Ochoa-Ardila ME, García-Cañas A, Gómez-Mediavilla K, González-Torralba A, Alía I, García-Hierro P, Taylor N, van Saene HK, de la Cal MA.; Intensive Care Med. 2011 Sep;37(9):1458-65. Epub 2011 Jul 19.
Purpose: Despite the evidence, the use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) remains controversial, largely because of concerns that it may promote the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term incidence of carriage of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), its clinical impact on developing infections and to explore risk factors of acquiring resistance.

Methods: This study was conducted in one 18-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU). All consecutive patients admitted to the ICU who were expected to require tracheal intubation for longer than 48 h were given a 4-day course of intravenous cefotaxime, and enteral polymyxin E, tobramycin, amphotericin B in an oropharyngeal paste and digestive solution. Oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were obtained on admission and once a week. Diagnostic samples were obtained on clinical indication.

Results: During 5 years 1,588 patients were included in the study. The incidence density of ARB was stable: 18.91 carriers per 1,000 patient-days. The incidence of resistant Enterobacteriaceae was stable; the resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to tobramycin, amikacin and ciprofloxacin was strongly reduced; there was an increase of P. aeruginosa resistant to ceftazidime and imipenem, associated with the increase in imipenem consumption; the incidence of other nonfermenter bacilli and oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was close to zero. Ninety-seven patients developed 101 infections caused by ARB: 23 pneumonias, 20 bloodstream infections and 58 urinary tract infections. Abdominal surgery was the only risk factor associated with ARB acquisition [risk ratio 1.56 (1.10–2.19)].

Conclusions: Long-term use of SDD is not associated with an increase in acquisition of resistant flora.

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