Definitions and Basics
This is the term for a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, specifically in pregnant or postpartum individuals.
What is maternal sepsis.
This sign, defined as a rate greater than 22 breaths per minute, is an early indicator of sepsis-related organ dysfunction.
Tachypnea
A maternal white blood cell count greater than this number (x10⁹/L) is concerning for sepsis.
What is greater than 15.
This surgical delivery method increases the risk of maternal sepsis due to infection at the incision site.
What is a cesarean section (C-section)?
This life-threatening condition, characterized by systemic blood clotting and bleeding, is a severe complication of maternal sepsis.
What is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?
Sepsis is often caused by an infection originating in one of these three common sites in obstetric patients.
What is the uterus, urinary tract and lungs?
This term describes a dangerously low urine output, often seen in septic patients due to poor kidney perfusion.
Oliguria
This early warning system, adapted for obstetric patients, helps identify clinical deterioration and risk of sepsis.
What is Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS)?
This painful breast infection can lead to systemic inflammation and, if untreated, progress to postpartum sepsis.
What is mastitis?
Severe maternal sepsis can cause permanent damage to this pair of vital organs responsible for filtering waste
What are the kidneys?
This Gram-negative bacterium, often associated with urinary tract infections, is a frequent cause of maternal sepsis
What is Escherichia coli (E. coli)?
A lactate level greater than this number (mmol/L) suggests tissue hypoperfusion and possible septic shock in a non-labouring pregnant person.
What is 2 mmol/L?
The first-line treatment for maternal sepsis includes this class of medications, which should be administered within one hour of diagnosis
What are broad-spectrum antibiotics?
Persons with this chronic condition, characterized by high blood sugar levels, have an increased risk of maternal sepsis.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Ensuring women are vaccinated against this respiratory infection can reduce the risk of maternal sepsis
What is influenza?
This antibiotic-resistant bacterium, commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections, is a rising concern in maternal sepsis cases
What is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?
Skin mottling and cold extremities in a septic patient indicate this critical perfusion issue.
What is circulatory collapse?
For sepsis management, this ratio of crystalloid fluid (e.g., normal saline or lactated ringer’s) is recommended per kilogram of body weight within the first three hours.
This pregnancy-related infection, characterized by inflammation of the amniotic sac and fluid, significantly increases the risk of maternal sepsis.
What is chorioamnionitis?
This complication of sepsis occurs when oxygen and nutrients can’t get to the tissues in the fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet, and legs.
What is gangrene?
In maternal sepsis, organ dysfunction is often quantified using this scoring system, originally developed for non-pregnant patients.
What is the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score?
Altered mental status in maternal sepsis may present as this severe neurological condition characterized by agitation and confusion.
What is delirium?
Septic shock is defined by persistent hypotension requiring this type of medication to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥ 65 mmHg
What is vasopressors?
This postpartum infection of the decidua (ie, pregnancy endometrium) is a common cause of postpartum fever and uterine tenderness and 10- to 30-fold more common after cesarean than vaginal birth.
What is postpartum (puerperal) endometritis
Routine screening and treatment for this bacterium during pregnancy can help prevent neonatal and maternal infections.
What is Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?