Perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in cardiovascular surgery. A prospective randomized trial comparing two day cefuroxime prophylaxis with four day cefazolin prophylaxis.

In a randomized prospective study, two different regimens of antibiotic prophylaxis have been tested: four-day cefazolin prophylaxis (Kefzol 0.5 gr every 6 h) compared with two-day cefuroxime administration (Zinacef 1.5 gr every 12 h). A total of 569 patients in the two groups were studied in a 10 month period. Haematological, liver function, serum creatinine and urea measurement were made preoperatively and repeated daily for the first four days and after one week. At least five chest X-rays were taken during the hospitalisation. Body temperature was measured regularly every two hours in the ICU and a least twice a day thereafter. The wounds were examined daily and the patients were carefully observed for other infections. Bacteriological examinations of the tips of all inserted catheters and pacemaker wires were undertaken on removal in the first four months of the trial. Swabs of any tracheal or wound secretion or pus taken for bacteriological examinations as also blood cultures in any suspected septicaemia. Of the 569 patients three had to be withdrawn from the study. Of the assessable ones 285 received cefuroxime and 281 were given cefazolin. Seven patients (1.2%) died postoperatively. The total infection rate was 5.5%: 5.7% in the cefazolin group and 5.3% in the cefuroxime group. The overall wound infection rate was 1.8%: 2.5% in the cefazolin group and 1.1% in the cefuroxime group. Septicaemia occurred in 0.5% of the cases. Pneumonia occurred in 11 (1.9%) patients; 1.5% in the cefazolin and 2.5% in the cefuroxime group. Seven patients (1.2%) developed a urinary tract infection; 1.4% in the cefazolin group and 1.1% in the cefuroxime group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)