Antibiotic prophylaxis--Hobson's choice in burns management

Burns. 1998 Dec;24(8):760-2. doi: 10.1016/s0305-4179(98)00106-5.

Abstract

Antibiotic prophylaxis is a routine procedure in management of burns. As such it is a safe practice, yet unusual complications can occur with the use of even safest antibiotics and their emergency management may be life saving. Here we present a case of 35% second and third degree burns who was taken for a second sitting of stamp grafting for remnant raw areas, who was administered intraoperative prophylactic antibiotic, developed a series of unusual complications sequentially, which were life threatening. Prompt recognition of signs and symptoms of adverse reactions of the drug used and timely management resulted in the successful outcome. A good team effort by surgeon, anaesthetist and the physician was mandatory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anaphylaxis / chemically induced*
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis / adverse effects*
  • Burns / surgery*
  • Cefotaxime / administration & dosage
  • Cefotaxime / adverse effects*
  • Cephalosporins / administration & dosage
  • Cephalosporins / adverse effects*
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / chemically induced
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Skin Transplantation* / methods

Substances

  • Cephalosporins
  • Cefotaxime