Selective bowel decontamination in hospitalized patients awaiting liver transplantation

Background Infection remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Selective bowel decontamination (SBD) in hospitalized patients is one strategy for prophylaxis. Methods A retrospective case-control study was performed using 18 consecutive hospitalized patients receiving SBD prior to OLT during the period September 1995 to September 1996. Eighteen consecutive hospitalized patients without SBD transplanted during the period March 1995 to September 1995 served as a historical control group. Results Selective bowel decontamination was associated with a significantly decreased prevalence of positive cultures for gram-negative bacteria and fungi and reduced overall hospital charges. Conclusion In hospitalized patients awaiting OLT, SBD is an effective prophylactic measure against infectious morbidity associated with gram-negative bacteria and fungi