Polyhexamethylene biguanide discs versus unmedicated dressings for prevention of central venous catheter-associated infection in the intensive care unit.

Pearse I, Marsh N, Rickard CM, Ullman AJ, Larsen E, Pelecanos A, McGuinness N, Irvine L, Rapchuk IL, Ziegenfuss M, Corley A. 2021 Jul 25 doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2021.05.015

Background: Central venous catheters are prone to infectious complications, affecting morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Polyhexamethylene biguanide-impregnated discs at the catheter insertion site may prevent local and bloodstream infection; however, efficacy has not been established in a critical care setting.

Objective: The objective of this study was to pilot test polyhexamethylene biguanide-impregnated discs compared to standard unmedicated dressings for central venous catheter infection prevention in critically ill patients.