Comparison of Povidone Iodine and DuraPrep, an Iodophor-in-Isopropyl Alcohol Solution, for Skin Disinfection Prior to Epidural Catheter Insertion in Parturients

Background: Although rare, infectious sequelae of epidural analgesia can occur. A recently marketed antiseptic solution (DuraPrep) which contains an iodophor in isopropyl alcohol, may provide enhanced and longer-lasting antimicrobial activity and thus be useful in the obstetric setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antisepsis achieved with DuraPrep compared with povidone iodine (PI).

Methods: Sixty women in active labor who requested epidural analgesia were randomly assigned to receive skin preparation with either PI or DuraPrep solution. A total of three cultures were obtained from each subject. The first was obtained just prior to skin disinfection, the second was obtained immediately following antisepsis, and the third was obtained just before removal of the catheter. In addition, the distal tip of the catheter was also submitted for culture.

Results: The clinical characteristics and the risk factors for infection were similar in the two groups. The proportion of subjects with positive skin cultures immediately after skin disinfection differed significantly between the PI and DuraPrep groups (30 vs. 3%, respectively, P = 0.01). The number of subjects with any positive skin cultures at the time of catheter removal was greater in the PI group as compared to the DuraPrep group (97 vs. 50%, respectively, P = 0.0001), as was the number of organisms cultured from skin (log CFU 1.93 +/- 0.40 vs. 0.90 +/- 0.23, respectively, P = 0.03). Six catheters, all from the PI group, yielded positive cultures by the roll-plate technique.     

Is skin disinfection with 10% povidone iodine sufficient to prevent epidural needle and catheter contamination?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epidural space infection is a potential complication of epidural catheter placement. In this study, we investigated the incidence of epidural needle and catheter contamination after skin surface disinfection with 10% povidone-iodine (PI). METHODS: Sixty seven patients having surgery under epidural anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective study. After preparation with 10% PI, skin swab cultures were taken from the site of catheter insertion. Epidural needles were cultured immediately after epidural catheters were placed. Catheters were removed at 48 hours and 2 to 3 cm of the distal tips were cultured as well. RESULTS: Fifty-six skin swabs, 52 epidural needles, and 48 catheters were cultured. Although only 3.5% (2) colonization was observed on skin surface cultures, 34.6% (18) of the epidural needles and 45.8% (22) of the catheters were colonized. No systemic or local infection was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that despite skin surface disinfection with PI, there is still significant risk for contamination of needles and catheters during epidural catheterization.     

Comparison of povidone iodine and DuraPrep,an iodophor-in-isopropyl alcohol solution,for skin disinfection prior to epidural catheter insertion in parturients

BACKGROUND: Although rare, infectious sequelae of epidural analgesia can occur. A recently marketed antiseptic solution (DuraPrep) which contains an iodophor in isopropyl alcohol, may provide enhanced and longer-lasting antimicrobial activity and thus be useful in the obstetric setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antisepsis achieved with DuraPrep compared with povidone iodine (PI). METHODS: Sixty women in active labor who requested epidural analgesia were randomly assigned to receive skin preparation with either PI or DuraPrep solution. A total of three cultures were obtained from each subject. The first was obtained just prior to skin disinfection, the second was obtained immediately following antisepsis, and the third was obtained just before removal of the catheter. In addition, the distal tip of the catheter was also submitted for culture. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics and the risk factors for infection were similar in the two groups. The proportion of subjects with positive skin cultures immediately after skin disinfection differed significantly between the PI and DuraPrep groups (30 3%, respectively, P = 0.01). The number of subjects with any positive skin cultures at the time of catheter removal was greater in the PI group as compared to the DuraPrep group (97 50%, respectively, P = 0.0001), as was the number of organisms cultured from skin (log CFU 1.93 +/- 0.40 0.90 +/- 0.23, respectively, P = 0.03). Six catheters, all from the PI group, yielded positive cultures by the roll-plate technique. CONCLUSION: As compared to PI, DuraPrep solution was found to provide a greater decrease in the number of positive skin cultures immediately after disinfection, as well as in bacterial regrowth and colonization of the epidural catheters.     

