Call to tackle maternal blood infection risk

ConclusionThis comprehensive study highlights several areas where awareness of the risks of sepsis in pregnancy should be increased in both primary and secondary care. These include: If there is clinical suspicion of infection with group A streptococcus, then urgent action should be taken. There should be increased care given to pregnant women and women who have just given birth who have a suspected infection. High-dose intravenous antibiotics should be given within one hour of admission for suspected sepsis. Vigilant infection control measures should be employed during vaginal delivery. Despite antibiotics being routinely prescribed before planned caesarean sections, women are still at risk of severe sepsis and need to be closely monitored. There should be consideration for clinicians to give prophylactic antibiotics before operative vaginal deliveries. There should be consideration for clinicians to give prophylactic antibiotics at the time the decision is made to perform an emergency caesarean section. Strengths of the study include its size and the 100% participation rate of maternity units in the UK, which should account for any regional or socioeconomic differences.If you are pregnant or have just given birth, and have signs or symptoms of infection, such as a high temperature of over 38°C, it is important to seek medical advice immediately.Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Eviden...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child Source Type: news