Article Text
Abstract
Intrapartum fever can be due to an infectious or non-infectious aetiology and can lead to a variety of maternal and neonatal sequelae. Sepsis contributes significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality. Pyrexia may be the only symptom in early sepsis.1
Aim To evaluate the incidence, management and outcome of intra-partum pyrexia in the Rotunda hospital, and to evaluate adherence to new hospital guidelines regarding septic screen and antibiotic therapy in intra-partum pyrexia.
Method Rretrospective audit of practise between 1 August and 30 September 2012. The presence or absence of maternal risk factors were reviewed and included: antenatal Group B Streptococcus (GBS), antenatal infections, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), prolonged rupture of membranes (ROM) and epidural analgesia. Intra-partum course parameters: management of pyrexia including resource to septic screen and intravenous antibiotics were evaluated.
Results 41 cases were selected and reviewed. The incidence of pyrexia in labour was 2.7% over the study period. The median maternal age was 29. The median gestational age at delivery was 40. 80.5% were nulliparous. 5% had PPROM. 24% had prolonged spontaneous ROM (more than 18 hr). Only one woman was positive for GBS antenatally. 5 cases had GBS on HVS detected on septic screen and 1 case had GBS on placental swab. Labour was induced in 43.9%. 27% delivered by emergency LSCS and 39% by instrumental delivery.
Conclusion 88% of pyrexial women had a septic screen as per protocol. There was a poor culture lead from MSU with the highest yield from placental histology. Pyrexia in labour was associated with: Nulliparity, Induced labour, Prolonged ROM, Epidural analgesia and Operative delivery
Reference
Maayan-Metzger A, Mazkereth R, Shani A, et al. Risk factors for maternal intrapartum fever and short-term neonatal outcome. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2006;25:169.