SAN DIEGO, Aug. 25, 2009 – Data published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery demonstrates that use of the preoperative skin preparation ChloraPrep® from CareFusion is significantly more effective than both DuraPrep and povidone-iodine at eliminating overall bacteria from the shoulder region. After antisepsis with ChloraPrep (2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate and 70 percent isopropyl alcohol), only seven percent of skin cultures tested positive for bacteria compared to 19 percent (p<0.01) for DuraPrep (0.7 percent iodophor and 74 percent isopropyl alcohol) and 31 percent (p<0.0001) for povidone-iodine (0.75 percent iodine scrub and 1 percent paint).[i]
“While the presence of bacteria on the skin doesn’t automatically lead to an infection, significantly reducing bacteria on a patient’s skin is a key component of reducing the overall risk of infection,” said Dr. Matthew D. Saltzman, principal study investigator and assistant professor at Northwestern University. “In terms of bacterial reduction, these study results suggest that ChloraPrep may better protect patients than DuraPrep or iodine.”
Bacteria on the skin is the number one cause of surgical site infections, which affect approximately 300,000 to 500,000 Americans each year.[ii],[iii] These infections occur when bacteria and other microorganisms, naturally found on the patient’s skin or on the hands of a health care worker, enter the body through an incision site. Infection following surgery can be a devastating problem, leading to re-hospitalization or need for additional surgery or treatment. It is estimated that surgical site infections result in annual cost to hospitals of approximately $7.4 billion.3
“Surgical site infections pose a major health threat to patients, and are costly for the health care system,” said Cindi Crosby, vice president of global medical affairs, infection prevention, with CareFusion. “This study adds to the growing clinical body of evidence that supports use of ChloraPrep for skin prepping prior to surgery.”
About the Study
This randomized, prospective study evaluated 150 patients undergoing shoulder surgery after being prepared with ChloraPrep, iodine or DuraPrep. The goal of the study was to examine the native bacteria presence around the shoulder and determine the efficacy of three different surgical skin preparation products on the eradication of bacteria from the shoulder. Funding of this study was provided as an unrestricted educational grant by CareFusion, manufacturer of ChloraPrep. This funding was used exclusively for microbiology expenses, and the company was not involved with the organization or analysis of the data.
About ChloraPrep®
ChloraPrep is a proven patient preoperative skin preparation that reduces microorganisms on the patients’ skin prior to medical and surgical procedures. This proven antiseptic system reduces the risk of dangerous bloodstream and surgical site infections. It provides rapid action against a broad range of microorganisms, including MRSA, and keeps fighting bacterial growth for at least 48 hours after application.[iv],[v] The ChloraPrep applicator was designed to minimize direct hand-to-patient contact, helping reduce the risk of cross-contamination of microorganisms. This is important because the transmission of some bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), happens almost exclusively via the hands, especially the hands of health care workers.[vi] The efficacy and safety of ChloraPrep are supported by more than 35 clinical studies and recommendations by 17 internationally recognized organizations or guidelines, including 10 that specifically recommend 2% chlorhexidine gluconate – a key ingredient in ChloraPrep.
About CareFusion
CareFusion Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH), is expected to become a public company from the planned spinoff of Cardinal Health’s clinical and medical products businesses. The global company serves the health care industry with products and services that help hospitals measurably improve the safety and quality of health care. CareFusion developed market-leading technologies including Alaris® IV pumps, Pyxis® automated dispensing and patient identification systems, AVEA and Pulmonetic Systems ventilation and respiratory products, ChloraPrep® and MedMined™ services for infection prevention, neurological monitoring and diagnostic products, V. Mueller® surgical instruments, and an extensive line of products that support interventional medicine.
CareFusion employs more than 15,000 people across its global operations. The company has applied to have its shares of common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CFN.” More information may be found at www.carefusion.com.
Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements addressing the planned spinoff of Cardinal Health’s clinical and medical products businesses as a separate company named CareFusion Corporation, which is dependent upon future events or developments. These matters are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events (including the planned spinoff) and results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied. These risks and uncertainties include uncertainties regarding the planned spinoff of CareFusion, including the timing and terms of any such spinoff and whether such spinoff will be completed as it is subject to a number of conditions. In addition, Cardinal Health and CareFusion are subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in CareFusion’s Form 10, as amended, and Cardinal Health’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports (including all amendments to those reports) and exhibits to those reports. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Cardinal Health and CareFusion undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.
