The Effect of an Suction Toothbrush on the Development of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

The Effect of an Suction Toothbrush in Intubated Intensive Care Patients on the Development of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Literature suggests that suction toothbrushes may improve oral care in intubated patients by facilitating secretion removal and reducing microaspiration. This could decrease the need for endotracheal suctioning and lower the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of a suction toothbrush on the development of VAP in intubated patients.

in the literature examining the superiority of a suction toothbrush over another regarding the frequency of oral care practices, appropriate solution and material use in intubated patients. It is believed that a suction toothbrush will both facilitate oral care and clear oral secretions. By minimizing secretion accumulation in the mouth, it will prevent microaspiration and reduce the need for endotracheal suctioning in patients. Determining the most effective oral care method is expected to reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and positively impact patient mortality. Considering all this information, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of a suction toothbrush on the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intubated patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients

• who aged over 18 years
• who underwent orotracheal intubation after admission to the ICU,
• who had no known pneumonia or diagnosis of pneumonia at the time of intubation,
• who were intubated for more than 48 hours,
• who had no microorganisms detected in the tracheal aspirate within the first 48 hours,
• who had no lesions on the oral mucous membrane before intubation,
• who had no known allergy to chlorhexidine were included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients

• who under 18 years of age,
• those with a tracheostomy,
• those were intubated for less than 48 hours,
• those with microorganisms detected in their tracheal aspirate within the first 48 hours,
• those who underwent reintubation,
• those were pregnant,
• those with lesions in the oral mucosa during intensive care admission,
• those with bleeding coagulation disorders or thrombocytopenia,
• those admitted to intensive care from an external institution while intubated, and those with a known chlorhexidine allergy were excluded from the study.