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Orally administered levofloxacin as prophylaxis against pacemaker infection
Natsumi Morito1, Yoshio Yamanouchi, Sunao Kodama
1Department of Cardiology, Fukuoka University Chikushi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.
Experimental and Clinical Cardiology
|July 25, 2008
Summary
Oral levofloxacin (LVFX) effectively prevents pacemaker infections, matching intravenous cefazolin efficacy. This study shows oral antibiotics are a viable option for post-pacemaker surgery infection prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Prophylaxis
Background:
- Pacemaker implantation is associated with infection risk despite sterile procedures.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis, either intravenous or oral, is considered to mitigate this risk.
- Evaluating the efficacy of oral levofloxacin (LVFX) for preventing pacemaker infections is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of orally administered levofloxacin (LVFX) in preventing infections after permanent pacemaker implantation.
- To compare the efficacy of oral LVFX with intravenous cefazolin for surgical site infection prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 39 patients undergoing pacemaker implantation or replacement.
- Group 1 (19 patients) received intravenous cefazolin post-surgery.
- Group 2 (20 patients) received oral levofloxacin (LVFX) pre- and post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Inflammatory markers (white blood cell count and C-reactive protein) showed similar trends in both groups.
- No significant difference in inflammatory responses was observed between patients receiving oral LVFX and intravenous cefazolin.
- This suggests comparable prophylactic effects regarding infection indicators.
Conclusions:
- Orally administered levofloxacin (LVFX) is as successful as intravenously administered cefazolin in preventing pacemaker infections.
- Oral LVFX represents a viable and effective prophylactic strategy for patients undergoing pacemaker implantation.
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