Effect of penicillin allergy on prophylactic antibiotic administration in the parturient undergoing cesarean delivery

Administering antibiotics is often difficult in patients with specific medication allergies. This investigation aimed to determine if a penicillin or cephalosporin allergy increased the risk for not receiving correct timing of prophylactic antibiotics at cesarean delivery. We hypothesized that patients with a penicillin or cephalosporin allergy would be less likely to receive antibiotics prior to incision for cesarean delivery.

All women undergoing cesarean delivery at Mayo Clinic Hospital, from 1 March 2008, to 28 February 2018 were retrospectively identified by electronic medical record query. Patients were grouped based on allergy status to penicillin/cephalosporins. Data recorded included the type and time of antibiotic given in relation to surgical incision. The primary outcome of this study was administration of antibiotics within 60 minutes prior to surgical incision. Characteristics potentially associated with the primary outcome were assessed using logistic regression.

Of the 818 patients with a penicillin or cephalosporin allergy, 75 (9.2%) did not receive prophylactic antibiotic within 60 minutes prior to skin incision. Conversely, 326 (6.9%) of the 4744 patients without a penicillin or cephalosporin allergy did not receive their prophylactic antibiotic within 60 minutes prior to skin incision (P = .019). Patients undergoing an emergent cesarean delivery were also at an increased risk of not receiving their prophylactic antibiotic within 60 minutes prior to skin incision (P < .001).

Patients with a penicillin or cephalosporin allergy were less likely to receive prophylactic antibiotics within the recommended 60 minutes prior to surgical incision. Clear plans and communication are important for ensuring proper antibiotic administration at cesarean delivery to prevent surgical site infection.