Antibiotic Therapy for Antenatal Pyelonephritis
Author Information
Author(s): Brian C. Brost, Barry Campbell, Sue Stramm, Daniel Eller, Roger B. Newman
Primary Institution: Medical University of South Carolina
Hypothesis
Does a therapeutic course of intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics prevent recurrent urinary tract infection more effectively than intravenous antibiotics alone?
Conclusion
Oral antibiotic therapy does not significantly reduce the risk of recurrent pyelonephritis after initial treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- 2 out of 36 women in the oral therapy group were readmitted for pyelonephritis within 2 weeks.
- 6 out of 31 women in the oral therapy group had a positive urine culture at the 2-week follow-up.
- Overall, 25% of women in the oral therapy group showed evidence of reinfection within 2 weeks.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether taking oral antibiotics after IV treatment helps prevent urinary infections in pregnant women, and it found that it doesn't really make a difference.
Methodology
67 pregnant women with pyelonephritis were treated with IV antibiotics and then randomized to receive either oral antibiotics or no further treatment, with follow-up urine cultures.
Potential Biases
Potential compliance issues with oral antibiotic therapy may have influenced the outcomes.
Limitations
The study had a high rate of participants not returning for follow-up cultures, which may affect the results.
Participant Demographics
Participants were pregnant women with a mean age of approximately 22 years, with a mix of racial backgrounds.
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