A rare case report of uterine rupture in a case of suspected septic abortion

There was a progressive rise in the rate of caesarean sections globally from 17.2% to 21.5% from 2017 to 2021. Caesarean sections have an improved feto-maternal outcome but come with a set of challenges. A second-trimester abortion in a previously scarred uterus is one of them. The incidence of uterine rupture is about 3.8�3% in a scarred uterus, which is much higher than in an unscarred uterus. Mifepristone 200 mg orally followed by misoprostol 800 mcg vaginally within 24� hours has been proven to be an effective method for medical abortion, but its safety in a previously scarred uterus has not been fully established. A 27-year-old P2L2A1 with two previous caesarean sections at 19 weeks of gestation was referred to our tertiary care center with bleeding per vagina following consumption of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) pills, followed by dilatation and curettage outside. She was pale, and tachycardia was noted. Septic abortion was suspected due to repeated bouts of fever, raised total counts, and starting on higher antibiotics. Due to persistent tachycardia and computed tomography (CT) findings, she was subjected to exploratory laparotomy, and a uterine rupture was confirmed. She underwent an obstetric hysterectomy as a lifesaving procedure. Second-trimester abortions with misoprostol in a previously scarred uterus require a high index of suspicion and close monitoring. Detecting life-threatening complications early in at-risk patients plays a crucial role in uterine preservation. There is scope for research to incorporate methods like Foley's induction in these cases. The clinical picture of a ruptured uterus can be initially non-specific, delaying the diagnosis. Surgery depends on the extent of the rupture, maternal hemodynamic status, and family completion. It is challenging to rule out uterine rupture when there is a similar presentation as septic abortion, so ultrasound is the first investigation of choice in the diagnosis of uterine rupture, whereas CT abdomen and pelvis are confirmatory.

Temporal Evolution of Maternal Mortality: 1980-2019 / Evolução temporal da mortalidade materna: 1980-2019

Abstract Objective To determine the profile of maternal deaths occurred in the period between 2000 and 2019 in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA, in the Portuguese acronym) and to compare it with maternal deaths between 1980 and 1999 in the same institution. Methods Retrospective study that analyzed 2,481 medical records of women between 10 and 49 years old who died between 2000 and 2018. The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee (CAAE 78021417600005327). Results After reviewing 2,481 medical records of women who died in reproductive age, 43 deaths had occurred during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Of these, 28 were considered maternal deaths. The maternal mortality ratio was 37.6 per 100,000 live births. Regarding causes, 16 deaths (57.1%) were directly associated with pregnancy, 10 (35.1%) were indirectly associated, and 2 (7.1%) were unrelated. The main cause of death was hypertension during pregnancy (31.2%) followed by acute liver steatosis during pregnancy (25%). In the previous study, published in 2003 in the same institution4, the mortality rate was 129 per 100,000 live births, and most deaths were related to direct obstetric causes (62%). The main causes of death in this period were due to hypertensive complications (17.2%), followed by postcesarean infection (16%). Conclusion Compared with data before the decade of 2000, there was an important reduction in maternal deaths due to infectious causes.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar o perfil dos óbitos maternos ocorridos no período de 2000 a 2019 no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) e comparar com os óbitos maternos entre 1980 e 1999 na mesma instituição. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo que analisou 2.400 prontuários de mulheres entre 10 e 49 anos que morreram entre 2000 e 2019. O presente estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética (CAAE 78021417600005327). Resultados Após revisão de 2.481 prontuários de mulheres que morreram em idade reprodutiva, 43 mortes ocorreram durante a gravidez ou no período pós-parto. Destas, 28 foram considerados óbitos maternos. A taxa de mortalidade materna foi de 37.6 por 100.000 nascidos vivos. Em relação às causas, 16 óbitos (57.1%) estiveram diretamente associados à gravidez, 10 (35.1%) estiveram indiretamente associados e 2 (7.1%) não estiveram relacionados. A principal causa de morte foi hipertensão na gravidez (31.2%) seguida de esteatose hepática aguda da gravidez (25%). No estudo anterior, publicado em 2003 na mesma instituição4, a taxa de mortalidade foi de 129 por 100.000 nascidos vivos, e a maioria dos óbitos estava relacionada a causas obstétricas diretas (62%). As principais causas de óbito neste período foram por complicações hipertensivas (17.2%), seguidas de infecção pós-cesárea (16%). Conclusão Em comparação com os dados anteriores à década de 2000, houve uma redução importante das mortes maternas por causas infecciosas.

Mortalidad materna: Hospital Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires. Evolución 2003-2015 / Maternal mortality. Hospital Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires. Evolution 2003-2015

Revisamos las historias clínicas de las mujeres cuyo fallecimiento fue notificado como muerte materna entre agosto de 2003 y diciembre de 2015 en nuestro hospital y calculamos índices, tendencias y años de vida potencialmente perdidos. La información aportada por los certificados de defunción fue exigua. Un total de 52 casos cumplía con los criterios de muerte materna. Dos fueron muertes "incidentales" y dejaron siete huérfanos: una fue causada por embolia grasa por inyección de siliconas en mamas post-cesárea y la otra fue consecuencia de un femicidio que incluyó al feto de 24 semanas. De las 50 muertes maternas restantes, 11 fueron tardías (> 42 días post-parto). Las otras 39 ocurrieron durante el embarazo, parto y puerperio (≤ 42 días): 20 tuvieron causas obstétricas directas, 18 causas indirectas, y la causa de la restante fue indeterminada. La causa más frecuente de muerte fue el aborto séptico. Las muertes maternas directas presentaron como antecedentes más del triple de cesáreas y el doble de gestas que las indirectas, y dejaron el doble de huérfanos. La muerte por placenta accreta tuvo relación directa significativa con el número de cesáreas. El índice de mortalidad materna total varió entre 25 y 150 (media: 72) por 100 000 recién nacidos vivos en el período, con tendencia ascendente. Los años de vida potencialmente perdidos fueron 1576. Se destaca la necesidad de mejorar el sistema de registro de defunción y reforzar las medidas de prevención y asistencia a fin de disminuir la mortalidad materna en el área de influencia del hospital.

We reviewed the medical records of women with maternal death reported from August 2003 to December 2015 in the Posadas Hospital (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina), and calculated indexes, trends and years of potential life lost. A total of 52 cases fulfilled the criteria of maternal death. The information provided by death certificates was meager. Two deaths were incidental: one occurred post-caesarean section and was caused by fat embolism following liquid silicone breast injection, and the other was the consequence of femicide which involved also the 24-week fetus. Of the remaining 50 cases, 11 were late deaths (> 42 days postpartum). In 39 women, death occurred during pregnancy, childbirth, or puerperium up to 42 days: 20 were due to direct obstetric causes, and 18 to indirect, non-obstetric causes, the cause of the remaining death was not determined. The most frequent cause was septic abortion. Direct maternal deaths had had more than twice pregnancies, thrice caesarean sections, and orphaned twice as children as indirect deaths. Death caused by placenta accreta was directly related to the number of previous caesarean sections. Throughout the period, maternal mortality index varied between 25 y 150 (mean: 72) per 100 000 live births with ascending trend and 1576 years of potential life were lost. The study exposes the need to improve the death registration system and, most importantly, strengthen prevention and assistance measures to reduce maternal mortality in the area of influence of our hospital.

Unsafe abortion: the silent scourge

Background: Unsafe abortions continue to cause maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The practice of unsafe abortions by quacks needs to be checked. Our study aims to emphasize upon the unmet needs of medical termination pregnancies (MTP) services in rural India and to recognize the complications due to it and the efficient management of such cases at tertiary care center.Methods: A two years retrospective study of septic abortions from December 2009 to November 2011.Results: Among 1080 abortions reported, 44 were septic-4.07%. More commonly in the age group of >20years (81.9%). 77.3% of them were multiparous and 22.7% were nulligravidae, with an increased incidence of unmarried nulliparous pregnancies. Greater numbers occurred during 1st trimester (77.2% versus 22.7%), with 54.5%-grade I, 29.5%-grade II, 15.9% grade III in severity. Majority of cases were due to evacuation by quacks (72.7%). Among the 44 cases, emergency laparotomy was done for 5 cases of grade III severity. The mortality rates due to septic abortion were 6.25% (3) among the total of 48 maternal deaths.Conclusions: Septic abortion is totally preventable. Majority of uneducated rural women are not aware of MTP services. The reproductive and child health (RCH) services should effectively reach the underprivileged population like slum dwellers and migrants.

