Antibiotics for incomplete abortion

Abstract

Objectives: The value of routine antibiotics before surgical evacuation of the uterus in women incomplete abortion is controversial. In some health centres antibiotic prophylaxis is advised in others antibiotics are only prescribed when there is signs of infection. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of routine antibiotic prophylaxis to women with incomplete abortion.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE and Popline. Date of last search: January 1999.

Selection criteria: Randomised trials comparing a policy of routine antibiotic prophylaxis with no routine prophylaxis were eligible for inclusion.

Data collection and analysis: Data extraction was conducted by two reviewers independently. Trial quality was assessed.

Main results: One study involving 140 women was included. A second well-conducted trial was excluded because of high losses to follow-up. No differences were detected in postabortal infection rates with routine prophylaxis or control. However, compliance with antibiotic treatment was also low.

Reviewer's conclusions: There is not enough evidence to evaluate a policy of routine antibiotic prophylaxis to women with incomplete abortion.