Puerperal sepsis and maternal mortality: what role can new technologies play?
OBJECTIVE
To identify new and underutilized technologies to reduce maternal mortality related to puerperal sepsis in developing countries.


METHODS
Review of current medical literature.


RESULTS
The literature indicates that infection-control protocols and evidence-based procedures--including prophylactic antibiotics for cesarean section or preterm rupture of membranes, and updated antibiotic regimens--should be widely adopted. Devices such as hand rubs, needle-disposal systems, and rapid microbiological diagnostic tests can improve compliance and efficiency. Operational research on promising developments like vaginal cleansing with antiseptics, vitamin A supplementation, and prophylactic antibiotics in high-risk women is needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Sepsis management continues to depend on good implementation of established technologies. Program-based approaches are required to improve uptake.
Hussein
J
J
Dugald Baird Centre for Research on Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Scotland, UK. j.hussein@abdn.ac.uk
Fortney
J A
JA
D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science; D011247:Pregnancy; D011645:Puerperal Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000517:prevention & control*