title: Aortocoronary bypass procedures and sternotomy infections: a study of antistaphylococcal prophylaxis.
abstract: In a prospective study of cephalothin prophylaxis for patients who underwent aortocoronary bypass an unacceptably high rate (44%) of Staphylococcus aureus sternotomy infections occurred in a placebo-treated group. In two other groups of patients, one group given cephalothin intraoperatively and the other given the antibiotic both intra- and postoperatively, such infections occurred with similar frequency (2.6% and 2.1% respectively). This study demonstrates the need for antistaphylococcal agents during aortocoronary bypass operation. No advantage is derived by extending this therapy beyond the operative period.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002512:Cephalothin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011897:Random Allocation; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D002512:Cephalothin