Risk factors and complications of puerperal sepsis at a tertiary healthcare centre

Determinants of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia: an unmatched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Puerperal sepsis, is a significant factor in maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in regions with lower income levels where maternal mortality rates are highest. However, it can be largely avoided if detected in time. Recognizing and dealing with the root causes early is essential in addressing this problem. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institutional-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 266 postpartum women (88 cases and 178 controls) from October 1, 2023 to November 30, 2023. For each case, two controls were chosen using a systematic random sampling approach. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire and medical record review. The collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to model the association between puerperal sepsis and independent variables. variables that had a crude association in the bivariable analysis (p < 0.25) were entered and analyzed by a multivariable binary logistic regression model to identify statistically significant factors. In the final model, Adjusted odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the strength of the association. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.

RESULT

Rural residence (AOR = 6.9; 95% CI:2.77-17.10), having no formal education (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 2.55, 10.76), cesarean section delivery (AOR: 5.1; 95% CI: 1.30, 11.00) and complication during pregnancy (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 1.96, 11.10) were independent determinants of puerperal sepsis.

CONCLUSION

Place of residence, maternal education level, mode of delivery, and complication during pregnancy were determinants of puerperal sepsis. It is crucial to implement education and awareness initiatives aimed at mothers, ensure universal access to healthcare services, advocate for evidence-based delivery protocols, and conduct comprehensive antenatal screenings.

Maternal sepsis and factors associated with poor maternal outcomes in a tertiary hospital in Tigray, Ethiopia: a retrospective chart review

BACKGROUND

Maternal sepsis is the third leading cause of maternal death in the world. Women in resource-limited countries shoulder most of the burdens related to sepsis. Despite the growing risk associated with maternal sepsis, there are limited studies that have tried to assess the impact of maternal sepsis in resource-limited countries. The current study determined the outcomes of maternal sepsis and factors associated with having poor maternal outcomes.

METHODS

A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the clinical presentation, maternal outcomes, and factors associated with maternal sepsis. The study was conducted in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia, from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics and outcomes of women with maternal sepsis were analyzed using a descriptive statistic. The association between dependent and independent variables was determined using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 27,350 live births, 298 mothers developed sepsis, giving a rate of 109 maternal sepsis for every 10,000 live births. There were 22 maternal deaths, giving rise to a case fatality rate of 7.4% and a maternal mortality ratio of 75 per 100,000 live births. Admission to the intensive care unit and use of mechanical ventilator were observed in 23.5% and 14.1% of the study participants, respectively. A fourth (24.2%) of the mothers were complicated with septic shock. Overall, 24.2% of women with maternal sepsis had severe maternal outcomes (SMO). Prolonged hospital stay, having parity of two and above, having the lung as the focus of infection, switchof antibiotics, and developing septic shock were significantly associated with SMO.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that maternal sepsis continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality in resource-limited settings; with a significant number of women experiencing death, intensive care unit admission, and intubation attributable to sepsis. The unavailability of recommended diagnostic modalities and management options has led to the grave outcomes observed in this study. To ward off the effects of infection during pregnancy, labor and postpartum period and to prevent progression to sepsis and septic shock in low-income countries, we recommend that concerted and meticulous efforts should be applied to build the diagnostic capacity of health facilities, to have effective infection prevention and control practice, and to avail recommended diagnostic and management options.

Determinants of puerperal sepsis among post-partum mothers in Mekelle city public hospitals, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2021: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Puerperal sepsis is among the leading causes of preventable maternal death not only in developing countries but also in developed countries which is usually reported as the third or fourth common direct cause of maternal death. Although the prevalence of puerperal sepsis is low, it is the significant cause of maternal mortality, morbidities and other long-term complications like secondary infertility. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of puerperal sepsis among post-partum mothers at Mekelle city public hospitals.

