Evaluating Different Durations of Antibiotic Prevention to Reduce Infection After Cardiac Surgery
Led by Monash University · Updated on 2026-03-25
9180
Participants Needed
27
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the best duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections and other healthcare-associated infections in patients undergoing cardiac surgery involving a median sternotomy. This trial compares the effectiveness, health-economic impact, and microbiological effects of giving intravenous cefazolin during surgery only versus continuing it for 24 or 48 hours after surgery. The trial is a multicenter, adaptive, double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled, randomized phase IV study to assess non-inferiority among these approaches.
Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups Arm A receives cefazolin only during the surgery with placebo afterward Arm B receives cefazolin during surgery and for 24 hours postoperatively followed by placebo Arm C receives cefazolin during surgery and for 48 hours after surgery. Cefazolin is given intravenously at a dose of 2 grams every 8 hours following the initial preoperative dose, with the number of postoperative doses varying by group. Placebo doses are administered to maintain blinding.
During the study, participants will be monitored for surgical site infections up to 90 days after surgery, with additional assessments for Clostridioides difficile infection and other healthcare-associated infections up to 30 days post-surgery. Researchers will collect clinical and microbiological data, monitor health outcomes, and evaluate the economic impact of prophylaxis duration. The trial involves careful follow-up during hospitalization and after discharge, with the overall participation lasting at least 90 days post-surgery.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Duration of Cardiac Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Outcomes Study
Research Team
P
Paige Druce, MSc(Epi)
S
Sarah Astbury
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This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
Factors
Intraoperative plus 48‑hour prophylaxis
Intraoperative only prophylaxis
What it is
Cefazolin given during surgery and continued for 48 hours after
Prevent surgical‑site infection via extended prophylaxis
Prevent surgical‑site infection via single intraoperative dose
How it is given or performed
Intravenous cefazolin given during surgery and for 48 hours post‑operatively
Intravenous cefazolin given during surgery only
Evidence status
Extended prophylaxis up to 48 hours aligns with surgical practice variations, though superiority is unproven
Evidence for optimal duration of prophylaxis is limited and varies widely in practice
Important limitations
Extended antibiotic use may increase risk of resistance or Clostridioides difficile infection
May under‑treat compared with current surgical practice that often extends prophylaxis
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery involving a median sternotomy
You will not qualify if you...
Age under 18 years
American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score of 5
Glomerular filtration rate below 40 mL/min/1.73m2 or requiring continuous renal replacement therapy, haemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis
Surgery for suspected or proven endocarditis or deep sternal wound infection
Documented hypersensitivity to cefazolin
Documented methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation or infection within 12 months prior to surgery
Cardiac transplantation
Procedures involving insertion of ventricular assist device or mechanical circulatory support device
Procedures not involving a median sternotomy
Patients previously enrolled and randomized in the CALIPSO trial
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Treatment
Duration - Up to 48 hours post-surgery
Participants receive intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis during and after cardiac surgery for different durations depending on their assigned group.
Surgery day plus postoperative doses every 8 hours for up to 48 hours
Follow-up
Duration - Up to 90 days after surgery
Participants are monitored for surgical site infections and other health outcomes following surgery.
Follow-up visits or assessments up to 90 days post-surgery
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
3
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