A similar infection risk for gel-dress and sponge-dress. Gel-dress showed fewer dressing disruptions. Concomitant use of CHG for skin disinfection and CHG-impregnated dressing may significantly increase contact dermatitis.

A total of 3,483 patients and 7,941 catheters were observed in 16 ICUs.

Sponge-dress and gel-dress were utilized for 1,953 and 2,108 catheters, respectively.

After adjustment for confounders, gel-dress showed similar risk for MCRI compared to sponge-dress, less dressing disruptions, and more contact dermatitis. However, gel-dress increased the risk of contact dermatitis only if CHG was used for skin antisepsis.

Adult critically ill patients who required short-term central venous or arterial catheter insertion were recruited. Our main analysis included only patients with CHG-impregnated dressings.

Read More