Antimicrobial prophylaxis for arthroscopy in horses, a systematic review and meta-analysis (dataset)

This dataset is the extracted data from a systematic review of infectious complications following elective arthroscopy in horses and the impact of antimicrobial prophylaxis. Abstract: Elective arthroscopy is a common procedure in horses. Peri-operative antimicrobial prophylaxis is often administered, but data evaluating the efficacy and need for prophylaxis are lacking. Objectives: To identify and assess available evidence pertaining to the incidence of infectious complications in horses after arthroscopy and the impact of antimicrobial prophylaxis on the prevention of infectious complications. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance. Results: A total of 29 eligible manuscripts were identified; 28 observational studies and one randomized controlled trial. The RCT was excluded from analysis based on risk of bias assessment and issues with data clarity. The 28 observational studies involved 6567 horses. The overall pooled incidence proportion of septic arthritis was 1.1% (0.91-1.3%). Most studies reported peri-operative antimicrobial administration to all or no horses, with pooled septic arthritis incidence proportion estimates being 1.24% (0.92-1.7%) for antimicrobial treated and 0.82% (0.3-2.2%) for untreated horses. Two studies reported both treated and untreated horses, and a significant effect of antimicrobials was not identified.