Evaluation of cefoxitin prophylaxis for cesarean section

Abstract

Prophylactic cefoxitin was evaluated in 101 patients undergoing cesarean section. A three-dose regimen of either cefoxitin or placebo was administered randomly in a double-blind manner, 46 patients receiving cefoxitin and 55 placebo, with the first dose given after the cord was clamped. In the placebo group, 29% of the patients developed pelvic or wound infection, compared to 4% in the cefoxitin group (P less than 0.003). No patient required re-operation, re-admission, or had a life threatening infection. Ten risk factors for infection were analyzed to help ascertain which patients would benefit from prophylaxis. Cefoxitin, with a broad spectrum of aerobic and anaerobic coverage, was found to be an effective and safe prophylactic agent when given to all patients undergoing cesarean section.