No abstract

A prospective, randomized trial of prophylaxis against wound infection in acute abdominal surgery was conducted in 210 patients comparing systemic administration of 2 antibiotics active against bowel organisms, topical administration of povidone iodine to the wound, and no prophylactic treatment. Prophylactic treatment was given only on the day of operation. There was a significant decrease in wound infection following both types of prophylactic treatment compared to no treatment. There was no significant difference in results between systemic treatment with antibiotics and povidone iodine sprayed into the wound. The advantage of topical treatment with povidone iodine over antibiotic treatment is that development of bacterial resistance is not a hazard.

A controlled trial of Naseptin cream, as an anti-staphylococcaiprophylactic, made in two adult wards, showed the cream to be effective in reducing nasal carriage, including antibiotic resistant strains. There was no marked effect on wound infection.A controlled trial of Naseptin cream and Sterzac powder prophylactically in maternity nurseries was found to be effective in reducing nasal carriage and infection.These findings are discussed, and recommendations on the use of Naseptin cream as a prophylactic are made.

Clostridium welchii, used as a control, was found to grow well in a microaerophilic jar used for campylobacters but appeared resistant to a metronidazole disc although the campylobacter was sensitive. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for six strains of Cl. welchii were up to 64-fold higher in these conditions than when grown anaerobically. Zones of inhibition with both Cl. welchii and Bacteroides fragilis varied with the amount of air admitted to anaerobic jars.

CARE OF THE ELDERLY MEDIBALJRNAL curable major and minor disorders and by the prevention of social loneliness, boredom, and poverty. In carrying out these tasks the importance of establishing and maintaining close contact with one's ageing patients is stressed and the value of special clinics for the elderly is noted. The present is still a phase of transition in the development of the Welfare State; the future presents great scope in the development of medical and social services to cope with the problems of the aged.