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document
Efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate use in the prevention of perirectal infections in patients with acute leukemia . The frequency of rectal infections is increased in patients with acute leukemia . Complications associated with rectal lesions may be severe enough to cause life-threatening septicemia . Clinical research evaluating the effects of preventive perirectal skin care is scarce . This study 's purpose was to determine whether using chlorhexidine gluconate ( CHG ) in a prophylactic perirectal skin-care regimen decreases perirectal infections and whether it produces more skin irritation than a nonmedicated skin cleanser . The sample consisted of 40 patients , 16 of whom were randomized to use chlorhexidine and 24 of whom were randomized to use nonmedicated skin cleanser . Chi-square and t-tests were used to analyze the incidence of skin breakdown and rectal infections ; the correlation between the two factors ; a positive history of rectal infections , fissures , or hemorrhoids ; presence of hemorrhoids ; severity of diarrhea ; and duration and severity of granulocytopenia . A positive relationship was found between the severity of granulocytopenia and the incidence of rectal infections ( p = 0.02 ) . No significant difference was seen in the occurrence of perirectal infections ( p = 0.35 ) or skin breakdown ( p = 0.18 ) between the two groups . The data suggest that CHG does not offer increased protection against perirectal infections in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy , nor is it more irritating than a nonmedicated skin cleanser . Further studies are needed to examine the efficacy of hygienic measures such as using skin disinfectants to prevent infections in patients who are immunocompromised .
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Intervention_Pharmacological
chlorhexidine gluconate
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Intervention_Pharmacological
chlorhexidine gluconate ( CHG )
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Intervention_Pharmacological
chlorhexidine
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Intervention_Physical
nonmedicated skin cleanser
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Outcome_Other
Efficacy
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Outcome_Physical
rectal infections
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Outcome_Physical
skin breakdown
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Outcome_Physical
rectal infections
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Outcome_Physical
severity of granulocytopenia
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Outcome_Physical
incidence of rectal infections
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Outcome_Physical
occurrence of perirectal infections
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Outcome_Physical
skin breakdown
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Participant_Condition
acute leukemia
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Participant_Condition
rectal infections
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Participant_Condition
acute leukemia
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Participant_Sample-size
40