METHOD

Institution based unmatched case control study was conducted among 444 total sample size (111 cases and 333 controls) in Mekelle city public hospitals from March 21, 2021 to April 20, 2021. Consecutive sampling for the cases and systematic sampling for the controls was used. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data and the data was entered into Epi data version 4.1 then cleaned, coded and edited and exported to SPSS version 23 statistical software for analysis. Logistic regression was done and variables with a P-value of < 0.25 on Binary logistic regression were taken to multiple logistic regression analysis. At 95% confidence interval, a P-value of < 0.05 was used as cut-off point to declare the association with the dependent variable.

RESULTS

Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that rural residence (AOR: 3, 95% CI: 1.50-5.90), no ANC follow up (AOR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.08-6.71), duration of rupture of membrane > 24 h (AOR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.60-10.58), duration of labor > 24 h (AOR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.86-9.92), number of vaginal examination >  = 5 (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.26-6.26), cesarean section mode of delivery (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.48-5.20) and no PNC follow up (AOR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.60-9.36) were the determinant factors of puerperal sepsis in this study.

CONCLUSION

The determinants of puerperal sepsis in this study were rural residence, not having antenatal care, prolonged duration of rupture of membrane, prolonged duration of labor, frequent number of vaginal examination, cesarean section and not having postnatal care. It is recommended that strengthening provision of health education on danger signs of pregnancy, parthograph utilization and avoiding of frequent vaginal examinations.

Healthcare workers' level of adherence to infection prevention and control and its impact on puerperal and neonatal sepsis among delivering women and neonates in Central Tanzania: a protocol for a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Delivering women and neonates are at a great risk of acquiring infections due to a lack of adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC), a low level of immunity and extended exposure to care procedures that can lead to infections. This prospective cohort study aims to assess the level of adherence to IPC among healthcare workers and its impact on puerperal and neonatal sepsis in the Dodoma region.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The level of adherence to IPC is examined cross-sectionally among healthcare workers (HCWs) in contact with delivering women and their neonates. A prospective cohort approach is used to assess the level of exposure of 294 delivering women and their neonates to poor hygienic practices of HCWs through an observation checklist. Outcomes, including the incidence of puerperal and neonatal sepsis, are evaluated clinically 2 days later before discharge. Laboratory culture and sensitivity confirmatory tests of blood samples are done on positive cases. Data analysis for level of adherence to IPC practices, incidence of puerperal and neonatal sepsis, and relative risk among the exposed women and neonates will be performed.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The University of Dodoma Research Ethics Committee approved this study (ref no. MA.84/261/'A'/25). Findings of this study will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences to the participating hospitals, the University of Dodoma and the Tanzanian Ministry of Health for informing practice and policy.

Incidence and predictors of puerperal sepsis among postpartum women at Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study

Background

Puerperal sepsis is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, particularly in low and middle-income countries where most maternal deaths occur. Women with puerperal sepsis are prone to long-term disabilities, such as chronic pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, and secondary infertility. Besides this, puerperal sepsis has received less attention. For this reason, this study aimed to determine the incidence of puerperal sepsis and its predictors among postpartum women at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among 330 postpartum women from September 2020 to 2021. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire with a data extraction checklist was used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epi data 4.2 and analyzed using STATA 14.0. The incidence rate of puerperal sepsis was calculated, and a Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate the survival probability of developing puerperal sepsis. The cox-proportional hazards regression model was fitted to identify predictors of puerperal sepsis.

Results

The study participants were followed for a total of 1685.3 person-week observations. The incidence rate of puerperal sepsis was 14.24 per 1,000 person-weeks. However, the overall incidence of puerperal sepsis was 7.27%. Not attending formal education [AHR: 3.55, 95% CI: (1.09-11.58)], a cesarean delivery [AHR: 4.50; 95% CI: (1.79-11.30)], premature rupture of the membranes [AHR: 3.25; 95% CI: (1.08-9.79)], complicated pregnancy [AHR: 4.80; 95% CI: (1.85-12.43)], being referred [AHR: 2.90; 95% CI: (1.10-7.65)], and not having birth preparedness and complication readiness plan [AHR: 2.95; 95% CI: (1.08-10.50)] were statistically significant predictors of puerperal sepsis.

