Complications
Complications and treatment of pregnancy associated GAS infections are presented in Table 2. Thirteen women (19.6%) developed STSS, of whom 10 delivered vaginally and two by caesarean delivery. One woman underwent a septic abortion by undergoing dilation and evacuation of the uterine cavity. In the post-partum group, the infectious prodrome occurred soon after birth, and the STSS was diagnosed within 48 hours of delivery in eight of the 13 women (61%), between 2 to 7 days in three, and more than one week postpartum in the remaining two. Positive genital tract cultures for GAS infection (from the uterus, cervix, vagina, lochia, or placenta) were obtained from 11 women (84.6%). Blood cultures were positive in six women. Organ complications included disseminated intravascular coagulation (n = 4), acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 8), acute liver failure (n = 4), acute renal injury (n = 2), and respiratory failure necessitating intubation (n = 4).