Oral care and chest infections in adults with a neuro-disability
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Oral care and chest infections in adults with a neuro-disability
IRAS ID
201410
Contact name
Ria Prasad
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Hospital of Neuro-disability
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
We aim is to assess whether an oral care regime that involves daily toothbrushing with 1% chlorhexidine gluconate dental gel (Corsodyl) improves gum health, and whether this improvement is associated with a reduction in chest infections in adults living with a neuro-disability at the RHN. In a recent study performed at the RHN, 31 out of 61 individuals experienced at least one chest infection in an eight month period. The majority of cases were treated successfully with oral antibiotics, however four residents required hospitalization. A trend was observed that residents with more severe gum disease appeared to be at greater risk to developing chest infections compared to those with less severe gum disease. Therefore it becomes sensible to look at ways of improving oral health as a way of mitigating risk of chest infections amongst residents.
The main cause of gum disease is plaque and it is primarily removed by toothbrushing. Current care at the RHN is twice daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste performed by the nursing team. In the proposed study we intend to amend this regime for a year by using Corsodyl in the morning and fluoride toothpaste in the evening. 1% Chlorhexidine is a widely used anti-microbial agent that is available over the counter, and is capable of reducing the amount of oral plaque. All adults who are long term residents at the hospital, are tube fed and have teeth, will be invited to take part. During the year, once a month, participant’s oral health will be assessed by dental examination and plaque samples taken to assess the amount/ type of bacteria present in their mouths. At the end of the year we will compare the number of chest infections participants had in the year prior to study and in the year they underwent the oral care regime.REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0235
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion