Septic Induced Abortion at Ilorin, Nigeria: An Increasing Gynaecological Problem in the Developing Countries

An analysis of 102 cases of septic induced abortion seen at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (U.I.T.H.) over an 18 months period (Feb., 1983 ‐ July, 1984) was performed. A total of 852 cases of abortion were admitted during the period of study, with an induced abortion rate of 12%. The majority of the patients were unmarried teenagers and 87 out of the one hundred and two patients were students. All the patients had pelvic peritonitis. 9 of them were further complicated by septic shock and of these, 5 died. 1 other patient had severe tetanus and died of respiratory arrest. The over all maternal mortality rate for septic induced abortion was 5.9%, significantly higher than in previous reports. Easy access to contraceptive services, routine sex education, and a liberal abortion law would greatly contribute to reducing septic induced abortion to the bearest minimum in the developing countries.