[A Case of Septic Shock Immediately following Cesarean Section]

Here we report a case of severe septic shock immediately following cesarean section. A pregnant woman with dichorionic diamniotic twins was diagnosed with preterm rupture of membranes (PROM). Ritodrine hydrochloride and betamethasone did not sufficiently relieve abdominal extension; emergency cesarean section was scheduled 4 days later, at 31 week 5 day gestation. The patient did not show any symptoms or laboratory data suggesting infection. Spinal anesthesia was initiated with 2.2 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride and fentanyl 10 μg at L3-4; sensory loss (T3) was confirmed. Epidural anesthesia at L1-2 was performed for postoperative pain control. Surgery proceeded uneventfully, but the first baby did not respond to neonatal CPR. One hour after surgery, the patient showed signs of shock and a fever of 40.9 degrees C. Catecholamine and antibiotics relieved her symptoms. Retrograde infection of Escherichia coli was attributed to fetal distress and septic shock. Early phase septic shock should be considered in pregnant women with PROM.