scholarly journals Does routine topical antimicrobial administration prevent sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery?

Author(s):  
Pedro Lamares Magro ◽  
Miguel Sousa Uva

Summary A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘Does routine topical antimicrobial administration prevent sternal wound infection (SWI) after cardiac surgery? Altogether >238 papers were found using the reported search, of which 11 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Several different antimicrobial agents, dosages and application protocols were found in the literature. Regarding topical vancomycin use, a meta-analysis by Kowalewski et al. demonstrated a 76% risk reduction in any SWI. Collagen-gentamicin sponge application was associated with a 38% risk reduction in SWI in another meta-analysis by Kowalewski et al., which included 4 randomized control trials and >23 000 patients. Lower evidence observational studies found benefit in the use of different regimes, including: combination of vancomycin paste and subcutaneous gentamycin; combined cefazoline and gentamicin spray; isolated cefazolin; bacitracin ointment; and rifampicin irrigation. We conclude that, in light of the body of evidence available, topical antibiotic application prevents SWI, including both superficial and deep SWI. The strongest evidence, derived from 2 meta-analyses, is related to the use of gentamicin-collagen sponges and topical vancomycin. Heterogeneity throughout studies regarding antibiotic agents, dosages, application protocols and SWI definition makes providing general recommendations challenging.

2021 ◽  
pp. 021849232098845
Author(s):  
Aamir Mohammad ◽  
Santhosh Regini Benjamin ◽  
Sameer Mallampati ◽  
Birla Roy Gnanamuthu ◽  
Anne Jennifer Prabhu ◽  
...  

Bacterial sternal wound infections following cardiac surgery are not uncommon. However, sternal wound infection by a fungus is a rarity, and it warrants a correct diagnosis followed by specific treatment. We report a case of Aspergillus sternal wound infection with costochondritis following cardiac surgery, and briefly review the relevant literature.


2006 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 2657-2659 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Davies ◽  
S. Logan ◽  
E. Johnson ◽  
J. L. Klein

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