Page 291 - Critical Maternity & Newborn Health Nursing

Puerperal Pyrexia

Definition: Rise of temperature to 38°C or more, lasting more than 24

hours within 14 days after delivery or abortion irrespective to the causes.

Educational video about puerperal pyrexia:

https://youtu.be/Xfj1HPJLR_A?t=11

Causes:

1. Milk engorgement the commonest cause.

2. Breast Infection

3. Urinary tract infection.

4. Respiratory tract infection e.g Bronchitis, common cold etc.

5. Genital infection: e.g puerperal sepsis.

6. Deep venous thrombosis.

7. Other causes of infection: e.g Typhoid.

Any case of puerperal pyrexia should be considered puerperal infection (sepsis)

until proved otherwise.

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