Vancomycin Paste Research Articles

A calcium sulphate/hydroxyapatite ceramic biomaterial carrier for local delivery of tobramycin in bone infections: Analysis of rheology, drug release and antimicrobial efficacy

Local targeted treatment of bone and joint infections using antibiotic-containing carriers is a common practice today. A recently FDA approved biphasic calcium sulphate/hydroxyapatite (CaS/HA) carrier containing gentamicin has been reported to give a sustained drug release, highly effective in eradicating bone infections. We present the first study evaluating the widely used aminoglycoside tobramycin (TOB) incorporated in the CaS/HA material with or without gentamycin (GEN) or vancomycin (VAN) with focus on rheology, drug release and antibacterial efficacy. In-vitro antibiotic release kinetics and biomaterial degradation were established by immersing the composites in phosphate buffered saline. The anti-bacterial effect of antibiotic containing CaS/HA composites as well as antibiotics release fractions were evaluated by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion against S. aureus. The CaS/HA + GEN + TOB combination delayed setting to over 30 min whereas TOB + VAN slightly prolonged setting time (25 min vs. 15 min) still with good injectability. TOB was released from CaS/HA continuously for 35 days and during this period, the antibiotic loaded biomaterial could show a continuous anti-bacterial efficacy even at the last time point of day-35. After day-35, the pellets used for antibiotic release were taken out from release medium and broken into a paste. CaS/HA + TOB paste showed the largest ZOI (25 mm) against S. aureus ATCC 25923, while CaS/HA + VAN paste had no ZOI and CaS/HA + VAN + TOB paste had a ZOI of 18 mm. At the same time, the ZOI of CaS/HA + TOB against S. aureus P-3 was 14 mm compared to 0 mm in the other two groups. Adding TOB to CaS/HA containing VAN, extended the antimicrobial effect with a longer time and larger zone of inhibition, while no synergistic effect of the co-delivery was observed. Our in-vitro results indicate that CaS/HA could be used as a carrier for TOB as a local targeted delivery system in the treatment of bone infections.

Optimizing vancomycin release from novel carbon fiber-reinforced polymer implants with small holes: periprosthetic joint infection treatment.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication after total hip arthroplasty. A new drug-loaded carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) prosthesis with a sustained drug-release mechanism is being developed for one-stage surgery. We aimed to examine the diffusion dynamics of vancomycin from vancomycin paste-loaded CFRP implants. The differences in the in vitro diffusion dynamics of vancomycin paste were investigated using the elution test by varying parameters. These included the mixing ratio of vancomycin and distilled water (1:0.8, 1:1.2, and 1:1.4) for vancomycin paste, and hole diameter (1mm and 2mm) on the container. The in vivo diffusion dynamics were investigated using a rabbit model with vancomycin-loaded CFRP implants placed subcutaneously. The in vitro experiments showed that the diffusion effect of vancomycin was highest in the parameters of vancomycin paste with distilled water mixed in a ratio of 1:1.4, and with a 2mm hole diameter. The in vivo experiments revealed diffusion dynamics similar to those observed in the in vitro study. The drug diffusion effect tended to be high for vancomycin paste with a large water ratio, and a large diameter of holes. These results indicate that the drug diffusion dynamics from a CFRP implant with holes can be adjusted by varying the water ratio of the vancomycin paste, and the hole size on the CFRP implant.

Efficacy of topical vancomycin application in cardiac surgery to reduce deep sternal wound infection: a randomised control trial at tertiary cardiac care hospital

Background: Mediastinitis is lethal complication and a challenge in post cardiac surgery patients. We aim at evaluation of topical vancomycin by applying it at sternal edge in prevention of deep sternal wound infection.Methods: The vancomycin group had local application of vancomycin paste prepared by mixing 1gm of powder in 3 ml of normal saline and stirred until paste was formed. The control group had reinforced closure technique without vancomycin paste application. All cases were followed up for symptoms and signs of sternal wound infection during hospital stay and uptil 1 month.Results: There was increase incidence of wound infection with control group as compared to vancomycin group, there were no wound infection in patients of vancomycin group.Conclusions: Application of topical vancomycin significantly reduces post-sternotomy wound infection and prevents deep mediastinitis.

