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AJP Rep 2011; 01(01): 025-028
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1271221
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Clostridium perfringens Sepsis and Fetal Demise after Genetic Amniocentesis

Nancy W. Hendrix
1   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
A. Dhanya Mackeen
1   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
Stuart Weiner
1   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 January 2011 (online)

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Abstract

Clostridium perfringens is a rare cause of intrauterine infection. There have been five case reports concerning infection associated with invasive procedures. We report a woman who underwent a genetic amniocentesis due to her history of chronic granulomatous disease. She presented to the hospital ~38 hours after the amniocentesis complaining of fever and chills. Due to acute decompensation, she underwent an emergent dilatation and evacuation. During her stay, blood cultures came back positive for C. perfringens. Gradual improvement with intensive monitoring led to hospital discharge 4 days after the procedure. Uterine infection due to C. perfringens leading to maternal sepsis is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Our patient was able to survive without a hysterectomy due to the rapid administration of antibiotics and surgical intervention while being evaluated.

Keywords

Clostridium perfringens - Clostridium welchii - amniocentesis - sepsis - septic abortion
 

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