Effect of chlorhexidine vs. saline for oral care on oral microbiota and prognosis of elderly mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit: a single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The role of chlorhexidine in oral care for mechanically ventilated elderly patients remains debated, particularly regarding its impact on oral microbiota and clinical outcomes.

Objective

To compare oral microbiota composition and prognosis among elderly mechanically ventilated patients receiving oral care with either chlorhexidine solution or normal saline.

Methods

Sixty intubated patients (≥ 65 years) were randomized to receive oral care with 0.12% chlorhexidine (intervention group) or 0.9% saline (control group) three times daily during mechanical ventilation. All patients underwent standardized oral hygiene during mechanical ventilation. Oral samples were analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing, with outcomes compared to oral health and clinical data. Secondary

SUBMITTER: Qiu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12859887 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature