ORAL STREPTOMYCIN IN SURGERY OF THE LARGE ROWEL

Abstract

1 g. of streptomycin in a glass of water was given thrice daily for 14 days to 4 normal subjects. Diminution in stool bacterial counts varied from 80 to 100% within 48 hrs. Concomitant with the decreased bacterial counts, there appeared a significant elevation in prothrombin times of both whole and diluted plasma specimens. Within 4-7 days after admn. of the drugs, the bacterial counts began rising progressively in every case. This increase in bact. count was accompanied by a parallel decrease in prothrombin times so that at the end of 2 wks., both dilute and whole plasma prothrombin times approached pre-streptomycin values. This escape phenomenon was attributed to drug fastness. Where streptomycin is admn. preoperatively in surgery of the large bowel, the operative procedure should not be delayed more than 48-72 hrs. Vit. K prepns. should be given to prevent the appearance of the hypoprothrombinemia noted when streptomycin is given orally.