[1] The genital tract during this period is particularly vulnerable to infection, and sepsis in most cases is caused by a combination of factors both due to facility conditions and/or individual predispositions.
The second scenario occurs intentional septic procedures leads to the spread of the infection from the placenta or fetus to the uterus; this can subsequently cause pelvic septicaemia.
Possible pathogens include Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, Mycoplasma hominis, Clostridium perfringens, Klebsiella and Proteus species, staphylococcal strains, and other gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria.
[5] In 2011, an analysis was done to determine if a pregnant woman should be screened for Group B Streptococcus which has been found to be a cause for many diseases including septic abortion.
[11] Furthermore, in a retrospective case study, it was found that maternal mortality associated with septic abortion was approximately 19%;[12] however a systematic review of global data is still needed.
A woman may present initially with a fever, ill appearance, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, trauma to the cervix and other potentially worrisome symptoms of an infection.
[14] A complete blood count (CBC) with differential should be done in people with a fever to assess the presence of leukocytosis and brandemic which are the infection markers.
Labs such as electrolyte levels, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, liver function test (LFT), antibody screening, lactate levels and coagulation studies such as prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and fibrinogen should be looked at for any abnormalities especially with people with excessive bleeding.
Anaerobic bacterial, high vaginal, and cervical cultures can be used to identify the septic types and species of the offending microorganism.
[25] In cases so severe that abscesses have formed in the ovaries and tubes, it may be necessary to remove the uterus by hysterectomy, and possibly other infected organs as well.
Most complications and deaths associated with septic abortions can be prevented by reducing the chances of unwanted pregnancies through comprehensive sexual education and optimal use of effective contraceptions.
[26] Unwanted pregnancies can be avoided and reduced by improving social equality which would prevent women from coercive sexual relationships.
[33] Tertiary prevention of septic abortion are approaches that minimize organ disability or death risk from the infection.
[28] In severe cases, women with high fever, pelvis peritonitis, and tachycardia should be hospitalized for a course of antibiotic and evacuation of the remaining pregnancy tissue.