title: Cephalothin Prophylaxis and valve replacement.
abstract: In a study of antibiotic prophylaxis in adults undergoing heart valve replacement, we found that a 2 gm dose of cephalothin given intraoperatively produced adequate antimicrobial activity in the bloodstream throughout the period of cardiopulmonary bypass. A dosage of 1 gm every four hours postoperatively did not lead to significant accumulation of the antibiotic. With prophylaxis restricted to the intraoperative and early postoperative period, adverse drug reactions and superinfections were not a problem. Further, no cases of prosthetic valvulitis were encountered.
mesh_terms: D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D002512:Cephalothin / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D002512:Cephalothin