Is mechanical bowel preparation mandatory for elective colon surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence demonstrates minimal impact of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) on reducing postoperative complications following elective colectomy. This study investigated the necessity of MBP prior to elective colonic resection. METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted across PubMed, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies comparing the effects of MBP with no preparation before elective colectomy, up until May 26, 2023. Surgical-related outcomes were compiled and subsequently analyzed. The primary outcomes included the incidence of anastomosis leakage (AL) and surgical site infection (SSI), analyzed using Review Manager Software (v 5.3). RESULTS: The analysis included 14 studies, comprising seven RCTs with 5146 participants. Demographic information was consistent across groups. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of AL ((P = 0.43, OR = 1.16, 95% CI (0.80, 1.68), I2 = 0%) or SSI (P = 0.47, OR = 1.20, 95% CI (0.73, 1.96), I2 = 0%), nor were there significant differences in other outcomes. Subgroup analysis on oral antibiotic use showed no significant changes in results. However, in cases of right colectomy, the group without preparation showed a significantly lower incidence of SSI (P = 0.01, OR = 0.52, 95% CI (0.31, 0.86), I2 = 1%). No significant differences were found in other subgroup analyses. CONCLUSION: The current evidence robustly indicates that MBP before elective colectomy does not confer significant benefits in reducing postoperative complications. Therefore, it is justified to forego MBP prior to elective colectomy, irrespective of tumor location.

Optimizing practices to prevent urinary tract infection after cystoscopy and urodynamics in women: A quality improvement study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women undergoing outpatient cystoscopy and/or urodynamic studies (UDS) at our centre by identifying and then altering modifiable risk factors through an analysis of incidence variability among physicians. METHODS: This was a quality improvement study involving adult women undergoing outpatient cystoscopy and/or UDS at an academic tertiary urogynecology practice. Prophylactic practices for cystoscopy/UDS were surveyed and division and physician-specific UTI rates following cystoscopy/UDS were established. In consultation with key stakeholders, this delineated change concepts based on associations between prophylactic practices and UTI incidence, which were then implemented while monitoring counterbalance measures. RESULTS: Two "Plan-Do-Study-Act-Cycles" were conducted whereby 212 and 210 women were recruited, respectively. Change concepts developed and implemented were: (1) to perform routine urine cultures at the time of these outpatient procedures, and (2) to withhold routine prophylactic antibiotics for outpatient cystoscopy/UDS, except in patients with signs of cystitis. There was no change in the incidence of early presenting UTI (9.0% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.680), but there were significantly fewer antibiotic-related adverse events reported (8.5% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.001). There was no significant change in the total incidence of UTI rates between cycles (7.8% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.649). CONCLUSIONS: No specific strategies to decrease the incidence of UTI following outpatient cystoscopy/UDS were identified, however, risk factor-specific antibiotic prophylaxis, as opposed to universal antibiotic prophylaxis, did not increase UTI incidence.

Antibiotic prophylaxis with piperacillin-tazobactam reduces organ/space surgical site infection after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a retrospective and propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still relatively high. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam as perioperative prophylactic antibiotic on organ/space SSI for patients underwent PD. METHODS: Four hundred seven consecutive patients who underwent PD between January 2018 and December 2022 were enrolled and analyzed retrospectively. The univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify independent risk factors of organ/space SSI. Postoperative complications were compared between the two groups according to the use of prophylactic antibiotics by a ratio of 1:1 propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis. RESULTS: Based on perioperative prophylactic antibiotic use, all 407 patients were divided into the ceftriaxone group (n = 192, 47.2%) and piperacillin-tazobactam group (n = 215, 52.8%). The rate of organ/space SSI was 31.2% with the choice of perioperative antibiotics (OR = 2.837, 95%CI = 1.802-4.465, P < 0.01) as one of independent risk factors. After PSM, there were similar baseline characteristics among the groups. Meanwhile, the piperacillin-tazobactam group had a significant lower rate of organ/space SSI compared to the ceftriaxone group both before and after PSM(P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of piperacillin-tazobactam as perioperative prophylaxis for patients underwent PD reduced organ/space SSI significantly.

Examining cefazolin utilization and perioperative anaphylaxis in patients with and without a penicillin allergy label: A cross-sectional study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the occurrence of cefazolin perioperative anaphylaxis (POA) in patients with and without a penicillin allergy label (PAL) to determine whether the prevalence of cefazolin POA differs based on the presence of a PAL. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A large U.S. healthcare system in the Baltimore-D.C. region, July 2017 to July 2020. PATIENTS: 112,817 surgical encounters across inpatient and outpatient settings in various specialties, involving 90,089 patients. Of these, 4876 (4.3%) encounters had a PAL. INTERVENTIONS: Perioperative cefazolin administration within 4 h before surgery to 4 h after the procedure began. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was cefazolin POA in patients with and without PALs. Potential POA cases were identified based on tryptase orders or diphenhydramine administrations within the initial cefazolin administration to 6 h postoperatively. Verification included two validation steps. The first checked for hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) documentation, and the second, led by Allergy specialists, identified POA and the probable culprit. The secondary outcome looked at cefazolin use trends in patients with a PAL, stratified by setting and specialty. MAIN RESULTS: Of 112,817 encounters, 1421 (1.3%) had possible cefazolin HSRs. Of these, 22 (1.5%) had POA, resulting in a 0.02% prevalence. Of these, 13 (59.1%) were linked to cefazolin and 9 (40.9%) attributed to other drugs. Only one cefazolin POA case had a PAL, indicating no significant difference in cefazolin POA prevalence between patients with and without PALs (p = 0.437). Perioperative cefazolin use in patients with PALs steadily increased from 2.6% to 6.0% between 2017 and 2020, specifically in academic settings. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cefazolin POA does not exhibit significant differences between patients with and without PALs, and notably, the incidence remains remarkably low. Based on these findings, it is advisable to view cefazolin as an acceptable choice for prophylaxis in patients carrying a PAL.

Are changes in antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations responsible for an increased risk of cefazolin allergy?

BACKGROUND: The first line of prevention of surgical site infection relies on the timely administration of antibiotic prophylaxis. First- and second-generation cephalosporins are the most recommended antibiotics in elective surgery. The incidence of cefazolin allergy has increased worldwide over the years. The sensitization mechanism of cefazolin is currently unknown, and data supporting cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins are lacking. Sensitization could occur through previous exposure either to cefazolin or to structurally related chemical agents. The objective of this study was to evaluate sensitization agents towards cefazolin. METHODS: The OpenBabel chemoinformatics toolbox was used to search for similarities between cefazolin and other molecules in an extensive drug database. Using the pholcodine-rocuronium similarity score as a threshold, we selected drugs with the most similar structure to that of cefazolin. Exposure to those drugs and cefazolin was assessed in a cohort of patients with skin test-proven cefazolin allergy at a specialized allergy centre via a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: Using the pholcodine-rocuronium similarity score as a threshold (score≥0.7), 42 molecules were found to be similar to cefazolin (all cephalosporins). Only 8 were marketed in France. None of the 14 cefazolin-allergic patients who answered the questionnaire (65% female, median age 56 years) reported exposure to any identified antibiotics. In contrast, 11 (78%) had at least one previous surgery requiring cefazolin before the index case. CONCLUSION: Direct previous cefazolin exposure was identified in 78% of cefazolin-allergic patients. Cefazolin started to take a central place in antibiotic prophylaxis after 2010, when cefamandole usage decreased drastically. Changes in antibiotic prophylaxis over the past 14 years in France could have been the turning point for the increased incidence of cefazolin allergy.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Grade 3 Open Fractures: A Retrospective Comparison of Ceftriaxone Plus Vancomycin Versus Cefazolin Plus Gentamicin.