Conclusion

The incidence of puerperal sepsis was 7.27%. Not attending formal education, cesarean delivery, premature rupture of membranes, complicated pregnancy, referral status, and absence of birth preparedness and complication readiness plan were predictors associated with the incidence of puerperal sepsis.

Exploring terminology for puerperal sepsis and its symptoms in urban Karachi, Pakistan to improve communication, care-seeking, and illness recognition

Puerperal sepsis is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Awareness of local terminology for its signs and symptoms may improve communication about this illness, what actions to take when symptoms appear, timely care seeking, and clinical outcomes. This formative research aimed to improve recognition and management of postpartum sepsis in Pakistan by eliciting local terms used for postpartum illnesses and symptoms. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews with recently delivered women, their relatives, traditional birth attendants, and health care providers to explore postpartum experiences. Terms for symptoms and illness are used interchangeably (i.e. bukhar, the Urdu word for fever), many variations exist for the same term, and gradations of severity for each term as not associated with different types of illnesses. The lack of a designated term for postpartum sepsis in Urdu delays care-seeking and proper diagnosis, particularly at the community level. Ideally, a common lexicon for symptoms and postpartum sepsis would be developed but this may not be feasible or appropriate given the nature of the Urdu language and local understandings of postpartum illness. These insights can inform how we approach educational campaigns, the development of clinical algorithms that focus on symptoms, and counselling protocols.

PUERPERAL SEPSIS AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN: A 10-YEAR REVIEW

Background

Puerperal sepsis is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study explored the complications, treatment modalities, and management outcomes of puerperal sepsis.

Methods

A 10-year retrospective review of women managed for puerperal sepsis at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between January 2009 and December 2018. Information on their socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, presenting complaints, treatment modalities, complications, and outcomes were obtained from the medical records. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics was done and results were presented in tables and chart.

Results

The prevalence of puerperal sepsis during the period reviewed was 0.83%. The mean age of the women was 29.0±6.7 years. The primiparous women 53(33.5%) were mostly affected. Klebsiella spp 25(15.8%) was the most common organism isolated and most sensitive to the third generation of Cephalosporin and Quinolones. Anaemia 90(56.8%) was the most common complication and all the women had intravenous antibiotics while about half (46.5%) of those with abdominopelvic collections were managed surgically via laparotomy. The case fatality rate was 16.5%.

Conclusion

Despite the low prevalence of puerperal sepsis within the period reviewed, a high case fatality was recorded. Cephalosporin and Quinolones should be considered in managing puerperal sepsis in our facility but more importantly prevention of maternal sepsis is essential.

Risk factors and Compliance of surviving sepsis campaign: A retrospective cohort study at tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of direct maternal mortality in Pakistan. It is recommended that the first three hours after the presentation are crucial. During this time implementation of surviving sepsis campaign resuscitation bundles reduces maternal mortality. Our objective was to assess the factors contributing to puerperal sepsis and the compliance of "surviving sepsis campaign resuscitation bundles in puerperal sepsis" for the management of puerperal sepsis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective record review for five years from January 2011-December 2015. All women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of puerperal sepsis were included and data from their files were collected and entered in SPSS version 19.0. Mean and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables while for categorical variable proportion and percentages were used.

RESULTS

This retrospective record review in five years showed the 396 patients had P-sepsis, among them 44 patients had severe sepsis with organ dysfunction. The culture was positive in 26(59%) with trend of E-coli in 9(20%) Among them 12(27%) had serum lactate more than ≥4mmol/L. Central venous pressure monitoring with fluid resuscitation was done as per protocol of survival bundle given to all 12(100%), Vasopressin was needed in half of these patients 6(50%). Amid 44 patients of severe sepsis 29(66%) were admitted to special care, while 15(34%) required intensive care admissions. Our 7(16%) patients failed to survive. All of them had multi-organ failure.

