amoxicillin-potassium-clavulanate-combination and Zygomatic-Fractures

The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference between the effect of a 5-day and a 1-day postoperative course of antibiotics on the incidence of infection after midfacial fractures. A total of 98 patients with displaced Le Fort or zygomatic fractures that required operation were randomly assigned into 2 groups, both of which were given amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 1.2g intravenously every 8h from the time of admission until 24h postoperatively. The 5-day group was then given amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 625 mg orally 8-hourly for another 4 days. The 1-day group was given placebo orally at the same time points. Patients were followed up 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks, and 6 months, postoperatively. The development of an infection of the wound was the primary end point. Ninety-four of the 98 patients completed the study. Two of the 45 patients in the 5-day group (4%) and 2/49 in the 1-day group (4%) developed postoperative wound infections. One in each group had a purulent infection, while the others had only wound breakdown. Two patients of the 5-day group and one in the 1-day group developed rashes on the trunk. There were no significant differences in the incidence of infection or side effects between the groups. In midfacial fractures a 1-day course of antibiotics postoperatively is as effective in preventing infective complications as a 5-day regimen.

Topics: Administration, Intravenous; Administration, Oral; Adult; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Exanthema; Facial Bones; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Humans; Male; Maxillary Fractures; Middle Aged; Orbital Fractures; Pilot Projects; Placebos; Postoperative Care; Prospective Studies; Skull Fractures; Surgical Wound Dehiscence; Surgical Wound Infection; Treatment Outcome; Zygomatic Fractures