The investigators used an un-masked, cluster-randomized, two-period crossover trial across ten pediatric intensive-care units at five US hospitals. Patients older than 2 months were randomly assigned a daily bathing routine of standard bathing practices vs. a cloth impregnated with 2% CHG.
Analyses were intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP).
A total of 4947 pediatric admissions were eligible for analysis. In the ITT population, a non-significant reduction in incidence of bacteraemia was noted with CHG bathing (3·52 per 1000 days, 95% CI 2·64—4·61) compared with standard practices (4·93 per 1000 days, 3·91—6·15; adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 0·71, 95% CI 0·42—1·20).
In the PP population, incidence of bacteraemia was lower in patients receiving CHG bathing (3·28 per 1000 days, 2·27—4·58) compared with standard practices (4·93 per 1000 days, 3·91—6·15; aIRR 0·64, 0·42—0·98). No serious study-related adverse events were recorded..
The results may not be a slam dunk, however, these data suggest that daily bathing of pediatric patients with 2% chlorhexidine may reduce the risk of bacteremia (bloodstream infection). Just as important, the practice appeared safe.
More to come on this issue, without a doubt.
