The available evidence does not support the routine use of early systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in the management of patients with acute burn injuries. In addition to exposing patients to side-effects, antibiotic use without indication encourages the development of resistance, thus reducing treatment options during the patient’s hospital course. Topical antimicrobial dressings are the standard of care for these patients.
For more information:
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Barajas-Nava LA, López-Alcalde J, Roqué i Figuls M, Solà I, Bonfill Cosp X. Antibiotic prophylaxis for preventing burn wound infection. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(6):CD008738. Published 2013 Jun 6. PMID: 23740764.
Csenkey A, Jozsa G, Gede N, et al. Systemic antibiotic prophylaxis does not affect infectious complications in pediatric burn injury: A meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2019;14(9):e0223063. Published 2019 Sep 25. PMID: 31553768.
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