Preoperative Mupirocin Ointment Can Reduce Risk, Cost of SSI in Total Joint Arthroscopy

Mupirocin ointment before a total hip or knee arthroscopy is a safe and cost-effective intervention for reducing surgical site infections, according to a study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.

Advertisement

For their study, researchers assessed the cost-effectiveness and safety of preoperative screening and/or administration of mupirocin to patients over a one-year period. A hypothetical cohort of patients due to undergo total joint arthroplasty were divided into three groups: (1) patients obtaining preoperative screening cultures, followed by administration of mupirocin to patients with cultures positive for MRSA; (2) patients provided empirical preoperative treatment with mupirocin without screening; and (3) patients provided no preoperative treatment or screening.

 

Their analysis showed patients in the first and second group, who received either both screening and treatment or treatment alone, had better cost-savings than the third group. A sensitivity analysis showed that this conclusion still held when the cost of mupirocin was more than $100 and the cost of surgical site infections ranged from $26,000-250,000.

Related Articles on MRSA:

4 Prognostic Variables Determined to be Risk Factors for MRSA

California Health Department Releases Six Reports on Healthcare-Acquired Infections

MRSA Increases Risk of Death 8-Fold for Children With H1N1

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Clinical Leadership & Infection Control

  • Authorities are investigating a shooting at Franciscan Health Michigan City (Ind.) that left a La Porte County Sheriff’s Office deputy…

  • How many of you have felt like a flea in a jar? If you put fleas in a jar, they…

Advertisement

Comments are closed.