povidone-iodine and Exanthema

The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference between a 5-day and a 1-day postoperative course of antibiotic on the incidence of infection after mandibular fractures involving the alveolus. Sixty-two patients with fractures of the mandible involving the dentoalveolar region were randomly assigned to 2 groups, both of which were given amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 1.2 g intravenously every 8 h from admission until 24 h postoperatively. The 5-day group were then given amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 625 mg orally every 8 h for another 4 days. The 1-day group was given an oral placebo at the same intervals. Follow-up appointments were 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Development of an infection was the primary end point. Fifty-nine of the 62 patients completed this study. Six of the 30 patients in the 5-day group (20%) and 6 out of the 29 in the 1-day group (21%) developed local wound infections. Three of the 6 in the 1-day group developed purulent discharge and swelling. One patient in the 5-day group developed a rash on the trunk. There were no significant differences in the incidence of infection or side effects between the groups. In fractures of the mandible involving the alveolus, a 1-day postoperative course of antibiotic is as effective in preventing infective complications as a 5-day regimen.

Topics: Administration, Intravenous; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Alveolar Process; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Double-Blind Method; Drainage; Exanthema; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Humans; Male; Mandibular Fractures; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Placebos; Postoperative Care; Povidone-Iodine; Prospective Studies; Surgical Wound Dehiscence; Surgical Wound Infection; Young Adult