Title: Infection as a complication of therapeutic abortion.

POPLINE Document Number: 725993

Author(s):

Decherney AH
Schwarz RH
Drobney H

Source citation:

Pennsylvania Medicine, 1972 Dec;75:49-52.

Abstract:

657 therapeutic abortions (66% done by suction curettage, 17% by saline injection, 16% by hysterotomy, 1% by hysterectomy) were performed at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital between January 1, 1969 and December 31, 1970 and analyzed for complications with special attention given to infection. 24% of the abortions had accompanying complications, of which 49% were caused by infection. The incidence of complication was directly related to gestational age, but complications varied with types of procedure as well. The highest complication rate was with hysterotomy. 49% of the patients were primagravidas, the majority were between ages 20 and 30. The average hospital stay was 3.6 days (no outpatient procedures were used), and 85% of the abortions were for socioeconomic reasons. Complications increased among women 35 and older depending on the procedure used, particularly those involving abdominal operations. Most of the infections were endometritis (31%) or urinary tract (28%) with E. coli the most common organism involved (in 40% of the cases). 88% of the patients were treated with ampicillin. Because the incidence of complications was so high after 12 weeks' gestation, it is suggested that new guidelines be considered necessary for abortions in the second trimester.

Keywords:

Abortion
Retrospective Studies
Hysterotomy
Amniocentesis
Pelvic Infections
Statistics
Complications
Saline Solution, Hypertonic
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Studies
Research Methodology
Gynecologic Surgery
Urogenital Surgery
Surgery
Treatment
Genetic Technics
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Examinations and Diagnoses
Infections
Diseases
Ingredients and Chemicals