Septic abortion is a common acute gynaecological problem. C/ostridium welchii is a frequent contaminant of the vagina and cervix following abortion but fortunately it only rarely sets up a true infection of the uterus and its contents. The clinical features of such infection are profound prostration. tachycardia, hypotension and jaundice following variable dPgrers of haemo!ysis. Acute renal failure is a serious complication resulting from the combination of hypoten-sion_, blockage of tubules by haem casts and possibly other exotoxins.