gallstone related acute cholecystitis in pregnancy

 Q: 24 years old female in 22 weeks of pregnancy is admitted to ICU with concern for sepsis secondary to gallstone related acute cholecystitis. Which of the following antibiotics should be avoided? (select one)

A) Metronidazole 

B) Aztreonam 

C) Ceftriaxone 

D) Clindamycin 

E) Meropenem 

Answer: E  (Meropenem)

Management of gallstone-related complications is usually supportive in pregnancy and not much different than the general population including surgery if required. Like all other antibiotics, two classes of antibiotics should be avoided in pregnancy i.e., fluoroquinolones and carbapenems due to the risk of fetal toxicity. 

Monotherapy is usually enough with ampicillin-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, or ticarcillin-clavulanate. Another acceptable regimen is a combination of third-generation cephalosporin (ceftriaxone) and metronidazole. Clindamycin can be used in penicillin allergy. Aztreonam is also described as safe in pregnancy.

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References:

1. Chloptsios C, Karanasiou V, Ilias G, Kavouras N, Stamatiou K, Lebren F. Cholecystitis during pregnancy. A case report and brief review of the literature. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2007;34(4):250-1. PMID: 18225691. 

2. Tseng JY, Yang MJ, Yang CC, Chao KC, Li HY. Acute Cholecystitis During Pregnancy: What is the Best Approach? Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Sep;48(3):305-7. doi: 10.1016/S1028-4559(09)60311-9. PMID: 19797027. 

3. İlhan M, İlhan G, Gök AFK, Günay K, Ertekin C. The course and outcomes of complicated gallstone disease in pregnancy: Experience of a tertiary center. Turk J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;13(4):178-182. doi:10.4274/tjod.65475

4. Bookstaver PB, Bland CM, Griffin B, Stover KR, Eiland LS, McLaughlin M. A Review of Antibiotic Use in Pregnancy. Pharmacotherapy. 2015 Nov;35(11):1052-62. doi: 10.1002/phar.1649. PMID: 26598097.