Role of Surgical Interventions and Outcomes in Septic Abortion Cases: A Prospective Hospital Based Study

Background: Aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal morbidity & mortality, clinical features, management and role of surgical interventions in cases of septic abortion in a tertiary Centre. Methods: This study was conducted on 25 cases of septic abortion in the Department of obstetrics & Gynaecology in Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun. All patients were evaluated with special reference to incidence, etiological factors, clinical features, surgery & maternal morbidity & mortality. Results: Common age group was between 26-30 years. Most of the cases were from lower socioeconomic status. Septic abortion following spontaneous abortion was present in 5 cases. Unwanted pregnancy was the indication for termination of pregnancy in majority of the cases. 8 cases required laparotomy for drainage of pus, 1 patient had hysterectomy. Conclusion: The incidence of illegal and septic abortion can be reduced by increasing awareness about family planning services and making legal abortion services easily available to the women and that too at a cheaper cost.

Vulnerabilidade na adolescência: Um relato decaso de tentativa de aborto e violência sexual / Vulnerability in adolescence: a case report of attempted abortion and sexual violence

INTRODUCTION: Abortion, even when provided by law in cases of sexual violence, continues to be practiced in an insecure way, since women who suffer violence are not reported or guarded by social, institutional or age vulnerability, as in adolescence. OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical consequences of unsafe abortion, report this experience as well as sexual violence in situations of social and age vulnerability. METHODS: It is a clinical case report, with the consent of the patient, in the year 2016, of a 16-year-old female adolescent with a personal history of sexual violence by an intimate aggressor. Admitted to the health service with diagnosis of acute abdomen and induced abortion using antibiotic therapy. RESULTS: Laboratory tests revealed altered C reactive protein and presence of leukocytosis, ultrasound showed heterogenic mass, computed tomography showed presence of cylindrical foreign body in vaginal cavity, surgical interventions, sepsis, clinical complications (pulmonary thromboembolism) and prolonged hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The history of violence portrayed in this study reveals an attempt of abortion with self harm, revealing negative clinical repercussions and the health problems of the adolescent. This person has committed an abortion that does not fit into the abortion criteria provided by law. It also revealed the need for further discussion on the topic, highlighting health promotion practices against unsafe abortion.

INTRODUÇÃO: O aborto, mesmo quando previsto por lei nos casos de violência sexual, continua a ser praticado de maneira insegura, uma vez que as mulheres que experimentam essa violência não a relatam ou velam por vulnerabilidade social, institucional ou etária, como na adolescência. OBJETIVO: Descrever as consequências clínicas do aborto inseguro e relatar essa experiência vivenciada bem como a violência sexual em situações de vulnerabilidade social e etária MÉTODO: Trata se de relato de caso clínico, com consentimento da paciente, ocorrido no ano de 2016 de uma adolescente, sexo feminino, 16 anos com antecedente pessoal de violência sexual de agressor íntimo. Admitida em serviço de saúde com diagnóstico de abdome agudo e aborto induzido em uso de antibioticoterapia. RESULTADOS: Laboratoriais revelaram proteína C reativa alterada e presença de leucocitose, ultrassonografia apresentou massa heterogênica, tomográfica computadorizada evidenciou presença de corpo estranho cilíndrico em cavidade vaginal, intervenções cirúrgicas, infecções generalizadas, complicações clínicas. CONCLUSÃO: A história de violência retratada nesse estudo revela uma tentativa de aborto com autolesão, desvelando repercussões clínicas negativas e os agravos à saúde da adolescente. Esta que cometeu um aborto que não se insere nos critérios de aborto previsto por lei. Revelou ainda a necessidade de maior discussão sobre o tema, destacando as práticas de promoção da saúde contra o aborto inseguro.

