Efficacy of Medicated Sitz Bath and Betadine Application in Axilla on the Growth of Bacteria in Leukemic Children

Children with leukemia are immunocompromised as they have low neutrophil count and are prone to infections. In presence of neutropenia the normal flora which is present on skin in layers are invaded by bacterial pathogens. Skin disinfection is one of the goals of neutropenic precautions. Axilla and groin are the potential sites of bacterial growth than other sites of body. To stop the invasion of bacterial pathogens in leukemic patient, they are given medicated Sitz bath and Betadine application in axilla.The present study is aimed at analyzing the efficacy of Medicated Sitz bath and betadine application in axilla on the growth of bacteria in groin and axilla respectively. As no standard protocol are available till date. Therefore we do not have very sound base to analyze the efficacy of these two interventions given to leukemic children. The study was conducted in the Hematology Oncology Unit, Advanced Pediatric Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh. All newly diagnosed Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia patients admitted during data collection period were taken. The sample taken for study was 30 Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia patients. Protocols were developed on Medicated Sitz bath, Betadine application in axilla and Collection and transport of culture swabs. The data was collected from newly diagnosed Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia patients consecutively for 5 days. Culture swab samples were taken from groin and axilla by rotating the swab sticks on skin of axilla and groin. Then child was given bath and clothings were changed. After that Medicated Sitz bath and Betadine application in axilla was given to the patient once a day in the morning. The culture swabs sample were collected and transported to Microbiology Department for incubation. After 24 hours of first sampling again culture swabs sample were taken from axilla and groin. The similar procedure was repeated consecutively for 5 days. Findings of the study revealed that the maximum percentage reduction of bacteria was on day 2 in both axilla and groin i.e. 12.28% and 20.43% respectively. It also reveals that minimum reduction of bacteria in axilla is on day 4 i.e. 6.39% and in groin it was on day 5 i.e. 6.82%.The maximum mean difference of bacterial growth in axilla and groin were on comparison of day 1&5.Hence this study leads to the conclusion that both these interventions are effective in reducing the growth of bacteria in leukemic children. If these interventions are practiced regularly for long time it will cause minimal bacterial growth in axilla and groin. The literature produced by this study will be beneficial for nursing profession in terms of practice, policies and protocol regarding Medicated Sitz Bath and Betadine application in axilla to be followed in the care of leukemic children.