The significance of temperature during the first 24 hours postpartum.
One thousand gravidas were prospectively monitored for the development of a temperature greater than or equal to 38 C during the first 24 hours postpartum. Fever occurred in 6.5% of patients. Of the 858 gravidas who had vaginal deliveries, 33 had temperature elevations. Only 7 required antibiotics. Of the 142 patients undergoing cesarean section, 32 patients exhibited 1 or more temperature elevations of greater than or equal to C. Of these 32 patients, 23 required antibiotics. Thirteen of the 14 patients with a recorded temperature of greater than 38.4 C required antibiotics. Eighteen of the 22 patients who underwent cesarean section and had 2 consecutive temperatures of greater than or equal to 38 C (taken 4--6 hours apart) required antibiotics.
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000150:complications; D005334:Fever / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D014621:Vagina
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents