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Meta-analysis of RCTs shows no reduction in SSI rate with postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis
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A recently published systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis was not effective in the prevention of surgical site infections following total hip or knee arthroplasty.
Researchers identified four published randomized controlled trials that compared placebo or no treatment with postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections (SSI) in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty. The quality of evidence from the trials was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Findings showed the interobserver agreement of study eligibility was fair among the reviewers of the study.
At minimum 1-year follow-up, all trials noted incidences of SSI. Of the 2,055 patients in the postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis group, 63 patients developed SSIs. Of the 1,981 patients who received either no treatment or a placebo, 45 patients had SSIs. The rate of SSI was not significantly reduced with postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, according to the pooled estimate. Using the GRADE approach, the investigators noted an overall low quality of evidence. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Thornley reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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