Comparison of Green Tea, White Tea, and Chlorhexidine Oral Care for Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Comparison of Chlorhexidine, Green Tea, and White Tea Oral Care for the Prevention of Ventilator- Associated Pneumonia in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

This study was conducted to compare the effects of oral care performed using chlorhexidine (CHX), green tea, and white tea solutions on oral health, functional status, and the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care unit patients receiving mechanical ventilation (MV)

This prospective controlled interventional study included 63 mechanically ventilated adult intensive care unit patients. Participants were assigned to one of three oral care groups receiving chlorhexidine (CHX), green tea, or white tea according to the study protocol. Oral health was assessed using the Bedside Oral Examination (BOE) guide on days 1, 3, and 7. The primary objective was to compare the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among the study groups. Secondary outcomes included changes in oral health status and functional oral assessment during follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged over 18 years
2. With no known allergies
3. Receiving invasive mechanical ventilator support
4. With a negative endotracheal aspirate culture on the day of ICU admission
5. Within the first 24 hours of mechanical ventilator support
6. Patients whose relatives agreed to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with positive endotracheal aspirate cultures within the first 48 hours of intensive care admission,
2. Patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy,
3. Patients with contraindications for oral care,
4. Patients with a platelet count below 30,000/mm³,
5. Patients who cannot be positioned appropriately,
6. Patients with agitation severe enough to prevent the procedure from being performed