Overview Statement on Strategy to Reduce MRSA Burden and Bloodstream Infection from All Pathogens
What is Universal Decolonization?
Universal decolonization is the routine use of special soaps and nose ointments to reduce bacteria on the body during periods of high risk for infection, such as ICU stays. Risk is high in the ICU because of lines, devices, surgical and nonsurgical wounds, and other reductions in body defenses.
Universal Decolonization consists of:
- Daily chlorhexidine bathing which replaces soap and water bath.
- 5 days of nasal mupirocin.
Rationale for Decolonization: The REDUCE MRSA Trial
- The results of the REDUCE MRSA Trial provide strong evidence in support of universal decolonization to reduce MRSA and other pathogens in adult ICUs.
- The trial involved 43 hospitals, 74 ICUs, and over 75,000 ICU patients.
- It resulted in a 44 percent reduction in all-cause bloodstream infections (not just central line infections).
- It also resulted in a 37 percent reduction in MRSA clinical cultures.
Estimated Benefit from Universal Decolonization
| Current Annual # | After Adoption of Universal Decolonization | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual ICU bloodstream infections | AA | (AA * (1-0.44)) |
| Annual ICU MRSA clinical cultures | BB | (AA * (1-0.37)) |
Cost Effectiveness of Universal Decolonization
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Cost saved from bloodstream infections averted | (AA * (1-0.44)) * $18,000 |
| Product cost | [($CHG cost * ICU patient days) + (mupirocin cost * ICU LOSa * ICU admissions)] |
|
Intervention savings |
Difference |
a. Or 5 days, whichever is less.
