Prophylactic Systemic Antibiotics Research Articles

Intraoperative intra-articular injection of gentamicin: will it decrease the risk of infection in total shoulder arthroplasty?

Deep infection is a debilitating complication after shoulder arthroplasty. Intra-articular injection of antibiotic can give a higher concentration compared with intravenous administration. We hypothesized that a group of patients given an intra-articular, intraoperative injection of gentamicin would report a lower infection rate than a group without local antibiotics. Between 2005 and 2011, the senior author performed 507 shoulder arthroplasties. We retrospectively reviewed all of those cases. All patients were administered systemic prophylactic antibiotics. Beginning in June 2007, patients were also injected with 160 mg of gentamicin in the glenohumeral joint at the end of their surgery. Patient records were examined for preexisting medical conditions, type of surgery, and presence of infection. Patients receiving surgery before 2007 were compared with those after to determine the effect of prophylactic gentamicin administration in preventing deep infection associated with surgery. All patients were observed for a minimum of 1 year. Of the 507 surgeries, 164 were performed before 2007 (without intra-articular injection ofgentamicin; group A) and 343 were performed with addition of gentamicin (group B). In groupA, 5 patients presented with infection (3.0%) compared with 1 in group B (0.29%). The gender,mean age, mean body mass index, and prevalence of comorbidities were similar between the groups. The data from this study support the conclusion that intra-articular intraoperative gentamicin administration may reduce postoperative infection.

Emphysema following vitrectomy with fluid–gas exchange: description of a rare complication

PurposeTo report a case of subcutaneous emphysema involving the orbit, mediastinum, and face after pars plana vitrectomy with fluid–gas exchange.MethodsCase report of a 55-year-old man who presented with bilateral eyelid and face edema and dysphagia in the immediate postoperative period after pars plana vitrectomy. Orbital and chest computed tomographies were performed, revealing emphysema of the orbit and soft tissue of the face, extending from the neck to the upper chest.ResultsThe patient with a retinal detachment in the right eye underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy surgery with fluid–gas exchange and an implantation of silicone oil. The patient had a previous history of facial trauma for more than 20 years with an orbital fracture. After surgery, the patient developed emphysema of the orbit, soft tissue of the face and upper chest. Systemic prophylactic antibiotics associated with antibiotics and steroid drops performed a satisfactory evolution.ConclusionThe fluid–gas exchange during pars plana vitrectomy in patients with orbital fracture can lead to emphysema of the face, chest, and soft tissue.

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: a review of cutaneous adverse events and management.

Epidermal growth factor inhibitors (EGFRI), the first targeted cancer therapy, are currently an essential treatment for many advance-stage epithelial cancers. These agents have the superior ability to target cancers cells and better safety profile compared to conventional chemotherapies. However, cutaneous adverse events are common due to the interference of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in the skin. Cutaneous toxicities lead to poor compliance, drug cessation, and psychosocial discomfort. This paper summarizes the current knowledge concerning the presentation and management of skin toxicity from EGFRI. The common dermatologic adverse events are papulopustules and xerosis. Less common findings are paronychia, regulatory abnormalities of hair growth, maculopapular rash, mucositis, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Radiation enhances EGFRI rash due to synergistic toxicity. There is a positive correlation between the occurrence and severity of cutaneous adverse effects and tumor response. To date, prophylactic systemic tetracycline and tetracycline class antibiotics have proven to be the most effective treatment regime.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Pre-Hospital Trauma Care: A Review of the Literature

