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Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Chlorhexidine for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

W. Dai, Yao Lin, Xiang-lei Yang, Pei Huang, Liuqin Xia, Jianping Ma

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022

1,533 participants · 13 citations

Abstract

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of chlorhexidine oral care in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) by means of meta-analysis. Methods Randomized controlled trials on the effect of chlorhexidine oral care on the incidence of VAP in patients on mechanical ventilation were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase from May 1, 2022. Two researchers independently screened and included the study, extracted the data, and evaluated the literature quality. RevMan5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. Results Meta-analysis of 13 included literature studies involving 1533 patients showed that oral care with chlorhexidine solution could reduce the incidence of VAP in patients with mechanical ventilation and the difference was statistically significant (RR = 0.61, 95% CI (0.46, 0.82), P=0.04). However, the results showed that the incidence of VAP of low concentration (0.02%, 0.12%, and 0.2%) and high concentration (2%) of chlorhexidine in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (RR = 0.70, 95% CI (0.51, 0.96), P=0.03; RR = 0.41, 95% CI (0.27, 0.62)). There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups (RR = 1.01, 95% CI (0.85, 1.21), P=0.87). There was no statistical significance in days ventilated or days in ICU between the two groups (RR = −0.02, 95% CI (−0.19, 0.16), P=0.84; RR = 0.01, 95% CI (−0.11, 0.14), P=0.85). Conclusion Existing evidence…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,533 participants or records.

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