A randomized, double-blind comparison of ampicillin/sulbactam and ceftriaxone in the prevention of surgical-site infections after neurosurgery

Chinese Neurosurgical Randomized Controlled Trials: Dynamics in Trial Implementation and Completion

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The focus on evidence-based neurosurgery has led to a considerable amount of neurosurgical evidence based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) being published. Nevertheless, there has been no systematic appraisal of China's contribution to RCTs. Information about the changes in characteristics of Chinese neurosurgical RCTs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited. This study aims to perform a detailed examination and comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of Chinese neurosurgical RCTs and to examine the differences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive database search including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to March 2023, with a criterion of inclusion based on an impact factor above 0. We subsequently examined the design and quality parameters of the included RCTs and assessed the differences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (based on follow-up ending before or after January 2020). Moreover, we investigated potential factors that may affect the quality and developmental trends of neurosurgical RCTs in China.

RESULTS

The main focus of the 91 neurosurgical RCTs was vascular disease (47.3%) and trauma (18.7%). Over half of the trials used Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trial diagrams (69.2%), and the majority compared nonsurgical treatments (63.7%). Larger trials tended to have better quality scores, but those with significant efficacy were less likely to have power calculations. Over time, there was an increase in the use of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trial diagrams and well-specified outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic may have hindered the completion of neurosurgical RCTs in China, but it has had little impact on the design and quality so far.

CONCLUSION

Chinese neurosurgeons have made significant progress in advancing neurosurgical RCTs despite challenges. However, shortcomings in sample size and power calculation need attention. Improving the rigor, rationality, and completeness of neurosurgical RCT design is crucial.

The Impact of Cefazolin Shortage on Surgical Site Infection Following Spine Surgery in Japan

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study using prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis agents on surgical site infections (SSIs) after spine surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Although the use of alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis agents might have a negative effect on SSI prevention, their association with SSI risk in spine surgery remains unclear.

METHODS

We used the registry data of consecutive patients undergoing spine surgery from April 2017 to January 2020 in four institutions participating in the University of Tokyo Spine Group. Before March 2019, all institutions used cefazolin for antimicrobial prophylaxis. After March 2019, the institutions used broad-spectrum beta-lactam agents as an alternative due to a cefazolin shortage in Japan.

RESULTS

Among the 3841 enrolled patients (2289 males), 2024 received cefazolin and 1117 received alternative agents. The risk of reoperation for deep SSI within 30 days of spine surgery was significantly higher in the alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis agent group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-3.35; P = 0.014). In subgroup analyses, the SSI risk was significantly higher in the thoracolumbar surgery group (aOR 1.98; 95% CI, 1.06-3.73; P = 0.03). A nonsignificant consistent trend was found in all other subgroups: posterior decompression (aOR 1.91; 95% CI, 0.86-4.21; P = 0.11); posterior fixation (aOR 2.05; 95% CI, 0.99-4.24; P = 0.05); and cervical spine surgery (aOR 2.30; 95% CI, 0.82-6.46; P = 0.11).

CONCLUSION

Alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis agents increased the risk of reoperation for SSI after spine surgery compared with cefazolin. Our study supports the current practice of using first-generation cephalosporins as first-line antimicrobial prophylaxis agents in spine surgery as recommended in multiple guidelines.Level of Evidence: 3.

The Importance of Perioperative Prophylaxis with Cefuroxime or Ceftriaxone in the Surgical Site Infections Prevention after Cranial and Spinal Neurosurgical Procedures