Chlorhexidine versus Povidone Iodine in Preventing Colonization of Continuous Epidural Catheters in Children: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Background: Chlorhexidine is better than povidone iodine for skin preparation before intravascular device insertion or blood culture collection, but it is not known whether chlorhexidine is superior in reducing colonization of continuous epidural catheters.

Methods: Children requiring an epidural catheter for postoperative analgesia longer than 24 h were randomly assigned to receive skin preparation with an alcoholic solution of 0.5% chlorhexidine or an aqueous solution of 10% povidone iodine before catheter insertion. Using surgical aseptic techniques, catheters were inserted into either the lumbar or the thoracic epidural space based on the preferences of the anesthesia team, on clinical indication, or both. Immediately before epidural catheter removal, their insertion site and hub were qualitatively cultures. After their removal, the catheter tips were quantitatively cultured. Catheters were classified as colonized when their tips yielded 1,000 or more colony-forming units/ml in cultures.

Results: Of 100 randomly assigned patients, 96 were evaluable. The clinical characteristics of the patients and the risk factors for infection were similar in the two groups. Catheters were kept in place for a median (range) duration of 50 (range, 21-100) h. Catheters inserted after skin preparation with chlorhexidine were one sixth as likely and less quickly to be colonized as catheters inserted after skin preparation with povidone iodine (1 of 52 catheters [0.9 per 100 catheter days]vs. 5 of 44 catheters [5.6 per 100 catheter days]; relative risk, 0.2 [95% confidence interval, 0.1-1.0];P = 0.02). Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the only colonizing microorganisms recovered, and the skin surrounding the catheter insertion site was the origin of all the colonizing microorganisms.     

Povidone iodine: features of critical systemic absorption

Povidone iodine (PI), a skin antiseptic, is sometimes used internally but this procedure exposes to potentially lethal iodine absorption. Indeed, a 41-year-old woman, with no relevant medical history, developed a transient hypotension, anuric renal failure, hemolysis, coagulopathy and uterine infarction after intra-uterine injection of PI as a dye to check the fallopian tube patency (hydrotubation). Iodemia peaked at 6929 μg/dL (normal range 3.4-8.0 μg/dL), and decreased over the 9 days of renal replacement therapy. Extreme caution should be exercised when PI is in contact with a mucosa, the early recognition of iodine toxicity being of utmost importance to rapidly prompt renal replacement therapy. The main purpose of this report is to highlight the clinical features of PI absorption, whatever the route of administration.     

Skin disinfectants for nerve blocks and their long-lasting antimicrobial effects

Although epidural catheterization has many advantages in anesthesia and in the treatment of acute pain, spinal epidural abscess is a serious complication after the procedure. Since it is presumed that the epidural space is contaminated by bacteria on the skin via the space around the catheter, it seems important to clarify bacterial re-growth after application of skin disinfectant. Therefore, bacterial growths on human back 1, 2 days, and 1 week after application of disinfectants were studied in summer and winter to elucidate whether there are differences between the two seasons. Four disinfectants, 0.5% chlorhexidine in 80% ethyl alcohol (CA), 0.2% benzalkonium in 80% ethyl alcohol (BA), 10% povidone iodine (PI), and 80% ethyl alcohol (EA) were applied on the back of 76 adult healthy volunteers, and the specimens were taken by agar-contact method. The frequencies of positive cultures for bacteria were higher in summer than in winter. The frequencies of positive culture in summer after the applications of CA, BA, PI, and EA were as follows, respectively: 50%, 20%, 5%, and 40% after 1 day; 47%, 50%, 60%, and 50% after 2 days; and 82%, 82%, 70%, and 64% after 1 week. In winter, these frequencies after the application of CA, BA, PI, and EA were as follows, respectively: 0%, 0%, 18%, and 18% after 1 day; 5%, 26%, 32%, and 58% after 2 days; and 21%, 21%, 32%, and 42% after 1 week. We conclude that when an epidural catheter is in situ, more frequent skin disinfection has to be carried out, preferably by CA, in summer than in winter, since the presence of sweat on the back seems to hasten the re-growth of bacteria.     

