Effects of bladder irrigation with chlorhexidine and normal saline on prevention of bacteriuria in patient with foley catheter

Background and aimUrinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection acquired in both hospitals and nursing homes and is usually associated with catheterization. The aim of this study was to compare the effects chlorhexidine 0.2% with saline for bladder irrigation on preventing bacteriuria in patients with foley catheter.Materials and MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial, 60 neurologic patients 50 years old and over in need of foley catheter for at least 14 days with no UTI at the beginning of the study were enrolled, catheterized by one of the researchers and randomly divided into two groups of chlorhexidine %0.2 and saline. Bladder irrigation was performed on days 3 and 10 following catheterization. A questionnaire and urine analysis as well as culture were used for data collection, each of which was validated and made reliable. Different statistical tests including T-student and Chi square as well as logistic regression were used for data analysisFindings With respect to negative culture results in both groups on days 1 and 2, a significant difference was found between chlorhexidine (30%) and saline (77.3%) groups (P