Aborto séptico por Clostridium perfringens complicado con shock séptico / Septic abortion due to Clostridium perfringens complicated with septic shock

ANTECEDENTES: La sepsis por Clostridios es una entidad poco frecuente que conlleva una mortalidad del 8090% a pesar del tratamiento antibiótico y quirúrgico. A pesar de que la mayoría de los casos de septicemia secundaria a Clostridios se originan en el aparato genital femenino tras un aborto séptico, solo un pequeño porcentaje de abortos sépticos (1%) se siguen de septicemia. CASO CLÍNICO: Gestante de 15 semanas que acude a urgencias por rotura prematura de membranas pretérmino. Ante el deseo de la paciente se mantiene actitud conservadora con antibioterapia iv, produciéndose a las pocas horas el aborto de forma espontánea junto con aparición de signos de infección. Rápidamente la paciente evoluciona a sepsis grave, y ante la sospecha de aborto séptico se efectúa histerectomía. Tras la intervención ingresa en situación de shock séptico con insuficiencia renal, hepática y respiratoria. Durante el ingreso se confirma Clostridium perfringens como agente responsable del proceso séptico. Finalmente la paciente es dada de alta definitiva tras seis meses, una vez resueltas las alteraciones derivadas del proceso séptico.

BACKGROUND: Clostridial sepsis is a rare condition which carries a mortality of 80-90% despite antibiotic and surgical treatment. Although most cases of septicemia due to Clostridium are originated in female genital tract after septic abortion, only a small percentage of septic abortions (1%) are followed by septicemia. CLINICAL CASE: Our case is about a 15 weeks pregnant woman attended the emergency room for preterm premature rupture of membranes. Due to the desire of the patient we proceed conservative treatment with antibiotics iv, in the following few hours the abortion develops spontaneously along with signs of infection. Rapidly the patient progresses into a severe sepsis, due to suspected septic abortion, the patient is intervened urgently by hysterectomy. After the intervention she enters into septic shock state with respiratory, kidney and liver failure. During the admission Clostridium perfringens is confirmed as a causative agent for septic process. Finally the patient is discharge after six months once resolved all complications arising from septic process.

Study of septic abortion cases at a tertiary centre of Uttarakhand.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, maternal morbidity & mortality, clinical features, management in cases of septic abortion in a tertiary centre. This study included 37 cases of septic abortion admitted during 5 years from January 2007 to January 2012 in the Department of obstetrics & Gynaecology in Government Medical College, Haldwani. All patients were evaluated with special reference to incidence, etiological factors, clinical features, surgery & maternal morbidity & mortality. The incidence of septic abortion was 1.08%. Common age group was between 26-30 years. Most of the cases were from lower socioeconomic status. Septic abortion following spontaneous abortion was present in 5 cases. Unwanted pregnancy was the indication for termination of pregnancy in 32 cases. 4 women were admitted in state of septic shock. 12 cases required lapratomy for drainage of pus, 3 had hysterectomy, 3 had resection anastomosis & uterus repair was done in 4 cases. Overall maternal mortality was 5 (13.5%).The incidence of illegal and septic abortion can be reduced by increasing awareness about family planning services and making legal abortion services easily available to the women and that too at a cheaper cost.

El absceso tubo-ovárico. Evolución en cuatro décadas en el Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza

Introducción: El absceso tubo-ovárico (ATO) es la respuesta de los órganos genitales de la mujer a la invasión de gérmenes; el proceso se focaliza formando un absceso y la cápsula permite la perpetuación de la infección y disminuye la acción antibiótica, siendo necesario la intervención quirúrgica como parte de la solución. Esta entidad se origina como secuela del aborto séptico (AS), enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria (EPI) y en mucha menor medida la infección puerperal. La rotura del absceso puede causar la muerte. Objetivo: Determinar la evolución de la prevalencia del absceso tubo-ovárico en un hospital nacional peruano, desde 1970 hasta 2010. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo. Institución: Hospital Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Perú. Participantes: Mujeres con absceso tuvo-ovárico. Intervenciones: Revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico de absceso tubo-ovárico, en quienes se determinó la causa y su variación con el tiempo. Principales medidas de resultados: Prevalencia y causas del absceso tubo-ovárico en cuatro décadas. Resultados: En el estudio se observa la disminución de la presencia del ATO a través del tiempo y la inversión de las causas; en los inicios del estudio, la mayor causal de ATO fue el aborto séptico y en la década final fue la EPI. Conclusiones: En las cuatro décadas revisadas, disminuyó la frecuencia de absceso tubo-ovárico, variando la causa principal el aborto séptico a enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria.