Introduction Penetrating and open wounds expose an otherwise sealed and protected body to foreign bodies, leaving the patient vulnerable to potentially fatal infection. The objective of this study was to determine if the administration of systemic prophylactic antibiotics by paramedics for penetrating and/or open wounds leads to decreased infection rates and improved patient outcomes. Methods A literature search of the electronic medical databases CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE and MEDLINE was conducted. The databases were reviewed from January 2000 to March 2013. A pre-hospital search filter was applied to each database with additional search terms of ‘open wound’, ‘penetrating wound’, ‘prophylactic antibiotic’. References of retrieved articles were also reviewed. Articles were included if they reported on the administration of prophylactic antibiotics by paramedics for penetrating or significant open wounds. Results A total of 1280 articles were identified in the search with four articles meeting the inclusion criteria. All four articles focused on the combat setting and management of soldiers with combat-related open or penetrating wounds. Two studies supported the use of prophylactic antibiotics whereas the third did not, stating that the evidence was low level and the practice of antibiotic administration was more opinion based. Conclusion This study identified that there is scant evidence to support the use of systematic antibiotic prophylaxis in the civilian pre-hospital setting for open wounds. There is a need for further research to identify if this view may change in the future.

Effects of Using Intravenous Antibiotic Only Versus Local Intrawound Vancomycin Antibiotic Powder Application in Addition to Intravenous Antibiotics on Postoperative Infection in Spine Surgery in 907 Patients

A prospective randomized controlled trial. To assess the ability of local vancomycin powder in controlling postoperative infection in spine surgery. Despite improvements through the use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics, surgical site infections remain a significant problem in spine surgical procedures. Various retrospective and prospective studies have reported the efficacy of local application of vancomycin powder in reducing the infection in animal and human studies. However, there were no randomized control trials that reported on its efficacy. Prospective randomized controls of 907 patients with various spinal pathologies were treated surgically during a period of 18 months. The control group received standard systemic prophylaxis only, whereas the treatment group received vancomycin powder in the surgical wound in addition to systemic prophylaxis. Patient demographics, comorbidities, level of spinal pathology, estimated blood loss, nutritional status, and hemoglobin were recorded. Incidence of infection was the primary outcome evaluated. There were 8 infections (1.68%) in the control group (6 instrumented and 2 noninstrumented, 6 deep and 2 superficial) with bacteria cultured in 3 (1 Escherichia coli and 2 Staphylococcus aureus). In the treatment group, 7 infections (1.61%) were observed (6 instrumented and 1 noninstrumented surgical procedures, 6 deep and 1 superficial) with bacteria cultured in 3 (1 Staphylococcus aureus and 2 Klebsiella). No adverse effects were observed from the use of vancomycin powder. Statistically no significant difference was seen in infection rate between the treatment group and control group. The local application of vancomycin powder in surgical wounds did not significantly reduce the incidence of infection in patients with surgically treated spinal pathologies. The use of vancomycin powder may not be effective when incidence of infection is low.

Systemic antimicrobial prophylaxis for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a surgical procedure performed to maintain nutrition in the short- or long-term. During the procedure, a feeding tube that delivers either a liquid diet, or medication, via a clean or sterile delivery system, is placed surgically through the anterior abdominal wall. Those undergoing PEG tube placement are often vulnerable to infection because of age, compromised nutritional intake, immunosuppression, or underlying disease processes such as malignancy and diabetes mellitus. The increasing incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) contributes both an additional risk to the placement procedure, and to the debate surrounding antibiotic prophylaxis for PEG tube placement. The aim of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis is to establish a bactericidal concentration of an antimicrobial drug in the patient's serum and tissues, via a brief course of an appropriate agent, by the time of PEG tube placement in order to prevent any peristomal infections that might result from the procedure. To establish whether prophylactic use of systemic antimicrobials reduces the risk of peristomal infection in people undergoing placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes. In August 2013, for this third update, we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid Medline; Ovid Medline (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase; and EBSCO CINAHL. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of prophylactic antimicrobials during PEG tube placement, with no restrictions regarding language of publication, date of publication, or publication status. Both review authors independently selected studies. Both review authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality. Meta-analyses were performed where appropriate. One new trial was identified and included in this update, bringing the total to 13 eligible RCTs, with a total of 1637 patients. All trials reported peristomal infection as an outcome. A pooled analysis of 12 trials resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of peristomal infection with prophylactic antibiotics (1271 patients pooled: OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.50). The newly identified trial compared IV antibiotics with antibiotics via PEG and could not be included in the meta-analysis. Administration of systemic prophylactic antibiotics for PEG tube placement reduces peristomal infection.

