Use of Cefuroxime in Preventing Postcesarean Infection in High-Risk Patients

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Abstract
Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is accepted for prevention of postceasarean infection in certain risk groups. Of the antibiotic regimens presented none appears superior. Patients having a cesarean section (CS) more than 6 h after membrane rupture were given three doses of cefuroxime (1.5 g every 8th hour) in a prospective study. This prophylaxis was as efficacious as a 7-day treatment with cefuroxime and cefadroxil. The infection rate was 21% which should be compared to approximately 50% when no prophylaxis was given. Patients with membrane rupture of less than 6 h and having a most urgent CS received the same 24-hour prophylaxis. No postoperative infection was recorded. Women having a CS with an ongoing uterine infection were treated with cefuroxime alone or combined with metronidazole. All but one (91%) had an uneventful recovery.