Safety of a new protocol decreasing antibiotic utilization after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis in children: A prospective observational study.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2015
Identifier
PMID: 25812441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2015.03.006
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In a previous randomized trial, we found children with perforated appendicitis could be safely discharged prior to completion of a 5 day intravenous antibiotics course. To progress the protocol further, patients who met discharge criteria early were discharged without oral antibiotics if leukocyte counts were normal.
METHODS: Children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis were prospectively observed after institution of a new antibiotic regimen consisting of daily intravenous dosing ceftriaxone/metronidazole while an inpatient. Patients discharged prior to 5 days were discharged home without oral amoxicillin-clavulanate if no leukocytosis at discharge. Outcomes were compared to the previous protocol of daily intravenous ceftriaxone/metronidazole with completion of a 7-day antibiotic course with amoxicillin-clavulanate of all patients discharged prior to 5 days.
RESULTS: 540 patients (270 new protocol, 270 old protocol) were identified. There was no significant difference in patient demographics, admission leukocyte count, time to regular diet, or length of stay. Postoperative abscess occurred in 21.8% in the new protocol compared to 19.3% of the previous (P=0.5). There was a significant decrease in the number of patients discharged home on oral antibiotic therapy (P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients meeting discharge criteria with normal leukocyte count prior to completion of 5 days IV antibiotic therapy can be safely discharged home without oral antibiotics after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis.
Journal Title
Journal of pediatric surgery
Volume
50
Issue
6
First Page
912
Last Page
914
MeSH Keywords
Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Ceftriaxone; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Protocols; Combined Modality Therapy; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Laparoscopy; Male; Metronidazole; Patient Discharge; Postoperative Care; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
Keywords
Perforated Appendicitis; Laparoscopic Surgery; Antibiotic Stewardship
Recommended Citation
Desai, A. A., Alemayehu, H., Holcomb, G. W., St Peter, S. D. Safety of a new protocol decreasing antibiotic utilization after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis in children: A prospective observational study. Journal of pediatric surgery 50, 912-914 (2015).
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