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Prophylactic Antibiotics (prophylactic + antibiotics)
Selected AbstractsSkin grafts: a rural general surgical perspective,ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 5 2009Nigel J. Henderson Abstract Background:, Skin grafts are a common method of closing skin defects. The literature comparing methods of graft application and subsequent outcomes is poor, but reports indicate a graft failure rate between 2 and 30%. The aim of this study was to audit our current skin graft practice. Methods:, Data were collected prospectively on all skin grafts performed by the general surgical department between 1st December 2005 and 1st December 2006. A standardized proforma on each patient included data on age, gender, graft indication, application method, comorbidities, length of stay, and graft outcomes including graft take at 1, 2 and 6 weeks post-operatively. Results:, There were 85 grafts performed on 74 patients, median age 72 years (9,102 years), with 10 (12%) acute admissions. Prophylactic antibiotics were given to 50% (38 of 74) of patients. Successful grafts (>80% take) were performed in 68 (80%) patients. The overall graft complication rate was 24.7% (22 of 85 grafts). Infection occurred in 13 of 17 graft failures. No patients underwent re-operation for graft failure. Patients who received prophylactic antibiotics had a reduced risk of graft failure (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.016). Conclusion:, Skin grafts were performed successfully in the majority of patients. Graft complication and failure rates compare well with the world literature. The use of prophylactic antibiotics was the only predictor of successful graft take. [source] Hand dermatitis and lymphoedemaBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009V.J. Pearce Summary Hand dermatitis is common, with lymphoedema of the hand and forearm a rare complication. The mechanism of lymphoedema in such cases is poorly understood, hence management can be challenging. To investigate the underlying mechanism of lymphoedema associated with hand dermatitis and outline recommendations for management, we identified all patients with lymphoedema associated with hand dermatitis referred to our lymphoedema service, a tertiary referral centre. Treatment outcome was assessed by telephone interview and through correspondence with primary physicians and therapists. In total, nine patients, six with bilateral and three with unilateral lymphoedema associated with hand dermatitis, attended our service over a 4-year period. Most had long-standing bilateral pompholyx eczema. Three patients reported no signs of infection prior to the onset of swelling. All patients had recurrent episodes of infection after the onset of swelling. Lymphoscintigraphy, when used, revealed a failure of small initial lymphatics of the hand to absorb and drain lymph to regional nodes. Prophylactic antibiotics together with aggressive management of the dermatitis, often with systemic therapy, were required to reduce swelling. Possible mechanisms for lymphoedema associated with hand dermatitis include obliterative lymphangitis from infection, an inflammatory effect of the dermatitis on local lymphatics or a constitutive weakness of lymph drainage exposed to chronic inflammation, or any combination of the three. Treatment is only successful once both infection and inflammation from the dermatitis are controlled. [source] I PREVENT Bacterial Resistance.DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 10 2009An Update on the Use of Antibiotics in Dermatologic Surgery BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Prophylaxis may be given to prevent a surgical wound infection, infective endocarditis (IE), or infection of a prosthetic joint, but its use before cutaneous surgery is controversial. Our aim was to review the current literature and provide a mnemonic to assist providers in appropriately prescribing prophylactic antibiotics. METHODS AND MATERIALS We reviewed the current literature, including the new guidelines provided by the American Heart Association (AHA). RESULTS The new AHA guidelines recommend prophylaxis for patients with high risk of an adverse outcome from IE instead of high risk of developing IE. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Dental Association also provide guidelines. Given the paucity of conclusive studies, prophylaxis against a surgical wound infection is based more on clinical judgment. CONCLUSION The mnemonic we propose, "I PREVENT," represents: Immunosuppressed patients; patients with a Prosthetic valve; some patients with a joint Replacement; a history of infective Endocarditis; a Valvulopathy in cardiac transplant recipients; Endocrine disorders such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus; Neonatal disorders including unrepaired cyanotic heart disorders (CHDs), repaired CHD with prosthetic material, or repaired CHD with residual defects; and the Tetrad of antibiotics: amoxicillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, and ciprofloxacin. [source] The Incidences of Chondritis and Perichondritis Associated With the Surgical Manipulation of Auricular CartilageDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2004Andrew L. Kaplan MD Background. The cartilage and soft tissues of the ear are frequently employed as donor sites for tissue used in the repair of defects of the nose and external ear after Mohs surgery. Enthusiasm for using these auricular donor sites is occasionally tempered by surgeons' concerns for the development of Pseudomonal suppurative chondritis, a complication that has been described to follow cartilage manipulation. Objective. To quantify the incidence of postoperative perichondritis and chondritis after Mohs reconstructions involving auricular cartilage manipulations. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 341 Mohs reconstructions that involved cartilage and soft-tissue donor sites located on the ear. Procedures included full-thickness skin grafts (295) harvested from the conchal bowl and flap repairs (46) incorporating cartilage batten grafts from conchal or anthelix donor sites. When the perichondrium was compromised, patients were routinely prescribed perioperative prophylactic antibiotics with Pseudomonal coverage. Postoperative examinations were performed at 1 week and 4 to 12 weeks. Patients not seen in clinic were interviewed by telephone regarding complications. Results. Complete follow-up information was obtained in 337 of 341 (98.8%) cases. Inflammatory perichondritis was observed in 19 (5.6%) patients. There were no cases of suppurative chondritis. Conclusion. The incidence of inflammatory perichondritis is low after Mohs reconstructions involving auricular cartilage manipulation. When prophylactic antibiotics and appropriate operative technique are used, the historic concern for suppurative chondritis associated with these procedures is unwarranted. [source] Antibiotic Prophylaxis Guideline Awareness and Antibiotic Prophylaxis Use Among New York State Dermatologic SurgeonsDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 9 2002Noah Scheinfeld JD background. Use of antibiotic prophylaxis in dermatologic surgery patients remains controversial and several sets of guidelines exist. objective. We investigated dermatologic surgeon's awareness of the American Heart Association (AHA) 1997 antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines, their use of prophylactic antibiotics, and their practices as compared with the Haas and Grekin's 1995 antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines. methods. We mailed postage-paid questionnaires regarding AHA guideline awareness and antibiotic prophylaxis use to the 235 New York State members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). We received 87 replies. results. Most participants recognize AHA guidelines and claim to follow them. We reiterate previous studies' findings. Most dermatologic surgeons use antibiotics appropriately. However, antibiotics are occasionally overused or dosed outside the guidelines. Many participants prescribe antibiotics based on a patient's other physicians' recommendations. Notably, erythromycin is sometimes used, an antibiotic the AHA no longer recommends. conclusion. Dermatologic surgeons commonly use antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent bacterial endocarditis. Based on previous studies, though, the risk of endocarditis following cutaneous surgery is low and thus the use of antibiotic prophylaxis is controversial. Although this practice is appropriate for high-risk patients when skin is contaminated, it is not recommended for noneroded, noninfected skin. We report that dermatologists may be aware of the guidelines, but only seem to partially follow them. Further studies are still needed to establish optimal guidelines. [source] REDUCING THE RISK OF PERISTOMAL INFECTION AFTER PEG PLACEMENTDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 4 2005Iruru Maetani Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was first described in 1980 as an effective means of enteral nutrition where oral intake is not possible. PEG placement is safe and has now replaced the nasogastric tube in patients who need long-term feeding. Although it is relatively safe with a very low associated mortality, minor complications, especially local and systemic infection, remain a problem. Of these, peristomal wound infections are the most common complication of PEG. In patients indicated for this procedure who are aged and/or frail, this complication may pose a critical problem. In the commonly used pull or push methods for PEG placement, the PEG tube is readily colonized by oropharyngeal bacteria. Infection of the PEG site is considered to be associated with contamination of the PEG catheter. There are important measures that should be taken to prevent peristomal infection. A number of rigorous studies have shown that prophylactic antibiotics are effective in reducing the risk of peristomal infection. As methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or other resistant organisms are emerging as a major pathogen in peristomal infection, however, currently recommended antibiotic prophylaxis regimens might be inappropriate. Alternative regimens and other approaches to prevent contamination of the PEG tube during the procedure are required. [source] Antibiotic prophylaxis in chemotherapy-induced neutropenia: time to reconsiderHEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Nangi Lo Abstract The use of antibiotic prophylaxis in neutropenic patients remains controversial. The main arguments against prophylaxis are the lack of survival benefit and the risk of inducing antibiotic resistance. At present, clinical guidelines advise against routine use of antibiotic prophylaxis and current practice is to commence broad-spectrum antibiotics at the onset of fever in the neutropenic patient. However hospitalization, investigations and treatment all impact on resources as well as affecting patient quality of life, often resulting in chemotherapy delays and dose reductions. The benefits of prophylactic antibiotics have been emphasized by two major double-blind, placebo controlled trials with levofloxacin with very significant reductions in all infection-related events. Furthermore, the meta-analysis confirms a survival advantage and this is greatest with the use of fluoroquinolones. These benefits must be weighed against the problem of emerging antibiotic resistance. It has been shown that antibiotic prophylaxis does induce resistant organisms, but some studies have shown that the impact on clinical outcomes may not be as great as expected. Current evidence supports antibiotic prophylaxis with fluoroquinolones in acute leukaemia and high-dose chemotherapy patients, commencing at the same time as chemotherapy. Febrile episodes are much commoner with the first cycle in patients with solid tumours or lymphoma having moderately myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and these patients should be offered prophylaxis for at least the first cycle of chemotherapy. Further work is ongoing to facilitate the selection of patients with the greatest chance of benefit so that prophylaxis can be used efficiently. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Microbiological assessment of bile during cholecystectomy: is all bile infected?HPB, Issue 3 2007G.J. MORRIS-STIFF Abstract Aims. To determine the prevalence of bactibilia in patients undergoing cholecystectomy and to relate the presence or absence of organisms to the preoperative and postoperative course. Patients and methods. Patients undergoing cholecystectomy under the care of a single consultant surgeon during a continuous 5-year period were identified from a prospectively maintained departmental database. Symptoms, clinical signs, findings of investigations, details of treatment and postoperative care were noted. Risk factors for bactibilia (acute cholecystitis, common duct stones, emergency surgery, intraoperative findings and age > 70 years) were documented. Patients were divided according to the presence (B +) or absence (B,) of bacteria on culture of their bile. Results. In all, 128/180 (70%) of cholecystectomies had full data available for analysis. Bacteria were identified in the bile of 20 (15.6%) patients (B+ group). The B+ group was significantly older at 63.78±9.7 versus 61.62±13.9 (p<0.05) and contained significantly fewer females than the B, group (p<0.05). All 20 patients (100%) in the B+ group had , 1 risk factor, while these factors were present in only 29/108 (30.3%) of patients in the B, group (p<0.05). The overall incidence of infective complications was 20% in the B+ group compared with 0.9% in the B, group (p<0.05) and the bile-related infections were higher in the B+ group (p<0.05). Conclusions. The study demonstrated that while patients with complicated gallstone disease frequently exhibit bactibilia, patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis have aseptic bile. The findings would suggest that prophylactic antibiotics should be limited to patients with risk factors for bactibilia. [source] The role of the intestine in the pathophysiology and management of severe acute pancreatitisHPB, Issue 2 2003RS Flint Background The outcome of severe acute pancreatitis has scarcely improved in 10 years. Further impact will require new paradigms in pathophysiology and treatment. There is accumulating evidence to support the concept that the intestine has a key role in the pathophysiology of severe acute pancreatitis which goes beyond the notion of secondary pancreatic infection. Intestinal ischaemia and reperfusion and barrier failure are implicated in the development of multiple organ failure. Discussion Conventional management of severe acute pancreatitis has tended to ignore the intestine. More recent attempts to rectify this problem have included 1) resuscitation aimed at restoring intestinal blood flow through the use of appropriate fluids and splanchnic-sparing vasoconstrictors or inotropes; 2) enteral nutrition to help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier; 3) selective gut decontamination and prophylactic antibiotics to reduce bacterial translocation and secondary infection. Novel therapies are being developed to limit intestinal injury, and these include antioxidants and anti-cytokine agents. This paper focuses on the role of the intestine in the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis and reviews the implications for management. [source] Assessment of a protocol for prophylactic antibiotics to prevent perioperative infection in urological surgery: A preliminary studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 6 2004SOJUN KANAMARU Abstract Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the usability and efficacy of our new protocol of prophylactic antibiotic use to prevent perioperative infection in urological surgery. Methods: We prospectively investigated 339 cases of typical urological surgery in our department between April 2001 and March 2002 (group I). We classified surgical procedures into four categories by invasiveness and contamination levels: category A, clean less invasive or endoscopic surgery; category B, clean invasive or clean contaminated surgery; category C, urinary tract diversion using the intestine; and category D, infected surgery. Antibiotics were administrated intravenously according to our protocol: category A, first or second generation cephems or penicillins during the operative day only; category B, first and second generation cephems or penicillins for 3 days; and category C, second or third generation cephems for 4 days. Category D was excluded from the analysis. To judge perioperative infections, the wound condition and general conditions were evaluated in terms of the surgical site infection (SSI) as well as remote infection (RI) up to postoperative day (POD) 14. We retrospectively reviewed 308 patients who underwent urological surgery between April 2000 and March 2001 (group II) as reference cases that were administered antibiotics without any restriction. Results: Perioperative infection rates (SSI + RI) in group I and group II were 25 of 339 (7.4%) and 35 of 308 (11.4%), respectively. Surgical site infection rates of categories A, B, and C in group I were 1.8%, 7.6%, and 30.0%, respectively, while those in group II were 2.0%, 7.4%, and 46.2%, respectively. There was no significant difference in infection rates in terms of RI and SSI between group I and group II. The amounts, as well as the prices, for intravenously administrated antibiotics and oral antibiotics decreased to approximately half and one-fifth, respectively. Conclusion: Our protocol effectively decreased the amount of antibiotics used without increasing perioperative infection rates. Thus, our protocol of prophylactic antibiotic therapy would be recommended as an appropriate method for preventing perioperative infection in urological surgery. [source] A systematic review of prophylactic antimicrobials in PEG placementJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 7 2009Allyson Lipp Aim., To establish whether prophylactic systemic antimicrobials reduce the risk of peristomal infection in placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies. Background., Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies, placed surgically through the anterior abdominal wall, maintain nutrition in the short or long term. Those undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement are often vulnerable to infection. The increasing incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus contributes an additional risk to the debate surrounding antibiotic prophylaxis. The aim of antimicrobial prophylaxis is to establish a bactericidal concentration of an antimicrobial drug in the patient, during placement. Design., Systematic review. Methods., We searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (July 2006); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 2); handsearched wound care journals, relevant conference proceedings and bibliographies of publications identified, and contacted manufacturers and distributors of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy products. Randomised controlled trials were selected evaluating the use of prophylactic antimicrobials for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement, with no restrictions for language, date or publication status. Both authors performed data extraction and assessment of study quality. Meta-analysis was performed where appropriate. Results., Ten eligible randomised controlled trials were identified evaluating prophylactic antimicrobials in 1100 patients. All trials reported peristomal infection as an outcome and a pooled analysis resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of peristomal infection with prophylactic antibiotics (pooled OR 0·31, 95% CI 0·22,0·44). The relative reduction in risk of infection for those given antibiotics was 19% with the need to treat 5·8 patients to prevent one infection , NNT. Conclusions., Administration of systemic prophylactic antibiotics for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement reduces peristomal infection. Relevance to clinical practice., The nurse's role in endoscopy is expanding rapidly and demands that practice is based on the best available evidence. This systematic review seeks to make a contribution to best practice in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement. [source] Infection and preterm birth: Evidence of a common causal relationship with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cerebral palsyJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 4 2000R Vigneswaran Abstract: Subclinical genital tract infection has been clearly established as a significant cause of spontaneous preterm birth, particularly in early gestations. Bacterial vaginosis organisms rank highly among the pathogens involved in preterm labour and there is considerable beneficial evidence from the use of prophylactic antibiotics for women at high risk of preterm birth. The pathogenesis involves activation of macrophages and the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is seen in the most immature of survivors and appears to be secondary to interruption of normal development and maturation of the lungs. The link between chorioamnionitis and lung injury in utero and subsequent development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia has now been substantiated. Exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines is implicated in the impairment of the fetal lung. A significant body of evidence supports the association between chorioamnionitis, periventricular leukomalacia and cerebral palsy. Biological mechanisms that explain the association between chorioamnionitis and fetal brain injury involve pro-inflammatory cytokines. Similarity in the pattern of expression of cytokines suggests a common pathway for the initiation of preterm labour and also injury to the lung and the central nervous system of the fetus. [source] Acute pancreatitis in dogsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 4 2003Jennifer L. Holm DVM Abstract Objective: To summarize current information regarding severity assessment, diagnostic imaging, and treatment of human and canine acute pancreatitis (AP). Human-based studies: In humans, scoring systems, advanced imaging methods, and serum markers are used to assess the severity of disease, which allows for optimization of patient management. The extent of pancreatic necrosis and the presence of infected pancreatic necrosis are the most important factors determining the development of multiple organ failure (MOF) and subsequent mortality. Considerable research efforts have focused on the development of inexpensive, easy, and reliable laboratory markers to assess disease severity as early as possible in the course of the disease. The use of prophylactic antibiotics, enteral