A Case Series of Septic Abortion During Covid-19 Pandemic at A Tertiary Care Centre in New Delhi, India

Abstract

Background: Developing countries accounts for 56% of unsafe abortions as compared to 6% in developed countries and leads to high maternal morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to June 2021 during covid pandemic. All women presenting with diagnosis of septic abortions to our hospital were included in the study. The details of all the patients including their demography, clinical presentation and outcome were collected and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The incidence of septic abortion in our study was estimated to be 4.4%. Age range of the patients was between 15 to 45 years. Majority of the patients were grand multigravida, belonging to lower socioeconomic group. The main reason behind getting abortion done was unprotected intercourse. Unauthorized place and person carrying out the abortion was seen in 61% women. Most common presenting complaint was fever and the majority underwent laparotomy for uterine perforation. Maternal mortality was seen in 2 out of 13 cases i.e. ,15.4%. Conclusion: Unsafe abortion is still prevalent in developing countries. Septic abortions contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality. All attempts should be made on improving access to contraceptive and safe abortion practices to curtail this menace.