Retained subretinal date palm tree thorn in a child

A 3-year-old boy presented with severe eye pain and nausea after colliding with a date palm tree branch. Examination under anesthesia revealed a self-sealed corneal laceration and traumatic cataract in his left eye. Cultures were taken and the patient received prophylactic subconjunctival, intravitreal, and systemic antibiotics because of the high risk of endophthalmitis. A thorn from the same tree grew Bacillus cereus. Examination after 2 weeks of the injury revealed a subretinal foreign body (a palm tree thorn), although there were no signs of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment. The patient underwent cataract extraction and laser demarcation of the subretinal foreign body, which was not removed. He was fitted for an aphakic contact lens. With alternate patching, his best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/30.

Interventions for replacing missing teeth: antibiotics at dental implant placement to prevent complications.

Some dental implant failures may be due to bacterial contamination at implant insertion. Infections around biomaterials are difficult to treat, and almost all infected implants have to be removed. In general, antibiotic prophylaxis in surgery is only indicated for patients at risk of infectious endocarditis; with reduced host-response; when surgery is performed in infected sites; in cases of extensive and prolonged surgical interventions; and when large foreign materials are implanted. A variety of prophylactic systemic antibiotic regimens have been suggested to minimise infections after dental implant placement. More recent protocols recommended short-term prophylaxis, if antibiotics have to be used. Adverse events may occur with the administration of antibiotics, and can range from diarrhoea to life-threatening allergic reactions. Another major concern associated with the widespread use of antibiotics is the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The use of prophylactic antibiotics in implant dentistry is controversial. To assess the beneficial or harmful effects of systemic prophylactic antibiotics at dental implant placement versus no antibiotic or placebo administration and, if antibiotics are beneficial, to determine which type, dosage and duration is the most effective. We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 17 June 2013), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 5), MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 17 June 2013) and EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 17 June 2013). There were no language or date restrictions placed on the searches of the electronic databases. Randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) with a follow-up of at least three months, that compared the administration of various prophylactic antibiotic regimens versus no antibiotics to people undergoing dental implant placement. Outcome measures included prosthesis failures, implant failures, postoperative infections and adverse events (gastrointestinal, hypersensitivity, etc). Screening of eligible studies, assessment of the risk of bias of the trials and data extraction were conducted in duplicate and independently by two review authors. Results were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) using a random-effects model for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity, including both clinical and methodological factors, was to be investigated. Six RCTs with 1162 participants were included: three trials compared 2 g of preoperative amoxicillin versus placebo (927 participants), one compared 3 g of preoperative amoxicillin versus placebo (55 participants), one compared 1 g of preoperative amoxicillin plus 500 mg four times a day for two days versus no antibiotics (80 participants), and one compared four groups: (1) 2 g of preoperative amoxicillin; (2) 2 g of preoperative amoxicillin plus 1 g twice a day for seven days; (3) 1 g of postoperative amoxicillin twice a day for seven days, and (4) no antibiotics (100 participants). The overall body of evidence was considered to be of moderate quality. The meta-analyses of the six trials showed a statistically significant higher number of participants experiencing implant failures in the group not receiving antibiotics (RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.67, P value 0.002, heterogeneity: Tau(2) 0.00; Chi(2) 2.87, df = 5 (P value 0.57); I(2) 0%). The number needed to treat for one additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) to prevent one person having an implant failure is 25 (95% CI 14 to 100), based on an implant failure rate of 6% in participants not receiving antibiotics. There was borderline statistical significance for prosthesis failures (RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.19 to 1.00), with no statistically significant differences for infections (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.36 to 1.35), or adverse events (RR 1; 95% CI 0.06 to 15.85) (only two minor adverse events were recorded, one in the placebo group). No conclusive information can be derived from the only trial that compared three different durations of antibiotic prophylaxis since no event (implant/prosthesis failures, infections or adverse events) occurred in any of the 25 participants included in each study group. There were no trials that evaluated different antibiotics or different antibiotic dosages. Scientific evidence suggests that, in general, antibiotics are beneficial for reducing failure of dental implants placed in ordinary conditions. Specifically 2 g or 3 g of amoxicillin given orally, as a single administration, one hour preoperatively significantly reduces failure of dental implants. No significant adverse events were reported. It might be sensible to suggest the use of a single dose of 2 g prophylactic amoxicillin prior to dental implant placement. It is still unknown whether postoperative antibiotics are beneficial, and which antibiotic is the most effective.

