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

fT > MIC (4 μg·ml ) and tissue penetration for cefuroxime were lower in the intrathecal compartments (spinal cord and CSF) than in the extrathecal compartment (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 spinal surgery for bacteria presenting with a MIC target of 4 μg· ml or above.