title: Prevention of wound sepsis in amputations by peri-operative antibiotic cover with an amoxycillin-clavulanic acid combination.
abstract: In a series of 44 patients with lower limb ischaemia requiring amputation for major limb sepsis, the performance of a new antibiotic combination with beta-lactamase-inhibiting properties, amoxycillin plus clavulanic acid (A-CA) (Augmentin; Beecham), was compared with that of penicillin in the prevention of wound infection. The sepsis rate of 12,9% in the group of patients receiving peri-operative A-CA was significantly lower than the 76,9% in the penicillin control group (x2 = 14,48; P less than 0,001). It is concluded that there is a need for peri-operative antibiotic cover in this situation and that A-CA appears to be highly effective. No statistical difference was found as regards development of sepsis in wounds closed primarily or left open while under A-CA cover.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000672:Amputation Stumps / Q000382:microbiology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D010406:Penicillins; D019980:Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; D000658:Amoxicillin