Are Systemic Antibiotics Indicated in Aesthetic Breast Surgery? A Systematic Review of the Literature

The use of systemic prophylactic antibiotics to reduce surgical-site infection in aesthetic breast surgery remains controversial. The aim of this review is to weigh the available evidence with respect to reducing surgical-site infection. Two literature searches were performed to analyze the available data for studies involving either reduction or augmentation mammaplasty and the results of different antibiotics regimens. Outcome measures included surgical-site infection and capsular contracture. A total of 2971 patients (5891 breasts) were included. A meta-analysis of surgical-site infection incidence after aesthetic breast surgery revealed a significant reduction in infections overall with antibiotic prophylaxis compared with controls (p=0.02). This was most significant with a single preoperative antibiotic dose (p=0.02). In cases of reduction mammaplasty, when antibiotics are administered as a single preoperative dose, the risk of developing surgical-site infection is halved. With augmentation mammaplasty, there was no effect on infection rates with any antibiotic regimen. Data concerning the incidence of capsular contracture were insufficient for meta-analysis. For cases of reduction mammaplasty, the authors recommend a single intravenous perioperative dose of antibiotic with action against Staphylococcus species. For augmentation mammaplasty, there is no evidence to refute current guidelines, based on recommendations obtained from other forms of implant surgery. Therapeutic, II.

Bilateral orbital preseptal cellulitis after combined adenotonsillectomy and strabismus surgery—Case report and pathogenetic hypothesis

The first case of bilateral orbital preseptal cellulitis complicating combined adenotonsillectomy and strabismus surgery is reported. The issues of antimicrobial prophylaxis are discussed. The authors speculate about the possible routes of surgical site infection. Transient bacteraemia secondary to adenotonsillectomy may be theoretically a source of distant surgical site infection to the orbit, raising the issue of distant surgical site contamination during multidisciplinary surgery. Combined adenotonsillectomy and eye surgery might benefit from prophylactic systemic antibiotic administration.

The Use of Erythromycin and Colistin-Loaded Cement in Total Knee Arthroplasty Does Not Reduce the Incidence of Infection

The use of antibiotic-loaded cement is believed to prevent infection in primary total knee arthroplasty, but there is a lack of randomized studies to support this concept. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of an antibiotic-loaded cement to reduce the infection rate in primary total knee arthroplasty. This is a prospective randomized study with 2948 cemented total knee arthroplasties, in which bone cement without antibiotic was used in 1465 knees (the control group) and a bone cement loaded with erythromycin and colistin was used in 1483 knees (the study group). All patients received the same systemic prophylactic antibiotics. The patients were followed for a minimum of twelve months. The rate of infection was analyzed according to the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate of deep infection (1.4% in the control group and 1.35% in the study group; p = 0.96) and the rate of superficial infection (1.2% and 1.8%, respectively; p = 0.53) were similar in both groups. The factors related to a higher rate of deep infection in a multivariate analysis were male sex and an operating time of >125 minutes. The use of erythromycin and colistin-loaded bone cement in total knee arthroplasty did not lead to a decrease in the rate of infection when systemic prophylactic antibiotics were used, a finding that suggests that the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement would not be indicated in the general population. Further research is needed to assess whether its use is recommended for patients with a higher risk of infection.

