Topical Antiseptics Research Articles

Overview of Dalethyne and other Topical Antiseptics for Wound Care

A cascade of enzymes acting in union is involved in the natural wound healing pharmacology of humans making the process a lengthy one. This in turns necessitates new synthetic molecules effective in accelerating the wound healing process. The present review provides an overview of wound healing potential of the traditionally known compounds together with a comparison of the activity of the conventional compounds with respect to the dalethyne derivatives. Additionally, the present review summarises the antiseptic and the anti-microbial action of the conventional wound healing agents together with a comparison with the dalethyne derivatives. The review further indicates that the Dalethyne derivatives exhibit potent wound healing activity with respect to the traditionally known components which is attributed to their conducive anti-microbial action. However, the present review is an exhaustive one and also refers to some of the experimental data which has been observed in present laboratory experiments. Keywords: Dalethyne, antiseptic, anti-microbial, wound healing

Efficacy and safety of micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) in treatment of venous diseases in geriatric patients

Analysed herein is the experience with micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) in treatment of geriatric patients with decompensated forms of chronic venous diseases. A total of 218 geriatric patients were examined and treated. Of these, 132 patients had trophic disorders (C4-C6 class), including 40 patients found to have venous trophic ulcers (VTU). Therapeutic policy consisted in wound cleansing, application of topical antiseptics, hydroalginate dressing, stimulation of regenerative processes by therapy with MPFF at a dose of 1,000 mg daily. The microcirculatory blood flow was examined by means of laser Doppler flowmetry. By the end of a 4-week course of comprehensive treatment, 31 of 40 patients were found to have elevated microcirculation index to 16.9±2.1 perfusion units, suggesting improved perfusion of the lower-limb skin. Venous trophic ulcers completely epithelialized in 9 patients and decreased by half of their initial area in 22 patients. Repeat assessment of cardiac activity showed a decreased functional class of chronic heart failure in 9 of 17 patients with healed VTU. Assessing safety of phlebotrophic therapy revealed neither adverse reactions nor decompensation of accompanying diseases during the whole follow-up period.

1213. Evaluation of an Alcohol-Based Antiseptic for Nasal Decolonization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

BackgroundDue to concerns for emergence of mupirocin resistance, there is an interest in use of topical antiseptics for nasal decolonization of Staphylococcus aureus. Alcohol-based nasal antiseptics have recently been developed as an alternative to mupirocin, but there is limited data on efficacy, particularly among patients where the burden of carriage is often high.MethodsWe evaluated the effectiveness of a one-time application of a commercial alcohol-based nasal sanitizer for reduction in nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in MRSA-colonized patients. Patients received either a single dose or triple dose over 3 minutes; the triple dose is recommended for preoperative dosing. Swabs were used for quantitative culture of MRSA from the anterior nares and vestibule prior to and 10 minutes, 2 hours, and 6 hours after application. For a subset of patients, cultures for MRSA were collected from hands, clothing, groin, and chest/axilla.ResultsOf 34 MRSA carriers enrolled, 27 (79%) had MRSA detected in nares, 32 (94%) were male, and the mean age was 65. Of the 27 carriers positive for nasal MRSA, 15 (56%) received a single alcohol dose and 12 (44%) received a triple dose over 3 minutes. As shown in the figure, the single and triple dose applications significantly reduced MRSA concentrations at 2 hours post-treatment when the initial burden was low (i.e., <2 log10colonies per swab), but there was no significant reduction at 6 hours; there was no significant reduction with either dose when the initial burden was high (≥2 log10colonies per swab).ConclusionA single application of an alcohol nasal sanitizer significantly reduced nasal MRSA at 2 hours post-application when the initial burden of colonization was low, but not when a high burden of carriage was present. Additional studies are needed to determine whether higher alcohol doses or repeated applications might result in improved efficacy. Figure. Efficacy of one-time application of a single- or triple-dose of alcohol-based nasal sanitizer on the burden of nasal MRSA.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and carbuncles)

Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and carbuncles)

Incidence of umbilical cord infection in neonates receiving 7.1% chlorhexidine gel and methylated-spirit in ibadan

BackgroundThe optimal method of umbilical cord care after birth is still a controversial issue, as umbilical stump has remained a focus of infection in newborns. Use of topical antiseptics is one intervention that could reduce the incidence of infection by preventing or reducing the bacterial colonization of the umbilical cord in neonates. AimTo compare the incidence of umbilical cord infection between neonates receiving 7.1% chlorhexidine gel (CHG) and Methylated-spirit (MTS) in Ibadan. Method and subjectsThis study was a prospective-comparative study. The study settings were selected by a multistage sampling technique from the 11 local governments in Ibadan. A total of 179 newborns (93 in the Chlorhexidine group and 86 in the Methylated spirit group) were enrolled into the study from three primary health centers (PHC) in Ibadan and analyzed for the incidence of umbilical cord infection. ResultsThere was no statistical significant difference in the incidence of umbilical cord infection between the two groups [p = 0.447). There was a higher non compliance rate in the CHG group (21.1%) than in the MTS group (9.6%) [p = 0.001] Conclusion: There is no difference in incidence of umbilical cord infection with the use of Chlorhexidine or methylathed spirit in newborns.

The Effect of Antiseptics in the Prophylaxis of Infection in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Over the past decade, the incidence of revision arthroplasty has increased substantially. One of the main reasons for revision arthroplasty is periprosthetic joint infection, often resulting in multiple surgical interventions with variable success and poor clinical outcome. Intraoperative wound irrigation has been proposed to reduce bacterial contamination and thus the risk of periprosthetic infection. However, there is currently no widely accepted recommendation for the use of topical antiseptics within the operative setting for primary implantation. We performed a systematic review of studies pertaining to the use of intraoperative topical antiseptics and their effectiveness in preventing infection of orthopaedic implants. A comprehensive literature search including MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, and Current Contents Medicine (CCMED-Medpilot) was performed according to a standardised protocol. Overall, 1905 articles were initially assessed. Four studies met the inclusion criteria and remained for further analysis, comprising two prospective cohort studies using retrospective control groups (evidence level II - III) and two randomised controlled trials (evidence level I). 0.35% Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) was used in three of these studies and a solution of 6.25% PVP-I and 6.25%-hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in one study for intraoperative wound irrigation. There was a clear trend in all studies suggesting that intraoperative topical antiseptics are effective in preventing periprosthetic infection. Although no clear regimen can be recommended, the available literature indicates that the use of intraoperative topical antiseptics is of clinical relevance in preventing infection of orthopaedic implants. Further randomised controlled trials are recommended.

Aerobic bacteria associated with chronic suppurative otitis media in Angola

BackgroundChronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is an important cause of hearing loss in children and constitutes a serious health problem globally with a strong association to resource-limited living conditions. Topical antibiotics combined with aural toilet is the first-hand treatment for CSOM but antimicrobial resistance and limited availability to antibiotics are obstacles in some areas. The goal of this study was to define aerobic pathogens associated with CSOM in Angola with the overall aim to provide a background for local treatment recommendations.MethodsSamples from ear discharge and the nasopharynx were collected and cultured from 152 patients with ear discharge and perforation of the tympanic membrane. Identification of bacterial species was performed with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and pneumococci were serotyped using multiplex polymerase chain reactions. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done according to EUCAST.ResultsOne hundred eighty-four samples from ear discharge and 151 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and yielded 534 and 289 individual isolates, respectively. In all patients, correspondence rate of isolates from 2 ears in patients with bilateral disease was 27.3% and 9.3% comparing isolates from the nasopharynx and ear discharge, respectively. Proteus spp. (14.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.2%) and Enterococcus spp. (8.8%) were dominating pathogens isolated from ear discharge. A large part of the remaining species belonged to Enterobacteriaceae (23.5%). Pneumococci and Staphylococcus aureus were detected in approximately 10% of nasopharyngeal samples. Resistance rates to quinolones exceeded 10% among Enterobacteriaceae and was 30.8% in S. aureus, whereas 6.3% of P. aeruginosa were resistant.ConclusionsThe infection of the middle ear in CSOM is highly polymicrobial, and isolates found in nasopharynx do not correspond well with those found in ear discharge. Pathogens associated with CSOM in Angola are dominated by gram-negatives including Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa, while gram-positive enterococci also are common. Based on the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing topical quinolones would be the preferred antibiotic therapy of CSOM in Angola. Topical antiseptics such as aluminium acetate, acetic acid or boric acid, however, may be more feasible options due to a possibly emerging antimicrobial resistance.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of prophylactic topical antibiotics for the prevention of uncomplicated wound infections.

BackgroundThe prescription of topical antibiotics for the prevention of infections in uncomplicated wounds is common. However, the efficacy is not well reported. Therefore, the objective of the study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence on prevention of uncomplicated wound infections by prophylactic topical antibiotics.Materials and methodsThe search included Pubmed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Embase, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, National Technical Information Service, and the National Guidelines Clearinghouse.ResultsWe identified eight randomized controlled trials and four quasi-randomized trials that met the criteria for the systematic review. Of these trials, 11 studies were pooled for meta-analysis to compare the effects of topical antibiotics versus placebo and 4 studies were pooled for comparison of effects of topical antibiotics versus topical antiseptics on uncomplicated wounds. Fewer wound infections occurred in the topical antibiotic arms compared to placebo (pooled risk ratio: 0.57 [95% CI: 0.37 to 0.86]; p=0.01 and pooled risk difference: −3.1% [95% CI: −5.8% to −0.34%]; p=0.03). Compared to antiseptics, topical antibiotics demonstrated statistically significant relative risk reduction (pooled risk ratio: 0.56 [95% CI: 0.23 to 0.91]; p=0.02), while there was no significant absolute risk reduction (pooled risk difference: −3.7% [95% CI: −7.9% to +0.6%]; p=0.09).ConclusionTopical antibiotics are effective in reducing wound infections after surgical procedures, but the absolute benefit is small. Given the global emergence of antimicrobial resistance, judicious use of antibiotics is encouraged and use of antiseptics should be considered as a reasonable alternative to topical antibiotics.

Topical Antimicrobials in Burn Care: Part 1-Topical Antiseptics.

Burn wounds disrupt the body's primary defense against invasion and colonization by microorganisms. Topical antimicrobials are one component in burn wound care. These agents suppress microbial growth to advantage skin cells and wound healing. Topical antimicrobials can be divided into 2 superclasses: antiseptics and antibiotics. We review the 4 main classes of topical antiseptics (emulsifiers, acids, oxidizers, and heavy metals) and antiseptic-impregnated dressings in current clinical use and address the mechanisms, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each antiseptic for burn wound management.

Comparison of effectiveness of parenteral lincomycin/spectinomycin combination and dexpanthenol application in goat kids with contagious ecthyma

Contagious ecthyma (CE) is a highly contagious viral skin disease that is typically self-limited. Treatment options include topical antiseptics, such as KMNO4, local antibiotics and systemic antibiotics to prevent secondary skin infections. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the lincomycin/spectinomycin combination and dexpanthenol (Dxp) in goat kids with CE. The study was conducted at a Saanen dairy goat farm in Bursa, Turkey. The owner of the goat herd inquired at the veterinary hospital about the appearance of granulomatous lesions on the muzzles of goat kids. In this study, 24 goat kids (1-month-olds) were used. All animals were subjected to the same conditions. Blood and papule samples were taken from the animals’ lips, muzzle and buccal for virological analysis. Swab samples were taken from the lesions for culture and antibiogram. The animals were divided into three groups. Lesions were clinically scored at days 1, 7 and 15 according to a modified previously used scoring system. Goat kids were equally grouped on the basis of lesions on the buccal, lips and muzzle. The animals in group A received 15 mg/kg lincomycin/spectinomycin combination (Lypectin®, Vilsan) intramuscularly for 3 consecutive days, group B received 20 mg/kg Dxp (Bepanthen® amp, Bayer, Germany) intramuscularly for 3 consecutive days, and group C received 0.9% NaCl (2 ml), the control treatment. Clinical recoveries were almost equal in all groups, but by day 14, group A showed better recovery than group B and group C. Both study groups also showed better results than the control group for all days. In conclusion, we believe that the lincomycin/spectinomycin combination or dexpanthenol can be useful in the supplementary treatment of CE in goat kids..

Prospective Single-Center Observational Study of the Allergenic Potential of Mercromina Film and Other Common Antiseptics in Patients With Contact Dermatitis

IntroductionAlthough Mercromina Film and other topical antiseptics are widely used, they are not included in the standard series recommended by the Spanish Contact Dermatitis and Skin Allergy Research Group for testing suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Furthermore, no recent studies have investigated the allergenic potential of merbromin. ObjectiveTo determine the allergenic potential of merbromin and compare it with that of other topical antiseptics widely used in clinical practice, including povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, and eosin. Material and methodsProspective single-center observational safety study of 105 patients with suspected ACD seen at the dermatology department of our hospital. ResultsOf the 105 patients studied, 1.9% had a positive patch test to merbromin and 12.4% were sensitized to povidone-iodine. The differences in the proportion of patients with ACD to Betadine Solución Dérmica (povidone-iodine) compared with the rest of the antiseptics was statistically significant (McNemar test, P<.05). No adverse reactions were observed in any of the patients. ConclusionsBased on the patch tests conducted, Mercromina Film has very low allergenic potential. The highest allergenic potential was observed for povidone-iodine.

Impetigo: A need for new therapies in a world of increasing antimicrobial resistance.

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection and is one of the most common skin infections in children. Antibiotics are the first-line treatment when multiple lesions exist, but with an increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria the successful management of impetigo in the future is an area of concern. Current treatment options that favour the use of oral antibiotic therapy are increasingly problematic. Widespread use of these agents contributes to antimicrobial resistance and has adverse consequences for individuals and communities. There is a need for new topical antimicrobials and antiseptics as an alternative treatment strategy. To successfully treat impetigo into the future and ensure that therapy does not contribute to bacterial resistance, additional research is required to ascertain the usefulness of alternative agents, including new topical antimicrobials and antiseptics.

Estudio observacional de seguridad, prospectivo y unicéntrico para determinar la capacidad alergogénica de Mercromina Film® y otros antisépticos de uso común en pacientes con dermatitis de contacto

IntroductionAlthough Mercromina Film and other topical antiseptics are widely used, they are not included in the standard series recommended by the Spanish Contact Dermatitis and Skin Allergy Research Group for testing suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Furthermore, no recent studies have investigated the allergenic potential of merbromin. ObjectiveTo determine the allergenic potential of merbromin and compare it with that of other topical antiseptics widely used in clinical practice, including povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, and eosin. Material and methodsProspective single-center observational safety study of 105 patients with suspected ACD seen at the dermatology department of our hospital. ResultsOf the 105 patients studied, 1.9% had a positive patch test to merbromin and 12.4% were sensitized to povidone-iodine. The differences in the proportion of patients with ACD to Betadine Solución Dérmica (povidone-iodine) compared with the rest of the antiseptics was statistically significant (McNemar test, P<.05). No adverse reactions were observed in any of the patients. ConclusionsBased on the patch tests conducted, Mercromina Film has very low allergenic potential. The highest allergenic potential was observed for povidone-iodine.

Consensus guidelines for the identification and treatment of biofilms in chronic nonhealing wounds.

Despite a growing consensus that biofilms contribute to a delay in the healing of chronic wounds, conflicting evidence pertaining to their identification and management can lead to uncertainty regarding treatment. This, in part, has been driven by reliance on in vitro data or animal models, which may not directly correlate to clinical evidence on the importance of biofilms. Limited data presented in human studies have further contributed to the uncertainty. Guidelines for care of chronic wounds with a focus on biofilms are needed to help aid the identification and management of biofilms, providing a clinical focus to support clinicians in improving patient care through evidence-based medicine. A Global Wound Biofilm Expert Panel, comprising 10 clinicians and researchers with expertise in laboratory and clinical aspects of biofilms, was identified and convened. A modified Delphi process, based on published scientific data and expert opinion, was used to develop consensus statements that could help identify and treat biofilms as part of the management of chronic nonhealing wounds. Using an electronic survey, panel members rated their agreement with statements about biofilm identification and treatment, and the management of chronic nonhealing wounds. Final consensus statements were agreed on in a face-to-face meeting. Participants reached consensus on 61 statements in the following topic areas: understanding biofilms and the problems they cause clinicians; current diagnostic options; clinical indicators of biofilms; future options for diagnostic tests; treatment strategies; mechanical debridement; topical antiseptics; screening antibiofilm agents; and levels of evidence when choosing antibiofilm treatments. This consensus document attempts to clarify misunderstandings about the role of biofilms in clinical practice, and provides a basis for clinicians to recognize biofilms in chronic nonhealing wounds and manage patients optimally. A new paradigm for wound care, based on a stepped-down treatment approach, was derived from the consensus statements.