Computed Tomography Imaging Assessment of the Effect of Vancomycin Paste on Poststernotomy Healing.

PurposeTo assess vancomycin paste effect on poststernotomy healing in high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients compared to bone wax using the 6-point computed tomography (CT) score. Additionally assessed the reliability of this score and its relationship to the occurrence of infection.Patients and MethodsA prospective comparative analysis included 126 high-risk CABG patients. The patients were randomly assigned into bone wax or vancomycin paste for sternal haemostasis. All patients were submitted to CT examinations 6-months postoperative. Two radiologists independently reviewed all CT scans to assess sternal healing using the 6-point CT score. The CT healing score of the two groups was compared. The kappa statistics were used to calculate the inter-reader agreement (IRA) of the 6-point CT score.ResultsThe final analysis included 61 patients in each group. The main CT score for sternal healing was 3.9±0.4 in the vancomycin group and 3.3±0.8 in the bone wax group. Patients in the vancomycin group had a higher statistically significant improvement in CT healing score than those in the bone wax group (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship (p = 0.79) between the occurrence of infection and the 6-point CT score in the vancomycin group. The overall IRA of the 6-point CT score was good in two groups (κ = 0.79 in the vancomycin group and = 0.78 in the bone wax group).ConclusionVancomycin paste had a better CT healing score and can be used as a sternal haemostatic material instead of bone wax. The 6-point CT healing score is a reliable diagnostic tool for evaluating sternal healing.

Topical Vancomycin Reduces the Incidence of Deep Sternal Wound Complications After Sternotomy

BackgroundDeep sternal wound infection remains a significant hazard for cardiosurgical patients undergoing median sternotomy. Although the prophylactic use of topical vancomycin to reduce the incidence of deep sternal wound complications (DSWC) has been repeatedly examined, the method remains controversial. MethodsWe report here on a continuous experience that encompassed a total of 1251 cardiosurgical patients who underwent various procedures via median sternotomy. Beginning in October 2015 and in response to a surge of DSWC (4.4%), 3 surgeons on our team began to apply 2.5 g vancomycin paste to the sternal edges just prior to closure, while the remaining 2 surgeons did not. An interim analysis comparing the 2 groups suggested that vancomycin was indeed effective, and from February 2016 on, all surgeons adopted the routine use of vancomycin in all patients. ResultsRetrospective analysis of 496 surgical patients from January to September 2015 had revealed a baseline incidence of DSWC of 4.4%. In the divided-use period between October 2015 and February 2016, DSWC was seen in 8.6% (8 of 93) of the no-vancomycin group. In the vancomycin group, the incidence fell to 0.8% (1 of 129). In March 2016, all surgeons began using vancomycin and the overall rate of DSWC for all surgeons and all patients subsequently declined to 1.1%. No adverse effects were observed. ConclusionsTopical vancomycin application is highly effective in the prevention of DSWC after median sternotomy.

Does routine topical antimicrobial administration prevent sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was 'Does routine topical antimicrobial administration prevent sternal wound infection (SWI) after cardiac surgery? Altogether >238 papers were found using the reported search, of which 11 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Several different antimicrobial agents, dosages and application protocols were found in the literature. Regarding topical vancomycin use, a meta-analysis by Kowalewski et al. demonstrated a 76% risk reduction in any SWI. Collagen-gentamicin sponge application was associated with a 38% risk reduction in SWI in another meta-analysis by Kowalewski et al., which included 4 randomized control trials and >23 000 patients. Lower evidence observational studies found benefit in the use of different regimes, including: combination of vancomycin paste and subcutaneous gentamycin; combined cefazoline and gentamicin spray; isolated cefazolin; bacitracin ointment; and rifampicin irrigation. We conclude that, in light of the body of evidence available, topical antibiotic application prevents SWI, including both superficial and deep SWI. The strongest evidence, derived from 2 meta-analyses, is related to the use of gentamicin-collagen sponges and topical vancomycin. Heterogeneity throughout studies regarding antibiotic agents, dosages, application protocols and SWI definition makes providing general recommendations challenging.

Intraoperative use of vancomycin paste during penile prosthesis placement: initial outcomes.

