http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/2258100268

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) for suturing in the emergency room and perineal washing during vaginal deliveries a review of safety, evidence-based guidelines and recommendations

Open injuries have a potential for serious bacterial wound infections and may lead to long term disabilities, chronic wound or bone infection, and death. Therefore, it is important to manage injuries appropriately to reduce the likelihood of wound infections. In addition to affecting open wounds, infection is a serious contributor to maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in developing and developed countries, with over 3 million neonatal deaths and 350,000 maternal deaths occurring annually worldwide. Maternal vaginal bacteria is a potential agent for neonatal infection and vaginal disinfection may be an important step to reducing infection rates. Chlorhexidine belongs to a class of compounds known as bis-biguanides that can bind tightly to bacterial cell walls and disrupt osmotic equilibrium, resulting in eventual cell death. In addition to its antibacterial properties, chlorhexidine has low allergic and toxic potential and possesses an excellent resistance profile. Consequently, chlorhexidine is widely used in hospital settings as a topical skin antiseptic to reduce infection. Chlorhexidine is used in the forms of acetate, gluconate, or hydrochloride, primarily in an aqueous or saline solution for vaginal disinfection, either alone or in combination with other antiseptics. The purpose of this review is to examine the safety and guidelines regarding the use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) for suturing open wounds in the emergency room and for perineal washing during vaginal deliveries.

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