Prophylactic Antibiotics and No Antibiotics Compared in Penetrating Chest Trauma

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Abstract
Conflicting data exist concerning the value of antimicrobial prophylaxis in chest trauma. In a prospective and randomized study, the value of antibiotic prophylaxis was assessed in 80 consecutive relatively young, predominantly male patients admitted for gunshot or knife injuries of the chest. Forty patients received i.v. doxycycline and 40 received no antibiotic. Between the 2 groups no difference was found in the incidence of postoperative infections. Routine antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended in penetrating chest trauma in these patients.