Penile prosthesis implantation is a safe and effective treatment option in the management of erectile dysfunction, associated with high satisfaction and low complication rates. Infection is a rare complication (0.5-3%), but devastating for the patient and surgeon when it occurs. Adapting from other surgical disciplines, we have utilized vancomycin paste to provide prolonged focal antibiotic exposure around the penile prosthesis pump, a site prone to infection. The aim of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of intraoperative vancomycin paste with regards to infection prevention during penile prosthesis placement. This is a multi-institutional nonrandomized retrospective IRB-approved study comparing patients who underwent placement of a primary inflatable penile prosthesis with intraoperative vancomycin paste to those without. Primary outcomes included pump fibrosis, infection, erosion, hematoma, and complete device malfunction. From April 2019 to October 2019, two surgeons utilized vancomycin paste intraoperatively during virginal penile prosthesis surgery on 90 patients, whose mean age was 60 years. These patients were compared to an historical control group that included 166 patients, also with a mean age of 60 years, who underwent the same penile prosthesis surgery between 2014 and 2017 without the paste. Among the intervention group, the overall complication rate was 1.1%, due to a scrotal hematoma. Ultimately, there was no statistically significant difference in infection rate (0% in both groups) or overall complication rate (1.1% in the intervention group compared to 1.2% in the control group). The use of vancomycin paste appears to be safe, however future prospective studies are needed to determine its efficacy in infection prevention.

Vancomycin Local application, role in Deep Sternal Wound Infection in our experience

Introduction: Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is one of the most complex and potentially devastating complications following median sternotomy in cardiac surgery. Despite many advances in prevention, it still remains significant and ranges between 0.5% and 6.8%. We aim to study the role of vancomycin paste applied locally over sternal edges in reducing DSWI.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data of patients who underwent open heart surgery from June 2017 to May 2019 in our institution. The rate of DSWI was compared in patients in whom vancomycin paste was applied and not applied. Vancomycin paste was prepared using 3 g of vancomycin with 4ml 0.9% normal saline and stirred until a ‘paste’ was formed. This vancomycin paste was applied just after sternotomy and at the time of sternal closure. The rate of DSWI was compared also compared in the following high risk sub groups: female patients, diabetes mellitus (DM), morbidly obese (Body Mass Index i.e. BMI>30) and chronic obstructive lung diseases (COPD).Results: A total of 862 patients underwent open heart surgery during the specified period. Overall incidence of DSWI in our study was 3.48 %. DSWI was found to be significantly lower in vancomycin group (adjusted Odds ratio 2.116 and p=30) patients. These results need to be substantiated in randomized controlled trials and multiple centers.

337 Intraoperative Use of Vancomycin Paste During Penile Prosthesis Placement: Initial Outcomes

337 Intraoperative Use of Vancomycin Paste During Penile Prosthesis Placement: Initial Outcomes

DEEP WOUND INFECTIONS (MEDIASTINITIS) AFTER OPEN HEART SURGERY

Deep wound infections are a serious complication after open heart surgery and are directly related to patient survival both in the short and long term. Despite prevention, their appearance continues to be significant - 0.5% - 6.8% and the associated in-hospital mortality ranges from 7% to 35%. Analysis of the clinical material concerning the development of mediastinitis after cardiac surgery with total median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass, reporting the results from the applied surgical methods, as well as consideration of prevention options, such as biomarkers – procalcitonin (PCT) and C-Reactive protein (CRP), and early diagnosis of these potentially life-threatening complications. The report presents 7- year experience of the Cardiac surgery department with prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of patients who develop deep wound infections after open heart surgery covering the period of January 2011 to January 2018. For this period 4563 patient with different types of cardiac pathology we operated, 94 (2.06%) of them developed deep wound infection. Patients are divided into groups depending on the type of surgery – CABG, valve correction, aortic surgery or combined procedures. The study is retrospective, and the clinical data used is from the hospital records. Sex ratio is 1,5:1 – males/females. The mean age for both sexes is 67.5 years. In hospital mortality was evaluated - 22.34% (21 patients). In 100 of the patients PCT and CRP were tested during the first postoperative day. 15 of them PCT was more 2 ng/ml and 9 (60%) patients developed deep wound infection. In all these patients, bacterial agent was isolated from wound and vacuum-assisted therapy was used. In 2 cases we used titanium plates for sternal reconstruction along with mobilization of omentum majus. Despite the progress of surgical techniques and the minimally invasive techniques, the rate of development of deep wound infections remains relatively high. The use of vancomycin paste, gentamicin-impregnated sponges, reducing the use of sternal wax and excessive cauterization of tissues seems to be a preventive measure. Evaluation of PCT And CRP on POD-1 proves to be an effective prognostic marker for the development of infectious complications. The data presented in the report is comparable to those reported in the world literature. Open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary by-pass leads to a risk of developing mediastinitis. Improved surgical techniques and research on specific biomarkers could reduce the development of this life-threatening complications.

