Administration of cefazolin prior to skin incision is superior to cefazolin at cord clamping in preventing postcesarean infectious morbidity: a randomized, controlled trial

Guidelines for intraoperative care in cesarean delivery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society recommendations (part 2)-2025 update

Enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery protocols include evidence-based interventions which are designed to improve patient experience and maternal and neonatal outcomes, whilst reducing healthcare related costs. This is the first update to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society guidelines for intraoperative care in cesarean delivery published in 2018. Interventions were selected based on expert consensus. An updated literature search was conducted in September 2024 involving the Embase, PubMed MEDLINE, EBSCO Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Targeted searches were performed by a medical librarian to identify relevant articles published since the 2018 Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society guidelines publication, which evaluated each intraoperative enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery intervention, focusing on randomized clinical trials and large observational studies (≥800 patients) to maximize search feasibility and relevance. Following a review of the evidence, consensus was achieved surrounding the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation for each proposed intervention according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. The ten recommended enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery intraoperative intervention categories are: (i) use of personal support persons (very low evidence, strong recommendation); (ii) prophylactic antibiotics (moderate to high evidence, strong recommendation); (iii) abdominal and vaginal preparation (moderate evidence, strong recommendation); (iv) antiemetic prophylaxis (low evidence, strong recommendation); (v) prevention of spinal hypotension (low evidence, strong recommendation); (vi) maintenance of normothermia (moderate evidence, strong recommendation); (vii) maintenance of euvolemia (low evidence, strong recommendation), (viii) optimal use of uterotonics (moderate evidence, strong recommendation); (ix) multimodal analgesia (low evidence, strong recommendation); and (x) early initiation of skin-to-skin care (moderate evidence, strong recommendation). The ten recommended intraoperative interventions outlined above represent the best evidence to date and should be considered in the absence of contraindications in patients undergoing cesarean delivery to optimize patient recovery and outcomes.

Society of Family Planning clinical recommendation: Prevention of infection after abortion and pregnancy loss

This Clinical Recommendation serves as a revision to the Society of Family Planning's 2010 Prevention of infection after induced abortion guidance. It examines infection risk, identifiable risk factors, and prophylactic measures for the prevention of infection associated with procedural and medication management of abortion and pregnancy loss to make evidence-based recommendations for the clinical care of patients. The following are the Society of Family Planning's recommendations: We recommend clinicians test and treat patients for gonorrhea and chlamydia at the time of abortion if there is (1) high clinical suspicion, (2) a positive diagnosis, or (3) the pregnant individual is under 25 years old and due for routine screening according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines; clinicians should not delay abortion while awaiting diagnosis or treatment (GRADE 1C). We recommend against screening for bacterial vaginosis before abortion (GRADE 1C). Since the rate of infection is low for nonprocedural abortion and the number needed to treat is high, coupled with inherent risks associated with antibiotic use, we recommend against the use of universal antibiotic prophylaxis in the setting of medication abortion, medication management of early pregnancy loss, or self-managed abortion (GRADE 1C). We recommend universal antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing procedural abortion across all gestational durations (GRADE 1A). For procedural management of pregnancy loss, we recommend antibiotic prophylaxis (GRADE 1A). We recommend clinicians initiate antibiotic prophylaxis for procedural abortion and procedural management of pregnancy loss before instrumentation to maximize efficacy (GRADE 1B). Antibiotics should be given with adequate time for absorption, but data on the optimal timing for prophylaxis are lacking. In the setting of osmotic cervical dilator use, there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine antibiotic prophylaxis before osmotic cervical dilator placement. We recommend discontinuing antibiotic prophylaxis after the procedure is completed (GRADE 1B). We recommend a single dose of doxycycline 200 mg orally or azithromycin 500 mg orally before a procedural abortion or procedural management of pregnancy loss (GRADE 1B). Metronidazole is a second-line option as it has evidence to suggest a prophylactic effect despite being less effective than doxycycline or azithromycin against aerobic bacteria. We recommend against the use of fluoroquinolones for prophylaxis in the setting of procedural abortion or procedural management of pregnancy loss due to the increased risk of side effects and complications (GRADE 1B). There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against vaginal preparation with a local antiseptic solution or to recommend a specific vaginal preparation regimen before procedural abortion or procedural management of pregnancy loss.

Perioperative Antibiotics and Other Factors Associated with Postcesarean Infections: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine modifiable risk factors associated with surgical site infection (SSI) and postpartum endometritis. We hypothesized that inappropriate surgical antibiotic prophylaxis would be a risk factor for both types of infections.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a single-center case-control study of SSI and endometritis after cesarean delivery over a 2-year period from 2016 to 2017. Cases were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision diagnosis codes, infection control surveillance, and electronic medical records search and were subsequently confirmed by chart review. Three controls were randomly selected for each case from all cesareans ± 48 hours from case delivery. Demographic, pregnancy, and delivery characteristics were abstracted. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with SSI and endometritis. Postpartum outcomes, including length of stay and readmission, were also compared.

RESULTS

We identified 141 cases of SSI and endometritis with an overall postpartum infection rate of 4.0% among all cesarean deliveries. In adjusted analysis, factors associated with both SSI and endometritis were intrapartum delivery, classical or other (non-low-transverse) uterine incision, and blood transfusion. Factors associated with SSI only included inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis, public insurance, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, and nonchlorhexidine abdominal preparation; factors only associated with endometritis included β-lactam allergy, anticoagulation therapy, and chorioamnionitis. Among cases, 34% of those with SSI and 25% of those with endometritis did not receive adequate antibiotic prophylaxis, compared with 12.9 and 13.5% in control groups, respectively. Failure to receive appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis was associated with an increased risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-15.6) but not endometritis (aOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.4-2.0).

CONCLUSION

Inadequate surgical antibiotic prophylaxis was associated with an increased risk of SSI but not postpartum endometritis, highlighting the different mechanisms of these infections and the importance of prioritizing adequate surgical prophylaxis. Additional potentially modifiable factors which emerged included blood transfusion and chlorhexidine skin preparation.

KEY POINTS

· Inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with a four-fold risk in surgical site infections.. · The most common cause for failure to achieve adequate surgical prophylaxis was inappropriate timing of antibiotics at or after skin incision.. · Blood transfusions are strongly associated (>10-fold risk) with both SSI and endometritis..

Different methods of vaginal preparation before cesarean delivery to prevent postoperative infection: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Precesarean vaginal antisepsis can benefit pregnant women with ruptured membranes. However, in the general population, recent trials have shown mixed results in reducing postoperative infections. This study aimed to systematically review clinical trials and summarize the most suitable vaginal preparations for cesarean delivery in preventing postoperative infection.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SinoMed databases, and the ClinicalTrials.gov clinical trials registry for randomized controlled trials and conference presentations (past 20 years, 2003-2022). Reference lists of previous meta-analyses were searched manually. In addition, we conducted subgroup analysis on the basis of whether the studies were conducted in developed or developing countries, whether the membranes were ruptured, and whether patients were in labor.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials comparing vaginal preparation methods for the prevention of postcesarean infection with each other or with negative controls.

METHODS

Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence. The effectiveness of prevention strategies was assessed by frequentist-based network meta-analysis models. The outcomes were endometritis, postoperative fever, and wound infection.

RESULTS

A total of 23 trials including 10,026 cesarean delivery patients were included in this study. Vaginal preparation methods included 19 iodine-based disinfectants (1%, 5%, and 10% povidone-iodine; 0.4% and 0.5% iodophor) and 4 guanidine-based disinfectants (0.05% and 0.20% chlorhexidine acetate; 1% and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate). Overall, vaginal preparation significantly reduced the risks of endometritis (3.4% vs 8.1%; risk ratio, 0.41 [0.32-0.52]), postoperative fever (7.1% vs 11.4%; risk ratio, 0.58 [0.45-0.74]), and wound infection (4.1% vs 5.4%; risk ratio, 0.73 [0.59-0.90]). With regard to disinfectant type, iodine-based disinfectants (risk ratio, 0.45 [0.35-0.57]) and guanidine-based disinfectants (risk ratio, 0.22 [0.12-0.40]) significantly reduced the risk of endometritis, and iodine-based disinfectants reduced the risk of postoperative fever (risk ratio, 0.58 [0.44-0.77]) and wound infection (risk ratio, 0.75 [0.60-0.94]). With regard to disinfectant concentration, 1% povidone-iodine was most likely to simultaneously reduce the risks of endometritis, postoperative fever, and wound infection.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative vaginal preparation can significantly reduce the risk of postcesarean infectious diseases (endometritis, postoperative fever, and wound infection); 1% povidone-iodine has particularly outstanding effects.

