NCT07365956

Comparison of Oral Care Solutions on Oral Microbial Colonization in Neurosurgical ICU Patients

The Effect of Oral Care Using Apple Cider Vinegar, Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Sodium Bicarbonate on Oral Microbial Colonization in Neurosurgery Intensive Care Patients

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 90 (actual)
• Sponsor: Harran University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

In the high-stakes environment of the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit (NSICU), patient stability extends beyond neurological monitors and intracranial pressure readings. A critical yet often underemphasized front line of defense is oral health. Neurosurgery patients, frequently intubated, on mechanical ventilation, or with depressed consciousness, are at extreme risk for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) and systemic infections. Pathogenic oral microbiota can be aspirated into the lower respiratory tract, triggering such complications. Consequently, rigorous oral care is not merely a comfort measure but a vital infection control protocol. This article examines and compares the effects of three agents-Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG), Sodium Bicarbonate, and Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)-on oral microbial colonization in this vulnerable population.

Detailed description

The normal oral flora undergoes a dramatic shift in critically ill patients. Factors like mouth breathing, nil-by-mouth status, decreased salivary flow, and the presence of endotracheal tubes create a pathogenic-friendly environment. This dysbiosis leads to colonization by opportunistic pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida species. For neurosurgery patients, an ensuing pneumonia can lead to sepsis, increased intracranial pressure from systemic inflammation, prolonged ventilation, and longer ICU stays, directly impacting neurological recovery. Aim of this study to examine the effect of oral care using ACV, chlorhexidine gluconate and sodium bicarbonate on oral microbial colonization in neurosurgery intensive care patients.

Conditions

• Oral Care

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)	Oral care performed using chlorhexidine gluconate solution as part of routine oral hygiene in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients.
DRUG	Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3)	Oral care performed using sodium bicarbonate solution to reduce oral microbial colonization in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients.
OTHER	Apple Cider Vinegar	Oral care performed using diluted apple cider vinegar solution as an alternative oral hygiene intervention in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-01-01
• Primary completion: 2022-01-01
• Completion: 2022-01-01
• First posted: 2026-01-26
• Last updated: 2026-01-26

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)