April 27, 2024, 1:50 pm

Postpartum Infections: Research from University Maternity Hospital Limerick and UL School of Medicine

Limerick, Ireland - Postpartum infections are a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. A new study from University Maternity Hospital Limerick and the University of Limerick School of Medicine has found that the placenta may play a key role in the development of these infections.

The study, which was published in the journal PLoS Medicine, looked at the role of the placenta in the development of postpartum endometritis, the most common type of postpartum infection. The researchers found that women who had a placental abruption were more likely to develop postpartum endometritis than women who had a normal delivery.

Placental abruption is a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterus before the baby is born. This can lead to bleeding and pain, and it can also increase the risk of infection.

The researchers believe that the placenta may play a role in the development of postpartum endometritis by releasing inflammatory factors into the uterus. These factors can damage the uterine lining and make it more susceptible to infection.

The study's findings suggest that the placenta may be a target for interventions to prevent postpartum endometritis. For example, the researchers are currently investigating the use of antibiotics to prevent infection in women who have a placental abruption.

Postpartum infections are a serious problem, but the research from University Maternity Hospital Limerick and the UL School of Medicine is providing new insights into the causes of these infections and potential ways to prevent them.

### About University Maternity Hospital Limerick University Maternity Hospital Limerick is a leading provider of maternity and neonatal care in Ireland. The hospital has a team of highly skilled and experienced healthcare professionals who are committed to providing the best possible care to mothers and babies. ### About the University of Limerick School of Medicine The University of Limerick School of Medicine is a world-class medical school that is dedicated to providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful doctors. The school has a strong research focus, and its researchers are making significant contributions to the field of medicine.