A review of the AATS guidelines for the prevention and management of sternal wound infections.

To summarize the AATS guidelines for the prevention and treatment of sternal wound infections. The current AATS guidelines for the prevention of sternal wound infections during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods, and the most effective methods and techniques to treat sternal wound infections were reviewed. The guidelines identified multiple interventions that can be instituted during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods to reduce sternal wound infections during cardiac surgery. These include the use of perioperative antibiotics, glycemic control to maintain serum glucose < 180mg/dl, avoidance of bone wax and the use of vancomycin paste to the sternal edges, and figure of eight suture techniques to re-approximate the sternum. Wound Vac therapy should be instituted whenever possible to treat and enhance recovery from mediastinitis. The prevention of sternal wound infections and mediastinitis can be achieved by adherence to the AATS guidelines. The institution of these interventions requires a multi-disciplinary team effort among surgeons, anesthesiologists, referring physicians, nurses, and OR and ICU personnel.

Choice of sternal closure technique in patients with poststernotomy mediastinitis

Aim. Comparison of the efficacy of different sternal closure techniques for patients with poststernotomy mediastinitis. &#x0D; Methods. From 2011 till 2016 29 patients after cardiothoracic surgeries complicated by poststernotomy mediastinitis and sternal dehiscence were observed. Depending on the used technique of re-osteosynthesis the patients were divided into 3 groups. In the group 1 re-osteosynthesis was performed with steel surgical wire, in group 2 - with titanium nickelide staples, and in group 3 - with developed by authors modernized U-shaped wire suture on the padding consisting of perforated metal sheet (titanium mesh). All patients during pre-operative period had vacuum wound drainage performed. In some patients during re-osteosynthesis vancomycin paste was used. &#x0D; Results. The rate of sternal dehiscence recurrence in the group 1 was 30%, in group 2 - 12.5% and in group 3 - 9% (р1-2=0.08, р1-3=0.04, р2-3=0.2). The average hospital stay in group 1 was 51 days, in group 2 - 27 days and in group 3 - 24 days (р1-2=0.05, р1-3=0.07, р2-3=0.4). In inharmed bone tissue of the sternum titanium nickelide staples use decreases the risk of recurrent sternal dehiscence by 17.5% compared to widely used osteosynthesis method with the use of steel wire. &#x0D; Conclusion. Osteosynthesis method suggested by the authors demonstrated its reliability in 91% of cases; use of vancomycin paste during re-osteosynthesis allowed avoiding recurrent wound infection both in short- and long-term periods in 100% of cases.

Vancomycin Paste Does Not Reduce the Incidence of Deep Sternal Wound Infection After Cardiac Operations

Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a devastating complication that increases morbidity and death in cardiac surgical patients. Vancomycin is often administered intravenously for antibiotic prophylaxis in cardiac operations. Many cardiac surgeons also apply vancomycin paste topically to the sternal edges. We examined the effect of vancomycin paste on the incidence of DSWI in patients undergoing elective cardiac operations. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients from 2003 to 2015 who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, valve, or combined coronary artery bypass grafting and valve operations at a single institution. We derived The Society for Thoracic Surgeons (STS) DSWI risk index for each patient and systematically reviewed operative, pharmacy, microbiology, and discharge records to document DSWI in these patients. Multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of DSWI in this cohort and to quantify the effect of vancomycin paste. Of the 14,492 patients whose records we examined, DSWI developed in 136 patients, resulting in an overall incidence of 0.9%. After multivariate analysis, body mass index, New York Heart Association Functional Classification, and the STS DSWI risk index remained statistically significant and associated with DSWI. Although the incidence of DSWI decreased over time, the use of vancomycin paste was not associated with a reduced incidence of DSWI. There was a marked decrease in the incidence of DSWI during the study period, concurrent with institutional implementation of revised STS antibiotic dosing guidelines in 2007 and other strategies. However, the application of vancomycin paste to the sternal edges of patients undergoing cardiac operations was not associated with a reduced risk of DSWI.

