Fatal maternal tetanus following premature rupture of membranes and retained dead fetus.
A fatal case of tetanus arising from premature rupture of membranes in a retained dead fetus is presented. The condition followed the vaginal insertion of some herbs by a local herbalist. The case illustrates the danger of anaerobic infection in the presence of intrauterine fetal death particularly when it is complicated by premature rupture of membranes. Undue vaginal manipulation as happened in this case is an additional hazard and should be avoided.
Okonofua
F E
FE
Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Esen
U I
UI
Bamgbose
J K
JK
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes; D005333:Fetus / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000209:etiology; D013742:Tetanus / Q000209:etiology; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology