Antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk obstetrics.

Unregistered patients, who subsequently had cesarian section for obstetric indications, were placed on prophylactic chloramphenicol in doses of 2-6 gm a day. These were matched with an equal number of randomly selected, similarly unbooked patients not receiving prophylactic antibiotics. These groups were given a fever work-up when sepsis manifested even in those previously on antibiotic therapy.Results showed little or no significant difference in the two groups when length of hospitalization and cost of care were compared. During the period of the study, a sample of booked patients, who subsequently had cesarian section, were also compared. Highly significant differences were noted. In Nigeria, a more rational approach to this group of significantly high-risk patients is advocated. A review of current practices in obstetrics is discussed.