BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial compares the incidence of w
ound infection after vascular surgery in patients who received prophyl
axis using the same antibiotic as either a single-dose or a multiple-d
ose regimen (until the lines/drain tubes were removed, but not for mor
e than 5 days). METHODS: Each of the 302 patients who entered the stud
y received ticarcillin 3.0 g/clavulanate 0.1 g (Timentin) intravenousl
y immediately after the induction of anesthesia. Patients randomized t
o the multiple-dose group received an average of 14.3 doses (range 9 t
o 20). RESULTS: The incidence of wound infections was 18% (28 of 153)
for patients in the single-dose group and 10% (15 of 149) for patients
in the multiple-dose group (P = 0.04; relative risk estimate = 2.00,
95% confidence Interval = -1.02 to 3.92). CONCLUSIONS: A multiple-dose
antibiotic regimen, rather than single-dose therapy, provides optimal
prophylaxis against wound infection for patients undergoing vascular
surgery. (C) 1998 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.