Setting: Surgical ICU of University Hospital of Poitiers, France.
Synopsis: This study randomized 538 catheters inserted in the ICU to the two antiseptic groups. The trial was conducted from May 14, 2004, through June 29, 2006. Before catheter insertion, the skin was disinfected twice with the assigned solution. Catheters were removed aseptically, and the distal 5 cm was placed in a sterile tube for subsequent culture in the microbiology lab.
The microbiologists were unaware of the type of antiseptic solution used. In all, 481 catheters produced culture results. The chlorhexidine-based solution was associated with a 50% decrease in catheter colonization. The study couldn’t be conducted in a blinded manner because the two solutions are different colors.
Bottom line: Chlorhexidine-based solutions should be used as a replacement for povidone-iodine formulations to prevent central venous catheter-related infections.
Citation: Mimoz O, Villeminey S, Ragot S, et al. Chlorhexidine-based antiseptic solution vs. alcohol-based povidone-iodine for central venous catheter care. Arch Intern Med. 2007;167:2066-2072. TH