Single-versus multiple-dose antibiotics prophylaxis for cardiac surgery.
BACKGROUND
This study was carried out to determine if single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis is sufficient for cardiac surgery.


METHODS
The study was a prospective non-randomized trial of 353 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Group A (n = 151) received 48 h of prophylaxis and Group B (n = 202) received a single dose. Cephazolin was used in all patients except those at high risk from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) who received teicoplanin and timentin.


RESULTS
There was an overall in-hospital infection rate of 2.8%. There was no significant difference in rate or type of infection between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
An in-hospital infection rate of 2.8% compares favourably with other reported series. Single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis is as effective as a 48-h regimen. Targeting high-risk groups is effective.
Bucknell
S J
SJ
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Geelong Hospital, Victoria, Australia. sarahtrout@hotmail.com
Mohajeri
M
M
Low
J
J
McDonald
M
M
Hill
D G
DG
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D002437:Cefazolin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002969:Clavulanic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017334:Teicoplanin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures; D013982:Ticarcillin / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D002969:Clavulanic Acids; D017334:Teicoplanin; C043215:ticarcillin-clavulanic acid; D013982:Ticarcillin; D002437:Cefazolin