The Risk of Infection and Indication of Systemic Antibiotics in Chronic Wounds.

BACKGROUND: No definitive guidelines exist to assist clinicians in determining when a chronic wound is infected or at risk for infection, nor do guidelines exist to aid in determining the indication or duration of systemic antibiotics. The lack of widely accepted guidelines can lead to excessive and improper use of systemic antibiotics, which can contribute to adverse drug events and the rise of multidrug-resistant organisms. Implementing a simple tool to measure the risk of infection in patients with chronic wounds could help clinicians determine the indication and appropriate use of systemic antibiotics as well as potentially reduce the use of systemic antibiotics. OBJECTIVE: This evidence-based practice project aims to identify both chronic wounds at risk for infection and the risk factors associated with chronic wound infection, evaluate the use of systemic antibiotics in patients with chronic wounds, and reduce the use of systemic antibiotics in chronic wounds that are not infected or at risk for infection by implementing a Wounds at Risk (WAR) score for all patients admitted with chronic wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this pre- and post-observational study, a convenience sample of all patients admitted with chronic wounds over a 6-week period were given a WAR score based on electronic medical record observations. Data were collected on the use and indication of systemic antibiotics and were compared with the same data of a control group of patients admitted with chronic wounds during a 6-week period before project implementation. Other clinical, microbiological, and demographic data also were collected and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Though not significant, the overall use of systemic antibiotics was decreased in the post-intervention group. A significant reduction was seen in wound-related indications for antibiotics, most notably in the "infected ulcer" category. Diabetic foot ulcers were at highest risk for infection, and pathogen or microbiological burden did not play a significant role in infection risk. CONCLUSIONS: The WAR score can help guide clinicians in determining the need for antibiotics, thus helping to reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure, which can reduce the incidence of adverse drug events and multidrug-resistant organisms.

rhBMP-2 for posterolateral instrumented lumbar fusion: a multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) on radiographical fusion rate and clinical outcome for surgical lumbar arthrodesis compared with iliac crest autograft. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In many types of spinal surgery, radiographical fusion is a primary outcome equally important to clinical improvement, ensuring long-term stability and axial support. Biologic induction of bone growth has become a commonly used adjunct in obtaining this objective. We undertook this study to objectify the efficacy of rhBMP-2 compared with traditional iliac crest autograft in instrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion. METHODS: Patients undergoing 1- or 2-level instrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion were randomized to receive either autograft or rhBMP-2 for their fusion construct. Clinical and radiographical outcome measures were followed for 2 to 4 years postoperatively. RESULTS: One hundred ninety seven patients were successfully randomized among the 8 participating institutions. Adverse events attributable to the study drug were not significantly different compared with controls. However, the control group experienced significantly more graft-site complications as might be expected. 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Oswestry Disability Index, and leg/back pain scores were comparable between the 2 groups. After 4 years of follow-up, radiographical fusion rates remained significantly higher in patients treated with rhBMP-2 (94%) than those who received autograft (69%) (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The use of rhBMP-2 for instrumented posterolateral lumbar surgery significantly improves the chances of radiographical fusion compared with the use of autograft. However, there is no associated improvement in clinical outcome within a 4-year follow-up period. These results suggest that use of rhBMP-2 should be considered in cases where lumbar arthrodesis is of primary concern.

Tranexamic Acid reduces perioperative blood loss in adult patients having spinal fusion surgery.

BACKGROUND: Spinal reconstructive surgery in adults can be associated with significant blood loss, often requiring allogeneic blood transfusion. The objective of this randomized, prospective, double-blind, multicenter study was to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing perioperative blood loss and transfusion in adult patients having elective posterior thoracic/lumbar instrumented spinal fusion surgery. METHODS: One hundred fifty-one adult patients were randomized to receive either a bolus of 10 mg/kg IV of TXA after induction followed by a maintenance infusion of 1 mg/kg/hr of TXA, or an equivalent volume of placebo (normal saline). The primary outcome was the total perioperative estimated and calculated blood loss intraoperatively and 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were incidence of allogeneic blood exposure, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: Four patients were withdrawn for identifiable surgical bleeding, therefore 147 patients were included in the analysis. The total estimated and calculated perioperative blood loss was approximately 25% and 30% lower in patients given TXA versus placebo (1592 +/- 1315 mL vs 2138 +/- 1607 mL, P = 0.026; 3079 +/- 2558 vs 4363 +/- 3030, P = 0.017), respectively. There was no difference in the amounts of blood products transfused, and length of stay between the two groups. TXA, surgical duration, and number of vertebrae fused were independent factors related to perioperative blood loss. Predictors for the need for allogeneic red blood cell transfusion were ASA classification, surgical duration and number of levels fused. CONCLUSIONS: TXA significantly reduced the estimated and calculated total amount of perioperative blood loss in adult patients having elective posterior thoracic/lumbar instrumented spinal fusion surgery.