Background: Puerperal sepsis is frequently in Caesarean section. Antibiotic prophylaxis may have significant impact in reduction of infections and thus the need to study its role in sepsis prevention systematically. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of single dose versus multiple doses of a first generation cephalosporin (with Metronidazole), to reduce postoperative infectious morbidity in elective caesarean section. Materials and methods: It was prospective clinical trial of hundred women undergoing elective caesarean section who received either a single prophylactic dose of Cefazolin with Metronidazole post-cord clamping, or multiple postoperative doses of antibiotics based on the standard protocol of the hospital. Duration of the study was seven months and twentytwo days (11th November 2004 to 30th June 2005).Women were compared on the basis of development of postoperative febrile morbidity, endometritis, urinary tract infection, wound infection and other infections. Results: There were no significant differences among the patients in single and multiple dose groups in terms of their age distribution, gravida, period of gestation, smoking status, body mass index, indications for elective caesarean section or operation characteristics. There were 4% and 6% febrile morbidity, 2 (4%) and 0 (0%) urinary tract infection, in the single dose and multiple dose groups respectively. But none of the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: A single prophylactic dose of Cefazolin plus Metronidazole given post-umbilical cord clamping gives as much protection as multiple postoperative doses of Cefazolin/Cefalexin plus Metronidazole in preventing postoperative infectious morbidity in elective caesarean section. Key words: Antibiotic prophylaxis; Caesarean section DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v8i2.3554 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2010), Vol. 8, No. 2, Issue 30, 179-184

Introduction: Birth asphyxia is a serious clinical problem worldwide. It claims approximately 9 million deaths each year. It can lead to serious neurological sequaele, such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and epilepsy. Methods: All babies admitted in College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Chiwan, Nepal, NICU from January 2013 to December 2013 with a diagnosis of birth asphyxia (5 min Apgar<7 or those with no spontaneous respirations after birth) were included in the study (n=125). This was a descriptive observational study. Clinical information was collected (gravida, hour at presentation, mode of delivery, sex of baby, gestational age of the baby, requirement of resuscitation). Neonates were admitted to NICU, observed for complications and managed as per hospital protocol. Results: Among the 722 neonates admitted to NICU, 125 had perinatal asphyxia (17.3%). Babies with Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy(HIE) Grade I had a very good outcome but HIE III was associated with a poor outcome. Outborn neonates had higher grades of perinatal asphyxia as compared to inborns (p=0.018). Term gestation, Males and Multigravida were associated with a higher rate of birth asphyxia. 22.4% neonates were delivered via caesarean section and 74.4% required bag and mask ventilation at birth. Conclusions: Birth asphyxia was one of the commonest causes of admission NICU. Babies with HIE Grade III had a very poor prognosis. Outborn neonates with birth asphyxia had a higher mortality. Males were frequently affected than females.  Keywords: birth asphyxia; HIE; mortality; measurement.

No abstract

Background: Premature Rupture of Membranes  has been known to complicate pregnancy since ages. Several risk factors may be associated with occurrence of premature rupture of membranes. It is associated with varied neonatal complications, neonatal sepsis and prematurity being the most hazardous ones. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of neonatal sepsis following premature rupture of membranes, risk factors and neonatal complications associated with premature rupture of membrane of more than 18 hours in the neonates admitted in a tertiary care center. Methodology: Descriptive observational study was undertaken for 18 months from August 2013 to January 2015 in the College of Medical Sciences, Chitwan, Nepal. This study included 82 neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with maternal history of premature rupture of membranes of more than 18 hours with medical conditions excluded.  Results: The incidence of premature rupture of membranes in this hospital was 8.9%. Frequently associated maternal risk factors were history of prior abortion (16, 19.5%), urinary tract infection (7, 8.5%), and antecedent coitus (7, 8.5%). In the study population, 68 (83%) neonates had complications and 14 (17%) neonates had no complication. The incidence of neonatal sepsis following PROM in present study was 6.1%. Neonatal sepsis was significantly associated with chorioamnionitis (p<0.001). The most frequently occurring complication was probable neonatal sepsis (53, 64.6%), followed by prematurity (31, 37.8%) and perinatal asphyxia (15, 18.3%). There was a directly proportional relation of neonatal sepsis, chorioamnionitis, respiratory distress syndrome and mortality with duration of premature rupture of membranes. Conclusion: Commonly occurring maternal risk factors with PROM were prior abortion, UTI and antecedent coitus. In the study population, infectious morbidity was highest.  Chorioamnionitis was significantly associated with culture proven neonatal sepsis. Prolonged duration of premature rupture of membranes increased the risk of neonatal sepsis, meningitis, respiratory distress syndrome and perinatal death. Prevention of these risk factors, appropriate and timely management including improved obstetric and neonatal care can provide intact survival of the neonates.