The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Sep 1990
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialPrevention of bacterial colonization of the respiratory tract and stomach of mechanically ventilated patients by a novel regimen of selective decontamination in combination with initial systemic cefotaxime.
A novel regimen of selective decontamination (SDD) with initial systemic cefotaxime prevented bacterial colonization of the oropharynx and stomach in mechanically ventilated patients. In a three-group study of all patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation, patients in control groups A and B received antibiotics only when infection was present. In group A, antibiotics that disturb colonization resistance (CR) were used. ⋯ In group C, only 12% and 24% of the patients acquired colonization of the oropharynx and stomach respectively (P less than 0.001). The oropharynx and stomach were the major sources of microorganisms causing lower respiratory tract infection in both control groups. In group C, elimination of oropharyngeal and gastric colonization completely prevented lower respiratory tract infection from these sources.