Background: Because of the established path of bacterial entry and contamination-associated mechanisms, grade 3 open orthopedic fractures represent a substantial infection risk. The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) guidelines recommended covering Staphylococcus aureus and adding aminoglycoside gram-negative coverage. Local institutional guidelines rely on ceftriaxone for gram negative coverage and add methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus coverage with vancomycin. Patients and Methods: The electronic health records of adults admitted for a grade 3 open fracture between January 1, 2016, and October 31, 2021, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who received cefazolin and gentamicin (CZ+GM) or ceftriaxone and vancomycin (CRO+VA) as prophylaxis were included. We recorded the rate of a composite treatment failure outcome of receipt of antibiotic agents, infection-related hospitalization, or subsequent debridement for injury-site skin and soft tissue infection or osteomyelitis. The presence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was also evaluated. Results: There were 65 patients included in the CZ+GM group and 53 patients in the CRO+VA group. Patients in the CZ+GM group were younger (mean 42.6 compared with 50.6 years; p = 0.02). Otherwise, there were no significant differences between groups' demographics, mechanism and site of injury, timeline of care, or surgical interventions. More patients in the CZ+GM arm met the composite treatment failure outcome, but it was not statistically significant (45% vs. 32%; p = 0.2). There were similar rates of treatment failure at 30 days (21% vs. 26%; p = 0.5) and for only osteomyelitis (8% vs. 9%; p = 1). Conclusions: The trend in numerically lower treatment failure rates in the CRO+VA group across outcomes provides sufficient evidence to continue the current local recommendations. Given our sample size, type 2 error may have occurred, and studies with greater power should analyze this question.

Impact of Prophylactic Antibiotic Selection on the Prevention and Bacterial Flora of Surgical Site Infections After Colorectal Surgery.

Background: Deep incisional and organ/space surgical site infections (SSIs) after colorectal surgery are associated with adverse outcomes. Multiple antibiotic regimens are recommended for peri-operative prophylaxis, with no particular regimen preferred over another. We compared the prophylaxis regimens used in patients with and without SSIs, and the impact of regimens on the flora involved in SSIs. Patients and Methods: Information was extracted from the National Healthcare Safety Network databank of patients undergoing colorectal surgery from 2015 to 2022 in a large public healthcare system in New York City. Patients with SSIs were identified, and controlling for nine variables, propensity score matching was used to create a matched control group without SSIs. Prophylactic regimens were compared between the matched groups with and without SSIs. Also, for the patients with SSIs, the impact of the prophylactic regimen on the subsequent pathogens involved the infection was examined. Results: A total of 275 patients with SSIs were compared to a matched cohort without SSIs. The prophylactic regimens were extremely similar between the SSI and control groups. Among the patients who developed SSIs, more patients who received cefoxitin had emergence of select cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales and Bacteroides spp. when compared with those who received ß-lactam-ß-lactamase inhibitors. Conclusions: The distribution of surgical prophylaxis regimens was remarkably similar between patients developing serious SSIs and a closely matched cohort that did not develop an SSI. However, given the downstream effects of more resistant and anaerobic flora should an infection develop, use of cefoxitin should be re-evaluated as a prophylactic agent.

Trial of Vancomycin and Cefazolin as Surgical Prophylaxis in Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The addition of vancomycin to beta-lactam prophylaxis in arthroplasty may reduce surgical-site infections; however, the efficacy and safety are unclear. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, superiority, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned adult patients without known methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization who were undergoing arthroplasty to receive 1.5 g of vancomycin or normal saline placebo, in addition to cefazolin prophylaxis. The primary outcome was surgical-site infection within 90 days after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 4239 patients underwent randomization. Among 4113 patients in the modified intention-to-treat population (2233 undergoing knee arthroplasty, 1850 undergoing hip arthroplasty, and 30 undergoing shoulder arthroplasty), surgical-site infections occurred in 91 of 2044 patients (4.5%) in the vancomycin group and in 72 of 2069 patients (3.5%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94 to 1.73; P = 0.11). Among patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, surgical-site infections occurred in 63 of 1109 patients (5.7%) in the vancomyin group and in 42 of 1124 patients (3.7%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.23). Among patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, surgical-site infections occurred in 28 of 920 patients (3.0%) in the vancomyin group and in 29 of 930 patients (3.1%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.63). Adverse events occurred in 35 of 2010 patients (1.7%) in the vancomycin group and in 35 of 2030 patients (1.7%) in the placebo group, including hypersensitivity reactions in 24 of 2010 patients (1.2%) and 11 of 2030 patients (0.5%), respectively (relative risk, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.08 to 4.49), and acute kidney injury in 42 of 2010 patients (2.1%) and 74 of 2030 patients (3.6%), respectively (relative risk, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of vancomycin to cefazolin prophylaxis was not superior to placebo for the prevention of surgical-site infections in arthroplasty among patients without known MRSA colonization. (Funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12618000642280.).

