To explore the clinical features, microbial characteristics, treatment and pregnancy outcome of sepsis during pregnancy and postpartum.

A retrospective study was conducted in 41 cases of sepsis during pregnancy and postpartum, who were admitted to Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from January 2006 to December 2017. The analysis indexes included clinical features, microbial characteristics, treatment and pregnancy outcome.

The sources of infection were genital tract infection (13 cases, 31.7%), urinary tract infection (9 cases, 21.9%) and respiratory tract infection (8 cases, 19.5%). Twenty-six patients (63.4%) had positive blood culture, and the most common pathogenic bacteria was Escherichia coli (10 strains, 35.7%). The length of hospital stay was 7-61 days, with an average of 18 days. The most commonly used antibiotic was intravenous infusion of anti-beta-lactamase antibiotics (17 cases, 41.5%), followed by carbapenem antibiotics (13 cases, 31.7%). The duration of antibiotic treatment was 6-61 days, with an average of 15 days. Surgical intervention was required in 8 patients (19.5%). Of the 41 cases, 39 patients were cured and 2 patients died. In the perinatal outcome, there were 22 live births and 19 poor perinatal infants.

Sepsis during pregnancy and postpartum often led to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Primary infections were genital tract infection, urinary tract infection and respiratory tract infection. Escherichia coli was the most common bacteria. Correct use of antibiotics and surgical intervention are essential.