The Glitz and Glamour Trial: Effects of Nail Polish Use on Post-Cesarean Wound Infections [20T

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To determine the effect of fingernail polish on the rate of post-operative wound infection following Cesarean delivery. METHODS: This is a block-randomized trial where surgeons were assigned to wear or not wear nail polish for two week block-intervals. After each non-emergent Cesarean delivery nail characteristics were logged on a case-coded sheet. The primary outcome was wound site infection (superficial or deep) occurring within 6 weeks of cesarean delivery. A t-test and chi-squared or Fisher's exact were used with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: From August 1, 2017 - October 1, 2018, 632 cases met the inclusion criteria: 297 (47%) were randomized to the nail polish and 335 (53%) to the nail polish free arm. Mean age, 31.8 (15 - 52) vs. 31.7 years (16 - 47), p = 0.830 and gestational age at delivery, 38.6 (23.2 - 41.5) vs. 38.4 weeks (25.6 - 41.5), p = 0.125 were similar for the nail polish and nail polish free arms respectively. BMI was greater in the nail polish group, 29.3 (16.1 - 64.1) vs. 27.9 (16.5 - 49.4), p = 0.015, and more patients were obese 38.5% vs. 30.3%, p = 0.031. Other demographics including race and insurance status were similar. The rate of wound infection was lower in the nail polish group, although this difference was not significant (1.7% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.077). CONCLUSION: The rate of postoperative wound infection is not affected by the use of fingernail polish.