PubMed · 1997 · 47 citations · 0 references
MedicinePharmacotherapySurgeryCardiothoracic SurgeryInfection PreventionPerioperative Infection PreventionAntibiotic ProphylaxisAntimicrobial ProphylaxisCatheter-associated Infection PreventionPostoperative Infection PreventionSurgical Infection ManagementSurgical ProphylaxisAntibiotic Prophylaxis AdministrationAntibiotic Prophylaxis In SurgeryCephalosporin TherapyInfection Rate MeasurementPerioperative Prophylactic AntibioticsProphylactic EfficacySingle ShotSternal Wound Infection Prevention
BACKGROUND: A prospective, randomised study was conducted among 1009 cardiac surgery patients in order to compare the prophylactic efficacy of a second generation cephalosporin (cefuroxime) given as single shot, versus a broad spectrum double regimen (amoxycillin-netilmicin). METHODS: Cefuroxime received 501 patients (Group A), while a 4-day combination of amoxycillin-netilimicin 508 patients (Group B). RESULTS: There were found no statistically significant differences either in infection rate or the kind of infection between the two groups. Single shot cefuroxime prophylaxis was just as effective, as a 4-day combination of amoxycillin and netilmicin. Total infection rate was 5.6% (n=28) in Group A and 5.7% (n=29) in Group B. Respiratory tract infection was the most frequently registered in both groups; 2.6% in Group A and 2.9% in Group B. Sternal wound and catheter-related infection rates were 0.6% and 1% in both groups, respectively. There were no side effects due to the given antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: A single shot of cefuroxime prophylaxis is equally effective and safe as a 4-day regimen with amoxycillin and netilmicin.