Objective: In this coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, pediatric children who are admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) are more susceptible to ventilator-associated pneumonia. Ventilator-associated pneumonia is the second-most common hospital-acquired infection in pediatric ICU. Oral hygiene maintenance is a challenge here. To maintain oral hygiene and to prevent colonization of microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus which cause ventilator-associated pneumonia, a study was conducted, which aimed at finding the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) wipes (as an oral hygiene aid) on colonization of these organisms in pediatric ICU.
Methods and methodology: The study was conducted among twenty children (8 in ventilation and 12 without ventilation) in the age range of 6-14 years admitted in the pediatric ICU. Swab sample was taken on the 1st day from both groups. Culturing of swab sample was done for colonization of microorganisms. CHX gluconate with a concentration of 0.2% was used as wipes. Swab sample was collected at the end of the 2nd day. Culturing of swab sample was done for colonization of microorganisms. Statistical analysis was done.
Results: A statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.04) was seen in the ventilator group with a mean of 0.75 ± 13.241 in the reduction of S. aureus count. P. aeruginosa growth was not seen in either of the groups before or after the use of CHX wipe.
Conclusions: Standard oral hygiene practice has the potential to contribute to improved oral and general health of children in pediatric ICU. CHX wipes significantly reduced S. aureus count in ventilator patients. Hence, it could be used as an effective antimicrobial agent in pediatric ICU.
Keywords: Chlorhexidine wipes; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus; oral hygiene aid; ventilator-associated pneumonia.