Appropriateness of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Central India: A Retrospective Analysis

Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) has been a boon in the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs). This study was conducted to assess and evaluate the selection, timing, and duration of administration of SAP and their compliance with national and international guidelines in a tertiary care teaching hospital in India. This retrospective study included the data collected from the central records department in a tertiary care teaching hospital on major surgeries conducted between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018, from the departments of ENT, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. The data was analyzed for the appropriateness of their indication for SAP administration, choice, timing, and duration of antibiotics, and compliance with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines. Results and interpretation Out of the total 394 case records included, only 2.53% (n = 10) of the cases were given an appropriate antibiotic. The duration of SAP was appropriate only in 6.53% (n = 24), and the timing of SAP administration was appropriate only in 50.76% (n = 204). The most commonly used antibiotic was ceftriaxone (pre-operative 58.12% (n = 229) and post-operative 43.14% (n = 170)). Major inappropriateness was observed in the selection of antibiotics which may be attributed to the non-availability of cefazolin in the institute. The inappropriateness of the duration of the SAP may be attributed to the extra precautions taken by the treating physicians to prevent SSIs. The overall compliance of the surgical cases with respect to the ASHP and ICMR guidelines was less than 1%. Conclusion This study identified the lacuna between the guidelines for SAP and the clinical application of the same. It also identified the areas where quality improvement was needed which can be improved by implementing antimicrobial stewardship, especially the choice and the duration of SAP administration.

Prevention of Postoperative Surgical Site Infection Following Cesarean Delivery

Cesarean delivery is the most common major surgical procedure performed among birthing persons in the United States, and surgical-site infection is a significant complication. Several significant advances in preventive measures have been shown to reduce infection risk, while others remain plausible but not yet proven in clinical trials.

Neonatal sepsis definitions from randomised clinical trials

INTRODUCTION

Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of infant mortality worldwide with non-specific and varied presentation. We aimed to catalogue the current definitions of neonatal sepsis in published randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

METHOD

A systematic search of the Embase and Cochrane databases was performed for RCTs which explicitly stated a definition for neonatal sepsis. Definitions were sub-divided into five primary criteria for infection (culture, laboratory findings, clinical signs, radiological evidence and risk factors) and stratified by qualifiers (early/late-onset and likelihood of sepsis).

RESULTS

Of 668 papers screened, 80 RCTs were included and 128 individual definitions identified. The single most common definition was neonatal sepsis defined by blood culture alone (n = 35), followed by culture and clinical signs (n = 29), and then laboratory tests/clinical signs (n = 25). Blood culture featured in 83 definitions, laboratory testing featured in 48 definitions while clinical signs and radiology featured in 80 and 8 definitions, respectively.

DISCUSSION

A diverse range of definitions of neonatal sepsis are used and based on microbiological culture, laboratory tests and clinical signs in contrast to adult and paediatric sepsis which use organ dysfunction. An international consensus-based definition of neonatal sepsis could allow meta-analysis and translate results to improve outcomes.

[The cesarean procedure: Guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]

OBJECTIVE

To identify procedures to reduce maternal morbidity during cesarean.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The quality of evidence of the literature was assessed following the GRADE® method with questions formulated in the PICO format (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) and outcomes defined a priori and classified according to their importance. An extensive bibliographic search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE databases. The quality of the evidence was assessed (high, moderate, low, very low) and a (i) strong or (ii) weak recommendations or (iii) no recommendation were formulated. The recommendations were reviewed in two rounds with external reviewers (Delphi survey) to select the consensus recommendations.

RESULTS

Of the 27 questions, there was agreement between the working group and the external reviewers on 26. The level of evidence of the literature was insufficient to provide a recommendation on 15 questions. Preventing hypothermia is recommended to increase maternal satisfaction and comfort (weak recommendation) and to reduce neonatal hypothermia (strong recommendation). The quality of the evidence of the literature did not allow to recommend the skin disinfectant to be used nor the relevance of a preoperative vaginal disinfection nor the choice between the use or nonuse of an indwelling bladder catheterization (if micturition takes place 1 hour before the cesarean section). The Misgav-Ladach technique or its analogues should be considered rather than the Pfannenstiel technique to reduce maternal morbidity (weak recommendation) bladder flap before uterine incision should not be performed routinely (weak recommendation), but a blunt (weak recommendation) and cephalad-caudad extension of uterine incision (weak recommendation) should be considered to reduce maternal morbidity. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended to reduce maternal infectious morbidity (strong recommendation) without recommendation on its type or the timing of administration (before incision or after cord clamping). The administration of carbetocin after cord clamping does not significantly decrease the incidence of blood loss>1000 ml, anemia, or blood transfusion compared with the administration of oxytocin. Thus, it is not recommended to use carbetocin rather than oxytocin in cesarean. It is recommended that systematic manual removal of the placenta not to be performed (weak recommendation). An antiemetic should be administered after cord clamping in women having a planned cesarean under locoregional anaesthesia to reduce intraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting (strong recommendation) with no recommendation regarding choice of use one or two antiemetics. The level of evidence of the literature was insufficient to provide any recommendation concerning single or double-layer closure of the uterine incision, or the uterine exteriorization. Closing the peritoneum (visceral or parietal) should not be considered (weak recommendation). The quality of the evidence of the literature was not sufficient to provide recommendation on systematic subcutaneous closure, including in obese or overweight patients, or the use of subcuticular suture in obese or overweight patients. The use of subcuticular suture in comparison with skin closure by staples was not considered as a recommendation due to the absence of a consensus in the external review rounds.

CONCLUSION

In case of cesarean, preventing hypothermia, administering antiemetic and antibiotic prophylaxis after cord clamping are the only strong recommendations. The Misgav-Ladach technique, the way of performing uterine incision (no systematic bladder flap, blunt cephalad-caudad extension), not performing routine manual removal of the placenta nor closure of the peritoneum are weak recommendations and may reduce maternal morbidity.

Real-world implementation of a vaginal preparation policy prior to cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major source of morbidity and mortality for women who undergo cesarean section (c-section). SSIs following c-section include wound infection, infection of the endometrium (endometritis) and intra-abdominal infections. Perioperative interventions to prevent these infections continue to be studied, including the use of vaginal preparation prior to c-section. Although literature has shown that the use of vaginal preparation prior to c-section decreases the rate of SSI, real-world clinical data regarding effective implementation of these policies are lacking. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) if a vaginal preparation policy could be implemented in a real-world setting with a high compliance rate and (2) to identify factors led to differences in compliance with policy.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study designed to examine the incidence of SSI after c-section before and after the implementation of vaginal preparation policy. The primary outcomes included implementation rates of the vaginal preparation for the post policy cohort. Secondary outcomes included subgroup analysis of policy adherence based on time of day, urgency of delivery, membrane status, labor status, and maternal factors.

RESULTS

Overall adherence to the vaginal preparation policy was 87.2% of patients. Maternal factors did not impact the rate of policy adherence. 81.4% of patients undergoing c-section at night had vaginal prep completed compared to 89.9% of patients undergoing c-section during the day (p = .016). 63.8% of patients undergoing emergent c-section had vaginal prep completed, compared to 90.1% of patients undergoing non-emergent c-section (p < .001). Laboring patients were more likely to have vaginal preparation completed (143 (95.3%) vs. 225 (82.7%), p = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

Compliance with vaginal preparation policy was high. Patients who are undergoing evening deliveries and emergent deliveries are less likely to have vaginal preparation completed. Some of these differences are likely attributable to perceived urgency of the c-section. It is important that interventions are identified such as staff education and standardization of documentation to improve rates of policy adherence.

Preincision adjunctive prophylaxis for cesarean deliveries a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically review the relative effectiveness of preincision cefazolin with or without adjunctive prophylaxis (macrolides or metronidazole) vs cefazolin alone in decreasing the incidence of postcesarean delivery surgical site infections.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic search on PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from October 25, 2020, to November 25, 2020, to identify studies comparing cefazolin with adjunctive macrolides or metronidazole with cefazolin alone. The reference lists were reviewed, and a manual search of articles published after the last database search was performed.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Overall, 3 randomized controlled trials and 1 prospective observational study of reproductive-age women undergoing cesarean deliveries were included in the study. We excluded studies of women who were immunocompromised (eg, patients who were HIV positive) or women with a diagnosis of chorioamnionitis before cesarean delivery. All patients received first-line cefazolin (either cefazolin 1 g or 2 g). We compared preincision cefazolin alone with preincision cefazolin plus adjunctive therapy (500 mg, oral or intravenous formulations of azithromycin, metronidazole, or clarithromycin).

METHODS

A total of 6 review authors independently assessed the risk of bias for each study, using the Cochrane Risk of Bias criteria. Synthesis and further appraisal were done using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation levels and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists appraisal guidelines. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. Treatment effects were evaluated using meta-analysis, and pooled relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were generated using random-effects models using the Review Manager 5 software (version 5.4.1).

RESULTS

Overall, 3 randomized controlled trials and 1 prospective observational study representing 2613 women met the criteria for inclusion. Significant reductions in surgical site infections (relative risk, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.63; 3 randomized controlled trials) and the duration of hospital stay (weighted mean difference, -1.46; 95% confidence interval, -2.21 to -0.71; 2 randomized controlled trials) were observed with preincision cefazolin and adjunctive prophylaxis compared with cefazolin alone. No significant difference was observed in maternal febrile morbidity (relative risk, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-1.25; 2 randomized controlled trials).

CONCLUSION

Our findings have provided evidence for the use of preincision adjunctive extended-spectrum prophylaxis with cefazolin over cefazolin alone. However, future investigations are required to establish the relative efficacies of different adjunctive antibiotic options.

Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus povidone-iodine as preoperative skin antisepsis for prevention of surgical site infection in cesarean delivery-a pilot randomized control trial

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine–alcohol and povidone–iodine as preoperative antiseptic skin preparation for prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) after cesarean delivery (CD).

Materials and methods

A total of 311 eligible women who underwent CS were recruited in the study after fulfilling all the eligibility and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomized into two groups (153 in chlorhexidine–alcohol group and 158 in povidone–iodine group) by a computer-generated randomization table. Patients were followed for a period of 30 days in postoperative period to monitor for SSI.

Results

The rate of SSI in the chlorhexidine–alcohol group is 5.4% and that of the povidone–iodine group is 8.6%. E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii were the most common organisms isolated. E. coli was found in 9.5% of the total SSI cases.

Conclusions

The study found that the patients who received chlorhexidine–alcohol as skin antiseptic had less chance of developing SSI than those who received povidone–iodine; however, it did not reach a statistical significance.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Registry of India CTRI/2018/05/014294. Registered on May 31, 2018

Compliance with a new quality standard regarding administration of prophylactic antibiotics before cesarean section

OBJECTIVE

Administering prophylactic antibiotics before cesarean section (CS) decreases postpartum infections significantly. They should be administered within 60 min prior to CS. In 2014 the Israeli Ministry of Health introduced the administration of pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis for CS as a quality criterion. This was immediately adopted by the Galilee Medical Center (GMC). This study aimed to examine the compliance to this quality standard in the GMC under 3 criteria: the type of antibiotics, timing of administration, and use of one dose only.

STUDY DESIGN

Data of women who underwent CS from the day of introducing the new quality standard on January 1, 2014, to July 31, 2015, were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The study included 1790 women who delivered by elective (24.4%) or emergency CS. In general, the medical staff's compliance to this quality standard was 90.9; 95.6% of the patients received the correct antibiotic, 94.6% had it within 65 min before surgery to 5 min after it, and 100% received it in less than 24 h. There was an increase in the overall compliance rate with time (logistic regression, p = .001). During the day shift, 60.4% of CS were emergency surgeries while during the on-call shift (evening and night) almost all (99%) of the CS were emergencies (p < .001, 2-sided). In morning shift's emergency CS, only 4.1% of the cases were not given prophylactic antibiotics as against 7.8% in the on-call shift (p = .005).

CONCLUSION

Over a period of 18 months, the compliance to the new quality standard of administering prophylactic antibiotics before CS was 90.9%. It was particularly high in the subgroup of elective CS during the morning shift. This high compliance rate may be attributed to the introduction of clear guidelines and assignment of a specific team member, the anesthesiologist, to administer the medication.Key pointsCompliance rate to the guideline was 90.9%.Compliance was better in the morning shift.Compliance was better for elective cesarean section.Compliance was not affected by time.

Effectiveness of antimicrobial prophylaxis at 30 versus 60 min before cesarean delivery

This study aimed to examine the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) given within 30 compared to 30–60 min before skin incision on the incidence of infectious morbidity after cesarean delivery (CD). A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single institution on data between 2014 and 2018. Women who delivered by CD were divided into two groups according to AP timing before skin incision: group 1 within 30 min, and group 2 from 30 to 60 min. The primary outcome was the incidence of any infectious morbidity. Overall, 2989 women were eligible: 2791 in group 1 and 198 in group 2. The primary composite outcome occurred in 125 women (4.48%) in group 1 and 8 women (4.04%) in group 2 (OR, 1.11; 95% CI 0.54–2.31; P = 0.77). The rate of surgical site infection only, was 1.08% in group 1 and 0.51% in group 2 (OR, 2.13; 95% CI 0.29–15.70; P = 0.72). The incidence was comparable between the groups in a separate sub-analysis restricted to laboring CDs and obese women. The rate of infectious morbidity was similar among women who received AP within 30 min and from 30 to 60 min before skin incision.

Different classes of antibiotics given to women routinely for preventing infection at caesarean section

BACKGROUND

Caesarean section increases the risk of postpartum infection for women and prophylactic antibiotics have been shown to reduce the incidence; however, there are adverse effects. It is important to identify the most effective class of antibiotics to use and those with the least adverse effects.  OBJECTIVES: To determine, from the best available evidence, the balance of benefits and harms between different classes of antibiotic given prophylactically to women undergoing caesarean section, considering their effectiveness in reducing infectious complications for women and adverse effects on both mother and infant.

SEARCH METHODS

For this 2020 update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (2 December 2019), and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different classes of prophylactic antibiotics given to women undergoing caesarean section.  RCTs published in abstract form were also included. We excluded trials that compared drugs with placebo or drugs within a specific class; these are assessed in other Cochrane Reviews. We excluded quasi-RCTs and cross-over trials. Cluster-RCTs were eligible for inclusion but none were identified.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 39 studies, with 33 providing data (8073 women). Thirty-two studies (7690 women) contributing data administered antibiotics systemically, while one study (383 women) used lavage and was analysed separately. We identified three main comparisons that addressed clinically important questions on antibiotics at caesarean section (all systemic administration), but we only found studies for one comparison, 'antistaphylococcal cephalosporins (1st and 2nd generation) versus broad spectrum penicillins plus betalactamase inhibitors'.   We found no studies for the following comparisons: 'antistaphylococcal cephalosporins (1st and 2nd generation) versus lincosamides' and 'antistaphylococcal cephalosporins (1st and 2nd generation) versus lincosamides plus aminoglycosides'. Twenty-seven studies (22 provided data) included comparisons of cephalosporins (only) versus penicillins (only). However for this update, we only pooled data relating to different sub-classes of penicillins and cephalosporins where they are known to have similar spectra of action against agents likely to cause infection at caesarean section. Eight trials, providing data on 1540 women, reported on our main comparison, 'antistaphylococcal cephalosporins (1st and 2nd generation) versus broad spectrum penicillins plus betalactamase inhibitors'. We found data on four other comparisons of cephalosporins (only) versus penicillins (only) using systemic administration: antistaphylococcal cephalosporins (1st and 2nd generation) versus non-antistaphylococcal penicillins (natural and broad spectrum) (9 studies, 3093 women); minimally antistaphylococcal cephalosporins (3rd generation) versus non-antistaphylococcal penicillins (natural and broad spectrum) (4 studies, 854 women); minimally antistaphylococcal cephalosporins (3rd generation) versus broad spectrum penicillins plus betalactamase inhibitors (2 studies, 865 women); and minimally antistaphylococcal cephalosporins (3rd generation) versus broad spectrum and antistaphylococcal penicillins (1 study, 200 women). For other comparisons of different classes of antibiotics, only a small number of trials provided data for each comparison, and in all but one case data were not pooled. For all comparisons, there was a lack of good quality data and important outcomes often included few women. Three of the studies that contributed data were undertaken with drug company funding, one was funded by the hospital, and for all other studies the funding source was not reported. Most of the studies were at unclear risk of selection bias, reporting bias and other biases, partly due to the inclusion of many older trials where trial reports did not provide sufficient methodological information. We undertook GRADE assessment on the only main comparison reported by the included studies, antistaphylococcal cephalosporins (1st and 2nd generation) versus broad spectrum penicillins plus betalactamase inhibitors, and the certainty ranged from low to very low, mostly due to concerns about risk of bias, wide confidence intervals (CI), and few events. In terms of the primary outcomes for our main comparison of 'antistaphylococcal cephalosporins (1st and 2nd generation) versus broad spectrum penicillins plus betalactamase inhibitors': only one small study reported sepsis, and there were too few events to identify clear differences between the drugs (risk ratio (RR) 2.37, 95% CI 0.10 to 56.41, 1 study, 75 women, very low-certainty evidence). There may be little or no difference between these antibiotics in preventing endometritis (RR 1.10; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.60, 7 studies, 1161 women; low-certainty evidence). None of the included studies reported on infant sepsis or infant oral thrush. For our secondary outcomes, we found there may be little or no difference between interventions for maternal fever (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.75, 3 studies, 678 women; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain of the effects on maternal: wound infection (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.90, 4 studies, 543 women), urinary tract infection (average RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.11 to 3.73, 4 studies, 496 women), composite adverse effects (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.09 to 10.50, 2 studies, 468 women), and skin rash (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.28 to 4.1, 3 studies, 591 women) (all very low certainty evidence). Although maternal allergic reactions were reported by two studies, there were no events. There were no infant outcomes reported in the included studies. For the other comparisons, the results for most outcomes had wide CIs, few studies and few women included. None of the included trials reported on longer-term maternal outcomes, or on any infant outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the best currently available evidence, 'antistaphylococcal cephalosporins' and 'broad spectrum penicillins plus betalactamase inhibitors' may have similar efficacy at caesarean section when considering immediate postoperative infection, although we did not have clear evidence for several important outcomes. Most trials administered antibiotics at or after cord clamping, or post-operatively, so results may have limited applicability to current practice which generally favours administration prior to skin incision. We have no data on any infant outcomes, nor on late infections (up to 30 days) in the mother; these are important gaps in the evidence that warrant further research. Antimicrobial resistance is very important but more appropriately investigated by other trial designs.

