title: Wound infections after minor limb lacerations: risk factors and the role of antimicrobial agents.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Astros Health Center, Greece. sstamou@otenet.gr
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Stamou
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Maltezou
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Psaltopoulou
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tsaroucha
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaseta
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Skondras
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Asimacopoulos
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Kafetzis
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010406:Penicillins; D019818:Clavulanic Acid; D000658:Amoxicillin