The impact of 0.2% chlorhexidine gel on oral health and the incidence of pneumonia amongst adults with profound complex neurodisability.

Abstract

Investigate the effect of toothbrushing with 0.2% chlorhexidine gel on oral health and pneumonia amongst patients with a neurodisability who are fed via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Forty-nine patients at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability were recruited to an observational study. Daily toothbrushing with 0.2% chlorhexidine gel was undertaken for 12 months by trained nursing staff. Plaque and gingival health were assessed every six weeks using the Simplified Debris Index and the Basic Periodontal Examination. The annual incidence and prevalence of episodes of pneumonia experienced by patients whilst using the chlorhexidine gel were compared to rates from the previous year. Plaque levels and the proportion of patients with periodontal pocketing>3.5mm significantly reduced, P<.001, with chlorhexidine toothbrushing. Total number of pneumonia episodes (75-67), antibiotics administered (73-64), and radiographs taken (19 to 16) were lower in the year wherein chlorhexidine was employed, and hospitalisations dropped by 31% (16-11), but these reductions were not statistically significant. No adverse events were reported. Daily toothbrushing with 0.2% chlorhexidine undertaken by a trained and supported nursing staff was effective in improving oral health but did not significantly affect annual rates of pneumonia amongst patients.