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Abortion with septic shock can be a life-threatening illness. An abortion is a procedure that
ends a pregnancy. Septic shock occurs when an infection overtakes your body and causes very
low blood pressure.
Septic shock can affect anyone susceptible to the germs that cause infection. When linked with
abortion, septic shock can be a dangerous complication.
A spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) occurs when the fetus and placenta are passed
from the body. This occurs without intervention.
A surgical abortion is the removal of the fetus and placenta from the womans uterus. A
vacuum typically is used to extract the pregnancy material.
A medical abortion uses prescribed medications. These medications help the mother
pass the fetus and related tissue. The result is similar to a miscarriage.
Septic shock often occurs after the abortion procedure is completed. It strikes when your body
becomes contaminated with a bacterial infection.
In most cases, the infection stays in a specific area. However, in more severe cases, the infection
enters your bloodstream and travels throughout your body. This is called a systemic reaction.
The resulting condition is called sepsis.
Your bodys initial reaction to sepsis typically involves very low or very high body temperatures.
In addition, sepsis also causes:
As sepsis weakens your bodys immune responses, your organs begin to fail. When sepsis
worsens so that your blood pressure drops dangerously low and is immune to treatment, the
condition is called septic shock.
In abortions, two main factors can contribute to the onset of sepsis and ultimately, septic shock.
They are:
an incomplete abortion: pieces of the pregnancy tissue remain in the body after either a
spontaneous or induced abortion
the introduction of bacterial infection into the uterus usually during a medical abortion
or self-induced abortion
heavy bleeding
severe pain
shaking chills
inability to urinate
heart palpitations
respiratory failure
cardiac failure
liver failure
kidney failure
In cases where septic shock is caused by an incomplete abortion, a total hysterectomy may be
necessary to remove the source of the infection. A total hysterectomy removes the uterus, cervix,
fallopian tubes, and both ovaries.
A blood test can identify bacteria in the bloodstream. Your white blood count, blood
oxygen level, and organ functions will also be checked.
Samples from your urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and lung mucus will be cultured and tested
for bacteria. Tissue samples from wounds may be tested.
A chest X-ray may be taken to check for fluid in your lungs or pneumonia.
ampicillin
gentamicin
clindamycin or metronidazole
The treatment can be refined once the specific bacteria are identified. Your chances of surviving
septic shock increase when you receive antibiotics soon after the abortion.
Your treatment may include:
intravenous (IV) fluids (to increase fluid in the bloodstream and blood pressure
oxygen)
In some cases, surgery may be necessary. A complete hysterectomy may be performed if the
infection is caused by matter from an incomplete abortion.
In other cases, a laparotomy may be performed. A laparotomy is an incision in the abdominal
wall that allows for quick access to the abdominal cavity. This may be needed if your physician
suspects the infection is caused by:
uterine perforation
bowel injury
abscess
age
overall health