Effect of systemic antibiotics on clinical and patient‐reported outcomes of implant therapy – a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial

To determine the effect of various systemic antibiotic prophylaxis regimes on patient-reported outcomes and postsurgical complications in patients undergoing conventional implant installation. Three hundred and twenty-nine healthy adults in need of conventional implant installation were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (i) preoperatively 2 g of amoxycillin 1 h before surgery (positive control, PC), (ii) postoperatively 2 g of amoxycillin immediately following surgery (test 1, T1), (iii) preoperatively 2 g of amoxycillin 1 h before and 500 mg thrice daily on days 2 and 3 after surgery (test 2, T2), (iv) preoperatively 2 g of placebo 1 h before surgery (negative control, NC). Subjects were examined clinically by blinded examiners over 8 weeks after implant installation. In addition, Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for pain, swelling, bruising and bleeding were obtained over 14 days. ANOVA was performed for the VAS. Chi-square tests were applied for postsurgical complications. All VAS scores were low for all groups and decreased over time (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences for the VAS scores between the various groups at any time point (P > 0.05). There was only a significant difference in flap closure at week 4, where NC had 5% of the subjects not achieving complete wound closure compared to 0% for the three other groups (P = 0.01), with no other significant differences for any postsurgical complications (P > 0.05). For standard single implant placement, prophylactic systemic antibiotics either before or after, or before and after the surgical procedure do not improve patient-reported outcomes or prevalence of postsurgical complications.

Should prophylactic antibiotics be used routinely in epistaxis patients with nasal packs?

IntroductionThe current mainstream practice in otolaryngology departments relating to the use of prophylactic antibiotics in epistaxis patients requiring nasal packing is highly variable. This is due primarily to the lack of any validated guidelines. As such, we introduced a new treatment algorithm resulting in significant reduction of use in the systemic antibiotics, with emphasis instead on the use of topical antibiotics. The results were validated through a complete audit cycle.MethodsA total of 57 patients undergoing nasal packing for spontaneous epistaxis were studied. Reaudit occurred after the implementation of new guidelines. Telephone surveys were conducted six weeks after hospital discharge, assessing infective nasal symptoms as well as rebleeding and readmission rates.ResultsSystemic antibiotic prescribing in anterior nasal packing fell by 58.2% between audit cycles with no statistically significant associated increase in infective nasal symptoms, rebleeding or readmission rates six weeks following hospital discharge.ConclusionsSystemic prophylactic antibiotics are unnecessary in the majority of epistaxis patients with nasal packs. The use of topical antibiotics such as Naseptin® may be more appropriate, cheaper and as effective. Implementation of this treatment algorithm will help standardise systemic antibiotic usage in epistaxis patients with nasal packing and should reduce costs associated with unnecessary use of such medication.

Reduced Surgical Site Infections in Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Stabilization of Traumatic Injuries using Vancomycin Powder

Despite improvements through the use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics, surgical site infections remain a significant problem in the treatment of traumatic spine injuries. Infection rates as high as 10% have been reported in this population. The impact on patients and cost of treating such infections is profound. Local delivery of antibiotics has been found to be efficacious in animal and human studies as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics in surgical site infection prophylaxis.

Corps étrangers intraoculaires (CEIO) du segment postérieur : analyse rétrospective et prise en charge à propos de 57 cas

