Postpartum complications

Question 1

What is the definition of puerperal fever (pyrexia)

Answer 1

38C or higher for 2 out of 10 first postpartum days (not first 24 hours)

Question 2

What are the three most common causes of puerperal fever (postpartum temperature elevation)?

Answer 2

Endometritis, wound infection, UTI

Question 3

What organism is associated with a postpartum fever of 39C or greater after caesarean?

Answer 3

Staphylococus Aureus and Staph. epidermis

Question 4

What are signs other that fever of puerperal infection?

Answer 4

Pain, chills, increased pulse, general malaise, abdominal pain, malodorous lochia.

Question 5

What else should be considered in differential diagnosis of puerperal infection?

Answer 5

appendicitis, pylonephritis , and pneumonia

Question 6

What are sings of distant postpartum infections

Answer 6

pelvic cellulitis, oophoritis, salpingitis (inflammation of fallopian tube) peritonitis, pelvic and femoral thombophlebitis, and sepsis,

Question 7

What is the most common cause of postpartum hemotomas?

Answer 7

Instrumental birth or episitomy. Unrepaired laceration or a torn blood vessel such as though injection of lidocaine, during a repair can also contribute.

Question 8

Where in the body do postpartum hemotomas most commonly occur?

Answer 8

I the vulva or broad ligament

Question 9

What are other maternal risk factors for postpartum hemotomas?

Answer 9

primiparity, multiple gestation, large fetal weight, preeclampsai , coagulopathies, vulvovaginal varicosities, and prolonged second stage.