Use of a chlorhexidine dressing to reduce microbial colonization of epidural catheters

• Published in: Anesthesiology (Philadelphia) Vol. 73; no. 4; pp. 625 - 631
• Main Authors: SHAPIRO, J. M, BOND, E. L, GARMAN, J. K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Lippincott 01-10-1990
• Subjects: Analgesia, Epidural - instrumentation; Antibiotics. Antiinfectious agents. Antiparasitic agents; Antiseptics; Bandages; Biological and medical sciences; Catheters, Indwelling; Chlorhexidine - administration & dosage; Chlorhexidine - pharmacokinetics; Chlorhexidine - therapeutic use; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Infection - etiology; Infection Control; Medical sciences; Pain, Postoperative - prevention & control; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Prospective Studies; Extradural; Human; Infection; Prevention; Dressing; Chemotherapy; Treatment; Antiseptic; Catheter; Foreign body
• ISSN: 0003-3022; 1528-1175
• DOI: 10.1097/00000542-199010000-00007

We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a chlorhexidine dressing in reducing the microbial flora at the insertion site of epidural catheters. These catheters were used for acute pain management and were dressed either by a standardized method or with a CHX/urethane sponge composite. Microbial colonization of the catheter developed in 9 of 31 controls (29.0%) and 1 of 26 (3.8%) catheters with the CHX dressing (P less than 0.05%). The CHX dressing caused no adverse effects. The data suggest that delivery of antiseptic to the catheter wound site reduces catheter colonization with a possible reduction in the risk of epidural catheter-related infection.