CONCLUSION

There was moderate adherence of modified surviving sepsis campaign resuscitation bundles. Further improvement in compliance is warranted.

Burden of puerperal sepsis and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Puerperal sepsis is a genital tract infection that can occur from amniotic fluid rupture to six weeks after birth. Maternal complication associated with puerperal sepsis includes prolonged hospital stay, septicemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and death. Even though, puerperal sepsis is the fourth leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia the overall prevalence of puerperal sepsis and its associated factors are not studied at the national stage. As a result, this systematic review and meta-analysis bring out the pooled prevalence of puerperal sepsis and its associated factors in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A variety of data sources such as Pub Med, Web of Science, Science Direct, Embase, Google Scholar, HINARI, and Ethiopian universities online repositories were searched to identify the primary studies which were used for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The article search was conducted from February10/2021-March 10/2021. The quality of the selected primary studies was assessed using the Newcastle - Ottawa quality assessment Scale (NOS). Data extraction was done with Microsoft Excel and then exported to STATA 11 version statistical software for analysis. The Cochran (Q-test) and I2 test statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Publication bias was evaluated by the eggers regression test. Subgroup analysis was performed with region and sample size category.

RESULT

In this review, a total of 2222 respondents were involved from seven studies. The pooled prevalence of puerperal sepsis was 14.811% (95%CI; 8.46: 21.16; I2 = 94.2, P ≤ 0.001). Cesarean section delivery (CSD) (OR = 3.26, 95%CI: 1.90, 5.61), membrane rupture≥24 h (OR = 4.04, 95%CI: 2.54, 6.42), being multiparous mother (OR = 3.99, 95%CI: 1.82, 8.78), vaginal examination≥5 times (OR = 3.15, 95%CI: 1.17, 8.52), and anemia (OR = 5.68, 95%CI: 4.38, 7.36) were factors significantly associated with puerperal sepsis.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of puerperal sepsis was high in Ethiopia. CSD, membrane rupture≥24 h, being multiparous mother, vaginal examination≥5, and anemia were factors associated with puerperal sepsis. Appropriate standard infection prevention techniques during CSD shall be practiced to reduce the maternal burden of puerperal sepsis. The unnecessary vaginal examination should be discouraged during the intrapartum period. Besides this, routine Iron sulfate supplementation and counsel on iron reach foods during ante partum and postpartum shall be considered for all mothers.

Risk factors for postpartum sepsis: a nested case-control study

Background

The Majority (99%) of maternal deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. The three most important causes of maternal deaths in these regions are postpartum hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia and puerperal sepsis. There are several diagnostic criteria used to identify sepsis and one of the commonly used criteria is systematic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). However, these criteria require laboratory investigations that may not be feasible in resource-constrained settings. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a model based on risk factors and clinical signs and symptoms that can identify sepsis early among postpartum women.

Methods

A case-control study was nested in an ongoing cohort of 4000 postpartum women who delivered or were admitted to the study hospital. According to standard criteria of SIRS, 100 women with sepsis (cases) and 498 women without sepsis (controls) were recruited from January to July 2017. Information related to the socio-demographic status, antenatal care and use of tobacco were obtained via interview while pregnancy and delivery related information, comorbid and clinical sign and symptoms were retrieved from the ongoing cohort. Multivariable logistic regression was performed and discriminative performance of the model was assessed using area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC).

Results

Multivariable analysis revealed that 1–4 antenatal visits (95% CI 0.01–0.62).

