A randomized trial on chlorhexidine dressings for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in neutropenic patients.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheter (CVC)-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Chlorhexidine containing catheter securement dressings may prevent CRBSI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter randomized, controlled trial was conducted at 10 German hematology departments. We compared chlorhexidine-containing dressings with non-chlorhexidine control dressings in neutropenic patients. The primary end point was the incidence of definite CRBSI within the first 14 days (dCRBSI14) of CVC placement. Secondary end points included combined incidence of definite or probable CRBSI within 14 days (dpCRBSI14), overall (dpCRBSI), incidence of unscheduled dressing changes and adverse events.

RESULTS: From February 2012 to September 2014, 613 assessable patients were included in the study. The incidence of dCRBSI14 was 2.6% (8/307) in the chlorhexidine and 3.9% (12/306) in the control group (P = 0.375). Both dpCRBSI14 and dpCRBSI were significantly less frequent in the study group with dpCRBSI14 in 6.5% (20/307) of the chlorhexidine group when compared with 11% (34/306) in the control group (P = 0.047), and dpCRBSI in 10.4% (32/307) versus 17% (52/306), respectively (P = 0.019). The frequency of dressing intolerance with cutaneous and soft tissue abnormalities at the contact area was similar in both groups (12.4% and 11.8%; P = 0.901).

CONCLUSIONS: Although the trial failed its primary end point, the application of chlorhexidine containing catheter securement dressings reduces the incidence of definite or probable CRBSI in neutropenic patients.

CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER: NCT01544686 (Clinicaltrials.gov).