SINGLE-DOSE AMPICILLIN FOR CESAREAN-SECTION PROPHYLAXIS

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 61  (4) , 463-466
Abstract
A single 2-g dose of ampicillin or a placebo identical in appearance was administered i.v. in a randomized, prospective, double-blind manner to 71 patients undergoing cesarean section. The solutions were given on call to the operating room or during the intraoperative period. Postoperative morbidity from infection occurred in 59.4% of patients receiving placebo and in 14.7% of those receiving ampicillin (P < 0.0001). In those individuals undergoing primary cesarean section, the incidence of infection with placebo was 65% and with ampicillin 6.3% (P < 0.0004). In patients undergoing repeat cesarean section the incidence was 53% in the placebo group and 22% in the treatment group (P > 0.05). There were no differences in the effectiveness of the drug whether given preoperatively or intraoperatively. Serious infections and wound infections were not encountered in patients receiving ampicillin.