Postpartum care Flashcards
Postpartum endometritis
infection of the uterine endometrium
an infection of the decidua (endometrial lining of pregnancy) that may extend into the myometrium and occurs in the postpartum period
typically polymicrobial with aerobic and anaerobic contributing pathogens
most important RF for postpartum endometritis
recent cesarean delivery
other RF postpartum endometritis
prolonged labor, prolonged rupture of membranes, and multiple pelvic examinations during labor
use of internal monitors, and nulliparity
bacterial vaginosis, chorioamnionitis, prolonged labor, prolonged rupture of membranes, multiple cervical examinations, HIV infection, colonization with group B Streptococcus, nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus, and heavy vaginal colonization by Escherichia coli
sx postpartum endometritis
lower abdominal pain, fever, tachycardia, and uterine tenderness. Patients may also have malodorous and purulent lochia
tx postpartum endometritis
the combination of clindamycin and gentamicin is used if the infection occurs after a C-section.
Ampicillin may be added if the patient is colonized with group B Streptococcus
If endometritis occurs after a vaginal delivery, the combination of ampicillin and gentamicin is preferred
rare complication of postpartum endometritis that occurs when a thrombus occurs in a pelvic vein and becomes infected
Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis
The two types of septic pelvic vein thrombophlebitis
ovarian vein thrombophlebitis and deep spontaneous pelvic thrombophlebitis
sx Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis
presents similarly to endometritis, with abdominal pain, fever, and uterine tenderness. Therefore, it is usually not suspected until a patient with postpartum endometritis does not improve after 3–5 days of antibiotics. However, the presence of a palpable cord-like mass is supportive of the diagnosis, although this finding is not usually present. It is also important to note that patients with deep spontaneous pelvic thrombophlebitis may not experience abdominal pain
tx septic pelvic thrombophlebitis
broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as gentamicin and clindamycin, and anticoagulation
dx septic pelvic thrombophlebitis
imaging with CT or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis can identify ovarian vein thrombophlebitis, but these studies are usually unable to identify deep spontaneous pelvic thrombophlebitis
complications septic pelvic thrombophlebitis
pulmonary embolism and septic emboli
should you obtain cultures for postpartum endometritis
Due to the infection being polymicrobial, it is unnecessary to obtain cultures
prophylaxis C-section
Patients who undergo C-sections are prophylactically given a dose of a first-generation cephalosporin during the C-section to reduce the incidence of endometritis
Which bacterium is the leading cause of endometritis-associated infertility in endemic countries?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Postpartum hemorrhage
an obstetric emergency defined by a cumulative blood loss of 1,000 mL or signs and symptoms consistent with hypovolemia within the 24 hours following delivery
It is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, with over half of maternal deaths occurring within 24 hours following delivery
primary/early postpartum hemorrhage
occurs within 24 hours after delivery
secondary/late postpartum hemorrhage
occurs after 24 hours and up to 12 weeks later
The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage
uterine atony, wherein the uterus fails to contract and constrict the arteries that supply the placenta following its delivery
uterine atony on PE
soft, boggy uterus
how is uterine atony best treated
uterine massage
what else can be used with uterine massage to treat uterine atony
oxytocin, methylergonovine, misoprostol, dinoprostone, 15-methyl prostaglandin F2-alpha
Surgical intervention for uterine atony
uterine compression sutures (B-lynch or multiple squares), sequential artery ligation, selective arterial embolization, and ultimately hysterectomy
Patients with hemodynamic compromise secondary to hemorrhage initially manifest with
tachycardia, tachypnea, delayed capillary refill, orthostatic changes, and narrowed pulse pressure. Further volume depletion results in overt hypotension, oliguria, shock, coma, and death
if hemorrhage is suspected, primary intervention should be implemented with
assessment of hemodynamic stability, placement of two large-bore intravenous catheters, rapid infusion of crystalloid fluids, and investigation of potential etiologies. Early infusion of packed red blood cells following a type and crossmatch of blood can help to replete blood volume
Patients with hemorrhage requiring four or more units of packed red blood cells in 1 hour or 10 or more units in 12 to 24 hours should additionally receive
fresh frozen plasma and random donor platelets in a 1:1:1 unit ratio with packed red blood cells
During the third stage of labor, preventative measures to decrease the risk of uterine atony include
oxytocin infusion, gentle cord traction, and uterine massage
during what stage of labor should preventative measures for uterine atony be done
third stage of labor
Nonfatal cases of postpartum hemorrhage can result in
adult respiratory distress syndrome, coagulopathy, shock, loss of fertility, and pituitary necrosis (Sheehan syndrome)
RF postpartum hemorrhage
rapid or prolonged labor, overdistended uterus, retained placenta, or a C-section
low socioeconomic status, previous history of postpartum hemorrhage, retained placenta, prolonged labor, fetal macrosomia, hypertension, and labor induction and augmentation (e.g., use of uterine stimulants and vaginal prostaglandins)
which type of postpartum hemorrhage is MC
early/primary