Short-term parenteral antibiotics used as a supplement to SDD regimens.

This discussion has presented detailed data relating to the use of systemic agents (in particular, cefotaxime) as a supplement to selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) during the first few days of an intensive care unit admission. It suggests that this practice is rational and that it is employed for two distinct reasons--treatment of infection already present or developing on admission, and prophylaxis of infection acquired on the unit during the early days of admission. It is also suggested that this use of a systemic agent is an important factor in the striking reduction in unit acquired infection ascribed to SDD regimens.