Cefuroxime prophylaxis in trochanteric hip fracture operations.
In a double-blind randomized study of antibiotic prophylaxis in trochanteric fractures operated on with a nail and plate, a 24-hour intravenous administration of cefuroxime 0.75 grams thrice daily (Group B) was compared with the previous regimen of cefuroxime for 24 hours plus 6 days of oral cephalexin (Group A). In each group, 56 (Group A) and 65 (Group B) patients could be evaluated. One deep infection occurred in Group B with growth of Staphylococcus aureus, and another 4 patients had discharge and cultures of which 2 showed S. aureus. In Group A, 6 patients had signs of an infection, and in 3 patients cultures were taken but were negative. There were no differences between the groups. We concluded that the prophylaxis time need not be longer than 3 days.
Hedström
S A
SA
Lund University Department of Infectious Diseases, Sweden.
Lidgren
L
L
Sernbo
I
I
Törholm
C
C
Onnerfält
R
R
D000368:Aged; D002444:Cefuroxime / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002506:Cephalexin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011292:Premedication; D011897:Random Allocation; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
D002511:Cephalosporins; D002444:Cefuroxime; D002506:Cephalexin