The Effect of Two Different Oral Care Solutions on Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Oral Health of Mechanically Ventilated Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

Launched by SAGLIK BILIMLERI UNIVERSITESI · May 4, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This is a randomized, double-blind study in adults in the intensive care unit who need mechanical ventilation (breathing machines). It compares two daily mouth-care routines to see if they reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and improve oral health. One group uses 0.25% chlorhexidine (a common antiseptic) and the other uses 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride. Care includes brushing the teeth twice daily and cleaning the mouth with the assigned solution four times a day for five days, with nurses checking oral health each morning and a specialist checking for pneumonia on days 1, 3, and 5.

To be eligible, adults aged 18 to 90 must be on a ventilator for at least 48 hours and not already have pneumonia or COVID at the start, with a CPIS score under 6 on day 1, no facial or mouth trauma, and no allergy to the mouth-care solutions. Informed consent is obtained from patients or their families. The trial is currently enrolling, with about 60 participants planned, and results aren’t available yet. The study aims to determine which mouth-care solution better prevents pneumonia and supports better oral health in these high-risk patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria:• Being 18 years of age or older
• • Requiring mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours
• • Not having a diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia
• • Having a Clinical Lung Infection Score (CPIS) \<6 on the first day
• • Not having a diagnosis of pneumonia or COVID
• • Not having facial or oral trauma
• • Being within the first 24 hours of the intubation process
• • Not having a medical impediment to elevating the head of the bed 30o
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Not accepting to participate in the study
• • Termination of MV support for less than 48 hours
• • Being allergic to any of the solutions to be used in oral care
• • Being diagnosed with immunodeficiency
• • Having thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and oral aphthae, stomatitis, candidiasis, gingivitis
• • Using immunosuppressive drugs