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.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas 75235-9032.
L
L
Nathan
M T
MT
Peters
A M
AM
Ahmed
K J
KJ
Leveno
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