Effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated dressings in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection in a paediatric intensive care unit: A randomised controlled trial.
Intensive Crit Care NursMay 7, 2026 (epub)
Francisco Javier Portero-Prados, Manuel Pabón-Carrasco, José Antonio Ponce-Blandón
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-impregnated dressings in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in 250 pediatric patients in a PICU. The study found that the incidence of CLABSI was significantly lower in the CHG group at 2.4% compared to 18.4% in the conventional dressing group (p < 0.001).
Key findings
- CLABSI incidence was 2.4% in the CHG group versus 18.4% in the conventional group (p < 0.001).
- CHG dressings were independently associated with reduced CLABSI risk (OR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04-0.58).
- Longer catheter dwell time increased infection risk (OR = 1.13 per day; 95% CI: 1.04-1.22).
- Skin alterations occurred more frequently in the CHG group (16.8% vs. 11.2%).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that CHG-impregnated dressings can significantly reduce the risk of CLABSI in critically ill pediatric patients, highlighting their potential role in infection prevention strategies in intensive care settings.