Maternal sepsis Flashcards
What is sepsis
Sepsisis a condition where the body launches a large immune response to an infection, causingsystemic inflammationand affecting the functioning of the organs of the body. It is a significant cause of maternal death.
What is severe sepsis
sepsis that results in organ dysfunction, such ashypoxia,oliguriaorraised lactate
What is septic shock
when arterial blood pressure drops and results in organ hypo-perfusion.
What are the 2 main causes of maternal sepsis
Chorioamnionitis
UTI
What chart is used to monitor obs in pregnancy
MEOWS chart - Maternity Early Obstetric Warning System
What are some non-specific signs of sepsis
- Fever
- Tachycardia
- Raised respiratory rate (often an early sign)
- Reduced oxygen saturations
- Low blood pressure
- Altered consciousness
- Reduced urine output
- Raised white blood cells on a full blood count
- Evidence of fetal compromise on a CTG
What are some additional signs of sepsis associated with chorioamnionitis
- Abdominal pain
- Uterine tenderness
- Vaginal discharge
What are some additional signs of sepsis associated with UTI in pregnancy
- Dysuria
- Urinary frequency
- Suprapubic pain or discomfort
- Renal angle pain (with pyelonephritis)
- Vomiting (with pyelonephritis)
What are the sepsis 6
B - Blood Cultures
U - Urine output
F - Fluids (IV)
A - Antibiotics (Broad spectrum)
L - Lactate
O - Oxygen (94-98%)
What may be required in labour for maternal sepsis
General anaesthetic and emergency C-section
