Prophylactic augmentin in prelabor preterm rupture of the membranes

Objective: To determine whether the use of prophylactic Augmentin in PPROM prolongs gestation and reduces neonatal and maternal morbidity due to sepsis. Method: Study setting was Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe. Women with PPROM between 26 and 36 weeks' gestation were randomly allocated either to a group given a course of prophylactic oral Augmentin or another receiving no prophylactic antibiotic treatment. The calculated sample size was 72 women per group. Data were analyzed using the EPI INFO program. Results: A total of 171 women were recruited into the study, 84 in the Augmentin group and 87 in the No Treatment group. The group receiving prophylactic Augmentin had a significantly longer latency period between rupture of membranes and delivery. There was a trend towards increased neonatal and maternal morbidity due to sepsis in the No Treatment group although no statistical significance was reached. Conclusion: The use of prophylactic Augmentin in PPROM significantly prolongs gestation. It appears to decrease neonatal and maternal morbidity due to sepsis. (C) 1999 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.