Efficacy of spray disinfection with a 2-propanol and benzalkonium chloride containing solution before epidural catheter insertion--a prospective, randomized, clinical trial

Background. Skin disinfection before neuroaxial blockade proceduresis usually obtained with sterile swabs impregnated in disinfectant.Spray disinfection is also an option which is frequently usedin minor invasive procedures. The purpose of our study was tocompare the efficacy of conventional swab disinfection withspray disinfection prior to epidural catheterization. Methods. Seventy patients who requested epidural analgesia wererandomly selected. The first group (n=35) received disinfectionwith swabs (SW) containing 2-propanol and benzalkonium chloride.The other 35 patients received spray (SP) disinfection withthe same solution. Three microbiological cultures were obtained:one culture prior to skin disinfection, a second immediatelyafter disinfection and a third from the tip of the epiduralcatheter upon removal. Results. One patient in the SW group had a positive skin cultureimmediately after the disinfection with a very low number ofcolony forming units. The other skin culture specimens wereall sterile in both groups. The colonization rate of catheterswas not statistically different between the groups at removal. Conclusion. In this study, spray disinfection was equally efficaciouscompared with the conventional skin disinfectant technique.Our results support the routine use of this simple and cheapalternative method of skin disinfection before epidural anaesthesia.     

手术皮肤消毒剂灭菌效果临床观察

目的 了解手术室常用皮肤、黏膜消毒剂的消毒、灭菌效果,寻找高效、安全的消毒剂.方法 将160例择期手术患者分为8组各20例,分别采用3%碘酊75%乙醇、1.5%碘酊75%乙醇、1%活力碘、0.5%活力碘、0.1%活力碘、75%乙醇、0.5%氯己定和0.1%氯己定消毒手术部位,观察消毒效果.结果 8种(组)消毒剂的杀菌率分别为100.0%、100.0%、100.0%、89.9%、83.2%、83.9%、89.7%和82.8%;合格率分别为100.0%、100.0%、100.0%、90.0%、90.0%、80.0%、90.0%和75.0%.结论 3%碘酊75%乙醇、1.5%碘酊75%乙醇、1%活力碘消毒效果好,但前2种(组)对皮肤、黏膜刺激性较大,待干时间长,适用于无菌要求高的择期手术;1%活力碘分别对皮肤、黏膜刺激性小,安全性可靠,省时方便,为较理想的消毒剂.     

Bacterial Colonization of Epidural Catheters Used for Short-term Postoperative Analgesia: Microbiological Examination and Risk Factor Analysis

Background: The authors conducted this prospective study to determine the incidence, potential routes, and risk factors of microbial colonization of epidural catheter used for postoperative pain control.

Methods: Two-hundred five patients with epidural analgesia for postoperative pain were studied. On removal of the catheter, five samples were sent for culture: the infusate, a swab from inside the hub of the epidural catheter connector, a swab from the skin around the catheter insertion site, the subcutaneous segment, and the tip of the catheter. Clinical data related to the catheter insertion, management, and general patient conditions were collected.

Results: The positive culture rates for the subcutaneous and tip segments of the catheter were 10.5% and 12.2%, respectively. The most common organism in the culture was coagulase-negative staphylococcus. There was a strong linear relationship between bacterial colonization in the skin around the catheter insertion site and growth from the subcutaneous and tip segments of catheter (P = 0.000). Catheter-related events at ward, blood transfusion, and positive culture from the skin at the insertion site were risk factors for bacterial colonization of epidural catheters. Inflammation at catheter insertion site, catheter indwelling time, and level of catheter insertion were not predicators for epidural catheter colonization.     

