A relação entre a Saúde bucal e as infecções respiratórias em pacientes de UTI

Abstract

Oral hygiene in patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is an essential measure for preventing respiratory infections, particularly Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP). Mechanically ventilated patients present limited self-care capacity, biofilm accumulation, reduced salivary flow, and increased colonization by pathogenic microorganisms, making the oral cavity a significant microbial reservoir. This study, conducted through an integrative review based on the framework of Whittemore and Knafl, analyzed scientific evidence published between 1998 and 2021 regarding the relationship between oral health in critically ill patients and the occurrence of VAP. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing various methodological designs and levels of evidence. The findings indicate that adequate oral hygiene, especially with 0.12% chlorhexidine, significantly reduces bacterial colonization and VAP incidence. The literature also highlights the central role of nursing professionals in properly performing oral care practices. It is concluded that systematic oral hygiene is an effective, low-cost, and essential intervention to ensure patient safety in ICUs, although there remains a need for more recent and robust experimental studies on the subject.