endometritis /en′dōmitrī″tis/ [Gk, endon, within + metra, womb, itis, inflammation] , an inflammatory condition of the endometrium or decidua, with extension into the myometrium and parametrial tissues. It is usually caused by bacterial infection, commonly by gonococci or hemolytic streptococci. The condition is characterized by fever, abdominal pain, tachycardia, malodorous discharge, tenderness, and enlargement of the uterus. It occurs most frequently after childbirth or abortion and is associated with the use of an intrauterine contraceptive device. It can also be the result of caesarean delivery. Compare pelvic inflammatory disease. Kinds include decidual endometritis. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Diagnosis may be made by physical examination, history, laboratory analysis revealing an elevated white blood cell count, ultrasound, and bacteriological identification of the pathogen. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Treatment includes antibiotics, rest, analgesia, adequate fluid intake, and, if necessary, surgical drainage of a suppurating abscess, hysterectomy, or salpingo-oophorectomy. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Endometritis may be mild and self-limited, chronic or acute, and unilateral or bilateral. It may cause sterility if scar formation occludes the passage of the fallopian tubes. Septic abortion and puerperal fever are forms of endometritis that caused many deaths before asepsis and antibiotics became commonly available.