, 3 or more vaginal examinations (95% CI 1.21–3.65), home delivery (95% CI 1.72–50.02), preterm delivery, diabetes in pregnancy (95% CI 1.93–20.23), lower abdominal pain (95% CI 1.15–3.42)) vaginal discharge (95% CI 2.97–20.21), SpO2 < 93% (95% CI 4.80–37.10) and blood glucose were significantly associated with sepsis. AUC was 0.84 (95% C.I 0.80–0.89) which indicated that risk factors and clinical sign and symptoms-based model has adequate ability to discriminate women with and without sepsis.

Conclusion

This study developed a non-invasive tool that can identify postpartum women with sepsis as accurately as SIRS criteria with good discriminative ability. Once validated, this tool has the potential to be scaled up for community use by frontline health care workers.

Proportion of bacterial isolates, their antimicrobial susceptibility profile and factors associated with puerperal sepsis among post-partum/aborted women at a referral Hospital in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Puerperal sepsis is any bacterial infection of the genital tract that occurs after childbirth. It is among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality especially in low-income countries including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of bacterial isolates, their antimicrobial susceptibility profile and factors associated with puerperal sepsis among post-partum/aborted women at a Referral Hospital in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted from January to May 2017 among 166 post-partum/aborted women admitted to Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital for medical services and suspected for puerperal sepsis.. Socio-demographic data and associated factors were collected using structured questionnaire. Bacteria were isolated and identified from blood samples on Trypton soya broth, blood, Chocolate and MacConkey agars following standard bacteriological procedures. The VITEK 2 identification and susceptibility testing system was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Factors associated with puerperal sepsis were considered statistically significant at P-value < 0.05.

Results

The overall proportion of bacterial isolates among post-partum/aborted women was 33.7% (56/166); of which 55.4% was caused by Gram-negative and 44.6% was by Gram-positive bacteria. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (32.1%) from Gram-negatives and Staphylococcus aureus (33.9%) from Gram-positives. The proportion of other isolates was (7.2%) for Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS), (12.5%) for Klebsiella pneumoniae, (10.7%) for Acinetobacter baumanni and (3.6%) for Raoultella ornithinolytica. All isolates of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were resistant to tetracycline (100%). The gram negatives show resistance to Cefazolin (72.7%), Tetracycline (93.9%) and Ampicillin (100%). The overall prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 84%. Women having multiparous parity were more likely to develop puerperal sepsis than primiparous parity (AOR 4.045; 95% CI: 1.479-11.061; P < 0.05). Other socio-demographic and clinical factors had no significant association with puerperal sepsis.

Conclusion

About one third of post-partum/aborted women suspected for puerperal sepsis were infected with one or more bacterial isolates. Significant proportion of bacterial isolates showed mono and multi-drug resistance for the commonly prescribed antibiotics. Women with multiparous parity were more likely to develop puerperal sepsis than primiparous parity.

Factors and Causes of Puerperal Sepsis in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: A Descriptive Study among Postnatal Women who Attended Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre

Background:

Puerperal sepsis is the major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. About 94% of maternal mortality occur in low and middle-income countries including Tanzania.

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence, document factors and causes of puerperal sepsis among postnatal women who attended postnatal care in Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Hospital in the year 2015.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tanzania. A total of 183 medical records of attendance in 2015 were used for the study. Information about the isolated organism in culture was retrieved from the Laboratory Information System.

Results:

The prevalence of puerperal sepsis was 11.5% (21/183). The most common factors and causes of puerperal sepsis included caesarean section 66.7% (14/21), postpartum haemorrhage 57.1% (12/21), moderate to severe anaemia 61.9% (13/21), prolonged labour 76.2% (16/21) and bacterial infection 90.5% (19/21). The difference was significant at p<.05. The most bacteria species isolated among women with puerperal sepsis was Staphylococcus spp 50.0% (7/14), Escherichia 28.6% (4/14) and Streptococcus spp 21.4% (3/14).

Conclusion:

Puerperal sepsis is prevalent (11.5%) at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Staphylococcus spp was found to be a predominant isolate which causes puerperal sepsis followed by E. coli and Streptococcus spp.

