title: Prophylactic parenteral cephalosporins in surgery. Are the newer agents better?
abstract: Parenteral prophylactic cephalosporins used in surgery were compared in 17 published studies. Examination of these studies reveals little justification for preference of one cephalosporin over another. For gastrointestinal, obstetrical-gynecologic, or cardiac operations, newer cephalosporins did not result in substantial decreases in adverse postoperative clinical events (eg, wound infections, intra-abdominal and pelvic infections, and endocarditis) when compared with older cephalosporins. There is no evidence that second- or third-generation cephalosporins result in postoperative infection rates lower than with first-generation cephalosporins.
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002585:Cesarean Section; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal; D017053:Infection Control; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011292:Premedication; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D002511:Cephalosporins