COMPARISON OF SINGLE DOSE VERSUS MULTIPLE DOSES OF ANITIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN ELECTIVE CAESARIAN SECTION

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of single dose verses multiple doses ofantibiotic (cefotaxime) in the prophylaxis of postoperative wound infection inelective caesarian section.

Methodology This quasi experimental study was conducted in the Departmentof Obstetrics & Gynecology, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from 1stJanuary to 31st Dec 2007. Hundred patients admitted for elective caesariansection fulfilling selection criteria were included in the study through nonprobability convenience sampling. These were randomly allocated by cardmethod into 2 groups of 50 each. Patients were operated by specialist registrarand Group A was given single dose of prophylactic antibiotic while group B was given multiple doses. Wound was examined on 2nd and 6th day andthen after 6 weeks. The efficacy was measured in terms of febrile morbidity;infection and duration of hospital stay. All data were entered in a semi structuredproforma. Statistical analysis was carried out by using Chi Square test.

Results: Febrile morbidity was equal in both groups (n=10, 20%). Superficialwound infection was (n=8, 4%) in both groups. Deep wound infection was(n=2, 1%) in group A and (n=4, 2%) in group B and duration of hospital staywas equal in both groups. Nonsurgical site infection occurred in (n=16, 8%)in group A and (n=12, 6%) in group B. There was no significant difference inoutcome between the two groups.

Conclusion: Single dose antibiotic (cefotaxime) is as effective as multiple dosesof antibiotics (cefotaxime) in the prophylaxis of postoperative wound infectionin elective caesarian section.