[Study of imipenem/cilastatin sodium in the perinatal period].

The placental passage and therapeutic efficacy of imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) were studied in the perinatal period. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. The mean biological half-life of IPM in maternal serum was 30 minutes. 2. The umbilical cord serum concentration of IPM was about 70% of that in maternal serum after 30 minutes. 3. A significant level of IPM was found in the amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid concentration of IPM was over 1 micrograms/ml at 45 minutes after administration and equal to that in maternal serum at about 90 minutes. 4. In 4 patients, the time course of placental transfer of IPM was investigated. The level of IPM in amniotic fluid was higher than that in maternal serum at 90 minutes after administration and gradually increased afterward. 5. The level of IPM was 3.96 micrograms/g in the fetal membranes at 17 minutes after administration. 6. In the treatment of 12 patients with perinatal infections, the preparation showed excellent efficacies in 3 patients and good efficacies in 7 patients. 7. An adverse effect (vomiting) was observed in only one patient. In conclusion, this drug showed satisfactory placental transfer as well as sufficient safety and excellent efficacy in the treatment of perinatal infections.