Introduction Surgical site infections pose a significant problem in the treatment of neurosurgical procedures, regardless of the application of perioperative prophylaxis with systemic antibiotics. The infection rate in these procedures ranges from less than 1% to above 15%. Different antibiotics and administration regimes have been used in the perioperative prophylaxis so far, and there are numerous comparative studies regarding their efficiency, however, it is generally indicated that the choice thereof should be based on information and local specifics connected to the most probable bacterial causers, which would possibly contaminate the surgical site and cause infection, and moreover, the mandatory compliance with the principles of providing adequate concentration of the drug at the time of the anticipated contamination. Objective Comparing the protective effect of two perioperative prophylactic antibiotic regimes using cefuroxime (second generation cephalosporin) and ceftriaxone (third generation cephalosporin) in the prevention of postoperative surgical site infections after elective and urgent cranial and spinal neurosurgical procedures at the University Clinic for Neurosurgery in Skopje in the period of the first three months of 2016. Design of the study Prospective randomized comparative study. Outcome measures Establishing the clinical outcome represented as prevalence of superficial and deep incision and organ/space postoperative surgical site infections. Material and method We analyzed prospectively 40 patients who received parenteral antibiotic prophylaxis with two antibiotic regimes one hour before the routine neurosurgical cranial and spinal surgical procedures; the patients were randomized in two groups, according to the order of admission and participation in the study, alternately, non-selectively, those persons who fulfilled inclusion criteria were placed in one of the two programmed regimes with cefuroxime in the first, and cefotaxime in the second compared group. All relevant demographic and perioperative patient data were analyzed for both comparative groups, especially the factors known to cause disposition (predisposition) to infections. The prevalence of postoperative infections was evaluated as the primary outcome in both comparative groups, while the secondary outcome was the postoperative infection rate after cranial and spinal neurosurgical procedures at the Neurosurgical clinic in Skopje (having in consideration that so far no data have been published in this context), as well as the prevalence of the risk factors for occurrence of postoperative infections, pre-surgically in patients undergoing neurosurgical interventions locally in the Republic of Macedonia. Results A total of three cases of postoperative infections were registered, two of which classified as superficial incisional, while one case organ/space infection - meningitis (elective intervention) without etiological confirmation. Both comparative groups were statistically similar, without any statistically significant differences in the basic demographic and perioperative characteristics, especially in relation to the incidence of the factors, which, regardless of the antibiotic prophylaxis, show predisposition to postoperative infections. All three cases with infections were registered in the group of persons who received prophylaxis with ceftriaxone preoperatively, with isolated etiological S. aureus agent (elective intervention) in one of them, and methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in another (urgent intervention) with superficial incisional SSI. There was no case of SSI in the group of patients who received cefuroxime before surgery. Conclusion Administration of parenteral antibiotics before surgery reduces the incidence of postoperative infections after neurosurgical procedures, especially in cases with increased risk factors for SSI, such as ACA score of ≥ 2/3, the duration of the surgical intervention ≥ 4 hours, contaminated wound and comorbidities. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis should be directed to better coverage of the S.aureus arrays.

Surgical site infection in elective clean and clean-contaminated surgeries in developing countries

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) is both the most frequently studied healthcare-associated infection and the most common healthcare-associated infection in the developing world. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the relative size of this burden and to estimate the prevalence of SSI in clean and clean-contaminated surgeries in a large sample of countries in the developing world.

METHODS

A systematic search of the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and LILACS databases was conducted to identify studies providing the prevalence of SSI in elective clean and clean-contaminated surgeries in 39 countries or regions around the world. Data of interest were limited to publications from January 2000 to December 2017. Studies with information on the number of cases of SSI and number of total elective clean and clean-contaminated surgeries during the same period were included in this evaluation. Studies lacking clear definition of the total number of exposed patients were excluded.

RESULTS

Based on the combined data from the 99 articles evaluated in this analysis, the overall prevalence of SSI in elective clean and clean-contaminated surgeries was estimated to be 6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5-7%). This increased to 15% (95% CI 6-27%) when considering only those reports with post-discharge surveillance data. The overall prevalence of SSI in Africa/Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and China was 10% (95% CI 6-15%), 7% (95% CI 5-10%), 4% (95% CI 4-5%), and 4% (95% CI 2-6%), respectively. Significant variability in the data was confirmed by both the funnel plot and the Egger test (p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the data are variable, it is clear that the incidence of SSI in the developing world is higher than that in the developed world.