To determine the influence of prognostic factors and the type of tamponade agent in surgical management of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) for better visual outcome. Fifty-seven consecutive cases were retrospectively reviewed at the XV-XX National Hospital (Paris) between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2007. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic variables. Several parameters were measured: pre- and postoperatively: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), material and size of the foreign body, entry site, time from trauma to surgical removal, IOFB location, initial retinal detachment, choice of vitreous tamponade agent (none, gas, silicone oil), postoperative visual outcome, and complications (siderosis, endophthalmitis, and vitreoproliferative retinal detachment). Metal IOFBs accounted for the majority with 80.7% (n=46). The inferior retinal segment was the most frequent location found: 47.4% (n=27). Initial and final mean BCVAs were, respectively, 1.47 (±0.99) and 1.03 (±0.96) (LogMar scale). The mean follow-up was 20.7 months (range, 12-60 months). Initial retinal detachment was found in 24.56% (n=14), with a statically worse prognosis. The BCVA was better in the group with gas tamponade (n=16) than in the group with silicone tamponade (n=21) and the group without a tamponade agent (n=20). Initial BCVA was the most important predictive factor for final BCVA. Time to surgery was a predictive factor of final visual outcome with a cut-off in the first week. The scleral or corneoscleral entry site had a better prognosis than the corneal site. Five cases of siderosis (8.7%) related to delayed management and two cases of endophthalmitis (3.5%) were found (despite use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics). No statistical difference was found regarding the IOFB location on the retina, its size, or the material. Finally, the retina remained detached in nine cases (15.78%). A final BCVA of 20/40 or more was obtained in 39.3 and 17.5% had light perception or worse. The prognosis of an IOFB injury is for the most part uncertain due to a complex combination of parameters. Nevertheless, good postoperative results can be achieved without a silicone tamponade agent. The main prognostic factors related to better visual outcome were initial BCVA, time to surgery (first week), initially attached retina, and the scleral entry site. The main complications were vitreoproliferative retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, and siderosis. The location, type, and size of IOFBs were not statistically significant predictive factors in this study.

Reduced surgical site infections in patients undergoing posterior spinal stabilization of traumatic injuries using vancomycin powder

Background context Despite improvements through the use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics, surgical site infections remain a significant problem in the treatment of traumatic spine injuries. Infection rates as high as 10% have been reported in this population. The impact on patients and cost of treating such infections is profound. Local delivery of antibiotics has been found to be efficacious in animal and human studies as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics in surgical site infection prophylaxis. Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of using vancomycin powder in surgical sites to prevent infections. Study design Retrospective case review. Patient sample Patients who underwent posterior spine fusions for traumatic injuries over a 2-year period at a single academic center. Outcome measures Clinical outcome determined was the incidence of either superficial or deep postoperative wound infections. Methods A retrospective review of 110 patients with traumatic spine injuries treated with instrumented posterior spine fusions over a 2-year period at a single academic center was performed. One group (control group) received standard systemic prophylaxis only, whereas another (treatment group) received vancomycin powder in the surgical wound in addition to systemic prophylaxis. Patient demographics and perioperative information obtained included history of previous spine surgeries, substance use, diabetes, body mass index, level of injury, presence of neurologic deficit, operative time, and estimated blood loss. Incidence of infection was the primary outcome evaluated. Results The control (N=54) and treatment groups (N=56) were statistically similar. A statistically significant difference in infection rate was found between the treatment group (0%) and control group (13%, p=.02) without any adverse events. No adverse effects were noted from use of the vancomycin powder. Conclusions The use of vancomycin powder in surgical wounds may significantly reduce the incidence of infection in patients with traumatic spine injuries treated with instrumented posterior spine fusion. Applying vancomycin powder to surgical wounds is a promising means of preventing costly and harmful postoperative wound infections in high-risk populations.

Prevention of Ventriculostomy-Related Infections With Prophylactic Antibiotics and Antibiotic-Coated External Ventricular Drains: A Systematic Review

Ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI) is a severe complication of external ventricular drain use, occurring in 5% to 23% of patients. Preventive measures for VRI include prolonged prophylactic systemic antibiotics (PSAs) and an antibiotic-coated external ventricular drains (ac-EVDs). We performed a systematic review of all studies evaluating PSAs and ac-EVD for VRI prevention through July 2010. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and evaluated study quality based on pre-established criteria. Observational studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that fulfilled inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Three RCTs and 7 observational studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The type of antibiotics and VRI definitions varied among these studies. Pooled analysis showed a protective effect of PSAs and ac-EVDs for VRI (risk ratio: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.18-0.56). Results showed moderate heterogeneity (I(2) = 53%) explained by the difference in quality among the studies and the inclusion of 1 large positive cohort study. The effect of PSAs and ac-EVDs was unrelated to the type of study (RCT or observational, P for interaction = .55), the route of antibiotic administration (PSAs or ac-EVDs, P = .13), or the quality of the studies (suboptimal vs good/excellent, P = .55). RCTs and observational-derived evidence support the use of PSAs throughout the duration of external ventricular drainage; similarly, the use of ac-EVDs to prevent VRI seems to be beneficial. Available data are heterogeneous and of suboptimal quality. Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this meta-analysis. There are not sufficient data to compare the protective effect of ac-EVDs and PSAs.

