Septic shock in a pregnant or recently pregnant woman

Septic shock may be classified clinically as primary (reversible) or secondary (irreversible). Primary shock is further distinguished as early ("warm-hypotensive") or late ("cold-hypotensive"). Infected abortion, chorioamnionitis, or pyelonephritis of pregnancy calls for appropriate measures directed toward preventing septic shock, including administration of huge doses of antibiotics. If septic shock ensues, extirpation of the nidus of infection becomes a primary consideration. Surgical extirpation should be carried out if possible, and as soon as possible. Besides antibiotics, patients with septic shock may require glucocorticoids, vasomotor drugs, digitalis, and heparin. Careful monitoring is essential.