Perinatal and post-partum infections in times of Coronavirus: are compliance with cautionary measures and safety protocols key factors in staving off litigation

Abstract

Several factors have been associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal peripartum and postpartum infections, including pre-existing maternal conditions (e.g. malnutrition, diabetes, obesity, severe anaemia, bacterial vaginosis, and group B streptococcus infections) and unexpected or iatrogenic conditions during labour and childbirth, such as prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM) multiple vaginal examinations, manual removal of the placenta, and cesarean section. As such, the strategies to reduce maternal and fetal infections and their short-and long-term complications have been largely directed at preventive measures where such risk factors exist. In many cases of maternal and fetal infections, medical negligence may have played a role. In fact, a given infection may not have been detected during examinations, or proper treatment may not have been implemented in a timely fashion. In fact, some infections may become more severe if they are not properly treated as quickly as possible. The Authors have aimed to shed a light on the most common, and feared, childbirth-related infections, by means of a wide-ranging analysis of medical databases (Scopus, Pubmed, Embase, Research Gate, Web of Science), legal archives (Justia, Leagle, Lexis, Casetext) and recommendations issued by medical and scientific institutions (United Nations, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Health Service, etc...), spanning the 2004-2020 period. The inability on the part of physicians to thoroughly document the appropriateness of their interventions and the compliance with guidelines and best practices often results in claims being filed by damaged patients and/or their legal heirs. Litigation is typically complex in such cases, and likely to result in substantial compensatory damages being awarded to damaged patients. Currently, a higher standard for cautionary rules should be applied by practitioners and medical facilities to minimize the risk of claims being filed, particularly in tort courts. As a

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnant Women with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a single center experience

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Readability and reliability of Wikipedia articles in high-risk pregnancy and birth control options

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