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.
Cases of infection recorded as a result of these parts will be reviewed. Laboratory tests and clinical data of these will be reviewed. Instrumental, ultrasound and CT images taken in the postpartum for diagnostic confirmation and subsequent follow-up will also be reviewed. For each patient, information will be collected on: * Age, weight, height * Previous pregnancies and their outcome * Pregnancy that arose spontaneously or through Medically Assisted Procreation techniques * Conditions concomitant or complicating pregnancy * Pregnancy outcome (spontaneous delivery or cesarean section) * Laboratory tests * Clinical data collected during hospitalization (vital parameters, symptoms, any medications administered) * Radiologic (CT) or ultrasound (transabdominal and/or transvaginal) investigations performed during the hospital stay, in continuation-iter or in a subsequent hospitalization: name and model (and probe, for ultrasound examinations) of the equipment used will be specified for each examination performed.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
150
IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna
Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Presence of ultrasound signs of infection on ultrasonography
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.
Time frame: Within 90 days after delivery
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