Risk factors for meningitis after craniotomy in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to anterior circulation aneurysms rupture

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative meningitis is a serious complication occurring after neurosurgical interventions. However, few investigations have focused specifically on the risk factors that predispose patients to meningitis after major craniotomy. This study identified the risk factors for postoperative meningitis after neurovascular surgery, and investigated the relationship between postoperative meningitis and clinical outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 148 consecutive patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who underwent clipping surgery through a pterional approach within 72 h between January 2007 and September 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The treatment strategy of our hospital for patients with SAH was based on the findings of digital subtraction angiography in the acute phase. Coil embolization was firstly considered, and clipping through craniotomy if indicated was performed as soon as possible. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered before beginning craniotomy and for at least 3 days after. Hydrocortisone was used to prevent hyponatremia if allowed by the medical condition of the patient. Intrathecal administration of nicardipine hydrochloride was given if required for vasospasm treatment. Meningitis was clinically diagnosed from the blood samplings and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations. Data were collected from the electronic and paper charts. The status of modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-2 at discharge was defined as favorable outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 14 patients (9.5%) had meningitis during this study period. Symptomatic vasospasm was detected in 33 patients (22.3%), and 12 patients (8.1%) had permanent neurological deficits caused by vasospasm. Overall, 109 patients (73.6%) had favorable outcome. The longer duration of drainage placement, presence of CSF leakage, and intrathecal administration of vasodilatory agent showed significantly higher incidence of postoperative meningitis in univariate analysis (p=0.0093, 0.0017, and 0.0090, respectively). The proportion of favorable outcome patients at discharge (mRS 0-2) was significantly lower in patients with postoperative meningitis (35.7%) than in patients without it (77.6%) (p=0.0004). The duration of in-hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with postoperative meningitis (median 58.5, range 28-115 days) than in patients without it (median 38.5, range 19-149 days) (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only presence of CSF leakage was associated with postoperative meningitis (p=0.0299).

CONCLUSION

Meningitis after surgery is still a serious complication that requires preventative intervention. The clinical outcome of patients with postoperative meningitis after neurovascular surgery is not still satisfactory.

Ceftriaxone Prophylaxis in Abdominal, Cardiovascular, Thoracic, Orthopaedic, Neurosurgical and General Surgery: A Review of Practice 1996 - 2003

The microbiology, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of ceftriaxone prophylaxis were compared with those of alternative antimicrobial agents in abdominal, cardiovascular, thoracic, orthopaedic, neurosurgical and general surgical procedures published since 1996. Ceftriaxone was compared with cefazolin +/- metronidazole, cefoxitin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, cefepime + metronidazole, penicillins, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin/sulbactam, vancomycin and combined clindamycin/gentamicin. Ceftriaxone, used primarily as 'single shot prophylaxis', was at least as clinically effective if not better than the comparative single- and multiple-dose agents over the broad range of surgical procedures. Furthermore the overall cost of ceftriaxone prophylaxis has often been shown to be markedly less than comparators, despite the relatively high acquisition cost of ceftriaxoe, when factors other than acquisition cost were considered. Advances in surgical techniques, the changes in bacterial ecology in hospitals, the spread of bacterial resistance and the substantial increase in the surgical population at risk suggest that third generation cephalosporins, particularly ceftriaxone, should be taken into consideration for surgical prophylaxis.

Immediate titanium cranioplasty after debridement and craniectomy for postcraniotomy surgical site infection

BACKGROUND

For postcraniotomy surgical site infection (SSI) involving the bone, typical management involves craniectomy, debridement, and delayed cranioplasty. Disadvantages to delayed cranioplasty include cosmetic deformity, vulnerability of unprotected brain, and risks and costs associated with an additional operation. Many authors have attempted bone flap salvage by using various techniques.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluate our experience with immediate titanium mesh cranioplasty at the time of craniectomy and debridement.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed SSIs in patients that underwent craniotomy for treatment of a brain tumor. These patients were treated with craniectomy, debridement, and immediate titanium mesh cranioplasty followed by antibiotics. The primary outcome was recurrent infection.

RESULTS

Twelve patients met the inclusion criteria. Risk factors for infection included preoperative radiation therapy (33%), prior craniotomy (33%), and postoperative CSF leak (25%). Median follow-up was 14 months. Ten (83%) patients had long-term resolution without recurrent infection. One patient required additional surgical debridement for persistent infection with successful placement of new titanium mesh. Another patient developed recurrent infection but opted for hospice care because of tumor progression.

