| 1. Title: Infection as a complication of therapeutic abortion. Author: Decherney AH; Schwarz RH; Drobney H Source: 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. Language: English Keywords: ABORTION | RETROSPECTIVE STUDIES | HYSTEROTOMY | AMNIOCENTESIS | PELVIC INFECTIONS | STATISTICS | COMPLICATIONS | HYPERTONIC SALINE SOLUTION | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Studies | Research Methodology | Gynecologic Surgery | Urogenital Surgery | Surgery | Treatment | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Infections | Diseases | Ingredients and Chemicals Document Number: 725993 Notification |
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