Antibiotics in the treatment of preterm labor

Clinical evidence for a relationship between chorioamnionitis and the onset of preterm labor, supported by well developed biochemical models of that interaction, motivated a review of prospective, randomized trials of antibiotic use in its prevention.

A literature search was made of antibiotic trials applied to women at risk for preterm labor and with a clinical diagnosis of preterm labor after premature preterm rupture of membranes. A review of two retrospective case-control studies conducted on pregnant women with positive cultures for Chlamydia trachomatis is also included.

Results of antibiotic use in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes supports significant prolongation of the interval from rupture of membranes to delivery and improvement and neonatal outcome in treated patients.