Sepsis in obese pregnant women.

Animal, epidemiological and limited human studies have reported that obesity increases susceptibility to both bacterial and viral infections. Obesity has now reached worldwide epidemic proportions with a recent study estimating that there are currently 2.1 billion obese adults in the world. The rates of sepsis in both the non-pregnant and pregnant population are also increasing. Obesity is an independent risk factor for both infection and sepsis in pregnancy. This review article addresses the epidemiology, immunological factors, infection sites, investigation, management, specific intrapartum care and postnatal care of the obese pregnant woman with infection.