Urinary tract infection in the context of mini-invasive procedures after kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The use of antibiotic prophylaxis in invasive procedures is generally accepted and highly recommended. The question is the need to apply antibiotic prophylaxis even in the case of mini-invasive procedures in the post-transplantation period. The aim of the study was to dermine the occurrence of infectious complications during mini-invasive procedures (pig-tail extraction, protocol biopsy) withou the use of antibiotic (ATB) prophylaxis. The secondary aim was to identify risk factors for a positive urine culture finding at the time of mini-invasive procedures. MATERIAL: This is a prospective monocentric study in which pacients after kidney transplantation at Transplantation centrum in Martin were included (n = 68). We investigated the incidence of positive urine findings at the time of pig-tail extraction (6 weeks after transplantation) and at the time of protocol biopsy (3 months after transplantation) with comparison within the group with and without ATB prophylaxis. RESULTS: Patients in group without ATB prophylaxis had a significantly higher tacrolimus value at the time of pig-tail extraction (p = 0.0274) and a significantly higher dose of mycophenolic acid at the time of protocol biopsy (p = 0.0429). We did not confirm significant difference in occcurence of positive urine findings at the time of pig-tail extraction or at the time of protocol biopsy. We completed a univariate logistic regression in order to identify a potential risk predictor for positive urine findings at the time of pig-tail extraction and protocol biopsy. None of the monitored parameters, including ATB prophylaxis, was confirmed as risk or protective factor. CONCLUSION: The use of antibiotic prophylaxis during mini-invasive procedures (pig-tail extraction, protocol biopsy) in the posttransplantation period had no effect on positive culture findings at our department. Based on our analysis, we therefore do not use antibiotic prophylaxis in the case of these procedures at our centre (Tab. 3, Fig. 6, Ref. 23).

[Surgical site infection after lower limb arterial reconstruction: can we improve prevention?] / Infections postchirurgie artérielle des membres inférieurs : peut-on mieux faire?

Infections associated with arterial reconstructions of the lower limbs are associated with high morbidity. This article reviews the risk factors for infection associated with this surgery and the preventive measures. These include smoking cessation and glycemic control preoperatively; avoiding unnecessary exposure to antibiotics or corticosteroids; optimal peripheral wound care; rigorous antisepsis and antibiotic prophylaxis in the operating theatre ; and finally, meticulous post-operative wound monitoring. The benefit of Staphylococcus aureus decolonization in vascular surgery is less clearly established than in cardiac and thoracic surgery, but it is still recommended in cases of implant placement or where there is a high risk of S. aureus infection, depending on the planned approach and type of surgery.

Les infections associées aux reconstructions artérielles des membres inférieurs sont grevées d'une morbidité élevée. Cet article revoit les facteurs de risque d'infection associés à cette chirurgie et les mesures de prévention. Ces dernières incluent l'arrêt du tabac et le contrôle glycémique en préopératoire ; l'absence d'exposition inutile aux antibiotiques ou aux corticostéroïdes ; les soins de plaies périphériques optimaux ; une antisepsie et une antibioprophylaxie au bloc opératoire rigoureuses et, finalement, un suivi de plaie postopératoire minutieux. Le bénéfice de la décolonisation à Staphylococcus aureus dans le cadre de la chirurgie vasculaire est moins clairement établi qu'en chirurgies cardiaque et thoracique, mais celle-ci reste recommandée en cas de mise en place d'implant ou de risque élevé d'infection à S. aureus, selon la voie d'abord et le type de chirurgie prévue.

Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis in patients with neutropenia at high risk of serious infections: Exploring pros and cons.

BACKGROUND: The use of fluoroquinolones to prevent infections in neutropenic patients with cancer or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a controversial issue, with international guidelines providing conflicting recommendations. Although potential benefits are clear, concerns revolve around efficacy, potential harms, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) implications. DISCUSSION: Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis reduces neutropenic fever (NF) bloodstream infections and other serious bacterial infections, based on evidence from systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies in adults and children. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis may also reduce infection-related morbidity and healthcare costs; however, evidence is conflicting. Adverse effects of fluoroquinolones are well recognized in the general population; however, studies in the cancer cohort where it is used for a defined period of neutropenia have not reflected this. The largest concern for routine use of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis remains AMR, as many, but not all, observational studies have found that fluoroquinolone prophylaxis might increase the risk of AMR, and some studies have suggested negative impacts on patient outcomes as a result. CONCLUSIONS: The debate surrounding fluoroquinolone prophylaxis calls for individualized risk assessment based on patient characteristics and local AMR patterns, and prophylaxis should be restricted to patients at the highest risk of serious infection during the highest risk periods to ensure that the risk-benefit analysis is in favor of individual and community benefit. More research is needed to address important unanswered questions about fluoroquinolone prophylaxis in neutropenic patients with cancer or receiving HSCT.

Conflicting views of physicians and surgeons concerning pediatric urinary tract infection: a comparative review.

BACKGROUND: A first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition in children, and pathways of management have evolved over time. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which pediatricians and surgeons differ in their investigation and management of a first febrile UTI, and to evaluate the justifications for any divergence of approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted for papers addressing investigation and/or management following a first febrile UTI in children published between 2011 and 2021. Searches were conducted on Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. To be eligible for inclusion, a paper was required to provide recommendations on one or more of the following: ultrasound (US) and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), the need for continuous antibiotic prophylaxis and surgery when vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was detected. The authorship required at least one pediatrician or surgeon. Authorship was categorized as medical, surgical, or combined. RESULTS: Pediatricians advocated less imaging and intervention and were more inclined to adopt a "watchful-waiting" approach, confident that any significant abnormality, grades IV-V VUR in particular, should be detected following a second febrile UTI. In contrast, surgeons were more likely to recommend imaging to detect VUR (p<0.00001), and antibiotic prophylaxis (p<0.001) and/or surgical correction (p=0.004) if it was detected, concerned that any delay in diagnosis and treatment could place the child at risk of kidney damage. Papers with combined authorship displayed intermediate results. CONCLUSION: There are two distinct directions in the literature regarding the investigation of an uncomplicated first febrile UTI in a child. In general, when presented with a first febrile UTI in a child, physicians recommend fewer investigations and less treatment, in contrast to surgeons who advocate extensive investigation and aggressive intervention in the event that imaging detects an abnormality. This has the potential to confuse the carers of affected children.