Determinants of puerperal sepsis among post partum women at public hospitals in west SHOA zone Oromia regional STATE, Ethiopia (institution BASEDCASE control study)

BACKGROUND

Puerperal sepsis is an infection of the genital tract, which occurs from rupture of amniotic sacs and within 42ndday after delivery. It happens mainly after discharge in the 1st 24 h of parturition. It is the third leading cause of direct maternal mortality in developing nations. It is also among preventable conditions. Even though multiple interventions were done to overcome these health problems, maternal mortality and morbidities were still significant. Mainly, in Ethiopia lack of clearly identified causes of maternal mortality and morbidity makes the problem unsolved.

METHODS

Case-control study was conducted at public Hospitals in west shoa zone Oromia regional state, Ethiopia from February 01 to April 30/2018.women with puerperal sepsis (n = 67) were selected by convenience method. Controls (n = 213) were selected by systematic random sampling. Controls to cases ratio was 3:1 and structured questionnaire was used to interviewafter verbal consent was obtained. Data was entered in to epi -info 7.2 then exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. A logistic regression model was used for data analysis. Those variables which have p-value < 0.05 were accepted that they are independent determinants of puerperal sepsis.

RESULT

Rural residence (AOR [95%CI] = 2.5(1.029-6.054),Mothers with no formal education (AOR [95%CI] = 6.74([1.210-37.541]), up to primary level of education(AOR [95%CI] = 6.72(1.323-34.086), total monthly income of the mother or family<=500 ETB and 501-1500 ETB(AOR [95%CI] = 5.94(1.471-23.93) and (AOR [95%CI] =6.57 (1.338-32.265) respectively, Mothers having 1-2 times antenatal care(ANC)visit (AOR [95%CI] = 6.57([1.338-32.265]), Duration of Labor12-24 h (AOR [95%CI] = 3.12 (1.805-12.115),> = 25 h (AOR [95%CI] = 4.71([1.257-17.687]),vaginal examinations > = 5times (AOR [95%CI] = 4.00([1.330-12.029]), Delivery by C/S (AOR [95%CI] = 3.85 ([1.425-10.413]), Rupture of membrane > 24 h (AOR [95%CI] = 3.73([1.365-10.208]) and those Referred from other health institutions (AOR [95%CI] = 2.53([1.087-5.884],were independent determinants of puerperal sepsis in this study.

CONCLUSION

Majority of determinants of puerperal sepsis were related with pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, to tackle a problem of puerperal sepsis all concerning bodies should take measures during prenatal, natal and postnatal period.

Incidence of postpartum infection, outcomes and associated risk factors at Mbarara regional referral hospital in Uganda

Background

There is a paucity of recent prospective data on the incidence of postpartum infections and associated risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa. Retrospective studies estimate that puerperal sepsis causes approximately 10% of maternal deaths in Africa.

Methods

We enrolled 4231 women presenting to a Ugandan regional referral hospital for delivery or postpartum care into a prospective cohort and measured vital signs postpartum. Women developing fever (> 38.0 °C) or hypothermia (< 36.0 °C) underwent symptom questionnaire, structured physical exam, malaria testing, blood, and urine cultures. Demographic, treatment, and post-discharge outcomes data were collected from febrile/hypothermic women and a random sample of 1708 normothermic women. The primary outcome was in-hospital postpartum infection. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated with postpartum fever/hypothermia and with confirmed infection.

