A fast, cost-saving and sensitive method for determination of cefuroxime in plasma by HPLC with ultraviolet detection.

Cefuroxime (CFX) is a broad-spectrum second-generation cephalosporin and one of the best choices for antibiotic prophylaxis. However, when used in critically ill patients, it may present changes in its pharmacokinetic properties. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring of CFX is necessary for effective dosing strategies.

[Pharmacoeconomic results of introducing antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery at a university hospital].

Objectives: The introduction of antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery was designed and pre-intervention (controls) and post-intervention (cases) evaluations were carried out at a university tertiary hospital.

Patients And Method: Prospective recording of information on prophylaxis in all patients undergoing non-emergency abdominal surgery was analysed during a 3-week period before and after implementing an antimicrobial prophylaxis program. Adequacy of prophylaxis was defined as prescription of antibiotics (type, dose and duration of treatment) according to the Guidelines.

Adherence to aspirin in secondary prevention of ischemic stroke.

Objective: Compliance with antiplatelet therapy is essential for the efficiency of secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. The objective of this study was to evaluate adherence to aspirin treatment in patients with ischemic stroke.

Patients And Methods: We studied outpatients of 5 neurological ambulatory centers in an urban city, Valencia, all with a history of ischemic stroke who had received aspirin for at least 6 months.