Toward zero: Deep sternal wound infection after 1001 consecutive coronary artery bypass procedures using arterial grafts: Implications for diabetic patients

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with arterial conduits is considered optimal. A deterrent to bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting is the risk of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI). We introduced infection prevention measures sequentially, attempting to reduce DSWIs. The aim was to determine (1) if the absence of DSWIs in the last 469 of 1001 consecutive operations was significant; (2) which measures explained the change; and (3) the impact of diabetes. The measures included internal thoracic artery (ITA) skeletonization, no bone wax, wound irrigation, 1 observer per case, harmonic scalpel harvest of ITAs, vancomycin paste on sternal marrow, iodine-impregnated skin drapes, chlorhexidine-alcohol skin preparation, no BITA grafts in obese, diabetic women, more off-pump procedures, aseptic wound care, and marrow irrigation before sternal approximation. Mean age was 65±10.4 years, 78% were male, 34% had diabetes, and 34% were obese. The first 532 patients had 16 DSWIs (3%) and the subsequent 469 had none (P<.001). Analysis of the data suggested that the first 11 measures likely contributed to the absence of DSWI and less likely, the twelfth. Key measures were likely chlorhexidine-alcohol use and avoidance of BITAs in obese diabetic women who had a 10-fold higher DSWI rate than the other patients (21.4% vs 2.0%). Other diabetics, including obese men, had no increased risk of DSWI. The measures applied caused a substantial reduction in DSWIs. Key measures included the use of chlorhexidine-alcohol and avoidance of BITA grafting in obese diabetic females. These measures reduced DSWIs after BITA grafting in most diabetics.

O uso da vancomicina em pasta na hemostasia do esterno e profilaxia da mediastinite

Mediastinitis is one of the most feared complications for thoracic surgeons, being a significant factor in morbidity and mortality in thoracic surgery. To find a new alternative in order to prevent mediastinitis, reducing the morbidity and mortality. A retrospective study including 1020 patients operated between February 2002 and October 2005. Patients underwent bypass surgery and vancomycin paste was used rather than bone wax in all cases. Patients were followed-up for 45 months; there were only five (0.49%) cases of mediastinitis; no deaths were observed. The use of Vancomycin paste to replace bone wax proved to be a great allied to prevent mediastinitis after thoracic surgery.

Oral Care with Vancomycin Paste for α-Hemolytic Streptococcal Sepsis

Oral Care with Vancomycin Paste for α-Hemolytic Streptococcal Sepsis

Oral Care with Vancomycin Paste for Reduction in Incidence of α-Hemolytic Streptococcal Sepsis

alpha-Hemolytic streptococcal (AHS) sepsis is increasing in oncology patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. In response to a high rate of AHS sepsis in this population at our institution, an oral care protocol was instituted, including vancomycin 0.5% in flavored methylcellulose (vanc paste) applied orally t.i.d. at the oncologists' discretion. A retrospective cohort study of 239 neutropenic episodes among 42 children receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy between 1988 and 1991 compared the incidence of septicemia based on the prophylactic use of vanc paste. A total of 236 consecutive neutropenic episodes were evaluable, 121 with vanc paste and 115 without. AHS sepsis occurred in one child using vanc paste and in six children not using vanc paste (p = 0.06). Excluding staph-only positive blood cultures, which would not be reduced with a topical oral antibiotic drug, there were 6 and 13 positive blood cultures in the vanc-paste and nonvanc-paste patients, respectively (p = 0.09). There was no increase in incidence of gram-negative bacteremia among vanc-paste recipients. Vancomycin resistance was not encountered. This analysis suggests that vanc paste effectively reduces AHS sepsis, does not increase gram-negative bacteremia, and is not associated with vancomycin resistance. A multicentered, placebo-controlled, double-blind study is currently planned.