A study of plasma and cardiac tissue concentrations of ceftriaxone (Rocephin) in open heart surgery

Postoperative infection following cardiac surgery procedures is a serious complication. Cephalosporines are frequently used in prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to determine whether adequate therapeutic concentrations of ceftriaxone were present in cardiac tissues and plasma after 2 g single dose administered intravenously. Twenty-four consecutive patients undergoing open heart surgical procedures enrolled in the study. The antibiotic concentration was measured by agar well diffusion method. Samples of plasma were taken simultaneously of tissue removal in order to determine the antibiotic penetration. Tissue concentrations in the cardiac appendage, in the mitral and aortic valves and in the vessels of the graft exceeded MIC of the anticipated pathogens and especially high concentration was detected in pericardiac tissue during the time of operation. Therapeutic level was achieved against only certain strains of Pseudomonas.