Fatal sepsis associated with an intrauterine device and pregnancy.
The 15th case of maternal death associated with sepsis in pregnancy in a patient using the Dalkon Shield intrauterine device is reported. Intrauterine sepsis appears to be a complication of the use of this device. B acteria enter the uterus during pregnancy through the multifilament tail of the device. The management of sepsis during pregnancy associated with an in situ IUD often requires a combined medical and obstetrical approach. The removal of all Dalkon Shields is strongly recomended.
D000328:Adult; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000209:etiology*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology*