Effect of Eucalyptus Incense on Prevention of Early and Late Ventilator-associated Pneumonia: A Randomized Controlled Double-blinded Clinical Trial

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a common, serious and costly disorder in intensive care units (ICUs) that rank first in hospital infections. So, appropriate interventions are needed to prevent this condition. Eucalyptus is a plant with antibiotic properties, therefore, current study aimed at investigating its effects on prevention of endotracheal tube-associated pneumonia in ICU. A double-blind clinical trial was performed in 100 patients with endotracheal tube and on ventilator in ICU in Kermanshah Imam Reza Hospital, Iran. The patients were divided into two groups. In intervention group (n=50) 4 cc of 2% eucalyptus solution was mixed with 6 cc distilled water and in control group (n=50) 10 cc distilled water was given three times daily through a nebulizer kit connected to mechanical ventilation devices. Data on the rate of early and late pneumonia were compared based on CPIS criteria applying t-test and Chi-square. The incidence of early and late pneumonia was lower in intervention group compared to that of the controls. The decrease was significantly more in onset of late pneumonia (P=0.01). The onset of pneumonia due to mechanical ventilation was significantly higher in intervention group than that of the control group (P=0.01). Eucalyptus was found to be an effective prophylaxis that could delay the development of pulmonary infection in patients on ventilation. Therefore, it is suggested in ICUs in patients with tracheal tubes.