nutrition, and surgery have been shown to be beneficial in certain patient populations. Veterinary-based studies: The majority of what is currently known about naturally occurring canine AP has been derived from retrospective evaluations. The identification and development of inexpensive and reliable detection kits of key laboratory markers in dogs with AP could dramatically improve our ability to prognosticate and identify patient populations likely to benefit from treatment interventions. Treatment remains largely supportive and future studies evaluating the efficacy of surgery, nutritional support and other treatment modalities are warranted. Data sources: Current human and veterinary literature. Conclusions: Pancreatitis can lead to a life-threatening severe systemic inflammatory condition, resulting in MOF and death in both humans and dogs. Given the similarities in the pathophysiology of AP in both humans and dogs, novel concepts used to assess severity and treat people with AP may be applicable to dogs. [source] Phase I Dose Escalation of Single-Agent Vinblastine in DogsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2008D.B. Bailey Background: Vinblastine (VBL) is commonly used in dogs at a dosage of 2.0 mg/m2. The minimal toxicity observed at this dosage indicates that higher dosages might be well tolerated. Hypothesis: The maximum tolerated dosage (MTD) for a single VBL treatment is higher than the previously published dosage of 2.0 mg/m2. Animals: Twenty-three dogs with lymphoma or cutaneous mast cell tumors. Methods: Dogs received 1 single-agent VBL treatment IV. The starting dosage was 3.0 mg/m2, and dosages were increased in increments of 0.5 mg/m2 in cohorts of 3 dogs. Hematologic toxicity was assessed with weekly CBCs. Gastrointestinal toxicity was assessed from medical histories from owners. Once the MTD was determined, additional dogs were treated with VBL at that dosage. Dogs whose cancers responded to VBL continued to receive treatments q2,3 weeks. Results: VBL dosages ranged from 3.0 to 4.0 mg/m2. Neutropenia was the dose-limiting toxicity, with the nadir identified 7 days after treatment and resolving by 14 days after treatment. The MTD was 3.5 mg/m2. Sixteen dogs were treated at this dosage, and 3 experienced severe toxicity characterized by asymptomatic grade 4 neutropenia, febrile grade 4 neutropenia, and death. Gastrointestinal toxicity was mild and self-limiting. Preliminary evidence of antitumor activity was identified in 2 of 12 dogs with lymphoma treated at the MTD. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In dogs, single-agent VBL is well tolerated at a dosage of 3.5 mg/m2 IV. At this dosage, the minimum safe treatment interval is q2 weeks, and adjunct treatment with prophylactic antibiotics should be considered. [source] Meta-analysis: antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent peristomal infection following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2007N. S. JAFRI Summary Background Despite numerous guidelines recommending prophylactic antibiotics prior to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, their use remains controversial. Aim To conduct a systematic literature review and performed meta-analyses to determine the benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement. Methods We performed a systematic literature review by searching healthcare databases and grey literature for randomized-controlled trials of antibiotic prophylaxis against wound infection after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Relative risks were calculated for individual trials and data pooled using fixed-effects model. Relative risk reduction, absolute risk reduction and number needed to treat were calculated and are reported with 95% confidence intervals. Results Ten randomized-controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and 1059 cases were pooled. Overall findings indicated that antibiotic prophylaxis resulted in a relative risk reduction of 64% and an absolute risk reduction of 15%. Number needed to treat to prevent one wound infection was 8. Cephalosporin prophylaxis was associated with a relative risk reduction of 64%, absolute risk reduction of 10% and number needed to treat of 10, whereas penicillin-based prophylaxis was associated with a relative risk reduction of 62%, absolute risk reduction of 13% and number needed to treat of 8. Conclusions Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is effective in reducing the incidence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site wound infection. Based on sensitivity analyses, penicillin-based prophylaxis should be the prophylaxis of choice. [source] Complications of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing: Four casesLASERS IN SURGERY AND MEDICINE, Issue 3 2009Douglas J. Fife MD Abstract Background and Objective Fractional ablative laser therapy is a new modality which will likely be widely used due to its efficacy and limited side-effect profile. It is critical to recognize, characterize, and report complications in order to acknowledge the limits of therapeutic efficacy and to improve the safety of these devices. Study Design/Materials and Methods The photographs, treatment parameters, and clinical files of four female patients aged 54,67 who had scarring or ectropion after fractional CO2 laser resurfacing on the face or neck were carefully reviewed to search for any possible linking factors. Results Patient 1 developed erosions and swelling of the right lower eyelid 2 days postoperatively, which developed into scarring and an ectropion. Patient 2 developed linear erosions and beefy red swelling on the right side of the neck which developed into a tender, band-like scar over 1-month. Patient 3 developed