Background: Tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is the response of female genitalia to focus infection; the abscess capsule allows perpetuation of the infection by isolation of germs and reduces antibiotics performance, becoming necessary surgical intervention as part of the problem solution. TOA is sequel of septic abortion, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and less frequently due to puerperal infection. Abscess rupture can be mortal. Objectives: To determine variation of tubo-ovarian abscess prevalence at a Peruvian national hospital since 1970 through 2010. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Hospital Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Peru. Participants: Women with tubo-ovarian abscess. Interventions: Review of clinical charts of patients with tubo-ovarian abscess and determination of the cause and variation throughout time. Main outcome measures: Prevalence and causes of tuboovarian abscess during four decades. Results: TOA decreased over the time studied with inversion of its main cause; in the early stage of this study the major cause was septic abortion (SA), whereas in recent years PID became the major cause. Conclusions: During the four decades studied tubo-ovarian abscess frequency decreased and the main cause septic abortion was displace by pelvic inflammatory disease.

A Septic Abortion Caused by Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia / 대한내과학회지

Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from the blood of a 31-year-old woman who suffered a mid-trimester septic abortion with fever and headache. Histologically, evidence of septic abortion was found, with an intervillous abscess and acute villitis. Complete clinical recovery followed termination of the pregnancy and the use of antibiotics. C. jejuni is an unusual cause of septic abortion in humans. To our knowledge, no case has been reported in Korea.

Aborto inducido, séptico y shock séptico / Induced abortion, septic abortion and septic shock

El aborto provocado séptico en Chile estuvo por varias décadas dentro de las primeras causas de mortalidad materna, y en 1960 la tasa de mortalidad materna por aborto era de 107/100.000 NV. El desarrollo y progreso en diversas áreas de nuestro país, sumado a las políticas sanitarias implementadas gubernamentalmente, han logrado disminuir la mortalidad materna por aborto de manera muy significativa, siendo ésta de 0.8/100.000 NV en 2005 y manteniéndose estable y por debajo de 1.5/100.000 NV desde el 2001 en adelante. En el presente artículo se revisa y compara el perfil epidemiológico de la mujer que actualmente se realiza un aborto y además se aborda el diagnóstico y tratamiento médico desde la perspectiva gineco-obstétrica.

In Chile induced septic abortion was one of main causes of maternal death for several decades. In 1960 maternal mortality ratio (MMR) associated to abortion was 107 per 100.000 live births. Development an progress in a wide range of areas in addition to government’s family planning policies in our country have reduced the MMR associated to abortion significatively to 0.8 /100.000 live births in 2005 and have kept it under 1.5/100.000 live births since 2001. In this article we review and compare the epidemiologic profile of women who undergo an induced abortion and we approach to diagnosis and medical treatment from de gyneco-obstetric perspective.

Placetnal Findings of Septic Abortion Caused by Listeria Monocytogenes: A case report

Since human listeriosis was firstly described by Nyfeldt in 1929, Listeria monocytogenes as a cause of septic abortion has been well known. It primarily affects pregnant woman and neonates, the elderly, and persons with immune-system dysfunction due to immunosuppressive drugs, malignant tumors or AIDS. Although several large epidemic listeriosis have been reported in the English literatures, it is still an underdiagnosed and underreported cause of congenital sepsis and septic abortion, because it is not always easy to isolate the organism in culture. There are 17 cases reports of Listeria monocytogenes infection in Korea, however, most of which were described about the bascteriologically proven cases. We describe placental findings of a septic abortion caused by Listeria monocytogenes at 15 weeks gestation in a 23-year-old primigravida woman. Placental examination showed characteristic and relatively specific patterns of granulomatous microabscesses composed of necrotic nuclear debris in the center and surrounding epithelioid histocytes enmeshed in fibrin between the acutely inflamed villi. There were numerous gram positive bacilli on Brown-Brenn stain.