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Am J Perinatol 1995; 12(5): 322-324
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994485
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1995 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Ampicillin/Sulbactam Versus Ampicillin Alone for Cesarean Section Prophylaxis: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

Asha Rijhsinghani, Sotiere E. Savopoulos, J. Ken Walters, George Huggins, Jonathan R. Hibbs
  • Francis Scott Key Medical Center, and Department of Family Practice, Franklin Square Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland; and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota Hospitals, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

To study the effectiveness of anaerobic coverage in prevention of postpartum endometritis in women undergoing nonelective cesarean sections, we conducted a randomized prospective double-blind study of women undergoing cesarean sections and requiring antibiotic prophylaxis from April 1,1989, through December 31,1990. Ninety-four patients were enrolled in the study. Forty-five patients received ampicillin alone and 46 received ampicillin in conjunction with sulbactam. All patients were evaluated prior to surgery and in the postoperative period. Ninety-one patients completed the study and their records were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of ruptured membranes. Seventy-five percent of patients had ruptured membranes. Failure of prophylaxis and subsequent endometritis was documented in 8.8% of patients who received ampicillin and sulbactam and 35.3% of patients who received ampicillin alone. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.02). In conclusion, single-dose ampicillin and sulbactam provides better prophylaxis than single-dose ampicillin in women undergoing cesarean section with rupture of membranes.

Keywords

Sulbactam - ampicillin - prophylaxis - cesarean section - rupture of membranes

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