Influence of hemodilution on cefuroxime levels and bacterial contamination of intra- and postoperative processed wound blood during hip replacement.

Materials And Methods: In a prospective randomized study we investigated the effect of hemodilution on cefuroxime levels and bacterial contamination of processed shed blood during hip arthroplasty. 10 patients received cefuroxime 1,5 g as single shot prophylaxis before (group A), 10 after hemodilution (15 ml/KG) (group B). Cefuroxime levels in serum 1 h after administration, at the end of operation, after 12 h and in drainage-blood after 12 h were assessed by HPLC. Bacteriological study was performed from collecting bags (Vacufix), wound drainage blood and processed red blood cell concentrates, using pour plate technique and broth culture enrichment.

Results And Discussion: Mean concentrations of cefuroxime were higher in group B than group A, but differed not significantly. No bacterial contamination was found in collecting bags and wound drainages in both groups. Processed red cell concentrates in group B showed no growth. In group A, however, 3/10 were contaminated with < or = CFU/ml of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. The differences between groups did not reach the level of statistical significance and could not be related to lower cefuroxime levels. No wound infection occurred in either group.