Abortion complicated by clostridium perfringens infection

Abortion complicated by Clostridium perfringens sepsis and intense hemolysis, although rare, is a highly lethal disease. Hysterectomy to remove necrotic tissue, heparinization to prevent intravascular coagulation, exchange transfusion to remove irreversibly damaged red cells as well as circulating heme pigments, and hyperbaric oxygen have been suggested for treatment. To date, however, there is no convincing evidence that the benefits derived from these procedures outweight the risks inherent in their use. Infected abortion complicated by Clostridium perfringens bacteremia but without overt hemolysis is relatively common. In the absence of hemolysis, prompt administration of penicillin and tetracycline followed soon by curettage provides effective therapy with prompt recovery.