Topical Antimicrobial Treatments Can Elicit Shifts to Resident Skin Bacterial Communities and Reduce Colonization by Staphylococcus aureus Competitors

The skin microbiome is a complex ecosystem with important implications for cutaneous health and disease. Topical antibiotics and antiseptics are often employed to preserve the balance of this population and inhibit colonization by more pathogenic bacteria. However, despite their widespread use, the impact of these interventions on broader microbial communities remains poorly understood. Here, we report the longitudinal effects of topical antibiotics and antiseptics on skin bacterial communities and their role in Staphylococcus aureus colonization resistance. In response to antibiotics, cutaneous populations exhibited an immediate shift in bacterial residents, an effect that persisted for multiple days posttreatment. By contrast, antiseptics elicited only minor changes to skin bacterial populations, with few changes to the underlying microbiota. While variable in scope, both antibiotics and antiseptics were found to decrease colonization by commensal Staphylococcus spp. by sequencing- and culture-based methods, an effect which was highly dependent on baseline levels of Staphylococcus Because Staphylococcus residents have been shown to compete with the skin pathogen S. aureus, we also tested whether treatment could influence S. aureus levels at the skin surface. We found that treated mice were more susceptible to exogenous association with S. aureus and that precolonization with the same Staphylococcus residents that were previously disrupted by treatment reduced S. aureus levels by over 100-fold. In all, the results of this study indicate that antimicrobial drugs can alter skin bacterial residents and that these alterations can have critical implications for cutaneous host defense.

Hypothyroidism in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease Exposed to Excess Iodine.

Thyroid hormone is critical for neonatal brain development, and even transient hypothyroidism can cause adverse neurocognitive outcomes. Infants exposed to excess iodine are at risk of developing hypothyroidism, especially those with congenital heart disease (CHD), because they are routinely exposed to excess iodine from intravenous iodinated contrast media and topical antiseptics. The aim of the present study was to identify the proportion of neonates with CHD exposed to iodine who developed hypothyroidism and to identify the associated risk factors. This was a retrospective study of neonates undergoing cardiac catheterization at Boston Children’s Hospital during a 3-year period, some of whom also underwent cardiac surgery. Hypothyroidism was defined as an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone level (>20 mIU/L at 24 to 96 hours of age and >15 mIU/L at >96 hours of age by heel-stick sampling and >9.1 mIU/L at 1 to 20 weeks of age by serum testing). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to predict the odds of developing hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed incidentally in 46 of 183 infants (25%) with CHD after iodine exposure. Controlling for baseline cardiac risk, postnatal age, and gestational age, we found a fourfold increase in odds of developing hypothyroidism in neonates with serum creatinine >0.9 mg/dL and a fourfold increase in those who underwent more than three procedures. Hypothyroidism in neonates with CHD exposed to excess iodine is associated with multiple procedures and impaired renal function. Routine serial monitoring of thyroid function in these neonates is warranted. Future studies should examine the association between hypothyroidism and neurocognitive function in this population.

Current and Emerging Topical Antibacterials and Antiseptics: Agents, Action, and Resistance Patterns.

Bacterial skin infections represent some of the most common infectious diseases globally. Prevention and treatment of skin infections can involve application of a topical antimicrobial, which may be an antibiotic (such as mupirocin or fusidic acid) or an antiseptic (such as chlorhexidine or alcohol). However, there is limited evidence to support the widespread prophylactic or therapeutic use of topical agents. Challenges involved in the use of topical antimicrobials include increasing rates of bacterial resistance, local hypersensitivity reactions (particularly to older agents, such as bacitracin), and concerns about the indiscriminate use of antiseptics potentially coselecting for antibiotic resistance. We review the evidence for the major clinical uses of topical antibiotics and antiseptics. In addition, we review the mechanisms of action of common topical agents and define the clinical and molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in these agents. Moreover, we review the potential use of newer and emerging agents, such as retapamulin and ebselen, and discuss the role of antiseptic agents in preventing bacterial skin infections. A comprehensive understanding of the clinical efficacy and drivers of resistance to topical agents will inform the optimal use of these agents to preserve their activity in the future.

