ABSTRACT
The classical features of sepsis are fever, vasodilatation, hypotension, tachycardia and tachypnoea. Patients may also show cyanosis, pallor, cold extremeties, hypothermia and jaundice. Labour ward staff should be aware of possible renal and lung involvement. Investigations used when evaluating a suspected case of sepsis are full blood count (white cell count raised, platelets lowered), clotting screen, urea and electrolytes, liver function tests, blood gases and/or pulse oximetry. Blood cultures and relevant samples should be taken for culture and sensitivity. When a case of sepsis is identified, the senior specialist obstetric and anaesthetic registrars should be informed. the patient should be moved to a high-dependancy room and given high-flow oxygen. A central venous line should be inserted and the patient should be given a colloid infusion. An intensive care unit observation chart should be started and the patient kept on a strict fluid balance. Prophylactic heparin and antibiotics should be initiated, seeking advice from the on-call microbiologist.
