Comparing the effectiveness of broad spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis with single agent antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent post-cesarean section infection

Introduction: The rate of cesarean delivery is increasing. Infection is one of the most frequent and important complications of emergency cesarean section. Infection prophylaxis has an important role to reduce post-cesarean delivery complication. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of broad spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis (Azithromycin+Cephalotin) with single agent antibiotic prophylaxis (Cephalotin) to prevent post-cesarean section infection in Shariati hospital patient since August 2012 to August 2013. Methods: This clinical trial study was carried out in Shariati hospital of Bandar Abbas, Iran. 424 pregnant women were recruited and divided to two groups. Group 1 received Azithromycin and Cephalotin as a preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and group 2 receives routine antibiotic regime (Cephalotin and placebo). To find any signs or symptoms of post-cesarean infection, patients were visited one mount after discharge. Collected data entered to SPSS software version 16 and descriptive and comparative test were performed. Correspondence: Maryam Iranfar, MD. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences. Bandar Abbas, Iran Tel:+98 9177367653 Email: [email protected] Results: Our findings show that during one month after cesarian, in 4.3% (10 cases) of group 1 patients and 25.5% (55 cases) of group 2 patients, symptoms and signs of infection were observed. The difference between two groups was significant (P=0.000). We found no significant difference between demographic and other medical details. Conclusion: Azithromycin have a significant effect on prevention of post-cesarean infection. Increasing the use of this broad spectrum agent as a part of antibiotic prophylaxis can decrease wound infection and other infectious complications of cesarean delivery.