[Antimicrobial prophylaxis for caesarean delivery: changes in practice and administration before incision,

M Rambourdin1, M Bonnin, B Storme

  • 1Anesthésie-réanimation, pôle gynécologie obstétrique et reproduction humaine, hôpital Estaing, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 1, place Lucie-Aubrac, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand cedex 1, France.

Insights

Paediatricians surveyed showed limited knowledge of current guidelines for antimicrobial prophylaxis during caesarean sections. However, most supported timely antibiotic administration before incision, indicating potential for practice change.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Disease

Context:

  • Antimicrobial prophylaxis is crucial for preventing surgical site infections during caesarean sections.
  • Adherence to established guidelines, such as those from the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SFAR), is essential for optimal patient outcomes.
  • Understanding healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes is key to implementing evidence-based practices.

Purpose:

  • To assess paediatricians' awareness of recommended antimicrobial prophylaxis protocols for caesarean sections.
  • To evaluate the feasibility of adopting a new practice: administering antibiotics before the initial incision.
  • To identify potential barriers and facilitators to changing current practices among paediatricians in the Perinatal Health Network of Auvergne (RSPA).

Summary:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 46 paediatricians in the RSPA.
  • Initial surveys revealed low awareness of recommended antibiotic timing for caesarean sections (25%).
  • A subsequent survey indicated strong support (87%) for administering antibiotics before incision, with most believing it would not negatively impact newborn care or delay necessary treatments.

Impact:

  • The study highlights a gap in paediatricians' knowledge regarding caesarean section antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines.
  • Findings suggest a positive attitude towards earlier antibiotic administration, indicating potential for improved adherence to best practices.
  • This research can inform targeted educational interventions to enhance the implementation of evidence-based prophylaxis protocols, ultimately improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Hand hygiene01:23

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia01:29

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...