Effect of topical Vancomycin on consolidation of sternum surgical fracture in open-heart surgery

Introduction: The physiological process of sternum surgical fracture consolidation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery could be prolonged by the invasion of gram-positive saprophytic bacteria which perpetuates the local inflammatory process despite the standardized aseptic and antiseptic measures in cardiac surgery. In this regard, the topical application of Vancomycin can exert a positive effect and prevent the perpetuation of the local inflammatory process by the elimination of these bacteria which in turn reduces bone consolidation time.The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of topical Vancomycin on sternum surgical fracture consolidation in patients undergoing to open-heart surgery. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent open heart surgery were assigned into groups receiving the topical application of bone wax or Vancomycin mass in the spongy tissue exposed by surgical sternotomy, prior to sternal closure. The bone consolidation processes were assessed by two expert radiologists with simple chest computed tomography (CT) in the postoperative period (4, 8, and 12 weeks). Results: The study was conducted on 55 patients in Vancomycin (n=33) and bone wax group (n=19). The computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan revealed a higher number of patients with early bone consolidation (Medullar and bone continuity, and callus bone) in Vancomycin group, as compared to bone wax group (p values between 0.004-0.02 at 4 weeks and 0.01-0.06 at 8 weeks). However, no difference was observed at 12 weeks (P=0.09-0.11). Moreover, The magnitude effect of topical Vancomycin was high (>90%) at 3, 8, and 12 weeks of follow up, compared to the patients who received bone wax (<90%). Conclusion: The topical Vancomycin application had a positive effect on sternal surgical fracture and promotes an early bone consolidation in patients undergoing open-heart surgery.