[53] Puerperal Pyrexia Flashcards
What is puerperal pyrexia?
Presence of fever (38 or above) in a woman within 6 weeks of her having given birth
What is the importance of puerperal sepsis?
It is a major cause of maternal mortality worldwide
How many woman die annually per year of puerperal sepsis?
75,000
Where do most of the deaths from puerperal sepsis occur?
In low income countries
What is the incidence of death from genital tract sepsis in the UK?
0.29 / 100,000
What are the causes of puerperal pyrexia/
- Urinary tract infection
- Genital tract infection
- Mastitis
- Post-op infection following C-section
- DVT
- Other infections
What bacteria cause 95% of post-partum UTIs?
- E. Coli
- Proteus
- Klebsiella
What can cause genital tract infection in the postpartum period?
- E. Coli
- Other anaerobes
- Group A streptococcus
- Staphylococcus spp.
What bacteria usually causes mastitis?
Staphylococcus spp.
What is the risk of infection following LSCS in the UK?
8%
What other infections can cause puerperal sepsis?
Infections common to all, e.g. viral infection or chest infection
Why are the symptoms important in puerperal sepsis?
Because they may help localise where the source of infection is
What are the symptoms of UTI
- Frequency
- Dysuria
- Haematuria
When may a UTI present with rigors?
If there is pyelonephritis
What are the symptoms of genital tract infection?
- Tender, bulky uterus
- Prolonged bleeding/pink or discoloured lochia
- Painful, inflamed perineum