The association between penicillin allergy and surgical site infection after orthopedic surgeries: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Cephalosporins are used as first-line antimicrobial prophylaxis for orthopedics surgeries. However, alternative antibiotics are usually used in the presence of penicillin allergy (PA), which might increase the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between SSI after orthopedic surgeries and PA among surgical candidates and related alternative antibiotic use. Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we compared inpatients with and without PA from January 2015 to December 2021. The primary outcome was SSI, and the secondary outcomes were SSI sites and perioperative antibiotic use. Moreover, pathogen characteristics of all SSIs were also compared between the two cohorts. Results: Among the 20,022 inpatient records, 1704 (8.51%) were identified with PA, and a total of 111 (0.55%) SSI incidents were reported. Compared to patients without PA, patients with PA had higher postoperative SSI risk (1.06%, 18/1704 vs. 0.51%, 93/18318), shown both in multivariable regression analysis (odds ratio [OR] 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-3.50; p= 0.004) and propensity score matching (OR 1.84; 95% CI, 1.05-3.23; p= 0.034). PA was related to elevated deep SSI risk (OR 2.79; 95% CI, 1.47-5.30; p= 0.002) and had no significant impact on superficial SSI (OR 1.39; 95% CI, 0.59-3.29; p= 0.449). The PA group used significantly more alternative antibiotics. Complete mediation effect of alternative antibiotics on SSI among these patients was found in mediation analysis. Pathogen analysis revealed gram-positive cocci as the most common pathogen for SSI in our study cohort, while patients with PA had higher infection rate from gram-positive rods and gram-negative rods than non-PA group. Conclusion: Compared to patients without PA, patients with PA developed more SSI after orthopedic surgeries, especially deep SSI. The elevated infection rate could be secondary to the use of alternative prophylactic antibiotics.

Effect of Prophylactic Antibiotics on Mortality in Severe Alcohol-Related Hepatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The benefits of prophylactic antibiotics for hospitalized patients with severe alcohol-related hepatitis are unclear. Objective: To determine the efficacy of amoxicillin-clavulanate, compared with placebo, on mortality in patients hospitalized with severe alcohol-related hepatitis and treated with prednisolone. Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial among patients with biopsy-proven severe alcohol-related hepatitis (Maddrey function score ≥32 and Model for End-stage Liver Disease [MELD] score ≥21) from June 13, 2015, to May 24, 2019, in 25 centers in France and Belgium. All patients were followed up for 180 days. Final follow-up occurred on November 19, 2019. Intervention: Patients were randomly assigned (1:1 allocation) to receive prednisolone combined with amoxicillin-clavulanate (n = 145) or prednisolone combined with placebo (n = 147). Main Outcome and Measures: The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 60 days. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality at 90 and 180 days; incidence of infection, incidence of hepatorenal syndrome, and proportion of participants with a MELD score less than 17 at 60 days; and proportion of patients with a Lille score less than 0.45 at 7 days. Results: Among 292 randomized patients (mean age, 52.8 [SD, 9.2] years; 80 [27.4%] women) 284 (97%) were analyzed. There was no significant difference in 60-day mortality between participants randomized to amoxicillin-clavulanate and those randomized to placebo (17.3% in the amoxicillin-clavulanate group and 21.3% in the placebo group [P = .33]; between-group difference, -4.7% [95% CI, -14.0% to 4.7%]; hazard ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.45-1.31]). Infection rates at 60 days were significantly lower in the amoxicillin-clavulanate group (29.7% vs 41.5%; mean difference, -11.8% [95% CI, -23.0% to -0.7%]; subhazard ratio, 0.62; [95% CI, 0.41-0.91]; P = .02). There were no significant differences in any of the remaining 3 secondary outcomes. The most common serious adverse events were related to liver failure (25 in the amoxicillin-clavulanate group and 20 in the placebo group), infections (23 in the amoxicillin-clavulanate group and 46 in the placebo group), and gastrointestinal disorders (15 in the amoxicillin-clavulanate group and 21 in the placebo group). Conclusion and Relevance: In patients hospitalized with severe alcohol-related hepatitis, amoxicillin-clavulanate combined with prednisolone did not improve 2-month survival compared with prednisolone alone. These results do not support prophylactic antibiotics to improve survival in patients hospitalized with severe alcohol-related hepatitis. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02281929.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis of Surgical Site Infections in Cutaneous Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study.

