A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect of Prophylactic Antibiotics on the Infection Rate in Postpartum Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tear Repairs
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect of Prophylactic Antibiotics on the Infection Rate in Postpartum Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tear Repairs
This study is undertaken to find out whether prophylactic antibiotics can decrease the infection rate in third and fourth degree perineal tear repairs done in the immediate postpartum period.
After obtaining consent patients who sustained third or fourth degree perineal laceration after vaginal delivery were randomly assigned to a single dose of antibiotic (cefotetan or cefoxitin, 1 g intravenously or clindamycin, 900 mg intravenously, if allergic to penicillin), or placebo (100ml normal saline) intravenously.
Inclusion Criteria:
- third and fourth degree perineal laceration
Exclusion Criteria:
- chorioamnionitis, HIV positive, inflammatory bowel disease