Postpartum septic shock presenting as symmetrical peripheral gangrene: A rare entity

• Published in: Pakistan journal of medical sciences Vol. 39; no. 3; pp. 916 - 918
• Main Authors: Batool, Wajeeha, Naveed, Shabnam, Khan, Sulhera, Ahmed, Syed Masroor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pakistan Knowledge Bylanes 30.06.2023; AsiaNet Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd; Professional Medical Publications
• Subjects: Amputation; Analgesics; Antibiotics; Case Report; Childbirth & labor; Cyanosis; Fingers & toes; Gangrene; Infection; Ischemia; Postpartum period; Sepsis; Septic shock; Vagina; Symmetric peripheral gangrene; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation postpartum sepsis; gangrene
• ISSN: 1682-024X; 1681-715X
• DOI: 10.12669/pjms.39.3.7277

Symmetric peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a rare clinical entity defined as ischemia of peripheral parts of the body without underlying vaso-occlusive disease. Its pathogenesis is unknown, but it is seen from previous reports that SPG is a sequel of underlying Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). We report a case of a middle-aged woman who developed high-grade fever followed by painful black discoloration of the digits of four limbs, few days after spontaneous vaginal delivery at home. The patient developed septic shock. However, peripheral pulses were palpable and radiologic and laboratory investigations did not show any evidence of vessel occlusion. The patient had neutrophilic leukocytosis and a deranged clotting profile. Blood culture revealed growth of Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. The patient was diagnosed with SPG due to postpartum sepsis and DIC. She was managed with fluids, antibiotics, aspirin, and heparin but unfortunately, the patient underwent amputation of limbs due to irreversible ischemia. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and management of SPG are crucial to prevent mortality and morbidity.