Sepsis after Bartholin's duct abscess marsupialization in a gravida

BACKGROUND: Little information exists regarding sepsis following marsupiali zation of a Bartholin's duct abscess. We report a gravida who became septic after marsupialization. CASE: A 30-year-old primigravida at 32 weeks' gestation underwent marsupial ization of a Bartholin's gland abscess. Postoperatively, she developed feve r with maternal and fetal tachycardia. She was admitted to the hospital and started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Her temperature increased to 39 deg reesC, and she became hypotensive. Blood work demonstrated evidence of diss eminated intravascular coagulopathy. The patient was stabilized with aggres sive fluid resuscitation, antibiotics, transfusion of blood products and ox ygen therapy. Within 24 hours, the fever and coagulopathy resolved. She was discharged on postoperative day 5 and gave birth without complications at 38 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women undergoing marsupialization of a Bartholin's gla nd abscess should be considered at high risk and managed accordingly.