for the prevention of HAIs.

The effects of chlorhexidine gluconate bathing on health care-associated infection in intensive care units: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to assess the effects of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing on health care-associated infections among critically ill patients. METHODS: This meta-analysis evaluated English-language studies from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The Cochrane Collaboration methodology was used to evaluate all publications regarding daily CHG bathing and the risks of acquiring central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Risk ratios (RRs) and the ratio of the log RRs (RRR) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included. Compared with conventional care, the RRs (95% CIs) for CLABSI, MRSA, and VRE with CHG bathing were 0.45 (0.37-0.55), 0.67 (0.59-0.77), and 0.60 (0.42-0.85), respectively (all, P < .05). For MRSA acquisition, CHG bathing with concomitant nasal antibiotics provided a lower incidence compared with only CHG bathing (RRR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.66-0.98, P = .035). Greater risk reduction was also observed in studies with prolonged interventions (RRR per 1-month extension: -0.02, P = .027). CONCLUSIONS: Daily CHG bathing was associated with reduced risks of acquiring CLABSI, MRSA, and VRE. A prolonged intervention period and concomitant nasal antibiotic use were associated with lower risks of MRSA acquisition.

Increasing Activities of Daily Living Is as Easy as 1-2-3.

BACKGROUND: Human flora are the most common cause of bacteremia in immunocompromised patients. Activities of daily living (ADL), including oral care and daily chlorhexidine gluconate bathing, can lower the risk of infection. METHODS: To address ADL compliance in our pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients, we adopted the ADL 1-2-3 initiative: daily chlorhexidine gluconate bath and linen change, at least 2 activities per day, and oral care 3 times per day. Using the Model for Improvement we created a standardized ADL process that involved all providers. Interventions included addressing ADL 1-2-3 compliance during rounds, establishing accountability in care delivery, an oral care order set and algorithm, daily text message reminders, and physician intervention with noncompliant and high-risk patients. RESULTS: With our interventions, we increased our median compliance with the all-or-none ADL 1-2-3 initiative from 25% to 66% in 90 days. We have sustained our median compliance to 75% sixteen months after implementation. The greatest impact on compliance was seen with text message reminders to staff to complete and document the ADL 1-2-3 components, designated roles and responsibilities, and physician discussion with noncompliant and high-risk patients. DISCUSSION: Oral care algorithm and order set, daily text message reminders, and physician intervention with noncompliant and high-risk patients has improved our compliance. Units where compliance with ADL participation is low can benefit from incorporating elements from this ADL 1-2-3 initiative.