NIH Research Matters

Sepsis is a severe life-threatening immune response to infection or injury. It is a leading cause of maternal and newborn deaths worldwide.

An NIH-supported study previously found that infusions of the low-cost antibiotic azithromycin could significantly reduce the risk of infections among women who had a cesarean delivery. As a result, experts now recommend that women receive the antibiotic during cesarean delivery.

It’s been unclear if the drug would have similar effects among mothers planning a vaginal birth. Two small studies have hinted that oral azithromycin might reduce infection and death among mothers and newborns after vaginal delivery.

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