CONCLUSION

This series demonstrates the safety and feasibility of performing immediate titanium cranioplasty at the time of craniectomy and debridement in patients with postcraniotomy infections. This has been shown in patients with risk factors for poor wound healing. Immediate cranioplasty avoids the drawbacks, risks, and costs of delayed cranioplasty.

Operative intracranial infection following craniotomy

OBJECT

Postoperative infection after cranial surgery is a serious complication that requires immediate recognition and treatment. In certain cases such as postoperative meningitis, the patient can be treated with antibiotics only. In cases that involve a bone flap infection, subdural empyema, or cerebral abscess, however, reoperation is often needed. There has been significant disagreement regarding the incidence of postoperative central nervous system (CNS) infections following cranial surgery. In this paper the authors' goal was to perform a retrospective review of the incidence of CNS infection after cranial surgery at their institution. They focused their review on those patients who required repeated surgery to treat the infection.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the medical records and imaging studies in all patients who underwent a craniotomy or stereotactic drainage for CNS infection over the past 10 years. Subgroup analysis was then performed in patients whose infection was a result of a previous cranial operation to determine the incidence, factors associated with infection, and the type of infectious organism. Patients treated nonoperatively (that is, those who received intravenous antibiotics for postoperative meningitis or cellulitis) were not included. Patients treated for wound infection without intracranial pus were also not included.

RESULTS

During the study period from January 1997 through December 2007, approximately 16,540 cranial surgeries were performed by 25 neurosurgeons. These included elective as well as emergency and trauma cases. Of these cases 82 (0.5%) were performed to treat postoperative infection in 50 patients. All 50 patients underwent their original surgery at the authors' institution. The median age was 51 years (range 2-74 years). There were 26 male and 24 female patients. The most common offending organism was methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, which was found in 10 of 50 patients. Gram-negative rods were found in 15 patients. Multiple organisms were identified in specimens obtained in 5 patients. Six patients had negative cultures. Most craniotomies leading to subsequent infection were performed for tumors or other mass lesions (23 of 50 patients), followed by craniotomies for hemorrhage and vascular lesions. Almost half of the patients underwent > 1 cranial operation before presenting with infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative infection after cranial surgery is an important phenomenon that needs immediate recognition. Even with strict adherence to sterile techniques and administration of antibiotic prophylaxis, a small percentage of these patients will develop an infection severe enough to require reoperation.

Rational antibiotic therapy and the position of ampicillin/sulbactam

In the current context of increasing antimicrobial resistance, it is important to use antibiotics rationally and to re-assess regularly the clinical usefulness of commonly used agents. This review focuses on the efficacy of the beta-lactam ampicillin co-administered with the beta-lactamase inhibitor sulbactam, either parenterally (ampicillin/sulbactam) or orally (sultamicillin), for the treatment of bacterial infections. Clinical findings from the past decade confirm the results of numerous older studies and together provide good evidence to support the continued use of ampicillin/sulbactam and sultamicillin in hospital- and community-acquired infections both in adults and children. This is also recognised in recent published national and international guidelines, many of which recommend ampicillin/sulbactam as first-line therapy for various respiratory and skin infections.

Prescription of prophylactic antibiotics for neurosurgical procedures in teaching hospitals in Iran

BACKGROUND

To assess the appropriateness of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in neurosurgical procedures, using the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) guideline as reference, 110 patients were prospectively evaluated. Monitoring surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial in ensuring appropriate use of antimicrobial agents in this setting. This will minimize the consequences of antibiotic misuse such as increased drug antibiotic resistance, adverse events, and higher costs to the institution.

METHODS

We recruited 110 consecutive patients undergoing clean neurosurgical treatment in 2 hospitals. Data were collected prospectively from patients' medical records between February 2004 and April 2004. The data collection forms for each patient included hospital name, patient demographics, type of surgery, and type of antimicrobial prophylaxis regimen (drug name, dose, interval, route of administration, number of doses and time administered, and duration of administration).

RESULTS

Discrepancies about antibiotic selection, duration, and start time of prophylaxis were seen between current administration and the ASHP guideline. The direct cost of prophylactic antibiotics for the 110 procedures was 14 times greater than what it would have cost to administer prophylactic antibiotics adhering to the ASHP guideline (US $802 vs US $59; US $7.29 vs US $0.54 per patient, respectively). This is equivalent to US $6.75 of extra costs per procedure and patient.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates the need for interventions to improve the rational use of antibiotic prophylaxis in Iran to prevent the complications of inappropriate administration of antimicrobials and decrease unnecessary costs.

Free flap transfer for the treatment of intractable postcraniotomy subdural empyemas and epidural abscesses

OBJECTIVE

Postcraniotomy subdural empyemas and epidural abscesses are uncommon, potentially lethal, complications of neurosurgery. Patients with these complications may be difficult to manage, and mortality can occur.

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2006, the authors treated eight patients with recalcitrant postcraniotomy subdural empyema and epidural abscess with combinations of myocutaneous free flap transfer. The free flap transfer was intended for patients who could not be cured with conventional surgical debridement and bone flap removal. Patient ages ranged from 15 to 67 years (mean, 41.5 yr). There were six men and two women. Treatment was required for cranial base tumors (n = 3), the result of trauma (n = 2), malignant tumors (n = 2), and cerebral hematoma (n = 1). In six patients (75%), an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheet was used as a dural substitute at the original surgery. We used three rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps and five latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. In six patients (75%), surgery was performed in the chronic stage of infection, and the other two patients were in the acute stage of infection.

RESULTS

Among all the patients, two failures occurred because of flap ischemia, but these were resolved after an additional procedure. However, one of these two patients, in whom surgery was performed at the acute stage of infection, died 4 weeks after the surgery. The postoperative course of the other six patients was uneventful. Isolated microorganisms were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (four patients), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (three patients), and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (one patient).

CONCLUSION

Myocutaneous free flap transfer allows sufficient blood circulation and dead space control and is resistant to infection. Therefore, free flap transfer is useful for eliminating intractable empyema and abscess; however, it is important that the procedure be considered in the chronic stage of infection.

Risk Factors for Adult Nosocomial Meningitis After Craniotomy Roleof Antibiotic Prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate incidence and risk factors of postoperative meningitis, with special emphasis on antibiotic prophylaxis, in a series of 6243 consecutive craniotomies.

METHODS

Meningitis was individualized from a prospective surveillance database of surgical site infections after craniotomy. Ventriculitis related to external ventricular drainage or cerebrospinal fluid shunt were excluded. From May 1997 until March 1999, no antibiotic prophylaxis was prescribed for scheduled, clean, lasting less than 4 hours craniotomies, whereas emergency, clean-contaminated, or long-lasting craniotomies received cloxacillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. From April 1999 until December 2003, prophylaxis was given to every craniotomy. Independent risk factors for meningitis were studied by a multivariate analysis. Efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing meningitis was studied as well as consequences on bacterial flora.

RESULTS

The overall meningitis rate was 1.52%. Independent risk factors were cerebrospinal fluid leakage, concomitant incision infection, male sex, and surgical duration. Antibiotic prophylaxis reduced incision infections from 8.8% down to 4.6% (P < 0.0001) but did not prevent meningitis: 1.63% in patients without antibiotic prophylaxis and 1.50% in those who received prophylaxis. Bacteria responsible for meningitis were mainly noncutaneous in patients receiving antibiotics and cutaneous in patients without prophylaxis. In the former, microorganisms tended to be less susceptible to the prophylactic antibiotics administered. Mortality rate was higher in meningitis caused by noncutaneous bacteria as compared with those caused by cutaneous microorganisms.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, although clearly effective for the prevention of incision infections, does not prevent meningitis and tends to select prophylaxis resistant microorganisms.

Cefepime vs. Ampicillin/Sulbactam and Aztreonam as antibiotic prophylaxis in neurosurgical patients with external ventricular drain: result of a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to find out whether single board spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis was as good as dual specific antibiotic prophylaxis in neurosurgical patients with external ventricular drain (EVD) in situ.

METHOD

In a 2-year period, 255 eligible patients were recruited. Patients were randomized into two groups of antibiotic prophylaxis as long as the ventricular catheter in situ. Group A employed Cefepime 2G 12 hourly and Group B employed dual antibiotics as Ampicillin/Sulbactam 3 g 8 hourly and Aztrenam 2 g 8 hourly.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection rate with 14 patients (11.5%) in group A (Cefepime prophylaxis) and eight patients (6.0%) in group B (dual prophylaxis with Ampicillin/Sulbactam and Aztrenam) had CSF infection (P=0.18). There was also no statistical significant difference between wound infection rate happened in eight patients (6.6%) in Group A and three patients (2.3%) in Group B (P=0.17). There was no statistical significant difference in extracranial infection rate between both groups (P=0.70).

CONCLUSION

Single board spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis with Cefepime was an effective alternative regimen for neurosurgical patients with an EVD in situ.

Eficácia e segurança de Sultamicilina (Ampicilina/Sulbactam) e Amoxacilina/Clavulanato no tratamento das infecções de via aéreas superiores em adultos: um estudo multicêntrico, aberto e randomizado

As IVAS em crianças e adultos são os motivos mais freqüentes de consulta médica e os que mais demandam o uso de antibióticos. A crescente resistência bacteriana causada pela produção das beta-lactamases constitui um dos mais sérios problemas atuais. A Sultamicilina é uma pró-droga dupla da ampicilina e do sulbactam, um potente inibidor de beta-lactamases que pode fazer frente a estas dificuldades. OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficácia, segurança e tolerabilidade da Ampicilina/Sulbactan comparada à Amoxacilina/Ácido Clavulânico no tratamento de IVAS, em adultos. METODOLOGIA: 102 pacientes com diagnóstico de IVAS foram randomizados em dois grupos recebendo Ampicilina/Sulbactan ou Amoxacilina/Clavulanato por 10 dias. Foram avaliados 10 e 30 dias após para análise da resposta terapêutica. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença entre os grupos com relação à proporção de pacientes curados ao final do tratamento (visita 2) ou do estudo (visita 3). No grupo que recebeu Amoxacilina/Clavulanato, as proporções de cura foram de 61.7% e 93.2% nas visitas 2 e 3, comparadas a 64.4% e 97.4%, respectivamente, no grupo que recebeu Ampicilina/Sulbactan. A proporção de pacientes que experimentou pelo menos um evento adverso foi semelhante nos dois grupos (p = 0.940). A diarréia foi significativamente mais freqüente no grupo Amoxacilina-Clavulanato (70.6%) do que no grupo Ampicilina/Sulbactan (29.4%), (p=0.0164). CONCLUSÕES: A Ampicilina/Sulbactan é tão segura e eficaz quanto a Amoxacilina/Clavulanato no tratamento empírico de IVAS em adultos. A ocorrência significativamente menor de quadros de diarréia no grupo recebendo Ampicilina/Sulbactan necessita confirmação em estudos posteriores.

Efficacy and safety of Sultamicillin (Ampicillin/Sulbactan) and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in adults - an open-label, multicentric, randomized trial

Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common causes of medical visits in children and adults, demanding massive use of antibiotics. Bacterial resistance caused by beta-lactamase is one of the most serious problems in this matter. Sultamicillin, a double pro-drug of Ampicillin/Sulbactan, is a potent beta-lactamase inhibitor which can face this challenge.

Aim

evaluate efficacy, safety and tolerability of Ampicillin/Sulbactan compared to Amoxicillin/Clavulanate in upper respiratory tract infections in adults.

Methods

102 patients were enrolled and randomized to receive Ampicillin/Sulbactan or Amoxicillin/Clavulanate during 10 days. They were evaluated 10 and 30 days after treatment to learn about the therapeutic response.

Results

There were no differences between the two groups respecting cure at the end of treatment (visit 2) or at the end of the study (visit 3). Cure ratio was 61.7% and 93.2% (visits 2 and 3) in the Amoxicillin/Clavulanate group compared to 64.4% and 97.4%, respectively, in Ampicillin/Sulbactan group. The adverse events ratio for the two groups was the same (p=0.940). The number of patients with diarrhea was greater in the group of patients receiving Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (70.6%) than in the group receiving Ampicillin/Sulbactan (29.4%) (p=0.0164).