Results

Overall, 4176/4231 (99%) had ≥1 temperature measured and 205/4231 (5%) were febrile or hypothermic. An additional 1708 normothermic women were randomly selected for additional data collection, for a total sample size of 1913 participants, 1730 (90%) of whom had complete data. The mean age was 25 years, 214 (12%) were HIV-infected, 874 (51%) delivered by cesarean and 662 (38%) were primigravidae. Among febrile/hypothermic participants, 174/205 (85%) underwent full clinical and microbiological evaluation for infection, and an additional 24 (12%) had a partial evaluation. Overall, 84/4231 (2%) of participants met criteria for one or more in-hospital postpartum infections. Endometritis was the most common, identified in 76/193 (39%) of women evaluated clinically. Twenty-five of 175 (14%) participants with urinalysis and urine culture results met criteria for urinary tract infection. Bloodstream infection was diagnosed in 5/185 (3%) participants with blood culture results. Another 5/186 (3%) tested positive for malaria. Cesarean delivery was independently associated with incident, in-hospital postpartum infection (aOR 3.9, 95% CI 1.5–10.3, P = 0.006), while antenatal clinic attendance was associated with reduced odds (aOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.9, P = 0.02). There was no difference in in-hospital maternal deaths between the febrile/hypothermic (1, 0.5%) and normothermic groups (0, P = 0.11).

Conclusions

Among rural Ugandan women, postpartum infection incidence was low overall, and cesarean delivery was independently associated with postpartum infection while antenatal clinic attendance was protective.

Severe Puerperal Sepsis-A Simmering Menace

INTRODUCTION

Even decades after the development of effective low-cost antibiotics, sepsis persists as the foremost cause of preventable maternal death worldwide. In developing countries like India, where the paramount impediment to intervention is poverty, maternal mortality due to sepsis is a continuing representation of maternal health inequality.

AIM

To determine the incidence, risk factors and mortality in women presenting with puerperal sepsis in a tertiary care health facility in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was carried out in VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India, from January 2016 to June 2016 in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Case records of all eligible patients of puerperal sepsis were reviewed and data were extracted regarding demographic profile, clinical profile on admission, course in hospital, management, complications and cause of mortality (in case of death). Inclusion criteria were any patient presenting either immediately after delivery or miscarriage or within 42 days of these events with fever and any of the following: pain abdomen, malodorous lochia, abdominal distention, uterine tenderness, pelvic abscess, peritonitis, mechanical or foreign body injury, any system/organ failure or shock. Exclusion criteria consisted of patients presenting with fever during pregnancy or more than 42 days after delivery or miscarriage, or patients presenting with fever due to medical conditions, wound infection, mastitis, UTI or thrombophlebitis. Data were entered in predesigned proformas and analysed. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 33 cases met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 90% were referred cases. Anaemia, prolonged labour, delivery by an untrained person and unsafe abortion were the main identifiable risk factors. Surgical management was required in 75% cases, while 70% women succumbed to their illness, mostly due to multiorgan failure.

CONCLUSION

Maternal mortality due to maternal sepsis is very high; Lack of safe and hygienic practices for conducting delivery and abortion are important contributory factors.

Effect of Puerperal Infections on Early Neonatal Mortality: A Secondary Analysis of Six Demographic and Health Surveys

Background

Around 1.5 million annual neonatal deaths occur in the first week of life, and infections represent one of the major causes in developing countries. Neonatal sepsis is often strictly connected to infection of the maternal genital tract during labour.

Methods

The association between signs suggestive of puerperal infection and early neonatal mortality (<7 days of life) was performed using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data of six countries, conducted between 2010 and 2013. The population attributable fraction (PAF) was generated using the estimates on early neonatal mortality of a 1990–2013 systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study.

Results

Signs of puerperal infection ranged from 0.7% in the Philippines to 16.4% in Honduras. Infection was associated with a 2.1 adjusted Risk Ratio (95% CI: 1.4–3.2) of early neonatal mortality. Around five percent of all deaths in the first week of life were attributable to signs suggestive of puerperal infections and varied from 13.9% (95% CI: 1.0–26.6) in Honduras to 3.6% (95% CI: 1.0–8.5) in Indonesia.

Conclusions

Targeted interventions should be addressed to contain the burden of puerperal infections on early neonatal mortality. Consideration of the PAF will help in the discussion of the benefits of antenatal and perinatal measures.