Antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of postpartum perineal wound complications: A randomized controlled trial

Neena Duggal, Celia Mercado, Kay Daniels, Alexandra Bujor, Aaron B. Caughey, Yasser Y. El-Sayed

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

88 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: To estimate whether prophylactic antibiotics at the time of repair of third- or fourth-degree perineal tears after vaginal delivery prevent wound infection and breakdown. METHODS:: This was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients who sustained third- or fourth-degree perineal tears after a vaginal delivery were recruited for the study. Each patient was given a single intravenous dose of a second-generation cephalosporin (cefotetan or cefoxitin) or placebo before repair of third- or fourth-degree perineal tears. Obstetricians and patients were blinded to study drug. The perineum was inspected for evidence of infection or breakdown at discharge from the hospital and at 2 weeks postpartum. Primary end points were gross disruption or purulent discharge at site of perineal repair by 2 weeks postpartum. RESULTS:: One hundred forty-seven patients were recruited for the study. Of these, 83 patients received placebo and 64 patients received antibiotics. Forty patients (27.2%) did not return for their 2-week appointment. Of the patients seen at 2 weeks postpartum, 4 of 49 (8.2%) patients who received antibiotics and 14 of 58 (24.1%) patients who received placebo developed a perineal wound complication (P=.037). There were no differences between groups in parity, incidence of diabetes, operative delivery, or third-degree compared with fourth-degree lacerations. CONCLUSION:: By 2 weeks postpartum, patients who received prophylactic antibiotics at the time of third- or fourth-degree laceration repair had a lower rate of perineal wound complications than patients who received placebo.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1268-1273
Number of pages6
JournalObstetrics and gynecology
Volume111
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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