Conclusions

Ampicillin/Sulbactan is as safe and efficient as Amoxicillin/Clavulanate in the empiric treatment of upper respiratory infections in adults. The low occurrence of diarrhea in the group receiving Ampicillin/Sulbactan needs confirmation in other studies.

Intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in clean spinal surgery: a retrospective analysis in a consecutive series of 973 cases

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic prophylaxis in spine surgery is still a debated question, involving medical, ethical, economic, and legal issues. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an intraoperative protocol of antibiotic prophylaxis.

METHODS

During a 3-year period, 973 patients were consecutively operated on for clean spinal operations. Twenty-three percent of the cases involved the cervical spine and 77% the thoraco-lumbar spine; about 90% of patients were operated on for degenerative diseases and the remaining for traumatic lesions or tumors. Patients undergoing operations shorter than 120 minutes received a single-dose of IV ampicillin 1000 mg and sulbactam 500 mg (AS) at induction of anesthesia. In procedures longer than 120 minutes and/or requiring prosthetic materials, an IV single-dose of teicoplanin 400 mg was also administered at the same time. A second intraoperative dose of AS and teicoplanin was administered in operations longer than 4 hours (240 minutes after the first one) and in procedures in which blood loss exceeded 1500 mL. Postoperative prophylaxis has never been performed.

RESULTS

The only side effect was a cutaneous rash in 7 cases (0.7%), without any consequence. A wound infection was detected in 9 cases (<1%), all successfully treated with surgical toilette and specific antibiotic treatment. A lumbar discitis was detected in 4 out of 657 microdiscectomies (0.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Even if this study has the weakness of the retrospective character, our intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis protocol proved to be safe and efficacious. We hope that these preliminary results will be confirmed by larger prospectic trials.

Ceftriaxone versus Other Antibiotics for Surgical Prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate possible differences in prophylaxis with ceftriaxone compared with other antimicrobial agents for surgical-site infections and remote infections such as respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

METHODS

The efficacy of ceftriaxone was compared with that of other antibiotics in the perioperative prophylaxis of local (surgical wound) and remote (RTIs and UTIs) infections in a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials published between 1984 and 2003. The analysis was based on a 2 x 2 contingency table with classification by treatment and number of infections obtained from individual studies.

RESULTS

Evaluations were performed on 48 studies, for a total of 17 565 patients. Overall, 406 patients (4.8%) in the ceftriaxone group and 525 (6.3%) in the comparator group developed a surgical-site infection (log odds ratio [OR] -0.30 [CI -0.50 to -0.13]; p < 0.0001). RTIs were observed in 292 (6.01%) patients in the ceftriaxone group and in 369 (7.6%) patients in the comparator group, (log OR -0.30 [CI -0.55 to -0.09]; p = 0.0013). UTIs were reported for 2.2% of the ceftriaxone prophylaxis patients compared with 3.74% of the comparator group patients (log OR -0.54 [CI -1.18 to -0.16]; p < 0.0001). Overall, in clean surgery 195 (5.1%) and 234 (6.2%) patients developed a surgical site infection in the ceftriaxone and comparator groups, respectively (log OR -0.22 [CI -0.51 to 0.01]; p = 0.0476). RTIs were prevented for all but 1.57% of patients in the ceftriaxone group and 2.62% of patients in the comparator group (p = 0.01) in clean surgery, and for 9.54% of the ceftriaxone group versus 11.6% of the comparator group (p = 0.01) in clean-contaminated surgery. While results observed in clean surgery did not show statistically significant superiority of ceftriaxone in preventing UTI insurgence (log OR -0.21 [CI 0.0-0.65]; p = 0.7702), this was clearly shown in the clean-contaminated surgery. In fact, 4.47% of patients in the ceftriaxone group versus 7.52% of patients in the comparator group developed a UTI (log OR -0.56 [CI -1.25 to -0.16]; p < 0.0001). Adverse events were observed in a similar proportion in the ceftriaxone prophylaxis and the comparator groups (0.35% and 0.23%, respectively). Duration of prophylaxis did not influence outcome of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis showed that ceftriaxone is statistically superior to other antibiotics in preventing both local and remote postoperative infections.