Effects of chlorhexidine on the salivary microorganisms of patients in intensive care units

Abstract

Background: The control of oral biofilm with antiseptics should follow the protocols designed for patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Objective: To assess the effects of using 0.12% chlorhexidine solution in reducing the number of microorganisms in the saliva of ICU patients. Methodology: Cohort study with 45 volunteers divided into Medical Clinic (control group, oral self-care), non-intubated ICU, and intubated ICU. Oral hygiene in the ICU was performed with chlorhexidine. Microbiological analysis was performed through salivary bacterial count. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results: The number of microorganisms decreased after oral hygiene. A significant difference was found between the control and the ICU intubated groups in the immediate period and after 30 minutes. The number of microorganisms in intubated patients decreased 12 hours after oral hygiene with chlorhexidine. Conclusion: The number of oral microorganisms decreases in intubated patients 12 hours after oral hygiene with chlorhexidine. These results may contribute to elaborating oral hygiene protocols for ICUs and planning strategies, for example, to reduce the costs and the side effects associated with chlorhexidine use.