Comparing prophylactic use of cefazolin for SSI in cesarean section: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To summarize the available evidence to explore the effect of different prophylactic cefazolin regimens on postoperative surgical site infection after cesarean section.

METHODS

We searched WOS, Pubmed, and EMBASE Database also traced citations in the reference sections of the retrieved studies. English search words: Cesarean section, Surgical site infection, Cefazolin. The majority of the literature are randomized controlled trials comparing varied regimens of cefazolin.

RESULTS

A total of 11 randomized controlled trials and 4 non-randomized controlled trials involving 16,328 pregnant women were eligible. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of SSI after cesarean section when cefazolin was given at a high dose compared with cefazolin at a low dose (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57-1.04, I² = 0.0%). The risk of SSI after cesarean section was reduced by prophylactic use of cefazolin before skin incision compared with that after the umbilical cord clamping (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29-0.82, I² = 53.4%). Because of the extreme heterogeneity of the combined drug use, no meta-analysis results were provided. The consequences of cefazolin combined with other antibiotics (either orally or intravenously) vary widely. For pregnant women with different risk factors, cefazolin alone or the type, dose and drug route of cefazolin combined with additional antibiotics need to be further studied and explored.

CONCLUSIONS

All in all, this article illustrates a better use of cefazolin for the control of Surgical incision site infection in the cesarean section. For pregnant women with cesarean section without high-risk factors of infection, the use of cefazolin is effective, but for pregnant women with different high-risk factors, the specific use of prophylactic antibiotics needs to be further explored.

Prevention of Infection After Cesarean Delivery

The critical measures of importance in reducing the frequency of postcesarean infection are preoperative cleansing of the vagina with a povidone-iodine solution, administration of cefazolin plus azithromycin before surgery, preparation of the abdomen with a chlorhexidine solution, removal of the placenta by traction on the cord, closure of the deep part of the subcutaneous layer, and closure of the skin with sutures rather than staples.

Study To Reduce Infection Prior to Elective Cesarean Deliveries (STRIPES): a randomized clinical trial of chlorhexidine

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections after cesarean delivery are a cause of maternal morbidity and are typically caused by skin microbial flora. Preadmission application of chlorhexidine gluconate using impregnated cloths may decrease surgical site infections by decreasing the abundance of microbial flora.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the application of chlorhexidine gluconate cloths the night before and the morning of scheduled cesarean delivery decreases the risk of surgical site infections by 6 weeks postoperatively compared with placebo.

STUDY DESIGN

In this single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either Sage 2% chlorhexidine cloths or Sage Comfort Bath fragrance-free cloths (placebo) to apply to 6 skin sites on the body (neck, shoulders and chest, armpits, arm and hands, abdomen and groin, left leg and foot, right leg and foot, back and buttocks) the night before and after a shower the morning of scheduled cesarean delivery. Routine clinical and operative procedures were followed. The primary outcome was surgical site infections (superficial or deep incisional with or without organ space endometritis) by 6 weeks after cesarean delivery. The secondary outcomes were surgical site infections by 2 weeks and other wound-related complications by 2 and 6 weeks after cesarean delivery.

RESULTS

From April 2015 to August 2019, 1356 patients were enrolled: 682 were assigned to the chlorhexidine group and 674 to the placebo group. The groups were similar in demographic and medical characteristics. A total of 14 patients were lost to follow-up before cesarean delivery (10 in chlorhexidine and 4 in placebo) and 33 were lost to follow-up after cesarean delivery (10 in chlorhexidine and 23 in placebo). Among the remaining 1309 (97%), no difference was found in surgical site infections by 6 weeks between the 2 groups (2.6% in chlorhexidine vs 3.7% in placebo; P=.24). There were no differences in secondary outcomes at 2 or 6 weeks and no differences in primary outcome in a per-protocol analysis.

CONCLUSION

Preadmission use of chlorhexidine gluconate cloths compared with placebo does not reduce the risk of surgical site infection after scheduled cesarean deliveries. Following the standard of care guidelines results in a low risk of surgical site infections in this group of patients.

Reducing post-caesarean delivery surgical site infections: a narrative review

Surgical site infection complicates 1-10% of caesarean deliveries. With the rate of caesarean delivery increasing, it is important to identify effective measures of preventing surgical site infection and to consider their impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Compelling evidence supports the use of prophylactic antibiotics, prior to skin incision, to reduce surgical site infection. However, there remain international variations in terms of the recommended agent, dose and body weight-adjusted dosing. Advances in wound dressings are an evolving area of interest and surgical technique can influence outcomes. This narrative review explores pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of preventing surgical site infection following caesarean delivery.

Povidone-iodine 1% is the most effective vaginal antiseptic for preventing post-cesarean endometritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Direct comparison metaanalyses have reported benefits with presurgical vaginal preparation before cesarean delivery for the reduction of endometritis. These reports did not perform a multitreatment comparison of the various antiseptic solutions assessed in previous studies.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to review the literature systematically and quantitate and summarize indirectly the comparative efficacy of antiseptic formulations and their concentrations that are used for the preparation of the vagina before cesarean delivery in the prevention of endometritis and other infectious complications.

STUDY DESIGN

We used MEDLINE, EMBASE (from their inception to November 2018) and Cochrane databases, biographies, and conference proceedings. We used randomized clinical trials of patients who underwent surgical preparation of the vagina with antiseptic formulations before cesarean delivery with the aim of reducing the risk of infectious morbidity. Our systematic review was registered and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Extension for network meta-analysis guidelines. Network meta-analysis was performed with computerized software and used user-written programs to assess consistency, inconsistency, ranking probabilities, and graphing results. Direct and indirect pairwise comparisons of the various formulations and their concentrations were performed with the use of multivariate random-effects models and metaregression. A frequentist inference method was employed for the fitted model to estimate the ranking probabilities. Subgroup analyses for patients in labor, not in labor, and with ruptured membranes were conducted.

RESULTS

For the prevention of endometritis, we identified 23 studies that comprised 7097 women who were allocated to the following treatments: povidone-iodine (1%, 5%, 10%), chlorhexidine (0.2%, 0.4%), metronidazole gel, cetrimide, or normal saline solution/no treatment. Direct and indirect pairwise comparisons indicated that, when compared with saline solution or no treatment, all antiseptic formulations decreased rates of endometritis (5.2% vs 9.1%; odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.65; 22 studies/6994 women). Individually, povidone-iodine (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.64; 16 studies/5968 women), cetrimide (odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.90; 1 study/200 women), and metronidazole (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.90; 1 study/224 women) significantly reduced the risk of endometritis. Rankings of vaginal preparations indicated that povidone-iodine 1% had the highest probability (72.7%) of being the most effective treatment for the prevention of endometritis. For the secondary outcomes of postoperative wound infection and fever, a significant reduction was found only with povidone-iodine (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.78; 16 studies/5968 women; and odds ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.83; 12 studies/4667 women). Subgroup analyses also found that povidone-iodine significantly reduced risk of endometritis for women in labor (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.88; 5 studies/1211 women), with ruptured membranes(odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.44; 4 studies/476 women), and undergoing planned cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.57; 8 studies/1825 women).

CONCLUSION

Among patients who underwent cesarean delivery, presurgical vaginal irrigation with povidone-iodine had the highest probability of reducing the risk of endometritis, postoperative wound infections, and fever.

