Comparing the effectiveness of broad spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis with single agent antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent postcesarean section infection

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