| Methods |
Randomised controlled trial.
Single centre (Swedish) study between November 1979 and December 1982.
Randomisation method: not stated.
Blinding of assessors: not stated.
Patient stratification: not performed.
Power calculation: not performed.Intention‐to‐treat analysis: not performed.Sub‐group analysis: not performed.
Follow up: 3‐5 weeks. |
| Participants |
Number of patients: 148.
Clinically evaluable patients: 122.
59 (Cefuroxime, C) versus 63 (Cefuroxime/metronidazole, C‐M).
Median age: 66 (C), 61 (C‐M).Age range: 16‐93.
Inclusion criteria: patients operated upon for diffuse peritonitis.
Exclusion criteria: not stated. |
| Interventions |
2 regimens:
1) Cefuroxime 1.5 g (8 hourly).
2) Cefuroxime 1.5 g and metronidazole 500 mg (8 hourly).
Timing of antibiotic infusion: mainly pre‐operatively.
Length: > 3 days. |
| Outcomes |
Mortality.
Wound infection and intra‐abdominal sepsis. |
| Notes |
42/122 (34%) of patients had perforated appendicitis.No statistically significant difference shown. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment (selection bias) |
Unclear risk |
B ‐ Unclear |
