Single-versus multiple-dose antibiotics prophylaxis for cardiac surgery

Background: This study was carried out to determine if single-dose antimicr obial prophylaxis is sufficient for cardiac surgery. Methods: The study was a prospective non-randomized trial of 353 consecutiv e patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Group A (n = 151) received 48 h of p rophylaxis and Group B (n = 202) received a single dose. Cephazolin was use d in all patients except those at high risk from methicillin-resistant Stap hylococcus 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 gro ups. Conclusions: An in-hospital infection rate of 2.8% compares favourably with other reported series. Single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis is as effecti ve as a 48-h regimen. Targeting high-risk groups is effective.