[Antibiotic prophylaxis in cesarean section]

We investigated the guidelines for patient selection and drug regimens for use of antibiotic prophylaxis in relation to Caesarean section in the maternity clinics in Denmark. A questionnaire was sent to all the Danish maternity clinics that perform Caesarean section, concerning indications for use of antibiotic prophylaxis and antibiotic regimens to patients undergoing acute and elective Caesarean section. All departments (n = 48) returned the questionnaire. Twenty departments (46%) provided written guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis. Four departments (8%) used antibiotic prophylaxis in elective Caesarean sections, 25 departments (52%) used antibiotics in all emergency sections. In the presence of rupture of the membranes or prolongation of labour (> 12 hrs) 58 and 63% of the departments used antibiotic prophylaxis, respectively. The most frequent first choice drug was cefuroxim, employed by 27 departments (56%). Concerning timing, 21 departments (44%) gave antibiotics after cord clamping and 13 departments (27%) before incision. We propose a nation-wide prospective investigation on the rate of infections associated with Caesarean section to set up rational guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis.