A scoping review of maternal antibiotic prophylaxis in low- and middle-income countries: Comparison to WHO recommendations for prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infection

Background Sepsis is a leading cause of maternal death. Antimicrobials save lives, but inappropriate overuse increases risk of antimicrobial resistance. Objective A scoping review comparing peripartum prophylactic antimicrobial use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with WHO recommendations for prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infection. Search strategy Medline, Embase, Global Health, LILACS and the WHO Library databases were searched. Selection criteria Publications from LMICs since 2015 describing maternal prophlyactic antibiotics for group B streptococcus (GBS), preterm-prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), cesarean section, manual placental removal, and third/fourth-degree perineal tears. Data collection and analysis Publications were screened, and duplicates were removed. A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Owing to study heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. Main results Of 1886 studies, 27 studies from 13 countries involving 43 774 women met the eligibility criteria. Polymerase chain reaction screening for GBS is feasible, though limited financially. In PPROM, up to 42% of GBS isolates demonstrated erythromycin resistance. Evidence around cesarean section antimicrobial prophylaxis largely supports WHO recommendations; however, prolonged or multidrug regimens were reported. Conclusion There is limited evidence to challenge current WHO recommendations to prevent peripartum infection in LMICs. However, implementation challenges exist. Given the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, research is needed to ensure that peripartum prophylactic antimicrobial choices remain effective.

Automated summary

The study found limited evidence to challenge current WHO recommendations for prevention of peripartum infections in low- and middle-income countries, but implementation challenges exist. Research is needed to ensure that peripartum prophylactic antimicrobial choices remain effective, especially in the face of emerging antimicrobial resistance.