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  • Title: Social and clinical aspects of septic abortions.
    Author: Rao KB.
    Journal: J Obstet Gynaecol India; 1971 Dec; 21(6):644-50. PubMed ID: 12261986.
    Abstract:
    Septic abortion is a worldwide public health and social problem. During the period from July 1964 through December 1969, 950 septic abortions (11.3% of all abortions and 2.2% of all pregnancy admissions) were admitted for treatment to Government Erskine Hospital in Madurai, India. The patients were interviewed to study the social aspects of the problem of illegally induced abortion in the area. Patient characteristics and reasons for inducing abortion are tabulated. The most common method of induction involved insertion of Calotropis gigantica shrub sticks into the cervix. Induction had been done by others in 90% of the cases and by the women themselves in 10%. More than 1/4 denied the induction. Clinical grading of the septic abortion cases was carried out and results are tabulated. Treatment was conservative; it is explained. 63 of the women, or 6.6%, died. In more than 1/4 of the cases, complications were evident. Septic shock was responsible for 73% of the deaths. Interestingly enough, mortality was 3 times higher in the single than in the married patients. The legal status of abortion worldwide is discussed with a view to reducing the social and public health problems involved.
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