Very low incidence of infections after cesarean section with prophylactic antibiotics after cord clamping
Abstract
Objective: The optimal timing of prophylactic antibiotics in women undergoing cesarean section (CS) re-mains uncertain. Prophylactic antibiotics are beneficial for the mother, but it is proven that antibiotics given before cord clamping can affect the infant's gut bacterial flora, with the potential to impact systemic immune function.
Additionally, prophylactic antibiotics may lead to increased drug resistant organisms. This study aimed to assess the effects of giving the antibiotics after the cord is clamped on the incidence of infections after CS.
Methods: A prospective study involving pregnant woman who underwent CS from January to June 2013 at a tertiary referral center in the Czech Republic. The procedures were done in accordance with the criteria of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention with a follow-up period of 30 days.
Results: Ten patients (3.3%) had a postcesarean infection. Nine infections were surgical site infections (SSIs) and one was non-surgical site infections (non-SSIs).
SSIs included 4 superficial, no deep, and 5 organ/space SSIs. 80% were diagnosed after hospital discharge. One woman's condition resolved without antibiotics, seven with antibiotics, and two required reoperation with antibiotics.
Conclusion: In this study timing of administration of prophylactic antibiotics after cord clamping was safe for the baby and efficient for the mother with a low rates of postcesarean infections.