MRSA decolonisation using polyhexanide 0.1 % with application where necessary of systemic antibiotics

SummaryBackground: Increasing infections and drug resistances lead to new treatment concepts in terms of MRSA decolonisation. An antibiotic-free decolonisation treatment with topical antiseptics is of great clinical interest. We investigated the effectiveness of MRSA decolonisation therapy using the topical antiseptic agent polyhexanide 0.1 %. If needed, a systemic antibiotic was added in case of hospitalisation, abscess formation, chronic wounds and others.Patients and methods: 63 patients were introduced to our outpatient clinic within a period of record of 15 months. 42 (66.7 %) of them were confirmed MRSA-positive and 27 (64.3 %) of these colonised patients were included to the protocol of decolonisation. Patients who followed the protocol of decolonisation (n=27) were investigated in terms of the site of MRSA-colonisation, parameters that minimize the effect of decolonisation, spa types as well as the effectiveness of the topical antiseptic agent polyhexanide 0.1 %.Results: 22 patients (81.5 %) were successfully decolonised within the group that followed the decolonisation protocol (n=27). Using polyhexanide 0.1 % as single treatment regime seven people (31.8 %) were successfully decolonised, whereas 15 patients (68.2 %) were in need of an additional systemic treatment with antibiotics in order to be decolonised. The implementation of one topical eradication cycle with polyhexanide 0.1 % was effective in case of an exclusive colonisation of the nose (n=3). At maximum, three decolonisation runs were necessary. Within six months of post-eradication investigations no relapses of MRSA were registered.Conclusions: One third of the decolonised patients were successfully treated with the topical antiseptic polyhexanide 0.1 %, whereas two thirds of the patients that followed the decolonisation protocol were in need of an additional systemic antibiotic.

The Role of Topical Antiseptic Agents Within Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategies for Prevention and Treatment of Surgical Site and Chronic Open Wound Infection.

Scope and Significance: The topical use of antiseptics for wound care has a role in an antimicrobial stewardship strategy. However, the details of this role need clarification. Further clinical research into the use of topical antiseptics in wound care would lower the risk of furthering antibiotic resistance and contribute to more effective antibiotic use. As part of this research, experimental and surveillance data are needed on the resistance and tolerance patterns associated with topical antiseptic use in wound infections. Objective: The development of antibiotic resistance presents global challenges in terms of patient harm and increased healthcare costs. The treatment of "at risk" and infected wounds contributes to this conundrum. Synergies between antibiotics and antiseptics and their appropriate combined use need exploration. Approach: A review of available evidence on the appropriateness of antiseptics as a fundamental component of antimicrobial stewardship strategies has been undertaken. Innovation: Opening up new ways of thinking and identifying gaps of knowledge will lead to optimizing justification of antimicrobial choices and combinations. This may lead to changes in practice in terms of solutions for the prevention and treatment of wound infection. Conclusion: Antiseptics are an integral part of antimicrobial stewardship strategies for the prevention and treatment of surgical site and chronic open wound infections.

Influence of topical iodine-containing antiseptics used during delivery on recall rate of congenital hypothyroidism screening program.

The proportion of newborns recalled during neonatal screening programs for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) varies substantially by country and may be higher in settings where povodine iodine (PVP-I) is used during delivery. We assessed this hypothesis by substituting PVP-I for chlorhexidine (CHL) and evaluated the reduction in the recall rate of the Irainian newborn screening program. This study investigated 2282 neonates of mothers admitted to a local hospital for delivery between December 2012 and October 2013. We measured thyorid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in heel-prick blood specimens of infants, aged between 3 and 5 days, born to mothers who received PVP-I (phase I) and those who received CHL after withdrawal of PVP-I from obstetric procedures (phase II). Then we compared the median TSH levels and the recall rate based on a TSH level ≥5 mU/L. Of 2282 cases, 1094 infants were born to mothers exposed to PVP-I during phase I (PVP-I group) and 1188 ones were born to mothers exposed to chlorhexidine in phase II (CHL group); 6.56% of the PVP-I group and 1.91% of the CHL group were recalled later during screening (p<0.001). The median TSH level was significantly higher in the PVP-I group compared to the CHL group (1.35 vs. 1.00, p<0.001). Replacement of iodine-containing antiseptics by iodine-free ones, during delivery resulted in a significant reduction in the recall rate of the Iranian screening program for CH.