Severe Infections in Obstetrics and Gynecology: How Early Surgical Intervention Saves Lives

Abstract

Obstetricians and gynecologists commonly encounter many different infections. Early recognition and treatment of these infections is crucial. On many occasions, the use of antimicrobials alone is sufficient; however, in some instances, even with antimicrobials, early surgical intervention is necessary to treat the source of infection and prevent further dissemination. This review article focuses on the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of some of the aggressive microorganisms encountered in obstetrics and gynecology. A full literature review of why early surgical intervention is critical to saving lives was conducted. Clostridial species, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are outlined in this review, given their aggressive ability to progress into disseminating sepsis, toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing soft tissue infections. This review serves as a guide to assist obstetricians and gynecologists with making life-saving decisions on early surgical intervention when encountering such critically ill patients. An algorithmic approach is also illustrated that an obstetrician gynecologist can follow when encountering such microorganisms.




J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2016;5(1):1-16
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jcgo368w