Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Abstract Aim Current evidence on the use of prophylactic antibiotics for patients with rib fractures is heterogenous, reflecting the complexity of chest trauma. This audit aims to assess the use of prophylactic antibiotics for patients with traumatic rib fractures. Method Radiological reports were used to identify injury severity, presence of pneumothorax and flail segments for all patients admitted to a DGH with trauma management capability. Rib scores were calculated, and admission records were assessed to determine if antibiotics were given. An electronic patient database was used to identify the presence of significant co-morbidities such as Asthma or COPD and associated complications. Results Of 6,991 patients admitted between September 2022-23, 109 were treated for traumatic rib fractures. 33 (30.2%) were given antibiotics during admission. Average rib score for those given antibiotics was 7.69, with an average age of 74.4. 2 (14.3%) patients with flail chest received antibiotics. 15 (13.8%) patients had a history of Asthma or COPD and 5 (4.59%) of these received antibiotics. The average hospital stays of patients admitted with rib fractures was 7.9 days for those who did not receive antibiotics versus 6.4 days for those who did. Conclusions The decision to administer antibiotics continues to be guided by clinical correlation, inflammatory markers, and radiological severity, rather than via a prophylactic approach. Our data shows patients administered antibiotics experienced a shorter average hospital stay. It remains crucial to approach each patient on an individual basis, considering a comprehensive set of factors for optimal rib fracture care.
Attafi et al. (Mon,) studied this question.