Can we reduce the surgical site infection rate in cesarean sections using a chlorhexidine-based antisepsis protocol?. (November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amer-Alshiek, Jonia; Alshiek, Tahani; Almog, Benny; Lessing, Joseph B.; Satel, Abed; Many, Ariel; Levin, Ishai
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 26:Number 17(2013)
• Page Start: 1749
• Page End: 1752
• Publication Date: 2013-11
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2013.798291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: To determine whether chlorhexidine-based antisepsis reduces the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) in elective and non-elective cesarean sections (CS) compared with povidone-iodine protocol.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: This was a retrospective study. Women undergoing elective and non-elective CS during two periods of time who were treated with two different antisepsis protocols were included. The protocols for antisepsis were povidone-iodine 10% scrub followed by 10% povidone-iodine in 65% alcohol (<italic>n </italic>= 163) and chlorhexidine 2% followed by 70% alcohol (<italic>n </italic>= 163). The rate of SSIs and the risk factors for their occurrence were calculated and compared between the two groups.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: Antisepsis with chlorhexidine and alcohol was associated with a lower rate of SSIs, 10.43% versus 3.07% with povidone-iodine (<italic>p</italic> = 0.08). The two groups of patients were similar in baseline characteristics. Risk factors associated with SSIs were body mass index, urgent CS, and the use of the povidone-iodine protocol.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: Antisepsis with Chlorhexidine-based regimen was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of SSIs compared to povidone-iodine antisepsis in women undergoing elective and non-elective CS. This is of extreme clinical importance, as a change in antisepsis protocol can significantly reduce the morbidity and healthcare costs regarding cesarean sections.</p> </abstract>