Transcervical amnioinfusion of antibiotics: a basic study for managing premature rupture of membranes

To determine the best method of preventing ascending infection in the management of premature rupture of membranes, antibiotics such as latamoxef sodium, cefoperazone sodium, and cefotaxime sodium were infused directly into the amniotic cavity in 64 patients undergoing induction of labor at term. A single infusion of 100 or 500 mg of each drug resulted in a concentration of 200 to 1000 micrograms/ml immediately after infusion, and the concentration remained above 10 micrograms/ml for about 24 hours without significant increase in fetal or maternal blood levels. Consequently, a daily single dose of 100 mg or more is probably effective prophylaxis in cases of premature rupture of membranes. When intrauterine infection is suspected, the dose can be increased to 500 mg or more, and transplacental administration may be added to achieve a higher concentration in fetal blood. The present study simulates well premature rupture of membranes, and an amnioinfusion of antibiotics will be reliable and effective in managing premature rupture of membranes.