Prophylactic Antibiotics for Incomplete Abortion
Author Information
Author(s): Kirk D. Ramin, Susan M. Ramin, Patricia G. Hemsell, Brenda J. Nobles, Molly C. Heard, Vivian B. Johnson, David L. Hemsell
Primary Institution: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital
Hypothesis
Does prophylactic doxycycline prevent pelvic infection after curettage for spontaneous incomplete abortion?
Conclusion
Prophylactic doxycycline is not effective in preventing pelvic infection after curettage for spontaneous (incomplete) abortion.
Supporting Evidence
- 289 women were evaluable after exclusions.
- Endometritis occurred in 4 women who received placebo and in 1 woman who received doxycycline.
- N. gonorrhoeae was isolated from 6 women and C. trachomatis from 8 women.
Takeaway
The study tested if a single dose of doxycycline could stop infections after an abortion, but it didn't work.
Methodology
A randomized, prospective, double-blinded study involving 300 women with incomplete abortion, comparing doxycycline to placebo.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and a power analysis indicated that a larger sample would be needed to achieve significance.
Participant Demographics
{"age":"25 ± 7.3 years","gravidity":"2.7 ± 1.8","parity":"1.3 ± 1.5","previous_abortions":"0.5 ± 0.8","race":{"African-American":29,"Caucasian":24,"Mexican-American":79,"Other":5},"marital_status":{"Married":64,"Single":68,"Divorced":4,"Unknown":null}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.22
Statistical Significance
p=0.22
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