No. 247-Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Obstetric Procedures

OBJECTIVE

To review the evidence and provide recommendations on antibiotic prophylaxis for obstetrical procedures.

OUTCOMES

Outcomes evaluated include need and effectiveness of antibiotics to prevent infections in obstetrical procedures.

EVIDENCE

Published literature was retrieved through searches of Medline and The Cochrane Library on the topic of antibiotic prophylaxis in obstetrical procedures. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Searches were updated on a regular basis and articles published from January 1978 to June2009 were incorporated in the guideline. Current guidelines published by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology were also incorporated. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies.

VALUES

The evidence obtained was reviewed and evaluated by the Infectious Diseases Committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada under the leadership of the principal authors, and recommendations were made according to guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1).

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

Implementation of this guideline should reduce the cost and harm resulting from the administration of antibiotics when they are not required and the harm resulting from failure to administer antibiotics when they would be beneficial.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Efficacy of Non-Beta-lactam Antibiotics for Prevention of Cesarean Delivery Surgical Site Infections

Objective  To examine the association between perioperative Beta ( β ))-lactam versus non- β -lactam antibiotics and cesarean delivery surgical site infection (SSI). Study Design  Retrospective cohort of women undergoing cesarean delivery from January 1 to December 31, 2014. All women undergoing cesarean after 34 weeks with a postpartum visit were included. Prevalence of SSI was compared between women receiving β -lactam versus non- β -lactam antibiotics. Bivariate analyses were performed using Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Wilcoxon's rank-sum tests. Logistic regression models were fit controlling for possible confounders. Results  Of the 929 women included, 826 (89%) received β -lactam prophylaxis and 103 (11%) received a non- β -lactam. Among the 893 women who reported a non-type I (low risk) allergy, 819 (92%) received β -lactam prophylaxis. SSI occurred in 7% of women who received β -lactam antibiotics versus 15% of women who received a non- β -lactam ( p  = 0.004). β -Lactam prophylaxis was associated with lower odds of SSI compared with non- β -lactam antibiotics (odds ratio [OR] = 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.22-0.83; p  = 0.01) after controlling for chorioamnionitis in labor, postlabor cesarean, endometritis, tobacco use, and body mass index (BMI). Conclusion   β -Lactam perioperative prophylaxis is associated with lower odds of a cesarean delivery surgical site infection compared with non- β -lactam antibiotics.

Prevention of Cesarean Delivery Surgical Site Infections

Importance

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication of cesarean delivery. Seen in up to 12% of cesarean deliveries, it is a major cause of prolonged hospital stay and a burden to the healthcare system. Interventions and techniques must be identified to decrease the risk of cesarean delivery SSIs.

Objective

We review the categories of SSI, current studies that have focused on various interventions to decrease SSI, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative recommendations for cesarean delivery SSI prevention.

Evidence Acquisition

A thorough search of PubMed for all current literature was performed. Various surgical interventions and techniques were reviewed. We included studies that looked at preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative interventions for SSI prevention.

Results

We have summarized several surgical interventions and techniques as well as current consensus statements to aid the practitioner in preventing SSIs after cesarean delivery.

Conclusions and Relevance

Upon analysis of current data and consensus statements pertaining to cesarean deliveries, there are certain preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative interventions and techniques that can be recommended to decrease the risk of cesarean delivery SSI.

Guidelines for intraoperative care in cesarean delivery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society Recommendations (Part 2)

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society guideline for intraoperative care in cesarean delivery will provide best practice, evidenced-based, recommendations for intraoperative care, with primarily a maternal focus. The "focused" pathway process for scheduled and unscheduled cesarean delivery for this Enhanced Recovery After Surgery cesarean delivery guideline will consider procedure from the decision to operate (starting with the 30-60 minutes before skin incision) through the surgery. The literature search (1966-2017) used Embase and PubMed to search medical subject headings including "cesarean section," "cesarean section," "cesarean section delivery," and all pre- and intraoperative Enhanced Recovery After Surgery items. Study selection allowed titles and abstracts to be screened by individual reviewers to identify potentially relevant articles. Metaanalyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled studies, nonrandomized controlled studies, reviews, and case series were considered for each individual topic. Quality assessment and data analyses evaluated the quality of evidence and recommendations were evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system as used and described in previous Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society guidelines. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery cesarean delivery guideline/pathway has created a maternal focused pathway (for scheduled and unscheduled surgery starting from 30-60 minutes before skin incision to maternal discharge) with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery-directed preoperative elements, intraoperative elements, and postoperative elements. Specifics of the intraoperative care included the use of prophylactic antibiotics before the cesarean delivery, appropriate patient warming intraoperatively, blunt expansion of the transverse uterine hysterotomy, skin closure with subcuticular sutures, and delayed cord clamping. A number of specific elements of intraoperative care of women who undergo cesarean delivery are recommended based on the evidence. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society guideline for intraoperative care in cesarean delivery will provide best practice, evidenced-based, recommendations for intraoperative care with primarily a maternal focus. When the cesarean delivery pathway (elements/processes) is studied, implemented, audited, evaluated, and optimized by maternity care teams, this will create an opportunity for the focused and optimized areas of care and recommendations to be further enhanced.

Is the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for surgical procedures decreasing? Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

OBJECTIVE

Rising antibiotic resistance could reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics in preventing postoperative infections. We investigated trends in the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis regimens for 3 commonly performed surgical procedures-appendectomy, cesarean section, and colorectal surgery-and 1 invasive diagnostic procedure, transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases (through October 31, 2017) for randomized control trials (RCTs) that measured the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for 4 index procedures in preventing postoperative infections (surgical site infections [SSIs] following the 3 surgical procedures and a combination of urinary tract infections [UTIs] and sepsis following TRPB).

RESULTS

Of 399 RCTs, 74 studies (9 appendectomy, 11 cesarean section, 39 colorectal surgery, and 15 TRPB) were included. Multilevel logistic regression models with random intercepts for each study showed no statistically significant increase in SSIs over time for appendectomy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per year, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-1.16; P=.57), cesarean section (aOR per year, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.96-1.05; P=.80), and TRPB (aOR per year, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.77-1.18; P=.67). However, there was a significant increase in SSIs proportion following colorectal surgery (aOR per year, 1.049; 95% CI, 1.03-1.07; P&lt;.001).

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis agents in preventing SSIs following colorectal surgery has declined. Small number of RCTs and low infections rates limited our ability to assess true effect for simple appendectomy, cesarean section, or TRPB.

Update to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee Guideline for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection (2017): A summary, review, and strategies for implementation

Surgical site infections remain a common cause of morbidity, mortality, and increased length of stay and cost amongst hospitalized patients in the United States. This article summarizes the evidence used to inform the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee Guideline for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection (2017), and highlights key updates and new recommendations. We also present specific suggestions for how infection preventionists can play a central role in guideline implementation by translating these recommendations into evidence-based policies and practices in their facility.

Single dose ceftriaxone and metronidazole versus multiple doses for antibiotic prophylaxis at elective caesarean section in Mulago hospital: A randomized clinical trial

Objective: To compare the incidence of post-operative infections among mothers who received single dose pre-operative ceftriaxone and metronidazole compared to multiple doses after delivery by elective caesarean section. Methods: This was (parallel, balanced randomization, 1:1) open label randomized controlled trial conducted Mulago Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Participants included in this study were pregnant women who had been admitted for elective caesarean section. The mothers were randomized to receive single dose of ceftriaxone and metronidazole minutes before the operation or multiple doses 30-60 during the operation and postoperatively. The primary outcome was post-operative wound infection. Secondary outcomes were clinical endometritis and febrile morbidity. The 174 eligible participants were randomized into one of the two treatment arms in a ratio of 1:1. The research assistants who collected the outcomes were blinded to the study allocation. Results: Of the 174 eligible participants who recruited; 87 were randomized to the single dose group while 87 to the multiple doses group. The participants were recruited from 17th September 2015 up to 29th February 2016. All the participants were followed up for two weeks after delivery.  Outcome data was available for 79 women in the single dose group and 81 women in the multiple dose group. There were no differences in the incidence of post-operative wound infections between the single dose arm versus the multiple dose arm (RR 1.895; 95% CI (0.2-21.4). There was no clinical endometritis and febrile morbidity observed during the 14 days of follow up. Conclusion: Single dose pre-operative antibiotic prophylactic with ceftriaxone and metronidazole is as effective as multiple doses in prevention of post-operative infectious morbidity in women who undergo elective caesarean section. We recommend the use of single dose ceftriaxone and metronidazole in women undergoing elective caesarean section in our setting. Trial registration: NCT02736682. Registration date, 7th April, 2016.

