Maternal sepsis

Question 2

What is sepsis?

Answer 2

life threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response

A condition where the body launches a large immune response to an infection, causing systemic inflammation and affecting the functioning of the organs of the body

Question 3

What is severe sepsis?

Answer 3

When sepsis results in organ dysfunction, such as hypoxia, oliguria or raised lactate

Question 4

What is septic shock?

Answer 4

When arterial blood pressure drops and results in organ hypoperfusion

Question 5

What are the two key causes of sepsis in pregnancy?

Answer 5

Chorioamnionitis and UTIs

Question 6

What is chorioamnionitis?

Answer 6

An infection of the chorioamniotic membranes and amniotic fluid which usually occurs later in pregnancy and during labour

Question 7

What are non specific signs of sepsis?

Answer 7

Fever, tachycardia, raised resp rate, red O2 sats, low blood pressure, altered consciousness, reduced urine output, fetal compromise on a CTG

Question 8

What are additional signs & symptoms related to chorioamnionitis?

Answer 8

Abdominal pain, uterine tenderness, vaginal discharge

Question 9

What are additional signs & symptoms related to a UTI?

Answer 9

Dysuria, urinary frequency, suprapubic pain or discomfort, renal angle pain with pyelonephritis, vomiting with pyelonephritis

Question 10

What blood tests are relevant for sepsis?

Answer 10

FBC- raised white count in infection, U&Es- kidney function and AKI, LFTs- liver function, CRP- inflammation, clotting- DIC, blood cultures, blood gas- lactate, pH and glucose

Question 11

What is the management of sepsis?

Answer 11

Continuous fetal & maternal monitoring, emergency C section with general not spinal, strong antibiotics