The return of life-threatening puerperal sepsis caused by group A streptococci.
A dramatic decline in the prevalence of serious puerperal infection caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci has been observed throughout most of the twentieth century, and it is currently a very uncommon cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. We report on two term pregnancies complicated by profound multisystem organ failure caused by group A streptococcal puerperal sepsis. This report serves to highlight the apparent return of serious group A streptococcal puerperal sepsis and to emphasize the clinical implications and sequelae attributable to an old yet virulent enemy.
Nathan
L
L
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas 75235-9032.
Peters
M T
MT
Ahmed
A M
AM
Leveno
K J
KJ
D000328:Adult; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000209:etiology; D010052:Ovariectomy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011645:Puerperal Infection / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000209:etiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D014774:Virulence