THE EFFICACY OF CHLORHEXIDINE-IMPREGNATED GEL DRESSINGS FOR CATHETER-RELATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS

Aims: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are one of the most observed infections caused by central venous catheter (CVC) insertion. We aimed to compare chlorhexidine-impregnated gel dressings (CGDs) and sterile dry gauze in the prevention of CRBSIs. Materials and methods: This study is a before after study conducted in an intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital between January 2010 and December 2011. The study period was divided into two parts. In the first study period (SP-1) (between January 2010 and December 2010), sterile dry gauze was used as a catheter site dressing, while CGD was used in the second part (SF 2). Results: A total of 991 patients were followed in the ICU over 3752 days. Six CRBSIs were observed among 94 CVCs in SP-1, and five CRBSIs were diagnosed in 53 CVCs in SP-2. The demographic data between SP-1 and SP-2 were comparable (p>0.05). The catheterization rate in SP-2 was less than that in SP-1 (p=0.002). However, the CRBSI rate between the two periods was similar (p=0.53). Conclusion: Although the CVC insertion rate decreased in SP-2, the incidence of CRBSIs between the two periods did not differ (p>0.05). According to our results, CGDs did not decrease the incidence of CRBSIs.