Abstract
Cord blood ampicillin levels were studied in 30 neonates ranging in gestational age from 28 to 44 wks. (988 gms to 3620 gms). Cord specimens were obtained immediately following delivery and frozen at −70°C until tested by the microbiologic discdiffusion assay. Maternal ampicillin was administered over 15 minutes as a single 2 gms IV dose in 22 patients (1 set of twins), as a single 1 gm dose in 3 pts. and as a multiple dose of 2 gms followed in 4 hrs. by 1 gm in 4 pts. Indications for ampicillin therapy and dosage remained the responsibility of the obstetrical service; 19 mothers received drug for C-section prophylaxis, 6 for PROM and 4 for amnionitis. Interval from last ampicillin dose to delivery cord blood sampling ranged from 11 to 332 minutes (mean 84.4 mins.) and ampicillin levels ranged from 2.9 to 40 ug/ml (mean 18.7 ug/ml). No significant differences existed between levels in the C-section prophylaxis group, PROM group and amnionitis group. The mean level was 18.6 ug/ml for the C-section prophylaxis group. The mean levels at ≥ 30, ≥ 60, ≥ 90, ≥ 120, ≥ 180 and ≥ 180 minutes were 22.8 ug/ml, 15.8 ug/ml, 24.8 ug/ml, 20.8 ug/ml, 11.2 ug/ml and 6.2 ug/ml respectively. The cord ampicillin level determinations were well within the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the usual ampicillin-sensative pathogens of the newborn. No postnatal infections were noted in the 30 neonates studied.
The effect of maternal ampicillin prophylaxis on neonatal outcome must await further controlled study.
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Weiner, L., Adamkin, D. 273 CORD BLOOD AMPICILLIN LEVELS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 409 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00278
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00278