The use of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in cutaneous surgery is controversial due to unclear efficacy and, thus, potentially unnecessary side-effects. This prospective observational study analysed the efficacy of oral perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing surgical site infections. Adult patients undergoing cutaneous surgery between August 2020 and May 2021 at Ludwig-Maximilian University Hospital Munich, Germany, without prior signs of infection were eligible. Propensity score weighting was used for covariate adjustment to account for non-randomized treatment assignment. Of 758 included patients, 23 received perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (3.0%). In this group, a surgical site infection occurred in 1 of 45 lesions (2.2%) compared with 76 of 1,189 lesions (6.5%) in the group without perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (735 patients, 97.0%). With covariate adjustment, the odds ratio for the occurrence of a surgical site infection in patients receiving perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis was 0.114 (95% confidence interval 0.073-0.182; p <0.001) on a per lesion level. The number of lesions needed to treat to prevent 1 surgical site infection was 17.6 (95% confidence interval 16.8-19.2). This prospective observational study shows a reduction in the incidence of surgical site infection in cutaneous surgery performed with perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. The large size difference between the 2 study groups limits the study.

Surgical site infection after pelvic bone and soft tissue sarcoma resection: Risk factors, microbiology, and impact of extended postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic bone and/or soft tissue sarcoma removal surgeries are associated with a high rate of surgical site infection (SSI). The recommended antibiotic prophylaxis (ABP) duration is 24-48 h. We aimed to assess the impact of extended ABP (5 days) on the SSI rate and describe the microbiology of SSI in bone and/or soft tissue pelvic sarcomas. METHODS: We retrospectively included all consecutive patients who underwent pelvic bone and/or soft tissue sarcoma removal surgery between January 2010 and June 2020. RESULTS: We analyzed 146 patients with pelvic bone (45, 31%) or soft tissue (101, 69%). Sixty patients (41%) developed SSI. SSI occurred in 13/28 (46.4%) in the extended ABP group versus 47/118 (39.8%) in the standard group (p = 0.53). In multivariable analysis, risk factors for SSI were surgery duration (OR: 1.94 [1.41-2.92] per h), stay in postoperative ICU for more than 2 days (12.0 [2.8-61.3]), and shred or autologous skin flap (39.3 [5.8-409.5]). Extended ABP was not associated with SSI. SSI were mainly polymicrobial with Enterobacterales (57.4%) and Enterococcus (45%). CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION: Pelvic bone and/or soft tissue sarcoma removal surgery is highly prone to postoperative infection. Extending the ABP to 5 days does not reduce the level of SSI.

Antibiotic Use in Dental Implant Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: This project was developed from anecdotal evidence of varied practices around antibiotic prescribing in dental procedures. The aim of the study was to ascertain if there is evidence to support whether antibiotic (AB) use can effectively reduce postoperative infections after dental implant placements (DIPs). Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA-P© methodology, a systematic review of randomised controlled clinical trials was designed and registered on the PROSPERO© database. Searches were performed using PubMed®, Science Direct® and the Cochrane© Database, plus the bibliographies of studies identified. The efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics, independent of the regimen used, versus a placebo, control or no therapy based on implant failure due to infection was the primary measured outcome. Secondary outcomes were other post-surgical complications due to infection and AB adverse events. Results: Twelve RCTs were identified and analysed. Antibiotic use was reported to be statistically significant in preventing infection (p < 001). The prevention of complications was not statistically significant (p = 0.96), and the NNT was >5 (14 and 2523 respectively), which indicates that the intervention was not sufficiently effective to justify its use. The occurrence of side effects was not statistically significant (p = 0.63). NNH was 528 indicating that possible harm caused by the use of ABs is very small and does not negate the AB use when indicated. Conclusion: The routine use of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection in dental implant placement was found to be not sufficiently effective to justify routine use. Clear clinical assessment pathways, such as those used for medical conditions, based on the patients' age, dental risk factors, such as oral health and bone health, physical risk factors, such as chronic or long-term conditions and modifiable health determinants, such as smoking, are required to prevent the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Mechanical bowel preparation with pre-operative oral antibiotics in elective colorectal resections: an Australian single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leaks (AL) and surgical site infections (SSI) are serious complications after colorectal resection. Studies have shown the benefits of pre-operative oral antibiotics (OAB) with mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) in reducing AL and SSI rates. We aim to investigate our experience with the short-term outcomes of AL and SSI following elective colorectal resections in patients receiving OAB with MBP versus MBP only. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed from our database for patients who underwent elective colorectal resection between January 2019 and November 2021. Prior to August 2020, OAB was not used as part of MBP. After 2020, Neomycin and Metronidazole were used in conjunction with MBP. We evaluated differences in AL and SSI between both groups. RESULTS: Five hundred and seventeen patients were included from our database with 247 having MBP while 270 had OAB and MBP. There was a significantly lower rate of AL in patients receiving MBP and OAB as compared to MBP alone (0.4% versus 3.0%, P-value = 0.03). The SSI rate at our institution was 4.4%. It was lower in patients with MBP and OAB as compared to MBP alone, but this was not clinically significant (3.3% versus 5.7%, P-value = 0.19). CONCLUSION: The association in the reduction of AL with the addition of OAB to the MBP protocol seen here reinforces the need for future randomized controlled trials in the Australasian context. We recommend colorectal institutions in Australian and New Zealand consider OAB with MBP as part of their elective colorectal resection protocol.

Postoperative Infection and Revision Surgery Rates in Foot and Ankle Surgery Without Routine Prescription of Prophylactic Antibiotics.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are associated with patient morbidity and increased healthcare costs. Limited literature in foot and ankle surgery provides guidance about routine administration of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence and revision surgery rates of SSI in outpatient foot and ankle surgeries in patients not receiving oral postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. METHODS: A retrospective review of all outpatient surgeries (n = 1517) conducted by a single surgeon in a tertiary referral academic center was conducted through electronic medical records. Incidence of SSI, revision surgery rate, and associated risk factors were determined. The median follow-up was 6 months. RESULTS: Postoperative infection occurred in 2.9% (n = 44) of the surgeries conducted, with 0.9% of patients (n = 14) requiring return to the operating room. Thirty patients (2.0%) were diagnosed with simple superficial infections, which resolved with local wound care and oral antibiotics. Diabetes (adjusted odds ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 4.38; P = 0.049) and increasing age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.04; P = 0.016) were significantly associated with postoperative infection. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated low postoperative infection and revision surgery rates without the routine prescription of prophylactic postoperative antibiotics. Increasing age and diabetes are signficant risk factors for developing a postoperative infection.

Determinants of adherence to oral hygiene prophylaxis guidelines in patients with previous infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is characterized by low incidence but high mortality. Patients with a history of IE are at highest risk. Adherence to prophylaxis recommendations is poor. We sought to identify determinants of adherence to oral hygiene guidelines on IE prophylaxis in patients with a history of IE. METHODS: Using data from the cross-sectional, single-centre POST-IMAGE study, we analysed demographic, medical and psychosocial factors. We defined patients as adherent to prophylaxis if they declared going to the dentist at least annually and brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Depression, cognitive status and quality of life were assessed using validated scales. RESULTS: Of 100 patients enrolled, 98 completed the self-questionnaires. Among these, 40 (40.8%) were categorized as adherent to prophylaxis guidelines, and were less likely to be smokers (5.1% vs. 25.0%; P=0.02) or have symptoms of depression (36.6% vs. 70.8%; P<0.01) or cognitive decline (0% vs. 15.5%; P=0.05). Conversely, they had higher rates of: valvular surgery since the index IE episode (17.5% vs. 3.4%; P=0.04), searching for information on IE (61.1% vs. 46.3%, P=0.05), and considering themselves as adherent to IE prophylaxis (58.3% vs. 32.1%; P=0.03). Tooth brushing, dental visits and antibiotic prophylaxis were correctly identified as measures to prevent IE recurrence in 87.7%, 90.8% and 92.8% of patients, respectively, and did not differ according to adherence to oral hygiene guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported adherence to secondary oral hygiene guidelines on IE prophylaxis is low. Adherence is unrelated to most patient characteristics, but to depression and cognitive impairment. Poor adherence appears related more to a lack of implementation rather than insufficient knowledge. Assessment of depression may be considered in patients with IE.