Variation in prophylactic antibiotic use in pediatric orthopedic surgery

Fifty-two pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery were evaluated to determine the pattern of prophylactic antibiotic use. Of the 50 patients receiving antibiotics, 43 patients were given the antibiotic prior to surgery; 38 patients received the drug within two hours prior to surgery. All patients received the postoperative antibiotic for a duration ranging from 2 to 14 days. Thirty-one patients received the postoperative antibiotic for longer than 48 hours without documentation of infection. Cephapirin and/or cefazolin were the most common antibiotics used. Due to fixed postoperative doses (0.5-2 g), the dose/kg/d exceeded the maximum recommended therapeutic doses in one-third of the patients. The results of this study illustrate that the use of prophylactic antibiotics in pediatric orthopedic surgery can be improved to maximize benefits and minimize costs and the potential for adverse effects. Until data from controlled studies become available, it seems appropriate to follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines in establishing hospital policy for surgical prophylaxis.