Does oral care with chlorhexidine reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia in mechanically ventilated adults?

Does oral care with chlorhexidine reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia in mechanically ventilated adults?
Br J Nurs. 2019 Jun 13;28(11):682-689
Authors: Jackson L, Owens M
Abstract
Oral colonisation by pathogens contributes to contracting ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The aim of this review was to determine whether the use of the antiseptic chlorhexidine in the intra-oral cavity reduced its incidence in the critically ill, mechanically ventilated adult. The findings from this review led to the conclusion that chlorhexidine reduced the occurrence of VAP. Although a recommendation to implement the use of intra-oral chlorhexidine for mechanically-ventilated patients within critical care can be made, further exploration into required frequency and method of administration would be beneficial to reduce unnecessary exposure and hinder pathogenic resistance.
PMID: 31188655 [PubMed - in process]

Source: British Journal of Nursing - June 12, 2019 Category: Nursing Authors: Jackson L, Owens M Tags: Br J Nurs Source Type: research