Efficacy of a Chlorhexidine-Based Oral Prevention Protocol in Reducing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Pediatrics: A Controlled Before-After Study

Ivonne Portaccio, Orazio Genovese, Federico De Leonardis, Ilaria Vitali, Enzo Picconi, Tony Christian Morena, Federica Tosi, Audrey Marie Orr, Artiom Noto, Giorgia Spinazzola, Rita Murri, Giorgio Conti, Marco Piastra

Journal of Intensive Care Medicine

Published online on April 10, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, Ahead of Print.
BackgroundVentilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains the second most common nosocomial infection in pediatric intensive care units, yet evidence-based prevention strategies specific to children remain limited.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a ...