We proposed to perform a prospective randomized controlled trial to study the effect of the use of a commercially-available chlorhexidine-impregnated sponge (Biopatch) as part of central venous catheter care on catheter-related bloodstream infections among patients in two Barnes-Jewish Hospital ICUs.
At the time of the inception of this study, there were no published randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of the Biopatch in reducing bloodstream infections. Preliminary data has shown that the Biopatch decreases colonization of the catheter exit site and thereby decrease bloodstream infections but this was at that time only theoretical.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,088
Patients in the treatment arm will have the Biopatch incorporated into their catheter care protocol. ICU nurses were instructed on the proper use of this novel dressing/sponge. Catheter dressing changes will only be done every 7 days unless there is visible blood, soiling underneath the dressing, or if the dressing comes off.
Barnes- Jewish Hospital
St Louis, Missouri, United States
The Number of Catheter Related Bloodstream Infections (BSI) /1000 Catheter Days in Both Arms
The outcome measure is the number of episodes of bloodstream infections (BSI) divided by the catheter days at risk multiplied by 1000 for standardization
Time frame: 2 years
Clinical Sepsis Episodes/Per 1000 Catheter Days
This measure is a combination of patients with positive blood cultures (BSI) and patients who had signs and symptoms of sepsis but with negative blood cultures. These patients still required treatment with antibiotics.
Time frame: 2 years
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