Abortion complicated by clostridium perfringens infection

Jack A. Pritchard, Peggy J. Whalley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Abortion complicated by Clostridium perfringens sepsis and intense hemolysis, although rare, is a highly lethal disease. Hysterectomy to remove necrotic tissue, heparinization to prevent intravascular coagulation, exchange transfusion to remove irreversibly damaged red cells as well as circulating heme pigments, and hyperbaric oxygen have been suggested for treatment. To date, however, there is no convincing evidence that the benefits derived from these procedures outweight the risks inherent in their use. Infected abortion complicated by Clostridium perfringens bacteremia but without overt hemolysis is relatively common. In the absence of hemolysis, prompt administration of penicillin and tetracycline followed soon by curettage provides effective therapy with prompt recovery.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)484-492
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume111
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 1971

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Abortion complicated by clostridium perfringens infection'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this