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Selective decontamination of the digestive tract in intensive care

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

S. J. Boom  and
G. Ramsay
S. J. Boom
Affiliation:
University Department of Surgery, Western Infirmary, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6NT
G. Ramsay*
Affiliation:
University Department of Surgery, Western Infirmary, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6NT
*
*Correspondence and reprints: Mr G. Ramsay.
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Summary

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Nosocomial infection in intensive care unit (ICU) practice is a common problem and is associated with abnormal carriage of Gram-negative aerobic bacilli in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in endogenous infections. Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) is a regimen aimed at preventing or eradicating this abnormal carriage.

A large number of trials examining SDD in ICU practice have been published, the vast majority showing a significant reduction in the incidence of nosocomial, Gram-negative infection. However, the impact on morbidity and mortality is much less certain. A recent meta-analysis has suggested a 10–20% reduction in mortality (3–6% absolute difference) with SDD. A discussion of these results is presented together with potential criticisms of SDD.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 109 , Issue 3 , December 1992 , pp. 337 - 347
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

References

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