Prophylactic antibiotics before cord clamping in cesarean delivery: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The number of clinical trials investigating the optimal timing of prophylactic antibiotics in cesarean section has increased rapidly over the last few years. We conducted a systematic review to inform up-to-date evidence-based guidelines to prevent postpartum infectious morbidity in the mother and rule out any safety issues related to antepartum antibiotic exposure in infants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four bibliographic databases were searched for published reports of trials. Ongoing or unpublished studies were searched in Clinicaltrials.gov and the World Health Organization registry platform. Randomized controlled trials comparing antibiotic prophylaxis before and after cord clamping in cesarean section were eligible. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed, and certainty of evidence graded.

RESULTS

In total, 18 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Those women who received antibiotics preoperatively were 28% (relative risk 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.56-0.92, nine studies, 4342 women, high quality of evidence) less likely to show infectious morbidity as compared with those who received antibiotics after cord clamping. The risk of endomyometritis and/or endometritis was reduced by 43% (relative risk 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.40-0.82, 13 studies, 6250 women, high quality of evidence) and the risk of wound infection by 38% (relative risk 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.81, 14 studies, 6450 women, high quality of evidence) in those who received antibiotics preoperatively as compared to those who received antibiotics after cord clamping. For other maternal infections no significant differences were identified. The risk for neonatal outcomes, such as deaths attributed to infection, sepsis, neonatal antibiotic treatment, intensive care unit admission or antibiotic-related adverse events, was not found to be different, either clinically or statistically, when antibiotics were given before or after cord clamping (moderate to low quality of evidence).

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence in favor of prophylactic antibiotic administration before, in comparison with after, cord clamping for major maternal infections was of high quality, meaning that further research would be unlikely to change the confidence in these findings. However, we recommend additional research reflecting the precision of the effect estimates for neonatal outcomes.

A randomized controlled double blind trial comparing the effects of the prophylactic antibiotic, Cefazolin, administered at caesarean delivery at two different timings (before skin incision and after cord clamping) on both the mother and newborn

BACKGROUND

Caesarean delivery (CD) increases the risk of postpartum infection by 5 to 20 fold. Prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) is the goal of antibiotic prophylaxis. This study was carried out to assess the optimum timing for prophylactic antibiotic administration and to assess the amount of the antibiotic crossing the placental barrier.

METHODS

Eligible mothers were recruited, after informed consent, once the decision for CD was made. Each mother received two injections, one prior to skin incision and one after cord clamping, (one being the study drug Cefazolin, and the other, a placebo) based on the randomization code. Demographic, maternal and neonatal monitoring data until discharge from hospital, and at the 6 weeks postpartum visit were collected. Levels of the prophylactic antibiotic were measured from the cord blood in every 8th neonate. The objective of the study was to compare the effects of the prophylactic antibiotic, intravenous Cefazolin 1 g, administered at Caesarean delivery (CD) at two different timings (before skin incision and after cord clamping) on both the mother and newborn. The secondary outcomes that were followed up were the number of maternal and neonatal readmissions. An appropriate test for significance, Fisher's exact test was used to find the association between risk variables and outcome.

RESULTS

The total numbers of mothers enrolled were 1106, of whom 553 mothers received antibiotic prior to skin incision (pre-incision) and 543 mothers received antibiotic after cord clamping (post-incision). The pre-incision group had significantly less febrile illness (RR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.29 - 0.80) and SSI (RR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04 - 0.53) when compared with the post- incision group. The post-incision group significantly had >7 days hospital stay when compared to the 4-7 days stay of the pre-incision group (p = 0.005).There were no differences in any of the neonatal outcomes. The quantity of the antibiotic in the cord blood was only 2-3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre incision prophylactic antibiotic protected the mother from SSI and febrile illness and decreased the hospital stay significantly.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI) was [ CTRI/2016/03/006710 dated, 04/03/2016].

Impact of evidence-based interventions on wound complications after cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

A number of evidence-based interventions have been proposed to reduce post-cesarean delivery wound complications. Examples of such interventions include appropriate timing of preoperative antibiotics, appropriate choice of skin antisepsis, closure of the subcutaneous layer if subcutaneous depth is ≥2 cm, and subcuticular skin closure with suture rather than staples. However, the collective impact of these measures is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to estimate the impact of a group of evidence-based surgical measures (prophylactic antibiotics administered before skin incision, chlorhexidine-alcohol for skin antisepsis, closure of subcutaneous layer, and subcuticular skin closure with suture) on wound complications after cesarean delivery and to estimate residual risk factors for wound complications.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of chlorhexidine-alcohol vs iodine-alcohol for skin antisepsis at cesarean delivery from 2011-2015. The primary outcome for this analysis was a composite of wound complications that included surgical site infection, cellulitis, seroma, hematoma, and separation within 30 days. Risk of wound complications in women who received all 4 evidence-based measures (prophylactic antibiotics within 60 minutes of cesarean delivery and before skin incision, chlorhexidine-alcohol for skin antisepsis with 3 minutes of drying time before incision, closure of subcutaneous layer if ≥2 cm of depth, and subcuticular skin closure with suture) were compared with those women who did not. We performed logistic regression analysis limited to patients who received all the evidence-based measures to estimate residual risk factors for wound complications and surgical site infection.

RESULTS

Of 1082 patients with follow-up data, 349 (32.3%) received all the evidence-based measures, and 733 (67.7%) did not. The risk of wound complications was significantly lower in patients who received all the evidence-based measures compared with those who did not (20.3% vs 28.1%; adjusted relative risk, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.95). The impact appeared to be driven largely by a reduction in surgical site infections. Among patients who received all the evidence-based measures, unscheduled cesarean delivery was the only significant risk factor for wound complications (27.5% vs 16.1%; adjusted relative risk, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.47) and surgical site infection (6.9% vs 1.6%; relative risk, 3.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-11.92). Other risk factors, which include obesity, smoking, diabetes mellitus, chorioamnionitis, surgical experience, and skin incision type, were not significant among patients who received all of the 4 evidence-based measures.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of evidence-based measures significantly reduces wound complications, but the residual risk remains high, which suggests the need for additional interventions, especially in patients who undergo unscheduled cesarean deliveries, who are at risk for wound complications even after receiving current evidence-based measures.

Consensus Bundle on Prevention of Surgical Site Infections After Major Gynecologic Surgery

Surgical site infections are the most common complication of surgery in the United States. Of surgeries in women of reproductive age, hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed, second only to cesarean birth. Therefore, prevention of surgical site infections in women undergoing gynecologic surgery is an ideal topic for a patient safety bundle. The primary purpose of this safety bundle is to provide recommendations that can be implemented into any surgical environment in an effort to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection. This bundle was developed by a multidisciplinary team convened by the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care. The bundle is organized into four domains: Readiness, Recognition and Prevention, Response, and Reporting and Systems Learning. In addition to recommendations for practice, each of the domains stresses communication and teamwork between all members of the surgical team. Although the bundle components are designed to be adaptable to work in a variety of clinical settings, standardization within institutions is encouraged.

Surgical site infections after cesarean delivery: epidemiology, prevention and treatment

Cesarean delivery (CD) is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States, accounting for 32% of all deliveries. Postpartum surgical site infection (SSI), wound infection and endometritis is a major cause of prolonged hospital stay and poses a burden to the health care system. SSIs complicate a significant number of patients who undergo CD - 2-7% will experience sound infections and 2-16% will develop endometritis. Many risk factors for SSI have been described. These include maternal factors (such as tobacco use; limited prenatal care; obesity; corticosteroid use; nulliparity; twin gestations; and previous CD), intrapartum and operative factors (such as chorioamnionitis; premature rupture of membranes; prolonged rupture of membranes; prolonged labor, particularly prolonged second stage; large incision length; subcutaneous tissue thickness > 3 cm; subcutaneous hematoma; lack of antibiotic prophylaxis; emergency delivery; and excessive blood loss), and obstetrical care on the teaching service of an academic institution. Effective interventions to decrease surgical site infection include prophylactic antibiotic use (preoperative first generation cephalosporin and intravenous azithromycin), chlorhexidine skin preparation instead of iodine, hair removal using clippers instead of razors, vaginal cleansing by povidone-iodine, placental removal by traction of the umbilical cord instead of by manual removal, suture closure of subcutaneous tissue if the wound thickness is >2 cm, and skin closure with sutures instead of with staples. Implementation of surgical bundles in non-obstetric patients has been promising., Creating a similar patient care bundle comprised evidence-based elements in patients who undergo CD may decrease the incidence of this major complication. Each hospital has the opportunity to create its own CD surgical bundle to decrease surgical site infection.