stinging and yellow exudate in multiple areas of the neck 3 days postoperatively. Cultures grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Despite appropriate treatment, she developed multiple areas of irregular texture and linear streaking which developed into scars. Patient 4 developed an asymptomatic patchy, soft eschar with yellowish change on the left side of the neck. Azithromycin was started, however at 2-week follow-up she had fibrotic streaking which developed into horizontal scars and a vertical platysmal band. The treatment and final outcome of each patient are described. Conclusion Scarring after fractional CO2 laser therapy may be due to overly aggressive treatments in sensitive areas (including excessive energy, density, or both), lack of technical finesse, associated infection, or idiopathic. Care should be taken when treating sensitive areas such as the eyelids, upper neck, and especially the lower neck and chest by using lower energy and density. Postoperative infections may lead to scarring and may be prevented by careful taking of history, vigilant postoperative monitoring and/or prophylactic antibiotics. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:179,184, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with obstructive jaundice: is it worth the cost?ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2002B. F. Thompson Background: There are few published data concerning the economic impact of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the setting of biliary obstruction. Aim: To perform decision analysis to determine the costs of prophylaxis in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for obstructive jaundice. Methods: A decision analysis model was constructed. The probability of biliary sepsis, death and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography complications was obtained from the medical literature and from a retrospective analysis of our own experience. Costs were obtained from Medicare reimbursement at our institution. The strategies evaluated were endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with and without single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis. We compared the total costs, number of episodes of cholangitis and deaths associated with each strategy. Results: Based on published data and the results of our retrospective analysis, the strategy of administering single-dose prophylactic antibiotics prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with obstructive jaundice resulted in lower total costs, fewer episodes of cholangitis and fewer deaths compared to a strategy of not administering antibiotics. The results were sensitive to the rates of cholangitis, cost of antibiotics and the cost of treating an episode of cholangitis. Conclusions: Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography results in fewer cases of cholangitis and is cost saving when compared to a strategy of no prophylaxis in patients with obstructive jaundice. [source] The role of prophylactic antibiotics in thoracostomyANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 3 2010Juxian Sun MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Skin grafts: a rural general surgical perspective,ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 5 2009Nigel J. Henderson Abstract Background:, Skin grafts are a common method of closing skin defects. The literature comparing methods of graft application and subsequent outcomes is poor, but reports indicate a graft failure rate between 2 and 30%. The aim of this study was to audit our current skin graft practice. Methods:, Data were collected prospectively on all skin grafts performed by the general surgical department between 1st December 2005 and 1st December 2006. A standardized proforma on each patient included data on age, gender, graft indication, application method, comorbidities, length of stay, and graft outcomes including graft take at 1, 2 and 6 weeks post-operatively. Results:, There were 85 grafts performed on 74 patients, median age 72 years (9,102 years), with 10 (12%) acute admissions. Prophylactic antibiotics were given to 50% (38 of 74) of patients. Successful grafts (>80% take) were performed in 68 (80%) patients. The overall graft complication rate was 24.7% (22 of 85 grafts). Infection occurred in 13 of 17 graft failures. No patients underwent re-operation for graft failure. Patients who received prophylactic antibiotics had a reduced risk of graft failure (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.016). Conclusion:, Skin grafts were performed successfully in the majority of patients. Graft complication and failure rates compare well with the world literature. The use of prophylactic antibiotics was the only predictor of successful graft take. [source] AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS CLASSIFICATION OF PHYSICAL STATUS AS A PREDICTOR OF WOUND INFECTIONANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 9 2007John C. Woodfield Background: Wound infection occurs when bacterial contamination overcomes the hosts' defences against bacterial growth. Wound categories are a measurement of wound contamination. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of physical status may be an effective indirect measurement of the hosts' defence against infection. This study examines the association between the ASA score of physical status and wound infection. Methods: A retrospective review of a prospective study of antibiotic prophylaxis was carried out. Patients with a documented ASA score who received optimal prophylactic antibiotics were included. The anaesthetist scored the ASA classification of physical status in theatre. Other risk factors for wound infection were also documented. Patients were assessed up to 30 days postoperatively. Results: Of 1013 patients there were 483 with a documented ASA score. One hundred and one may not have received optimal prophylaxis, leaving a database of 382 patients. There were 36 wound infections (9.4%). Both the ASA classification of physical status (P = 0.002) and the wound categories (P = 0.034) significantly predicted wound infection. The duration of surgery, patient's age, acuteness of surgery and the organ system being operated on did not predict wound infection. On logistic regression analysis the ASA score was the strongest predictor of wound infection. Conclusion: When effective prophylactic antibiotics were used the ASA classification of physical status was the most significant predictor of wound infection. [source] Antibiotic prophylaxis in elective colorectal surgeryANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 4 2002Yunus A. Gul Background: Antibiotics are often administered in elective colorectal surgery to prevent wound infection. The tendency for surgeons to prolong the administration of prophylactic antibiotic therapy in the postoperative period is a well-known fact. The aim of this study was to elucidate the pattern of prophylactic antibiotic utilization in elective colorectal surgery and to determine if evidence-based medicine is employed in relation to this practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study encompassing general surgeons performing elective colorectal surgery was performed. Questionnaires were distributed to 144 surgeons (national, academic and private health care). Questions pertaining to the type, timing and duration of antibiotic administration were asked. The prevalence of wound infection audit rate and whether or not there were specific guidelines related to antibiotic administration were also determined. Results: The response rate obtained was 67% (n = 96). Although evidence from the current medical literature and recommended national guidelines support the use of single-dose prophylactic antibiotics, 72% of the respondents used more than a single dose. Forty surgeons (42%) claimed that their prescribing practice was supported by the medical literature, 31 respondents (32%) based their practice on hospital guidelines and personal preference was cited as a reason by 21 surgeons (22%). The remaining four respondents (4%) used a similar scheduling policy to that practiced by their colleagues in relation to antibiotic administration. There was no significant difference in antibiotic dose scheduling between national, private and university academic institutions (P = 0.85). Conclusions: These results suggest that a significant proportion of surgeons administer excessive and unnecessary doses of antibiotics in elective colorectal surgery. Further studies are required to uncover the reasons but lack of appropriate guidelines and failure to exercise evidence-based medicine are major factors that account for this practice. [source] Copper T380A intrauterine device for emergency contraception: a prospective, multicentre, cohort clinical trialBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 10 2010S Wu Please cite this paper as: Wu S, Godfrey E, Wojdyla D, Dong J, Cong J, Wang C, von Hertzen H. Copper T380A intrauterine device for emergency contraception: a prospective, multicentre, cohort clinical trial. BJOG 2010;117:1205,1210. Objective, To determine the effectiveness of the Copper T380A (CuT380A) intrauterine device (IUD) as an emergency contraceptive in women. Design, Prospective, multicentre, cohort clinical trial. Setting, Eighteen family planning clinics in China. Sample, A cohort of 1963 women, aged 18,44 years, requesting emergency contraception within 120 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. Methods, Women requesting emergency contraception were followed at 1, 3 and 12 months after the insertion of CuT380A. Main outcome measures, Efficacy of CuT380A as emergency contraception and for up to 12 months of postinsertion use. Insertion complication rates, reported side-effects and continuation rates at 12 months were also recorded. Results, No pregnancies occurred prior to or at the first follow-up visit, making CuT380A 100% effective as emergency contraception in this study. The pregnancy rate over the 12-month period was 0.23 per 100 women. In all, 29 (1.5%) women experienced a difficult IUD insertion process, requiring local anaesthesia or prophylactic antibiotics. No uterine perforations occurred. The main side-effects were increased menstrual bleeding and menstrual disturbances. The 12-month postinsertion continuation rate was 94.0 per 100 woman-years. Conclusions, CuT380A is a safe and effective method for emergency contraception. The advantages of CuT380A include its ability to provide effective, long-term contraception. [source] Oral ciprofloxacin or trimethoprim reduces bacteriuria after flexible cystoscopyBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2007Mark I. Johnson OBJECTIVE To report a large prospective, pragmatic, double-blind randomized controlled trial to determine whether oral prophylactic antibiotics reduce the risk of bacteriuria after flexible cystoscopy (FC), as up to 10% of patients develop urinary infection afterwards, with significant morbidity and costs for health services. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 2481 patients were recruited into a three-arm placebo controlled trial and 2083 completed it. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three treatments; (i) placebo; (ii) one oral dose of trimethoprim (200 mg); or (iii) one oral dose of ciprofloxacin (500 mg), each administered 1 h before a FC under local anaesthetic. A mid-stream urine specimen was taken before and 5 days after FC; significant bacteriuria was defined as a pure growth of >105 colony-forming units/mL. RESULTS The rate of bacteriuria after FC was reduced from 9% in the placebo group to 5% and 3% in patients receiving trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin prophylaxis, respectively. When rates of bacteriuria before FC were considered the odds of developing bacteriuria after FC relative to baseline were 5, 2 and 0.5 for placebo, trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin, respectively. CONCLUSION This large trial shows clearly that one dose of oral ciprofloxacin significantly reduces bacteriuria after FC. [source] 65 Multi-resistant Escherichia coli septicaemia following transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy , an emerging riskBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2006A.-J. DAVIDSON Introduction:, Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy of the prostate is the standard procedure for diagnosing prostate carcinoma. Complications range from discomfort and bleeding to asymptomatic bacteruria and sepsis. Rarely, sepsis is fatal. E. coli is the most common pathogen causing infection and although no international standard for the use of prophylactic antibiotics exists their use has decreased the incidence of infection to around 2%. Worldwide the incidence of multi-resistant E. coli (MREC) is increasing, and we report two cases of septicaemia secondary to MREC infection postprostate biopsy. Methods:, We performed a review of case records involving postprostate biopsy MREC infection. A comprehensive literature review of TRUS guided biopsy of the prostate was also performed. Results:, All patients in our series had MREC cultured following TRUS guided biopsy of the prostate. All received the same prophylactic antibiotic regime (norfloxacin and gentamicin). They required admission to hospital for intravenous antibiotics and in two cases inotropic support, eventually making full recoveries. All had a history of recent travel to a developing country whilst two had self-limiting diarrhoea and this is the first report in the English literature of MREC following prostate biopsy. Other risk factors for acquiring multi-resistant urinary tract infections have been identified including age and previous quinolone therapy. Conclusion:, Antibiotic prophylaxis for biopsy of the prostate, being predominantly quinolones, will continue to aid in reducing morbidity. However, with the prevalence of MREC increasing current regimens will not cover such organisms potentially leading to sepsis. In our cases travel to developing countries appeared to be a risk factor for being colonised with MREC. We believe through careful history risk factors for multi-resistant urinary tract infection including travel may alert doctors to the potential risk of MREC at the time of biopsy leading to the addition of a broader spectrum antibiotic such as intravenous meropenem. [source] Clinical Immunology Review Series: An approach to the patient with recurrent infections in childhoodCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2008M. A. Slatter Summary Recurrent or persistent infection is the major manifestation of primary immunodeficiency, which also results in atypical infection with opportunistic organisms. Young children are also vulnerable to infection and recurrent infection is common. While most children with recurrent infection have a normal immunity, it is important to recognize the child with an underlying primary immunodeficiency and investigate and treat appropriately and yet not over investigate normal children. Prompt, accurate diagnosis directs the most appropriate treatment, and early and judicious use of prophylactic antibiotics and replacement immunoglobulin can prevent significant end organ damage and improve long-term outlook and quality of life. This paper describes important presenting features of primary immunodeficiency and indicates when further investigation is warranted. [source] Prevention and management of infections in patients without a spleenCLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 12 2001R. N. Davidson Patients who lack a functioning spleen become vulnerable to sepsis caused by bacteria and, occasionally, protozoa. The risk is higher in children and in those who have had immunosuppressive treatment, and the risk remains lifelong. Overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) occurs at an estimated incidence of 0.23,0.42% per year, with a lifetime risk of 5%. Episodes of OPSI are emergencies, requiring immediate parental antibiotics and intensive care; intravenous immunoglobulins may be useful. OPSI carries a mortality of 38,69%. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the commonest infecting organism, accounting for 50,90% of isolates from blood cultures in reported series; it is particularly common in children with sickle cell disease. Less commonly, the infecting organisms are other bacteria, Babesia or Ehrlichia. OPSI may be, to some extent, preventable by several interventions. These are surgical conservation of the spleen; immunization against S. pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Neisseria meningitidis; prophylactic antibiotics; stand-by antibiotics; patient information sheets; and a medical alert bracelet. Asplenic patients living in malaria-endemic areas require optimal prophylaxis. The initial step in prevention of OPSI is the creation of an asplenia register, as many patients are not covered by these simple measures. [source] Use of systemic prophylactic antibiotics with anterior nasal packing in England, UKCLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY, Issue 5 2007R.A.P. Persaud No abstract is available for this article. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||