Oropharyngeal Care With Colostrum, Chlorohexidine and Sodium Bicarbonate in Preventing Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in Preterm Neonates

Comparative Study of Oropharyngeal Care With Colostrum, Chlorohexidine and Sodium Bicarbonate in Preventing Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in Preterm Neonates

comparing the effect of oral care with colostrum, chlorohexidine and sodium bicarbonate in prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in preterm neonates.

Randomized controlled trial

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm neonates with gestational age less than 37 weeks. Neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Neonates requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. Age ≤ 72 hours at time of enrollment. Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neonates with major congenital anomalies. Neonates with congenital airway malformations. Presence of congenital pneumonia at birth. Neonates with severe gastrointestinal malformations preventing enteral feeding. Neonates who develop early-onset sepsis at admission. Neonates with contraindications to oral care procedures.