Postpartum Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis in a Tertiary Maternity Hospital in Dubai, UAE

Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (SPT) is a well-known condition, yet it remains a rare postpartum complication. It can be divided into two types: deep septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (DSPT) and ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT). In this case series, we present three cases diagnosed with ovarian vein thrombosis that were managed in our tertiary care hospital, Latifa Women and Children Hospital (LWCH), in Dubai, UAE. It is a 440-bed public tertiary care center that specializes in maternal and neonatal services, with a range of 3500 to 4000 deliveries per year. The three cases represent the total number diagnosed with this condition in the period between 2018 and 2022 among the total obstetric population during this period. The three cases developed a fever in the postpartum period, which for several days did not respond to the standard antibiotics used for endometritis. Two cases were following a cesarean section, and the third case was following vaginal delivery complicated with severe postpartum hemorrhage and hysterectomy. The clinical suspicion and awareness of the condition paved the way to reach the proper diagnosis and initiate the therapeutic dose of anticoagulants, along with broad-spectrum antibiotics, in a timely manner. The prompt diagnosis with early intervention led to optimal patient outcomes and prevented the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Ruptured Renal Abscess From Streptococcus agalactiae Invasion in a Postpartum Female

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus or GBS)is an exceptionally rare causative organism of a ruptured renal abscess. We report a case of this normally commensal organism causing a large ruptured renal abscess in a 17-year-old postpartum female. Although S. agalactiae is known to cause postpartum neonatal morbidity and mortality, it has rarely caused invasive infections in the last 20 years in adults. While this diagnosis often presents with nonspecific findings that can easily be overlooked during the postpartum period, the patient responded well to the established treatment of broad-spectrum antibiotics and a percutaneous drain.

The Rule of Ultrasonography in the Management of Retained Placenta

Retained placenta is clinically diagnosed when the placenta has failed to deliver within 18 to 60 minutes after birth. The retained placenta is a risk factor for postpartum fever. In this paper, we report a patient with a delivery complicated by a retained placenta and postpartum fever. This patient, a 34-year-old pregnant female, was admitted at 32 weeks of gestation for a case of preterm labor with preterm premature rupture of membranes and bacterial vaginosis. A 2.5 kg infant was delivered by normal vaginal delivery, which was followed by active management of the third stage of labor. The retained placenta was removed manually under general anesthesia. Two days later, the patient developed a fever and elevated inflammatory markers. Ultrasound-guided evacuation and curettage were done, and two endometrial cavities were noted. Both cavities were evacuated of products of conception. Two days later, the patient started to have spikes of fever. Imaging revealed an intra-cavity soft tissue mass measuring 6.5 cm. Hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage was performed and showed fibrous bands covering a soft mass of products of conception, which was then evacuated.

Hematological and biochemical features of postpartum fever in the heavy draft mare

Heavy draft mares potentially have a higher risk of suffering from postpartum fever (PF) than light breed mares. The purpose of this study was to compare hematological and biochemical features between clinically healthy mares (n=40) and PF-affected mares (n=16). Mares were classified as having PF when their rectal temperature rose to >38.5°C within 96 hr of foaling. The numbers of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils and the serum magnesium level were significantly lower in PF-affected mares. The serum SAA and NEFA levels were significantly higher in PF-affected mares. Strong inflammation responses, fat mobilization associated with negative energy balance and possibly endotoxin participate in hematological and biochemical features of PF in heavy draft mares.