Introduction:

The increase in implantable cardiac stimulation devices in the last few years, along with the longevity and morbidity characteristics of the patient, has led to an increase in infections associated with these procedures. However, there are differences in Colombia and in the rest of the world as regards a suitable antibiotic prophylaxis scheme.

Objective:

To evaluate the incidence of post-operative infections with two antibiotic prophylaxis protocols.

Methods:

A controlled, randomised clinical trial was performed, in which 360 patients that had received a cardiac device implant were randomised into two groups: one with 240 patients to receive one dose of antibiotic (1 g cephazolin), and another of 120 patients to receive 3 doses. The patients were followed-up for one year. The primary outcome was the incidence of post-operative infections.

Results:

No significant difference was observed in the incidence of post-operative infections between the two groups (three doses versus one dose: crude OR, 0.92; 95% CI; 0.23 - 3.64; P = .912), with a rate of 2.9% (7/238) in the one-dose group, and 2.7% (3/110) in the three-dose group. After the multivariate analysis, chronic kidney disease was identified as an independent predictor of developing infectious complications (adjusted OR = 4.71; 95% CI; 1.13 - 19.60).

Conclusion:

The use of a single-dose prophylaxis antibiotic protocol one hour before the implantation of cardiac stimulator devices does not appear to be inferior to the three-dose post-operative protocol.

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