Antibiotic regimens for management of intra-amniotic infection
RHL practical aspects by Yusuf L
FIRST CONTACT (PRIMARY CARE LEVEL)
1. Educate pregnant women to visit their health centre where they usually attend antenatal care especially if any of the following occurs or is diagnosed:
- fever;
- maternal tachycardia;
- foetal tachycardia;
- abdominal pain;
- purulent amniotic fluid oozing out of the vagina.
2. Where facilities permit, establish a proper diagnosis and administer the appropriate antibiotics regardless of the gestational age and status of the membranes.
REFERRAL HOSPITAL (SECONDARY CARE) LEVEL
It is advisable to institute an individualized approach with the intrapartum or postpartum administration of antibiotics depending on the timing of diagnosis. Treatment should not be delayed as potential complications are serious. Usually, a double antibiotic regimen effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms is required.
AT HOME OR IN THE COMMUNITY
Not applicable.
This document should be cited as: Yusuf L. Antibiotic regimens for management of intra-amniotic infection: RHL practical aspects (last revised: 31 August 2004). The WHO Reproductive Health Library; Geneva: World Health Organization.