| Abstrakt: |
Aim: Caesarean sections (CS) are increasingly popular. The antibiotic resistance crisis and relentless risk of infections, especially in developing countries, demand alternative treatments. Medical grade honey (MGH) exerts antimicrobial and healing properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of MGH treatment on CS wound healing and postoperative complications when compared to conventional treatment (antibiotics in combination with povidone-iodine). Method: In this prospective controlled trial, 766 CS patients were included and evenly divided into two groups. The treatment group (n=383) received an MGH-based formulation (L-Mesitran Soft) and the control group (n=383) received antibiotics (Amoxicillin) combined with povidone-iodine. The wound healing time and complication rate were determined, and predisposing factors for complications among the baseline characteristics (age, parity, gravidity, BMI, education level, occupation) and nonpatient- related parameters (hospital admission, duration hospitalization, presence of membrane, delay CS after membrane rupture, duration CS, anesthesia, suture technique) were analyzed. Results / Discussion: Baseline characteristics were similar for both study groups, supporting a homogenous distribution of the patients. MGH is equally effective in the prevention of surgical wound infections and complications as conventional antibiotics in combination with povidone-iodine. BMI, age, duration of hospitalization, anesthesia, and duration of CS could affect the risk of complications. MGH showed significantly faster healing till day 42 compared to the control group. After this time point, significance was lost due to the small number of remaining patients having a wound. Conclusion: MGH is a potent alternative treatment to replace antibiotics and povidone-iodine, while simultaneously promoting healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
