title: Prophylactic antibiotics in traumatic wounds.
abstract: There is well-documented evidence justifying, perhaps demanding, the obligatory use of early, anticipatory treatment in open fractures and in penetrating abdominal wounds, and equally convincing evidence that they are not indicated in fractures of the base of the skull with CSF leaks, in thermal injuries, or in simple lacerations. As far as penetrating chest wounds, and bites are concerned, the evidence is perhaps as yet inconclusive, but antibiotics are probably not indicated in these situations.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000188:drug therapy; D002056:Burns / Q000188:drug therapy; D004285:Dogs; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000188:drug therapy; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents