The efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in cesarean section

The objective of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of cefazolin-cephalothin administration as a prophylactic regime in patients undergoing cesarean section. The study was to randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation. Cefazolin, 1.0 gm or placebo was administered intramuscularly on call to the operating room, and cephalothin, 2.0 gm, or placebo was administered intravenously at 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. Ninety-five patients were included in the study with 49 in the placebo group and 46 in the drug group. Nineteen patients developed 28 infections in the placebo group while eight patients developed eight infections in the drug group (P = less than 0.05). Eight patients in the placebo group developed infections at two or more sites whereas no patient in the drug-treated group developed multiple infections. No infant developed infection and no overgrowth of bacteria occurred. This study supports the concept of preoperative antibiotic administration being beneficial to the obstetric patient.