Postpartum Endometritis

OVERVIEW

Postpartum endometritis refers to an infection of the uterine decidua that occurs soon after delivery.

Source
Source
WHAT CAUSES IT?

Typically this condition is caused by a polymicrobial infection. The current belief is that inoculation of the uterine cavity by vaginal flora odors during labor/delivery is the underlying etiology.

WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Risk Factors:

Cesarean delivery, chorioamnionitis, group B streptococcus colonization, prolonged rupture of membranes, operative evaginal delivery

Initial Presentation

  • Maternal fever (postpartum) typically occurs > 24 hours spot delivery
  • Purulent lochia 

Physical Exam

  • Tender uterus
  • Purulent discharge
CLINICAL WORKUP

Neither endometrial or blood cultures are required for diagnosis (but may be ordered if the patient does not improve after 48 hours of antibiotic therapy).

HOW DO WE TREAT IT?

This condition is treated with a combination of:

Treatment is continued until the patient is afebrile for > 24 hours.

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 11.01.2016