Consensus Bundle on Prevention of Surgical Site Infections After Major Gynecologic Surgery

Surgical site infections are the most common complication of surgery in the United States. Of surgeries in women of reproductive age, hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed, second only to cesarean birth. Therefore, prevention of surgical site infections in women undergoing gynecologic surgery is an ideal topic for a patient safety bundle. The primary purpose of this safety bundle is to provide recommendations that can be implemented into any surgical environment in an effort to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection. This bundle was developed by a multidisciplinary team convened by the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care. The bundle is organized into four domains: Readiness, Recognition and Prevention, Response, and Reporting and Systems Learning. In addition to recommendations for practice, each of the domains stresses communication and teamwork between all members of the surgical team. Although the bundle components are designed to be adaptable to work in a variety of clinical settings, standardization within institutions is encouraged.

Comparing the Postoperative Complications, Hospitalization Days and Treatment Expenses Depending on the Administration of Postoperative Prophylactic Antibiotics to Hysterectomy

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to compare postoperative complications, hospitalization days and treatment expenses to postoperative prophylactic antibiotics administrated to hysterectomy or not.

METHODS

A retrospective survey study was performed with 128 cases in which elective hysterectomy had undergone. They were divided into two groups by identifying whether postoperative prophylactic antibiotics was administered for hysterectomy: a) one group who received postoperative prophylactic antibiotics and; b) those who did not. Data were collected using the electric medical record at a hospital and analyzed by SPSS 23.0 for χ2 test, t-test and ANCOVA.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications including wound infection (p=1.000), pneumonia (p=.496), hematoma (p=.530), and pneumoperitoneum (p=.496) showed no significant differences between two groups. Hospitalization days for the prophylactic antibioticsadministrated group were significantly longer than the non-administered for prophylactic antibiotics (p=.004). The treatment expenses of the prophylactic antibiotics-administrated group were significantly higher than those of the non-administered prophylactic antibiotics (F=4.31, p=.040).

CONCLUSION

These results can be provided for the evidence of administrating postoperative prophylactic antibiotics to hysterectomy. Additionally, it can contribute to decreasing the medication errors caused by infrequently administrating postoperative prophylactic antibiotics as well as to lessening likelihood of infection of intravenous injection site.

Independent risk factors for surgical site infection after cesarean delivery in a rural tertiary care medical center

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after cesarean delivery (CD) and identify the risk factors in a rural population.

METHODS

We identified 218 SSI patients by International Classification of Disease codes and matched them with 3131 parturients (control) from the electronic record database in a time-matched retrospective quality assurance analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The incidence of SSI after CD was 7.0 %. Risk factors included higher body mass index (BMI) [40.30 ± 10.60 kg/m² SSI (95 % CI 38.73-41.87) vs 34.05 ± 8.24 kg/m² control (95 % CI 33.75-34.35, P < 0.001)], years of education [13.28 ± 2.44 years SSI (95 % CI 12.9-13.66) vs 14.07 ± 2.81 years control (95 % CI 13.96-14.18, P < 0.001)], number of prior births [2 (1-9) SSI vs 1 (1-11) control (P < 0.001)], tobacco use (OR 1.49; 95 % CI 1.06-2.09, P = 0.03), prior diagnosis of hypertension (OR 1.80; 95 % CI 1.34-2.42, P < 0.001), gestational diabetes (OR 1.59; 95 % CI 1.18-2.13, P = 0.003), and an emergency/STAT CD (OR 1.6; 95 % CI 1.1-2.3, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for SSI after CD included higher BMI, less years of education, higher prior births, tobacco use, prior diagnosis of hypertension, gestational diabetes, and emergency/STAT CD. The presence of ruptured membranes was protective against SSI.

A comparison of 3 antibiotic regimens for prevention of postcesarean endometritis: an historical cohort study

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic antibiotics are of proven value in decreasing the frequency of postcesarean endometritis. The beneficial effect of prophylaxis is enhanced when the antibiotics are administered before the surgical incision as opposed to after the clamping of the umbilical cord. However, the optimal antibiotic regimen for prophylaxis has not been established firmly.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare 3 different antibiotic regimens for the prevention of postcesarean endometritis.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective historical cohort study was conducted at the University of Florida, which is a tertiary care facility that serves a predominantly indigent patient population. In the period January 2003 to December 2007, our standard prophylactic antibiotic regimen for all women who had cesarean delivery was cefazolin (1 g) administered immediately after the baby's umbilical cord was clamped. In November 2008, we began to administer the combined regimen of cefazolin (1 g intravenously) plus azithromycin (500 mg intravenously); both were given 30-60 minutes before the skin incision. In the period of January-December 2014, we continued the dual agent regimen but based the dose of cefazolin on the patient's body mass index: 2 g intravenously if the body mass index was <30 kg/m(2) and 3 g if the body mass index was >30 kg/m(2). The surgical technique was consistent throughout all 3 time periods. Our primary endpoint was the frequency of endometritis in each time period. This diagnosis was based on fever ≥37.5°C, lower abdominal pain and tenderness, the exclusion of other localizing signs of infection, and the requirement for administration of therapeutic antibiotics. In the first year after beginning the new antibiotic regimen, we also monitored the frequency of neonatal sepsis evaluations and compared it with the frequency that was recorded during the year immediately preceding the change in antibiotic regimens.

RESULTS

During the entire period 2003-2014, 29,633 women delivered at our institution; 6455 women (22%) had a cesarean delivery. In the period January 2003 to December 2007, 1034 women had a primary or repeat cesarean delivery. One hundred seventy women (16.4%; 95% confidence interval, 14.4-18.4%) developed endometritis. In the period November 2008 to December 2013, 4484 women had a primary or repeat cesarean delivery. Fifty-nine patients (1.3%; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.7%) developed endometritis (P < .0001 compared with period 1). In the year 2014, 937 women had a cesarean delivery; 22 of them (2.3%, 95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.3%) developed endometritis (P < .0001 compared with period 1 and P > .5 and <.10 compared with period 2). The frequency of evaluations for suspected neonatal sepsis in infants who were delivered to mothers who had cesarean delivery was 17.6% in the period January to December 2007 and 19.3% in the period November 2008 to November 2009 (relative risk, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-1.9). One infant had proven sepsis in the former period; 2 infants had proven sepsis in the latter period (not significant).

CONCLUSIONS

When administered before skin incision, the combination of cefazolin plus azithromycin was significantly more effective in the prevention of endometritis than the administration of cefazolin after cord clamping; the rate of endometritis was reduced to a very low level without increasing the rate of neonatal sepsis evaluations.

[What's the optimal time of cesarean section antibiotic prophylaxis, before skin incision or after umbilical cord clamping? A prospective randomized study]

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of antibiotics prophylaxis within 30 mins before skin incision (A) and after umbilical cord clamping (C) on the incidence of postoperative infections in patients undergoing elective caesarean section at Farhat Hached university teaching hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a randomised clinical trial evaluating 279 patients undergoing elective caesarean section. Patients were randomly assigned a group number that allocated them to either arm of the study. They received the same prophylactic antibiotic (cefazol^® 2g) according to their allotment. They were followed up to detect infection up to 30 days postoperatively. The primary outcome was postoperative infection. The data collected were analysed with SPSS version 18.0 using univariate and bivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The risk of overall postoperative infection was not significantly lower when prophylaxis was given before skin incision (4.37 % (A) vs 9.85 % (C); P=0.07; OR=0.42 [0.15-1.12]). We also found wound infections to be significantly reduced in the pre-incision group (2.2 % [A] vs 8.45 % [C]; P=0.03; OR=0.24 [0.06-0.88]). However, there was no difference in the endometritis infectious. On the other hand, there was no negative impact on the neonatal features.

CONCLUSIONS

Giving prophylactic antibiotics before skin incision reduces risk of postoperative infection, in particular of wound infections.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for caesarean section at a Ugandan hospital: a randomised clinical trial evaluating the effect of administration time on the incidence of postoperative infections

Background

Prophylactic antibiotics are used to prevent postoperative infections after caesarean section. Studies have suggested that the timing of prophylaxis plays an important role. Over the years, the role of the anaesthesiologist in the administration of prophylactic antibiotics has become prominent. Therefore, there is an increasing need for anaesthesia providers to understand the rationale of antibiotic prophylaxis. We therefore sought to compare the effect of antibiotics prophylaxis within 1 hour before skin incision and after skin incision on the incidence of postoperative infections in patients undergoing caesarean section at Mulago Hospital.

Methods

We conducted a single-blind randomised clinical trial conducted at Mulago Hospital evaluating 464 patients undergoing emergency caesarean section. Patients were randomly assigned a group number that allocated them to either arm of the study. They received the same prophylactic antibiotic according to their allotment, that is, either within 1 hour before skin incision or after skin incision as per current standards of practice in Mulago Hospital. They were followed up to detect infection up to 10 days postoperatively. The primary outcome was postoperative infection. The data collected were analysed with STATA version 12 using univariate and bivariate analysis.

