Pilot Study: Safety of Chlorhexidine (CHG) Baths in Patients Less Than 2 Months of Age
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2019-07-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Literature provides overwhelming evidence supporting the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)
a rapid onset, broad spectrum, topical antiseptic for reducing healthcare-associated
infections (HAIs). CHG is believed to be superior to other forms of antiseptics because, when
it is applied to the skin surface, it leaves a lasting residue on the skin. CHG has been
shown to be well tolerated in patients 2 months of age and older. However there is limited
evidence to support the use of topically applied CHG in infants less than 2 months of age
because of potential safety concerns in this population. The purpose of this study will be to
describe the safety of bi-weekly CHG baths in a sample of Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
and pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) patients by measuring the incidence of skin
problems and CHG blood levels.