# Impact of Povidone Application to Nares in Addition to Chlorhexidine Bath in Critically Ill Patients on Nosocomial Bacteremia and Central Line Blood Stream Infection

## TL;DR

Adding povidone iodine to nasal care with chlorhexidine bathing reduced bloodstream infections in critically ill patients.

## Contribution

A new combined intervention using povidone iodine and chlorhexidine bathing reduced central line infections in critical care.

## Key findings

- Nosocomial MRSA bacteremia was significantly lower in medical/surgical areas during the intervention period.
- Central line-associated bloodstream infections decreased significantly in critically ill patients during the intervention.
- The intervention showed potential for significant cost savings in critical care settings.

## Abstract

Nosocomial Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia results in a significant increase in morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. We aimed to analyze the impact of applying 10% povidone iodine (PI) twice daily to both nares in addition to chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing on nosocomial (MRSA) bacteremia in critically ill patients. A quality improvement study was completed with pre and post-design. The study period was from January 2018 until February 2020 and February 2021 and June 2021. The control period (from January 2018 to May 2019) consisted of CHG bathing alone, and in the intervention period, we added 10% PI to the nares of critically ill patients. Our primary outcome is rates of nosocomial MRSA bacteremia, and our secondary outcome is central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) and potential cost savings. There were no significant differences in rates of MRSA bacteremia in critically ill patients. Nosocomial MRSA bacteremia was significantly lower during the intervention period on medical/surgical areas (MSA). CLABSIs were significantly lower during the intervention period in critically ill patients. There were no Staphylococcus aureus CLABSIs in critical care area (CCA)during the intervention period. The intervention showed potential significant cost savings. The application of 10% povidone iodine twice a day in addition to CHG bathing resulted in a significant decrease in CLABSIs in critically ill patients and a reduction in nosocomial MRSA in the non-intervention areas. Further trials are needed to tease out individual patients who will benefit from the intervention.