Local Antibiotics to Prevent Surgical Site Infections

JAMA Effect of an Implantable Gentamicin-Collagen Sponge on Sternal Wound Infections Following Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Trial Elliott Bennett-Guerrero, MD; T. Bruce Ferguson Jr, MD; Min Lin, PhD; Jyotsna Garg, MS; Daniel B. Mark, MD, MPH; Vincent A. Scavo Jr, MD; Nicholas Kouchoukos, MD; John B. Richardson Jr, MD; Renee L. Pridgen, BS; G. R. Corey, MD; for the SWIPE-1 Trial Group Context: Despite the routine use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics, sternal wound infection still occurs in 5% or more of cardiac surgical patients and is associated with significant excess morbidity, mortality, and cost. The gentamicin-collagen sponge, a surgically implantable topical antibiotic, is currently approved in 54 countries. A large, 2-center, randomized trial in Sweden reported in 2005 that the sponge reduced surgical site infection by 50% in cardiac patients. Objective: To test the hypothesis that the sponge prevents infection in cardiac surgical patients at increased risk for sternal wound infection. Design, Setting, and Participants: Phase 3 single-blind, prospective randomized controlled trial, 1502 cardiac surgical patients at high risk for sternal wound infection (diabetes, body mass index >30, or both) were enrolled at 48 US sites between December 21, 2007, and March 11, 2009. Intervention: Single-blind randomization to insertion of 2 gentamicin-collagen sponges (total gentamicin of 260 mg) between the sternal halves at surgical closure (n = 753) vs no intervention (control group: n = 749). All patients received standardized care including prophylactic systemic antibiotics and rigid sternal fixation. Main Outcome Measures: The primary end point was sternal wound infection occurring through 90 days postoperatively as adjudicated by a clinical events classification committee blinded to study treatment group. The primary study comparison was done in the intent-to-treat population. Secondary outcomes included (1) superficial wound infection (involving subcutaneous tissue but not extending down to sternal fixation wires), (2) deep wound infection (involving the sternal wires, sternal bone, and/or mediastinum), and (3) score for additional treatment, presence of serous discharge, erythema, purulent exudate, separation of the deep tissues, isolation of bacteria, and duration of inpatient stay (ASEPSIS; minimum score of 0 with no theoretical maximum). Results: Of 1502 patients, 1006 had diabetes (67%) and 1137 were obese (body mass index >30) (76%). In the primary analysis, there was no significant difference in sternal wound infection in 63 of 753 patients randomized to the gentamicin-collagen sponge group (8.4%) compared with 65 of 749 patients randomized to the control group (8.7%) ( P = .83). No significant differences were observed between the gentamicin-collagen sponge group and the control group, respectively, in superficial sternal wound infection (49/753 [6.5%] vs 46/749 [6.1%]; P = .77), deep sternal wound infection (14/753 [1.9%] vs 19/749 [2.5%]; P = .37), ASEPSIS score (mean [SD], 1.9 [6.4] vs 2.0 [7.2]; P = .67), or rehospitalization for sternal wound infection (23/753 [3.1%] vs 24/749 [3.2%]; P = .87). Conclusion: Among US patients with diabetes, high body mass index, or both undergoing cardiac surgery, the use of 2 gentamicin-collagen sponges compared with no intervention did not reduce the 90-day sternal wound infection rate. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00600483

