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Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of preterm labor: a review of the evidence.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Thorp, JM; Hartmann, KE; Berkman, ND; Carey, TS; Lohr, KN; Gavin, NI; Hasselblad, V
Published in: Am J Obstet Gynecol
March 2002

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evidence regarding antibiotics for the treatment of preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN: Through dual review, we abstracted study design and masking, definitions of preterm labor and pregnancy outcome, patient inclusion/exclusion characteristics, patient demographic characteristics, drug and cointerventions, and numerous birth, maternal, and neonatal outcome measures. We graded the quality of the individual articles and the strength of the evidence for antibiotic benefit. RESULTS: We abstracted data from 14 randomized trials and 1 observational study. Of these studies, 13 trials met the requirements for a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated a mixed outcome pattern with small improvements in pregnancy prolongation, estimated gestational age at birth, and birth weight. Data were insufficient to show a beneficial effect on neonatal morbidity or mortality rates. CONCLUSION: Treatment of preterm labor with antibiotic therapy can prolong gestation. The benefits of antibiotics are small, and there is considerable uncertainty about the optimal agent, route, dosage, and duration of therapy.

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Published In

Am J Obstet Gynecol

DOI

ISSN

0002-9378

Publication Date

March 2002

Volume

186

Issue

3

Start / End Page

587 / 592

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Pregnancy
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature
  • Labor, Obstetric
  • Humans
  • Gestational Age
  • Female
  • Birth Weight
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
 

Citation

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Thorp, J. M., Hartmann, K. E., Berkman, N. D., Carey, T. S., Lohr, K. N., Gavin, N. I., & Hasselblad, V. (2002). Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of preterm labor: a review of the evidence. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 186(3), 587–592. https://doi.org/10.1067/mob.2002.121620
Thorp, John M., Katherine E. Hartmann, Nancy D. Berkman, Timothy S. Carey, Kathleen N. Lohr, Norma I. Gavin, and Vic Hasselblad. “Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of preterm labor: a review of the evidence.Am J Obstet Gynecol 186, no. 3 (March 2002): 587–92. https://doi.org/10.1067/mob.2002.121620.
Thorp JM, Hartmann KE, Berkman ND, Carey TS, Lohr KN, Gavin NI, et al. Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of preterm labor: a review of the evidence. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Mar;186(3):587–92.
Thorp, John M., et al. “Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of preterm labor: a review of the evidence.Am J Obstet Gynecol, vol. 186, no. 3, Mar. 2002, pp. 587–92. Pubmed, doi:10.1067/mob.2002.121620.
Thorp JM, Hartmann KE, Berkman ND, Carey TS, Lohr KN, Gavin NI, Hasselblad V. Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of preterm labor: a review of the evidence. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Mar;186(3):587–592.
Journal cover image

Published In

Am J Obstet Gynecol

DOI

ISSN

0002-9378

Publication Date

March 2002

Volume

186

Issue

3

Start / End Page

587 / 592

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Pregnancy
  • Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature
  • Labor, Obstetric
  • Humans
  • Gestational Age
  • Female
  • Birth Weight
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents