ABSTRACT 285

Abstract

Background and aims: Effect of mechanical cleaning method with sterile urethral catheter on the formation of biofilm of endotracheal tubes. Aims: To investigate the intervention of mechanical cleaning method with sterile urethral catheter on the formation of biofilm of endotracheal tubes. Methods: With a prospective, randomized controlled trial, 45 children were randomized to urethral catheter cleaning group for 3 times a day(A group)?for 2 times a day (B group) and control group(C group). Bacterial studies and CLSM were performed to assess bacterial colonization and thickness of biofilm on the internal surface of the ETT. And the length of ICU stay?duration of mechanical ventilation and incidence of VAP among the three groups were compared. Results: The quantities of viable bacteria adhered on the ETT in A group was sharply lower compared with C group (P<0.05) and after 3 days of intubation, the differences between B and C group were also significant (P <0.05). (2) Observation by CLSM showed that the red bacteria were encased in mass of EPS which had green fluorescence and formed mature BF in C group; In A and B group, no biofilm or mature biofilm was seen. (3) Difference of the incidence of VAP among the three group was significant(P <0.01). No difference was observed among the three groups in ICU stay and duration of mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: The mechanical cleaning method with sterile urethral catheter 3 times a day could be more effective for preventing formation of ETT-BF and reducing the incidence of VAP and be safely used in clinical nursing.