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Comparison of Chlorhexidine 0.2% and Persica Mouthwash in Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Clinical Trial

Mostafa Mirzaee Fakhrabad, H. Shahdadi, M. Firouzkouhi, Abdolghani Abdollahi Mohammad, Adel Mir, M. Naderifar

International Journal of Basic Science in Medicine, 2025

60 participants

Abstract

Introduction: Oral care for mechanically ventilated patients is a vital nursing duty that can prevent many complications. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common issue in these patients, and various preventive measures exist, including mouthwashes. This study aimed to compare the effects of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and Persica herbal mouthwash in preventing VAP in mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This single-blind clinical trial involved 60 ICU patients with endotracheal tubes who met the inclusion criteria. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one using 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and the other using Persica herbal mouthwash. Both groups used their respective mouthwashes twice daily for five days, every 12 hours, with the same administration method. Data were collected through a demographic characteristics form and the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS). CPIS assessments were conducted at baseline and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, employing descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test). Results: In the Persica group, the most frequently observed microorganism was bacteria (66.7%), while 70% of the chlorhexidine group had no detectable microorganisms. Pneumonia developed in 76.7% of patients in the Persica group compared to 30 in the chlorhexidine group.…

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