[Antibiotic concentration during extracorporeal circulation (author's transl)]

In open surgery, ampicillin (Solcillin) or cephacetrile (Celtol), 2 g for patients weighing 20 kg or more, and 1 g for those below 20 kg, was administered, and the antibiotic concentrations in blood and urine were estimated during extracorporeal circulation, from the time of operation to the admission in an intensive care unit (Group A). In other group, a total circulation volume of 0.3 mg/ml of the antibiotic was administered, based on body weight of patients and priming volumes (Group B). In Group A, blood concentration of antibiotics was so variable that it was difficult to decide additional dosage. In Group B, comparatively definite concentrations were estimated in each case. In extracorporeal circulation for a long time, it is preferable to maintain the blood concentration of antibiotic at 50 micrograms/ml, by additional antibiotic administration 90 approximately 120 minutes after the beginning of the extracorporeal circulation. In patients with preoperative subacute bacterial endocarditis, the blood concentration should be kept over 100 micrograms/ml during extracorporeal circulation.