Severe maternal sepsis in the UK, 2011-2012: a national case-control study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In light of increasing rates and severity of sepsis worldwide, this study aimed to estimate the incidence of, and describe the causative organisms, sources of infection, and risk factors for, severe maternal sepsis in the UK.

Methods and findings

A prospective case-control study included 365 confirmed cases of severe maternal sepsis and 757 controls from all UK obstetrician-led maternity units from June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012. Incidence of severe sepsis was 4.7 (95% CI 4.2-5.2) per 10,000 maternities; 71 (19.5%) women developed septic shock; and five (1.4%) women died. Genital tract infection (31.0%) and the organism Escherichia coli (21.1%) were most common. Women had significantly increased adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of severe sepsis if they were black or oth

SUBMITTER: Acosta CD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4086731 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature