Retrospective Evaluation of Infections After Delivery

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

In general, transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound represent the first imaging method in the study of suspected postpartum infections because of its good sensitivity, low cost, and high safety for patients (in fact, it allows the patient to be studied at the bedside, even in clinically unstable patients, it is well tolerated by patients, and it has no risks). CT has an excellent sensitivity in the diagnosis of postpartum infections, however, it has some drawbacks: it is not an examination that can be performed in clinically unstable patients, it cannot be performed at the patient's bedside, it has high costs, and it involves the administration of a significant dose of radiation . There are conflicting data in the literature regarding which examination is most useful for the diagnosis/management of infections in postpartum. Therefore, the investigators want to evaluate whether ultrasound alone, compared with management with combined ultrasound and CT scan, is a useful and sufficient diagnostic tool for the diagnosis and management of postpartum infectious complications.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Presence of ultrasound signs of infection on ultrasonography — Within 90 days after delivery
  Presence of a hypoanechogenic area at the fascial level or hyperechogenic echoes at the level of the endometrial cavity. Ultrasound signs will be compared with CT scans of patients with established postpartum infection. CT scans are currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of infection, and investigators will rely on what is in the report in the medical record.

Trial sites (1)

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