Antibiotic administration in preterm delivery

DESIGN: Although an association between subclinical intrauterine infection and preterm birth is well established, there is conflicting evidence regarding the benefits of antibiotic administration in women in preterm labor. OBJECTIVES: We attempted to determine the effect of antibioticotherapy in mothers on congenital neonatal infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 1049 pregnant women with imminent preterm labor hospitalized in Clinics of The Research Institute Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital. RESULTS: 244 women delivered preterm and no significant difference in neonatal outcomes could be detected in two groups with intact membranes and preterm premature rupture of membranes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study do not support the routine use of antibiotic administration in women with preterm labor.