Local cefuroxime tissue concentrations in the hand after single and repeated administration to 16 patients undergoing trapeziectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Background and purpose:  The duration of antibiotic coverage in hand tissues during surgery is unknown. We investigated the time the free concentration of cefuroxime was above the minimal inhibitory concentration (fT>MIC) of 4 μg/mL in hand tissues after single and repeated administration.

Methods:  In a prospective, unblinded randomized study 16 patients (13 female, age range 51-80 years) underwent trapeziectomy. Microdialysis catheters were placed in the metacarpal bone (primary effect parameter), synovial sheath, and subcutaneous tissue. Patients were randomized to postoperative administration of either intravenous single administration of cefuroxime (1,500 mg) (Group 1, n = 8) or repeated dosing (2 x 1,500 mg) with a 4 h interval (Group 2, n = 8). Samples were taken over 8 h.

Results: The fT>MIC of 4 μg/mL was found to be significantly longer in the metacarpal bone in Group 2 compared with Group 1 with a mean difference of 199 min (95% confidence interval 158-239). The same trend was evident in the remaining compartments. A concentration of 4 μg/mL was reached in all compartments in both groups within a mean time of 6 min (range 0-27 min). In Group 1, the mean concentrations decreased below 4 μg/mL between 3 h 59 min and 5 h 38 min.

Conclusion:  The fT>MIC was longer after repeated administration compared with single administration in all compartments. A single administration of cefuroxime 1,500 mg provided antimicrobial hand tissue coverage for a minimum of 3 h 59 min. Cefuroxime administration in hand surgeries should be done minimum 27 min prior to incision to achieve sufficient coverage in all individuals. Cefuroxime readministration should be considered in hand surgeries lasting longer than 4 h from time of administration.