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

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 shows that chlorhexidine used for oral care of patients with mechanical ventilation can reduce the incidence of VAP, and high concentration of chlorhexidine (2%) or low concentration of chlorhexidine (0.02%, 0.12%, 0.2%) has a significant effect on the prevention of VAP. Considering the safety of clinical application, it is recommended to use 0.02%, 0.12%, and 0.2% chlorhexidine solution for oral care.