Evaluation of cefuroxime concentration in the intra- and extrathecal compartments of the lumbar spine - an experimental porcine study.

fT>MIC (4 μg/ml) and tissue penetration for cefuroxime was lower in intrathecal compartments (spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid) compared to the epidural space and plasma, suggesting a significant effect of the blood-brain barrier. In terms of fT>MIC, a single-dose of 1500 mg cefuroxime seems inadequate to prevent intrathecal infections related to spine surgery for bacteria presenting with a MIC-target of 4 μg/ml or above.