What is the commonest cause of puerperal sepsis?

The most common factors and causes of puerperal sepsis included caesarean section 66.7% (14/21), postpartum haemorrhage 57.1% (12/21), moderate to severe anaemia 61.9% (13/21), prolonged labour 76.2% (16/21) and bacterial infection 90.5% (19/21).

What causes maternal sepsis?

Maternal sepsis usually occurs due to a severe bacterial infection of the uterus during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth. Prevalent in developing countries, maternal sepsis also afflicts women in developed countries, including the United States.

What happens in puerperal sepsis?

Puerperal sepsis is an infection of the genital tract, which occurs from rupture of amniotic sacs and within 42ndday after delivery. It happens mainly after discharge in the 1st 24 h of parturition. It is the third leading cause of direct maternal mortality in developing nations.

What are signs of puerperal sepsis?

Puerperal sepsis

• Fever (oral temperature 38.5°C/101.3°F or higher on any occasion).
• Pelvic pain.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge, e.g. presence of pus.
• Abnormal smell/foul odour of discharge.
• Delay in the rate of reduction of the size of the uterus (involution).

What are the major sepsis risk during the postpartum period?

Previous literature highlights that hemorrhage, lacerations, multiple vaginal examination, mode of delivery are major contributors to sepsis that may develop within a few hours of giving birth [14, 15]. This study also reinforced the risk factors mentioned in previous studies and antenatal care is one of them.

What happens when a pregnant woman gets sepsis?

It is worth emphasizing some possible complications of sepsis during pregnancy such as increased rates of premature births, fetal infection, hypoxia and acidosis, higher fetal mortality and increased probability to be necessary to perform cesarean.

What is diagnosis of puerperal sepsis?

abdominal pain and tenderness. tachycardia. rash (generalised streptococcal maculopapular rash or purpura fulminans) offensive vaginal discharge (smelly discharge suggests anaerobic infection; serosanguinous discharge suggests streptococcal infection) productive cough.

When does postpartum sepsis occur?

Sepsis is an illness that can develop during pregnancy, as well as after delivery. Sepsis that occurs during pregnancy is called maternal sepsis. If it develops within six weeks of delivery, it is called postpartum sepsis or puerperal sepsis.

What are three risk factors associated with the development of postpartum infection?

What are the risk factors for postpartum infections?

• History of cesarean delivery.
• Premature rupture of membranes.
• Frequent cervical examination (Sterile gloves should be used in examinations.
• Internal fetal monitoring.
• Preexisting pelvic infection including bacterial vaginosis.
• Diabetes.
• Nutritional status.
• Obesity.

What happens if a pregnant woman gets sepsis?

When it occurs in pregnant women or within six weeks after giving birth, it’s called maternal or postpartum sepsis (RCOG, 2012). Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death. It’s a leading cause of maternal death in women in the UK (NHS Choices, 2016).

How is puerperal sepsis diagnosed?

Diagnosis

1. vomiting.
2. diarrhoea.
3. abdominal pain and tenderness.
4. tachycardia.
5. rash (generalised streptococcal maculopapular rash or purpura fulminans)
6. offensive vaginal discharge (smelly discharge suggests anaerobic infection; serosanguinous discharge suggests streptococcal infection)
7. productive cough.
8. urinary symptoms.

What does diabetes have to do with sepsis?

So, what does all this have to do with sepsis? One complication of diabetes is your body may have difficulty healing wounds, like cuts and blisters, particularly in the toes, feet, and lower legs. People with diabetes may also have decreased sensation in their feet and toes, which means they may not notice right away if they have an open wound.

What is the relationship between hypoglycemia and sepsis?

Although the mechanisms and relationships between hypoglycemia and the severity of the disease in septic patients are still debated, the role of inflammatory cytokines has been proposed [39]. In critical settings, derangement of glycemic control is associated with more severe disease and poorer prognosis [39–41].

Does gestational diabetes increase the risk of sepsis?

However, women who have gestational diabetes are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. So, what does all this have to do with sepsis? One complication of diabetes is your body may have difficulty healing wounds, like cuts and blisters, particularly in the toes, feet, and lower legs.

Is puerperal sepsis dangerous during pregnancy?

Puerperal sepsis Infections during pregnancy are relatively prevalent, and the majority of cases are managed well in the community. Occasionally, however, infections may be life-threatening.