Role of Oral Chlorhexidine Gel in Prevention of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

Overview

The purpose of this study is to determine if oral mucosal application of chlorhexidine gel will prevent the development of ventilator associated pneumonia in children.

Ventilator associated pneumonia as the name suggests refers to pneumonia occurring in the setting of mechanical ventilation. It accounts of 86% of nosocomial pneumonia and in contrast to other more common nosocomial infections is accompanied by a mortality rate of upto 76% in certain settings. A number of preventive methods have been studied to reduce the rate of VAP but a consensus is lacking with regards to appropriate preventive strategies. Studies in adults have shown a beneficial effect of oral mucosal application of chlorhexidine but similar studies in pediatric population are not available. This research project aims at addressing the gap.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes