SINGLE‐ VERSUS MULTIPLE‐DOSE ANTIBIOTICS PROPHYLAXIS FOR CARDIAC SURGERY

Background : This study was carried out to determine if single‐dose antimicrobial prophylaxis is sufficient for cardiac surgery. Methods : The study was a prospective non‐randomized trial of 353 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Group A (n = 151) received 48 h of prophylaxis and Group B (n = 202) received a single dose. Cephazolin was used in all patients except those at high risk from methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) who received teicoplanin and timentin. Results : There was an overall in‐hospital infection rate of 2.8%. There was no significant difference in rate or type of infection between the two groups. Conclusions : An in‐hospital infection rate of 2.8% compares favourably with other reported series. Single‐dose antimicrobial prophylaxis is as effective as a 48‐h regimen. Targeting high‐risk groups is effective.