[Study of transplacental transmission of beta-lactam antibiotics (author's transl)].

The authors present the results of the study of transplacental transfer of 3 recent beta lactam antibiotics: amoxicillin, cephradin and cefoxitin. The experiment was carried out in 37 pregnant women who had a premature rupture of membranes or who were undergoing a cesarean section. In these patients antibiotherapy was indicated in view of a possible superinfection. The results of the study show a worthwhile transplacental penetration of the 3 drugs tested. The concentrations achieved in umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid increase with time and finally exceed the levels measured in maternal blood, after a period of time varying from 2 to 4 hours according to the drug and the route of administration.