Wound infections after minor limb lacerations: risk factors and the role of antimicrobial agents.
BACKGROUND
The requirement for antimicrobial agents in patients with minor limb lacerations was prospectively studied.


METHODS
The development of wound infections in patients with minor limb lacerations who received amoxicillin plus clavulanate acid treatment (group A, 52 patients) was studied and compared with patients who did not (group B, 48 patients).


RESULTS
Wound infection occurred in 6 (11.5%) and 10 (21%) patients in groups A and B, respectively (p>0.10). Statistically significant risk factors for the development of infection were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 15.8; p<0.001), lower limb lacerations (OR, 33.5; p<0.001), lacerations caused by compressive forces (OR, 21.6; p = 0.007), laceration length from 5 to 8 cm (OR, 7.04; p = 0.001), ragged laceration edge (OR, 2.55; p = 0.049), and skin tension (OR, 2.00; p = 0.006).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of antimicrobial agents in minor limb injuries was not associated with a significant reduction of infection rate. Routine antimicrobial treatment is discouraged.
Stamou
S C
SC
Astros Health Center, Greece. sstamou@otenet.gr
Maltezou
H C
HC
Psaltopoulou
T
T
Tsaroucha
A
A
Kaseta
M
M
Skondras
C
C
Asimacopoulos
P J
PJ
Kafetzis
D A
DA
D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019818:Clavulanic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010406:Penicillins; D019818:Clavulanic Acid; D000658:Amoxicillin