Puerperal Sepsis Quiz

Definition

• Puerperal sepsis, also known as puerperal infection, is a bacterial infection of the reproductive tract that occurs during or after pregnancy, childbirth, or abortion.
• It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Causes

• Bacterial infection, usually by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, or Escherichia coli.
• Risk factors:
  • Cesarean section or instrumental delivery
  • Prolonged labor or rupture of membranes
  • Multiple pregnancy or placenta previa
  • Pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or HIV
  • Poor uterine involution or placental retention

Symptoms

• Fever, usually within 24-48 hours after delivery
• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Foul-smelling lochia (vaginal discharge)
• Chills or rigors
• Tachycardia or tachypnea
• Uterine tenderness or swelling
• Purulent or bloody discharge from the uterus

Complications

• Sepsis or septic shock
• Endometritis or parametritis
• Peritonitis or pelvic abscess
• Thrombophlebitis or pulmonary embolism
• Maternal mortality

Diagnosis

• Clinical evaluation and medical history
• Laboratory tests:
  • Complete blood count (CBC) and blood cultures
  • Urinalysis and urine cultures
  • Endometrial biopsy or swab
• Imaging studies:
  • Ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis

Treatment

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics, usually intravenously
• Surgical intervention, such as drainage of abscesses or removal of infected tissue
• Supportive care, including fluids, oxygen, and pain management
• Monitoring for complications and sepsis

Prevention

• Good hygiene and infection control practices during delivery and postpartum care
• Proper use of antibiotics during cesarean section or instrumental delivery
• Regular postpartum check-ups and monitoring for signs of infection

Definition of Puerperal Sepsis

• A bacterial infection of the reproductive tract during or after pregnancy, childbirth, or abortion
• A serious and potentially life-threatening condition

Causes of Puerperal Sepsis

• Bacterial infection by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, or Escherichia coli
• Risk factors include:
  • Cesarean section or instrumental delivery
  • Prolonged labor or rupture of membranes
  • Multiple pregnancy or placenta previa
  • Pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes or HIV
  • Poor uterine involution or placental retention

Symptoms of Puerperal Sepsis

• Fever within 24-48 hours after delivery
• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Foul-smelling lochia (vaginal discharge)
• Chills or rigors
• Tachycardia or tachypnea
• Uterine tenderness or swelling
• Purulent or bloody discharge from the uterus

Complications of Puerperal Sepsis

• Sepsis or septic shock
• Endometritis or parametritis
• Peritonitis or pelvic abscess
• Thrombophlebitis or pulmonary embolism
• Maternal mortality

Diagnosis of Puerperal Sepsis

• Clinical evaluation and medical history
• Laboratory tests:
  • Complete blood count (CBC) and blood cultures
  • Urinalysis and urine cultures
  • Endometrial biopsy or swab
• Imaging studies:
  • Ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis

Treatment of Puerperal Sepsis

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics, usually intravenously
• Surgical intervention, such as drainage of abscesses or removal of infected tissue
• Supportive care, including fluids, oxygen, and pain management
• Monitoring for complications and sepsis

Prevention of Puerperal Sepsis

• Good hygiene and infection control practices during delivery and postpartum care
• Proper use of antibiotics during cesarean section or instrumental delivery
• Regular postpartum check-ups and monitoring for signs of infection

Test your knowledge on puerperal sepsis, a serious bacterial infection of the reproductive tract that occurs during or after pregnancy, childbirth, or abortion. Learn about its causes, risk factors, and more.