Decreased placental and transcellular permeation of cefuroxime in pregnant women with diabetes

Abstract

Background: The present study investigated the transcellular and placental permeation of cefuroxime, an antibiotic used in cesarean sections, in pregnant women with diabetes and hypertension. Methods: Fifty-three women scheduled for cesarean section were divided into three groups: healthy women (n=18), women with arterial hypertension (n=21), and women with gestational diabetes (n=14). All women received 1.5g, i.v., cefuroxime. Cefuroxime concentrations were measured in maternal venous plasma before, during, and after delivery, as well as in fetal umbilical cord vein and artery plasma during delivery. The effects of diabetes and hypertension on cefuroxime placental-permeation were assessed by the fetomaternal plasma concentration ratios. Pharmacokinetic non-compartmental model analyses were performed and results were compared using anova. Results: Fetomaternal drug concentration ratios were lower in the diabetic group than in the hypertensive and control groups. There were no significant differences in umbilical arterial:venous plasma drug concentration ratios in the diabetic and hypertensive groups compared with the control group. Apparent volume of distribution and clearance were significantly lower in the diabetic group compared with the control and hypertensive groups. Conclusions: Diabetes led to decreased placental transfer of cefuroxime, as well as volume of distribution and clearance, but did not affect other pharmacokinetic parameters. Hypertension had no significant effect on the permeation of cefuroxime or on its pharmacokinetics. Prophylactic concentrations of cefuroxime were reached in all groups, but the dosing time of cefuroxime should not be less than 30min or greater than 2h prior to delivery.