[Prophylactic antibiotic therapy (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) before embryo transfer for IVF is useless. Results of a randomized study]

J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 2004 Dec;33(8):713-9. doi: 10.1016/s0368-2315(04)96632-x.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Objectives: We studied the implantation rate during IVF cycles according to the prescription or not of antibiotics.

Materials and methods: During a 5-month period all the patients aged less than 38 years were randomized into two groups according to an independent personal variable. In group 1 amoxicilline + clavulanic acid 1g/125 mg were administrated from the ovum pick-up day for 6 days. In the group 2 no antibiotic treatment was administered.

Results: The two groups were identical for all the criteria (type of stimulation, IVF/ICSI report, indications, average age). The average number of collected oocytes, obtained embryos and transferred embryos was similar in the two groups. The implantation rate per transfer was similar in the two groups (36.9% versus 36.5%; p>0.95). The pregnancy loss rate (biological pregnancy, early and late miscarriages or extra uterine pregnancy) was increased in a non significant manner (p=0.15) in the group with antibiotic: 33.3% (16/48) versus 20.8% (11/53) in the group without antibiotic.

Conclusion: This prospective randomised study leads us not to recommend this antibiotic prescription at the time of the embryo transfer during in vitro fertilisation attempt.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • English Abstract
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amoxicillin / adverse effects
  • Amoxicillin / therapeutic use*
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis / adverse effects*
  • Clavulanic Acid / adverse effects
  • Clavulanic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Embryo Transfer*
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Clavulanic Acid
  • Amoxicillin