[Antibiotic concentration in postoperative wound fluid during short-term prevention with cephalosporins]

Antibiotic concentrations were measured in wound fluid from Redon-drains and in serum during short-time prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery. 1. Chephaloridine and cephazolin concentrations in wound fluid rose to therapeutic levels. 3 h after i.v. application of 1 g concentrations in wound fluid and in serum were nearly identical. 6 and 12 h after application the concentrations in wound fluid were significantly higher than those in the serum. 2. At the end of the 12-h interval of administration the mean concentrations of both antibiotics as well in wound fluid as in serum remained at therapeutic levels. 3. For reasons of their good diffusion into the wounds both cephaloridine and cefazolin should be appropriate for short-time prophylaxis in orthopaedic surgery.