Pilot Study: Safety of Chlorhexidine (CHG) Baths in Patients Less Than 2 Months of Age

Evidence overwhelmingly supports the use of Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) a rapid onset, broad spectrum, topical antiseptic for reducing Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs). CHG provides prolonged protection against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Reports indicate CHG is well tolerated in patients greater than two months of age. However, due to safety concerns, there is limited evidence to support the use of topically applied CHG in infants less than 2 months of age. The purpose of this Phase I Clinical (pilot) study is to describe the safety of bi-weekly CHG baths in a sample of 50 Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) patients, (36 weeks PMA or older, less than 2 months of age or 48 weeks PMA and with a CVC), by measuring the incidence of skin problems and CHG blood levels. CHG baths will be performed every Monday and Thursday during the day shift, for up to 12 weeks post enrollment or until the CVC is removed or the patient is discharged. Chlorhexidine Gluconate bathing cloths are marketed for peri-operative skin preparation. However, daily CHG baths are a common practice in ICUs around the nation because of its proven method for preventing HAIs in patients \> 2 months of age and older. Furthermore, CHG use for skin antisepsis has become a widely accepted practice, and it is now part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CVC maintenance bundle for use in patients greater than 2 months of age, and a recommendation to use with caution in infants \< 2 months of age. Hypothesis 1:CHG will be safe for use in a sample of infants 36 weeks PMA or older, and less than 2 months of age (48 weeks PMA) with a CVC as evidenced by an adverse event rate less than 10%. Hypothesis 2: Twice weekly CHG baths do not lead to rising (cumulative) CHG blood levels, LFTs (AST/ALT) and Serum Creatinine over time in a sample of infants 36 weeks PMA or older, and less than 2 months of age (48 weeks PMA) with a CVC..