PEG TUBE

PROPHYLAXIS OF PEG TUBE SITE INFECTION, COMPARISON OF EFFICACY OF CEPHALEXIN AND CO-AMOXICLAV

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of Cephalexin and Co-amoxiclave in
preventing Peristomal infection after PEG tube placement in head and neck and other cancer
patients. Study Design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. Setting: Internal Medicine
Department Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore. Period:
February 2009 to September 2009. Material and Methods: A total of 160 patients including
both males and females were selected by Non probability purposive sampling. Patients meeting
inclusion and exclusion criteria were registered in the study from outpatient department after
informed consent. These patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A was started
on Cephalexin 500mg q6h Per-orally started 24 hrs before the procedure with the 4th dose
given one hour before the procedure and continued it as q6h for five days after the procedure.
Group B was given Co-amoxiclav 1G Per-orally 12 hrs before the procedure with the second
dose of 1G, one hour before the procedure and then same dose advised q12h for five days
after PEG tube placement. Results: Male to female ratio in both groups was 2:1 with 63.3%
males and 33.8% females. Patients were aged between 19-80years, divided in four age groups
with 38.8% falling in age group 50-64 years. Mean age is 52.11+-13.59 years and median age
54 years. The efficacy of Cephalexin and Co-amoxiclave was 84.7% and 78.6% respectively
with no significant statistical difference among two groups. Conclusion: We concluded that
Cephalexin and Co-amoxiclave were both equally effective in preventing peristomal infection.