Effect of Toothbrushing Without Chlorhexidine on Oral Hygiene Indices in Patients With Orotracheal Intubation

Launched by HOSPITAL ISRAELITA ALBERT EINSTEIN · Jun 7, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how brushing teeth with plain mineral water affects oral hygiene in patients who are intubated (having a tube inserted into their windpipe to help them breathe) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Traditionally, these patients have their mouths cleaned with a special solution called chlorhexidine, but new guidelines suggest this might not be safe. The researchers want to find out if skipping chlorhexidine and just using brushing with water leads to more buildup of harmful bacteria or plaque in the mouth, which could cause issues like pneumonia or infections. They will also look at how this change might affect hospital costs and patient health.

To be eligible for the study, participants need to be adults over 18 years old, currently in the ICU, and intubated for at least 24 hours without any infections in their mouths. Patients with certain oral health issues or those who have recently undergone heart surgery will not be included. If you or a loved one qualifies and participates, you can expect to have your oral hygiene monitored closely and to contribute to important research that could improve the care of future ICU patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • patients admitted to the adult ICU;
• • age over 18;
• • both sexes;
• • orotracheal intubation monitored from the first day;
• • absence of foci of infection in the oral cavity (periapical lesions,
• • periodontal abscesses, extensive cavities, opportunistic infections);
• • presence of at least five teeth per dental arch
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • patients in whom oral hygiene is not possible;
• • patients extubated before 24 hours from baseline;
• • patients with foci of infection in the oral cavity present in the baseline moment;
• • patients who died before 24 hours from baseline;
• • patients whose guardians do not authorize the research to be carried out;
• • patients whose information about oral and general health and other study variables are not available in the medical record, are doubtful or not capable of collection.
• • patients after heart surgery
• • patients with reintubation