In vivo and in vitro studies of antibiotic release from and bacterial growth inhibition by antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate hip spacers.

The antimicrobial properties and the elution characteristics of gentamicin-vancomycin-loaded hip spacers were studied in vivo and in vitro. Vancomycin elution was greater than gentamicin elution. The antibiotic concentrations in vivo were less than those in vitro.

In vitro evaluation of antibiotic release from and bacteria growth inhibition by antibiotic-loaded acrylic bone cement spacers.

The antibiotic release from and the bacteria growth inhibition by antibiotic-loaded acrylic bone cement hip spacers were studied. The cement used was Palacos R, and it was loaded with either one antibiotic powder (gentamicin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, or synercid) [monoantibiotic case] or two antibiotic powders (gentamicin + vancomycin or gentamicin + teicoplanin) [biantibiotic case] and then tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Antibiotic elution and bacteria growth were measured every 24 h simultaneously by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and photometrically, respectively.

Physical training during intrahepatic chemotherapy.

Objective: To evaluate the role of strength and endurance training for the muscular, cardiac, respiratory, and immune systems and the quality of life (QOL) during intrahepatic chemotherapy (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil).

Design: Single case.

Setting: Teaching hospital in Germany.