title: Single-versus multiple-dose antibiotics prophylaxis for cardiac surgery.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Geelong Hospital, Victoria, Australia. sarahtrout@hotmail.com
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Bucknell
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mohajeri
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Low
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D002969:Clavulanic Acids; D017334:Teicoplanin; C043215:ticarcillin-clavulanic acid; D013982:Ticarcillin; D002437:Cefazolin