Evaluation of preoperative hospitalization duration in skin flora

The skin microbial flora of 18 patients was evaluated during prolonged preoperative hospital stay. Five cultures for bacteria and fungi were obtained on different days: on admission one, three and seven days after admission and after skin disinfection with povidone-iodine solution. There was no change in the mean bacterial count from the admission day to seven days after admission. All but one culture obtained following skin disinfection were negative. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated in only one of each of the following culture day: admission, three and seven days after admission. All cultures were negative for yeasts. The findings suggest that the higher rate of wound sepsis observed in patients with long preoperative hospitalization may not be due to bacterial flora change.     

Chlorhexidine versus povidone iodine in preventing colonization of continuous epidural catheters in children: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine is better than povidone iodine for skin preparation before intravascular device insertion or blood culture collection, but it is not known whether chlorhexidine is superior in reducing colonization of continuous epidural catheters. METHODS: Children requiring an epidural catheter for postoperative analgesia longer than 24 h were randomly assigned to receive skin preparation with an alcoholic solution of 0.5% chlorhexidine or an aqueous solution of 10% povidone iodine before catheter insertion. Using surgical aseptic techniques, catheters were inserted into either the lumbar or the thoracic epidural space based on the preferences of the anesthesia team, on clinical indication, or both. Immediately before epidural catheter removal, their insertion site and hub were qualitatively cultures. After their removal, the catheter tips were quantitatively cultured. Catheters were classified as colonized when their tips yielded 1,000 or more colony-forming units/ml in cultures. RESULTS: Of 100 randomly assigned patients, 96 were evaluable. The clinical characteristics of the patients and the risk factors for infection were similar in the two groups. Catheters were kept in place for a median (range) duration of 50 (range, 21-100) h. Catheters inserted after skin preparation with chlorhexidine were one sixth as likely and less quickly to be colonized as catheters inserted after skin preparation with povidone iodine (1 of 52 catheters [0.9 per 100 catheter days] vs. 5 of 44 catheters [5.6 per 100 catheter days]; relative risk, 0.2 [95% confidence interval, 0.1-1.0]; P = 0.02). Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the only colonizing microorganisms recovered, and the skin surrounding the catheter insertion site was the origin of all the colonizing microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with aqueous povidone iodine, the use of alcoholic chlorhexidine for cutaneous antisepsis before epidural catheter insertion reduces the risk of catheter colonization in children.     

Disinfection of gutta-percha cones with chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine (CHX) or sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in disinfecting gutta-percha cones, to verify contamination of gutta-percha cones in their boxes, and to identify microorganisms after intentional contamination by handling cones. STUDY DESIGN: Gutta-percha cones contaminated in vitro with several microorganisms were left in contact with tested disinfecting solutions for different times, sterility of storage boxes was evaluated by immersing cones in broth medium, and the microorganisms most frequently found in handling cones were identified using biochemical tests. RESULTS: CHX was not effective in eliminating Bacillus subtilis spores on gutta-percha cones after 72 h of contact with the disinfecting substance. 5.25% NaOCl eliminated spores from gutta-percha after 1 min of disinfection. The cones evaluated from their boxes did not show contamination in 94.5% of the cases. The microbial genus most frequently found after intentional contamination with gloves was Staphylococcus. CONCLUSION: 5.25% NaOCl is an effective agent for a rapid disinfection of gutta-percha cones.     

The use of povidone iodine in neonatal bowel surgery

The ostomy sites of four premature infants undergoing bowel reanastomosis were lavaged with a 10% solution of povidone iodine to reduce local bacterial contamination and the risk of anastomosis dehiscence. There was a significant decrease in serum thyroxin from 112 (+/- 11) mumol/L to 90 (+/- 33) mumol/L 24 hours following surgery (P less than .05), but no change in serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The total serum iodine rose from 1.5 (+/- 0.05) mumol/L before surgery to 61.6 (+/- 46.4) mumol/L 24 hours later and urinary iodine excretion was 60 times the preoperative value in the second 24 hours following surgery. Both the hormonal and biochemical indices returned to normal 2 weeks following surgery except for total serum iodine, which remained slightly elevated. Povidone iodine is a safe and effective antiseptic agent. However, as it may cause transient suppression of thyroid function in neonates, thyroid status should be tested in all such infants at approximately 2 weeks following repeated or widespread use.     

