Single dose versus multiple dose of antibiotic prophylaxis in caesarean section: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic antibiotics are traditionally given as a single dose for caesarean section. However, inconsistent application of recommendations and recent evidence prompted a literature review.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the optimal regimen for antibiotic prophylaxis in caesarean section by comparing single versus multiple doses of the same intervention.

SEARCH STRATEGY: MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS, CENTRAL and ongoing trials databases were searched. Reference lists were reviewed and international groups contacted.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing single with multiple dose regimens of the same antibiotic prophylaxis. Quasi-RCT and abstracts were suitable for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality of evidence. A random-effects model was used and results presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included, involving 2695 women. Nonsignificant differences were observed between single dose and multiple dose antibiotic prophylaxis in the incidence of postpartum infectious morbidity (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.75-1.20, I2 = 25%), endometritis (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.74-1.42, I2 = 0%) and wound infection (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.72-2.08, I2 = 0%). A trend towards lower risk of urinary tract infection was seen with multiple dose (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.34-1.24, I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS: There was insufficient evidence to determine whether there is a difference between single and multiple dose regimens in reducing the incidence of infectious morbidity after caesarean section. The quality of evidence was very low and well-designed RCTs are needed.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Insufficient evidence of difference between dosage regimens of antibiotic prophylaxis in caesarean section.