Evaluation of prophylactic use of tetracycline after evacuation in abortion in Harare Central Hospital.

A randomised controlled trial involving 140 non-septic incomplete abortions was performed to determine the efficacy of prophylactic tetracycline as practiced in these cases in Harare Central Hospital. The treatment group (62) received tetracycline (500 mg four times daily) for a week. The remainder acted as controls. No significant difference in sepsis rate between treatment and control groups was noted. The high sepsis recorded in the treatment group was thought to be due to poor compliance. A new prophylaxis regimen has been suggested.