Results

The risk of overall postoperative infection was significantly lower when prophylaxis was given within an hour before incision (RR O.77, 95% CI 0.62–0.97). We also found endometritis to be significantly reduced in the pre-incision group (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.39–0.99; P value 0.036).

Conclusions

Giving prophylactic antibiotics before skin incision reduces risk of postoperative infection, in particular of endometritis.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR201311000610495.

Date of trial registration: 12^th August 2013.

Bioanalytical development and validation of liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric methods for the quantification of total and free cefazolin in human plasma and cord blood

OBJECTIVES

Cefazolin is a commonly prescribed β-lactam antibiotic for prophylaxis against skin infections following surgery, including caesarean sections. Assessment of maternal and neonatal exposure is important for correlating drug concentrations to clinical outcomes. Thus, bioanalytical methods for the quantification of both total and free cefazolin in maternal plasma and cord blood can assist in the comprehensive evaluation of cefazolin exposure.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Specimen preparation for the measurement of total cefazolin was performed via protein precipitation with acetonitrile containing the internal standard cloxacillin. Ultrafiltration was used to isolate free cefazolin. Processed samples were analyzed on a Prelude SPLC system coupled to a TSQ triple quadrupole Vantage mass spectrometer. Methods were validated following FDA bioanalytical guidelines.

RESULTS

The analytical measuring ranges of these methods were 0.48-480 µg/mL and 0.048-48 µg/mL for total and free drug, respectively. Calibration curves were generated using 1/x² weighted linear regression analysis. Total cefazolin demonstrated inter- and intra-assay precision of ≤20% at the LLOQ and ≤11.2% at other levels. Free cefazolin demonstrated inter- and intra-assay precision of ≤18.5% at the LLOQ and ≤12.6% at other levels, respectively. Accuracy (%DEV), carryover, matrix effects, recovery and stability studies were also acceptable based on FDA recommendations. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that samples prepared in cord blood can be accurately quantified from an adult plasma calibration curve, with recoveries ≤9.1% DIF and ≤11.9% DIF for total and free cefazolin, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The described LC-MS/MS methods allow for the measurement of total and free cefazolin in both plasma and cord blood.

Timing of intravenous prophylactic antibiotics for preventing postpartum infectious morbidity in women undergoing cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

Given the continued rise in cesarean birth rate and the increased risk of surgical site infections after cesarean birth compared with vaginal birth, effective interventions must be established for prevention of surgical site infections. Prophylactic intravenous (IV) antibiotic administration 60 minutes prior to skin incision is recommended for abdominal gynecologic surgery; however, administration of prophylactic antibiotics has traditionally been withheld until after neonatal umbilical cord clamping during cesarean delivery due to the concern for potential transfer of antibiotics to the neonate.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of cesarean antibiotic prophylaxis administered preoperatively versus after neonatal cord clamp on postoperative infectious complications for both the mother and the neonate.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (1 March 2014) and reference lists of retrieved papers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes following prophylactic antibiotics administered prior to skin incision versus after neonatal cord clamping during cesarean delivery. Cluster-RCTs were eligible for inclusion but none were identified. Quasi-RCT and trials using a cross-over design were not eligible for inclusion in this review. Studies published in abstract form only were eligible for inclusion if sufficient information was available in the report.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias, abstracted data and checked entries for accuracy. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 10 studies (12 trial reports) from which 5041 women contributed data for the primary outcome. The overall risk of bias was low.When comparing prophylactic intravenous (IV) antibiotic administration in women undergoing cesarean delivery, there was a reduction in composite maternal infectious morbidity (risk ratio (RR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45 to 0.72, high quality evidence), which was specifically due to the reduction in endometritis (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.79, high quality evidence) and wound infection (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.81, high quality evidence) in those that received antibiotics preoperatively as compared to those who received antibiotics after neonatal cord clamping. There were no clear differences in neonatal sepsis (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.13, moderate quality evidence).There were no clear differences for other maternal outcomes such as urinary tract infection (UTI), cystitis and pyelonephritis (moderate quality evidence), respiratory infection (low quality evidence), or any neonatal outcomes. Maternal side effects were not reported in the included studies.The quality of the evidence using GRADE was high for composite morbidity, endomyometritis, wound infection and neonatal intensive care unit admission, moderate for UTI/cystitis/pyelonephritis and neonatal sepsis, and low for maternal respiratory infection.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on high quality evidence from studies whose overall risk of bias is low, intravenous prophylactic antibiotics for cesarean administered preoperatively significantly decreases the incidence of composite maternal postpartum infectious morbidity as compared with administration after cord clamp. There were no clear differences in adverse neonatal outcomes reported. Women undergoing cesarean delivery should receive antibiotic prophylaxis preoperatively to reduce maternal infectious morbidities. Further research may be needed to elucidate short- and long-term adverse effects for neonates.

Different classes of antibiotics given to women routinely for preventing infection at caesarean section

BACKGROUND

Caesarean section increases the risk of postpartum infection for women and prophylactic antibiotics have been shown to reduce the incidence; however, there are adverse effects. It is important to identify the most effective class of antibiotics to use and those with the least adverse effects.

OBJECTIVES

To determine, from the best available evidence, the balance of benefits and harms between different classes of antibiotic given prophylactically to women undergoing caesarean section.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 September 2014) and reference lists of retrieved papers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials comparing different classes of prophylactic antibiotics given to women undergoing caesarean section. We excluded trials that compared drugs with placebo or drugs within a specific class; these are assessed in other Cochrane reviews.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 35 studies of which 31 provided data on 7697 women. For the main comparison between cephalosporins versus penicillins, there were 30 studies of which 27 provided data on 7299 women. There was a lack of good quality data and important outcomes often included only small numbers of women.For the comparison of a single cephalosporin versus a single penicillin (Comparison 1 subgroup 1), we found no significant difference between these classes of antibiotics for our chosen most important seven outcomes namely: maternal sepsis - there were no women with sepsis in the two studies involving 346 women; maternal endometritis (risk ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 1.52, nine studies, 3130 women, random effects, moderate quality of the evidence); maternal wound infection (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.81, nine studies, 1497 women, random effects, low quality of the evidence), maternal urinary tract infection (RR 1.48, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.48, seven studies, 1120 women, low quality of the evidence) and maternal composite adverse effects (RR 2.02, 95% CI 0.18 to 21.96, three studies, 1902 women, very low quality of the evidence). None of the included studies looked for infant sepsis nor infant oral thrush.This meant we could only conclude that the current evidence shows no overall difference between the different classes of antibiotics in terms of reducing maternal infections after caesarean sections. However, none of the studies reported on infections diagnosed after the initial postoperative hospital stay. We were unable to assess what impact, if any, the use of different classes of antibiotics might have on bacterial resistance.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the best currently available evidence, cephalosporins and penicillins have similar efficacy at caesarean section when considering immediate postoperative infections. We have no data for outcomes on the baby, nor on late infections (up to 30 days) in the mother. Clinicians need to consider bacterial resistance and women's individual circumstances.

Pharmacokinetics of prophylactic cefazolin in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery

The objectives of this work were (i) to characterize the pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean delivery and in their neonates; (ii) to assess cefazolin transplacental transmission; (iii) to evaluate the dosing and timing of preoperative, prophylactic administration of cefazolin to pregnant women; and (iv) to investigate the impact of maternal dosing on therapeutic duration and exposure in newborns. Twenty women received 1 g of cefazolin preoperatively. Plasma concentrations of total cefazolin were analyzed from maternal blood samples taken before, during, and after delivery; umbilical cord blood samples obtained at delivery; and neonatal blood samples collected 24 h after birth. The distribution volume of cefazolin was 9.44 liters. [corrected] The values for pre- and postdelivery clearance were 7.18 and 4.12 liters/h, respectively. Computer simulations revealed that the probability of maintaining free cefazolin concentrations in plasma above 8 mg/liter during scheduled caesarean surgery was <50% in the cord blood when cefazolin was administered in doses of <2 g or when it was administered <1 h before delivery. Therapeutic concentrations of cefazolin persisted in neonates >5 h after birth. Cefazolin clearance increases during pregnancy, and larger doses are recommended for surgical prophylaxis in pregnant women to obtain the same antibacterial effect as in nonpregnant patients. Cefazolin has a longer half-life in neonates than in adults. Maternal administration of up to 2 g of cefazolin is effective and produces exposure within clinically approved limits in neonates.

Decreasing cesarean section surgical site infection: an ongoing comprehensive quality improvement program

This report illustrates how the "plan-do-study-act" method of continuous quality improvement can be effective in reducing surgical site infection after cesarean delivery.