Puerperal sepsis: a preventable post-partum complication

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Puerperal sepsis is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide.
• Understanding the incidence and predisposing factors of puerperal sepsis is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of puerperal sepsis at Ife State Hospital (ISH) over a 10-year period.
• To identify predisposing factors associated with puerperal sepsis in the study population.
• To assess the case mortality rate of puerperal sepsis.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with puerperal sepsis between January 1986 and December 1995.
• Data collection included patient demographics, pregnancy and delivery details, and outcomes.
• Incidence rates and predisposing factors were calculated and analyzed.

Main Results:

• The incidence of puerperal sepsis was 1.7% (146 cases per 8428 deliveries).
• Unbooked patients had a significantly higher incidence (71.2%).
• Predisposing factors included anemia in pregnancy (69.2%), prolonged labor (65.7%), frequent vaginal examinations (50.7%), premature rupture of membranes (31.5%), and poor aseptic techniques.

Conclusions:

• Puerperal sepsis remains a considerable obstetric complication.
• Antenatal care and supervised hospital deliveries are vital for reducing the incidence and mortality associated with puerperal sepsis.
• Addressing predisposing factors like anemia and improving intrapartum care practices are essential for prevention.