Incidence of low-grade infection in aseptic loosening of total hip arthroplasty

Purpose We investigated the hypothesis that many total hip arthroplasty revisions that are classified as aseptic are in fact low-grade infections missed with routine diagnostics.Methods In 7 Dutch hospitals, 176 consecutive patients with the preoperative diagnosis of aseptic loosening of their total hip arthroplasty were enrolled. During surgery, between 14 and 20 tissue samples were obtained for culture, pathology, and broad-range 16S rRNA PCR with reverse line blot hybridization. Patients were classified as either not being infected, suspected of having infection, or infected according to strict, predefined criteria. Each patient had a follow-up visit after 1 year.Results 7 patients were classified as infected, 4 of whom were not identified by routine culture. 15 additional patients were suspected of having infection. 20 of these 22 patients received a cemented prosthesis, fixated with antibiotic-loaded bone cement. All 22 patients received prophylactic systemic antibiotics. 7 of them reported complaints one year after surgery, but only one showed signs of early loosening. However, additional surgery was not performed in any of the patients.Interpretation Although the proportions were not as high as previously reported in the literature, between 4% and 13% of patients with the preoperative diagnosis of aseptic loosening were infected. However, as thorough debridement was performed during surgery and prophylactic antibiotics were used, the diagnosis of infection did not have any obvious clinical consequences, as most patients performed well at the 1-year follow-up. Whether this observation has implications for long-term implant survival remains to be seen.

Effect of an Implantable Gentamicin-Collagen Sponge on Sternal Wound Infections Following Cardiac Surgery&lt;subtitle&gt;A Randomized Trial&lt;/subtitle&gt;

Despite the routine use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics, sternal wound infection still occurs in 5% or more of cardiac surgical patients and is associated with significant excess morbidity, mortality, and cost. The gentamicin-collagen sponge, a surgically implantable topical antibiotic, is currently approved in 54 countries. A large, 2-center, randomized trial in Sweden reported in 2005 that the sponge reduced surgical site infection by 50% in cardiac patients. To test the hypothesis that the sponge prevents infection in cardiac surgical patients at increased risk for sternal wound infection. Phase 3 single-blind, prospective randomized controlled trial, 1502 cardiac surgical patients at high risk for sternal wound infection (diabetes, body mass index >30, or both) were enrolled at 48 US sites between December 21, 2007, and March 11, 2009. Single-blind randomization to insertion of 2 gentamicin-collagen sponges (total gentamicin of 260 mg) between the sternal halves at surgical closure (n = 753) vs no intervention (control group: n = 749). All patients received standardized care including prophylactic systemic antibiotics and rigid sternal fixation. The primary end point was sternal wound infection occurring through 90 days postoperatively as adjudicated by a clinical events classification committee blinded to study treatment group. The primary study comparison was done in the intent-to-treat population. Secondary outcomes included (1) superficial wound infection (involving subcutaneous tissue but not extending down to sternal fixation wires), (2) deep wound infection (involving the sternal wires, sternal bone, and/or mediastinum), and (3) score for additional treatment, presence of serous discharge, erythema, purulent exudate, separation of the deep tissues, isolation of bacteria, and duration of inpatient stay (ASEPSIS; minimum score of 0 with no theoretical maximum). Of 1502 patients, 1006 had diabetes (67%) and 1137 were obese (body mass index >30) (76%). In the primary analysis, there was no significant difference in sternal wound infection in 63 of 753 patients randomized to the gentamicin-collagen sponge group (8.4%) compared with 65 of 749 patients randomized to the control group (8.7%) (P = .83). No significant differences were observed between the gentamicin-collagen sponge group and the control group, respectively, in superficial sternal wound infection (49/753 [6.5%] vs 46/749 [6.1%]; P = .77), deep sternal wound infection (14/753 [1.9%] vs 19/749 [2.5%]; P = .37), ASEPSIS score (mean [SD], 1.9 [6.4] vs 2.0 [7.2]; P = .67), or rehospitalization for sternal wound infection (23/753 [3.1%] vs 24/749 [3.2%]; P = .87). Among US patients with diabetes, high body mass index, or both undergoing cardiac surgery, the use of 2 gentamicin-collagen sponges compared with no intervention did not reduce the 90-day sternal wound infection rate. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00600483.