Sepsis after a Caesarean Section
In recent decades, sepsis has become the main cause of death during or shortly after labour. One of the risk factors associated with maternal deaths from sepsis is having your baby by caesarean section. In some cases, this can amount to medical negligence. Let's look at this in more detail.
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What is sepsis?
Sepsis is an extreme immune system reaction to an infection somewhere in the body, leading to widespread swelling and inflammation. It can cause blood-poisoning, multiple organ failure as the blood pressure drops, and death.
It has recently been calculated that probably over a quarter of a million cases of sepsis occur in the UK every year, with approximately 44,000 deaths as a result.
Why is a caesarean section a risk factor for sepsis?
In an analysis of maternal deaths over the period 2003 to 2005, 48% of maternal sepsis deaths in the UK were associated with a caesarean section. Group A streptococcal bacteria, which is known to be causing an increasing number of deaths worldwide, is also the cause of approximately half of maternal sepsis deaths.
A caesarean section is a major abdominal operation and, as such, offers an opportunity for bacteria to enter the body. The abdominal wall and uterus are cut under general anaesthetic in order to allow the baby to be delivered. The longer the wound remains open, the greater the chances that bacteria will enter the body and cause an infection. An unplanned, emergency caesarean section is more likely to lead to infection than a planned pre-labour C-section.
What are the signs of sepsis?
The guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists state that 'all health professional should be aware of the symptoms and signs of maternal sepsis and critical illness and the rapid, potentially lethal course of severe sepsis and septic shock'.
It further states that sepsis should be considered as a possible explanation in all cases where recently delivered mothers feel unwell.
As both vaginal deliveries and caesarean sections are known risk factors for sepsis, medical practitioners should be alert to the following typical sepsis signs:
- Fever
- A fast heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Signs of infection in caesarean wounds
How should maternal sepsis be treated?
The above signs should prompt an urgent referral for further investigation to confirm the diagnosis and to identify the cause of infection. The support and advice of specialist colleagues should be sought.
High doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics should be administered intravenously immediately, before waiting for further test results, due to the possibility of rapid development from sepsis to septic shock.
Medical Negligence
When the early warning signs of sepsis are missed, the outcome can be devastating. At a time when a mother would wish to be at home with her baby, she may well end up in intensive care on life-support.
If you or a loved one have suffered from the failure to diagnose sepsis, contact Glynns Solicitors to find out whether you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
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