THE SUSTAINED-RELEASE OF ANTIBIOTIC FROM FREEZE-DRIED FIBRIN ANTIBIOTIC COMPOUND AND EFFICACIES IN A RAT MODEL OF OSTEOMYELITIS

The kinetics of drug release from fibrin adhesive agent (consisting of fibrinogen, factor 8, thrombin, aportinin and calcium chloride)-antib iotic compound and efficacy on rat experimental osteomyelitis were stu died. To enhance the slow release activities of antibiotic, a mixture of fibrin clots was freeze-dried, Effects of freeze-drying were to mak e a fibrin clot an interlinked pore and to increase crosslinking rate containing an antibiotic, A diffusion test from aminoglycoside (Arbeka cin Sulfate: 200 mg) compound was carried out. In vitro study freeze-d ried antibiotic compound (FFAC: 1 cm(3)) was placed in saline (3 mi). The saline was replaced every 48 h and the previous solution was store d at -45 degrees C until assay, The result was that a concentration of 0.4 mg/l, sufficiently high to control Staphylococcus aureus strain I M2-42, was maintained within nine exchanges of saline after 18 days. I n vivo animal experiments, FFAC (2 x 2 x 3 mm) were tested in rats wit h established Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis in the proximal tibi a. The animals were observed for radiographic signs of infection and t issue was examined histopathologically. Bacterial counts by bone cultu res were statistically lower in rats implanted with FFAC than in those only given a drug-free FFC and curettage. Radiographical and histolog ical observations also showed beneficial effects of the FFAC. The resu lts suggest that the FFAC provide a simple drug delivery system, and m ay be a promising alternative treatment for osteomyelitis.