Human Skin Flora as a Potential Source of Epidural Abscess

Background: The mechanism of epidural infection associated with epidural block is not clearly understood. Resident organisms in skin specimens were studied after skin was prepared with disinfectants.

Methods: Sixty-nine paired skin specimens were excised at incisional sites after skin disinfection with 10% povidone-iodine (10% PVP-I) or 0.5% chlorhexidine in 80% ethanol (0.5% CHE) from 60 patients having back surgery. One of the specimen pairs was placed in 10 ml brain-heart infusion broth and incubated in air at 37 degrees Celsius for 96 h. The other specimen was sectioned at 3 micro meter and prepared with Gram's stain for examination with the microscope.

Results: Thirteen gram-positive staphylococcal species (Staphylococcus epidermidis, 69.2%; S. hyicus, 15.4%; and S. capitis, 15.4%) were isolated from cultures. The isolates were found in a significantly greater proportion of the skin specimens disinfected with 10% PVP-I than in those disinfected with 0.5% CHE (11 of 34 cultures [32.4%] vs. 2 of 35 cultures [5.7%]; P < 0.01). Many gram-positive cocci were observed with the microscope in 4 (11.8%) and 5 (14.3%) of 34 and 35 skin specimens disinfected with 10% PVP-I and 0.5% CHE, respectively. The cocci formed a dense colony in each follicle and in the stratum corneum. No organism was present in any of 17,584 sweat glands examined.     

Bacteriology and disinfection of porcine skin

The microbial flora and counting were studied in split porcine skin. The results indicated that the routine method for the preparation of porcine heterograft could not reduce the indigenous flora in the dermal appendages efficiently. The indigenous flora of porcine skin consists of not only Gram positive cocci and Gram negative rods, fungus are the another predominant ones, the later may contribute to the frequent complication of fungal infection and the early rejection of porcine heterograft. A tincture of iodine compound was prepared and used for the purpose of disinfection, a better result was obtained.     

A Prospective Randomized Study to Compare the Effectiveness of Honey Dressing vs. Povidone Iodine Dressing in Chronic Wound Healing

To compare the healing of chronic wounds with honey dressing vs. Povidone iodine dressing in adult subjects with chronic wounds of ≥6 weeks of duration, attending wound care clinic in Surgical Out Patient Department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Surgical Out Patient Department of Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma center, New Delhi. Forty five subjects were randomized into two groups i.e., Honey & Povidone iodine dressing group. Dressing was done on alternate day basis for 6 weeks of followup period. Main outcome measure was complete healing at 6 weeks. Wound healing status was assessed at 2 weekly intervals till 6 weeks. Seven out of 22 subjects in honey treated group achieved complete healing as compared to none out of 20 subjects in Povidone iodine treated group. There was a significant decrease in the wound surface area, pain score & increase in comfort score in Honey dressing group in comparison to the Povidone Iodine group at 0.05 level of significance. Honey dressing is highly effective in achieving healing in chronic wounds as compared to Povidone iodine dressing.     

Topical application of povidone‐iodine before wound closure is associated with significant increase in serum iodine level

Aim: To determine serum iodine level before and after local application of povidone‐iodine before wound closure in cardiac surgery patients. Povidone‐iodine is a popular antiseptic solution that has been widely used in perioperative wound management of surgical patients. Despite its widespread usage, little is known concerning the absorption profile and potential systemic toxicity. Methods: We carried out a prospective study on the serum iodine level and corresponding renal function in consecutive patients operated on at our cardiac surgical unit. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in serum iodine level and patients with impaired renal function defined by creatinine level showed significantly higher postoperative iodine levels. Conclusion: Systemic iodine absorption is evidence that, even with single wound irrigation, repeated usage should be avoided in patients with renal impairment.     

