Using antibiotics to prevent infection after severe vaginal tears during childbirth

Antibiotics for Severe Perineal Laceration to Prevent Infection Following Repair

PHASE4 · Northwestern University · NCT04573504

This study is testing if a five-day course of oral antibiotics can help prevent infections in women who have severe vaginal tears during childbirth.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment274 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorNorthwestern University (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT04573504 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether a five-day course of oral antibiotics can prevent infection and complications in women who experience severe vaginal lacerations during delivery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either antibiotics or a placebo after receiving a standard IV antibiotic at the time of repair. Follow-up visits with a Urogynecologist will occur at one week, two weeks, and three months postpartum to monitor healing, infection, and overall well-being. The study aims to address the significant risks associated with obstetrical anal sphincter injuries, including chronic pain and accidental bowel leakage.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking women aged 18 and older who experience a 3rd or 4th degree laceration during their first vaginal delivery.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18, non-English speaking, or have multiple fetuses will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of infection and improve recovery outcomes for women with severe vaginal lacerations.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with antibiotic use in similar contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years old and older
* 3rd or 4th degree laceration upon delivering vaginally at Prentice Women's Hospital
* English-speaking
* Administered Ancef during wound repair
* First Delivery
* Single child being born
* Term Delivery (i.e. at least 37 weeks gestation)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under 18 years old
* Non-English speaking
* Delivery of more than one fetus (i.e. twins or other multiples)
* Patient is taking systemic steroids
* Allergy to Amoxicillin AND Clindamycin
* Infant with severe jaundice who is receiving breastmilk
* Women who have medical contraindications to the use of metronidazole, clindamycin, and amoxicillin clavulanate.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Vaginal Laceration During Delivery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.