Abstract
Background: Although the high cost and inappropriate use of antibiotics have been documented before, we are not aware of any data on nonsurgical site infectious morbidity associated with prolonged courses of prophylactic antibiotics (PA). Study Design: Data regarding antibiotic orders were collected using a custom designed microbiology database in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit of a teaching hospital from October 1, 1995 through April 30, 1997. The database was retrospectively reviewed. The cost of PA in excess of 1 day was calculated. Frequency of bacteremia and line infections were compared in patients receiving 1 day or less of PA versus more than 4 days of PA. Results: Sixty-one percent of PA orders were continued for more than 1 day. Cost of PA beyond 1 day totaled $44,893. Bacteremia and line infection were more frequent in the patients receiving more than 4 days of PA. Conclusions: There was poor compliance with the protocol of stopping PA at 24 hours. The cost of noncompliance was $44,893. There were more bacteremias and line infections in patients with duration of PA of more than 4 days.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