Influence of various treatments including povidone‐iodine and healing stimulatory reagents in a rabbit ear wound model

Selecting an appropriate treatment for a given case of skin wound is crucial for inducing optimal healing. We used an animal model developed from normal rabbit ears in order to assess the efficacy of treatments for skin wounds with or without a wet dressing, anti microbial reagent or topical wound‐stimulatory reagents. The degree of healing in each group was evaluated and compared using four histological parameters: (i) degree of reepithelialisation, (ii) amount of granulation tissue formation, and (iii) the number of capillary lumens and (iv) fibroblasts in the granulation tissue. Treatment using wet dressings resulted in an increase in capillary number compared with the open dry wound. Although the retention of povidone‐iodine (PI) in wound tissue after application significantly inhibited reepithelialisation (P < 0·05), rinsing PI off with saline was comparable in effect to using only a wet dressing. The three topical reagents, namely, basic fibroblast growth factor, prostaglandin E1 and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate, significantly improved reepithelialisation (P < 0·05). In conclusion, wounds should be kept hydrated by applying topical reagents. If there are any signs of bacterial infection, PI can be applied and rinsed later with saline in order to minimise its cytotoxic effects.     

Pulse oximeter perfusion index as an early indicator of sympathectomy after epidural anesthesia

Background: The pulse oximeter perfusion index (PI) has been used to indicate sympathectomy-induced vasodilatation. We hypothesized that pulse oximeter PI provides an earlier and clearer indication of sympathectomy following epidural anesthesia than skin temperature and arterial pressure.
Methods: Forty patients received lumbar epidural catheters. Patients were randomized to receive either 10 ml 0.5% bupivacaine or 10 ml 0.25% bupivacaine. PI in the toe, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and toe temperature were all assessed at baseline and at 5, 10 and 20 min following epidural anesthesia. The effect of epidural anesthesia over time was assessed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Additionally, we defined clinically evident sympathectomy criteria (a 100% increase in the PI, a 15% decrease in MAP and a 1 °C increase in toe temperature). The numbers of patients demonstrating these changes for each test were compared using the McNemar test for each time point.
Results: Twenty-nine subjects had photoplethysmography signals that met a priori signal quality criteria for analysis. By 20 min, PI increased by 326%, compared with a 10% decrease and a 3% increase in MAP and toe temperature, respectively. For PI 15/29, 26/29 and 29/29 of the subjects met the sympathectomy criteria at 5, 10 and 20 min, respectively, compared with 4/29, 6/29 and 18/29 for MAP changes and 3/29, 8/29 and 14/29 for toe temperature changes.
Conclusions: PI was an earlier, clearer and more sensitive indicator of the development of epidural-induced sympathectomy than either skin temperature or MAP.     

Critical review of the literature concerning the comparative use of two antiseptic solutions before intravascular or epidural catheterization

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the most pertinent data from the literature concerning the use of an antiseptic solution before the elaboration of invasive procedures such as blood cultures, insertion of peripheral or central intravenous catheters, and arterial or epidural catheters, and to identify, if any, the "ideal" antiseptic or, at least, the most efficient. DATA SOURCES: Review of the literature. Data collected from the Medline database concerning experimental, clinical and basic research studies published between 1966 and 2003 and a manual research of references of relevant papers. RESULTS: After a brief historic and pharmacological reminder, the results of experimental and clinical studies are presented. Concerning the clinical studies, they concerned almost exclusively iodine products and chlorhexidine. These comparative studies are classified according to the punction site and the antiseptic solution used. CONCLUSION: Even if the in vitro studies favor iodine products, chlorhexidine in alcoholic solution seems more efficient than povidone iodine in aqueous solution in the clinical setting. Several explanations are suggested to understand the in vitro/in vivo discordances. The place of povidone iodine in alcoholic solution, whose performances on the healthy skin are similar to those of alcoholic chlorhexidine, is being in evaluation.