Invasive group A streptococcal infection can be fatal to pregnant women in restricted medical resources remote areas—Emergent alert after COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

AbstractInvasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection is a leading cause of maternal death. The increase in the number of patients with iGAS in Japan is markedly greater than before the coronavirus pandemic. We encountered a case of iGAS infection, on a remote island with restricted medical resources, in a third‐trimester pregnant woman, resulting in both maternal and fetal death. A 34‐year‐old woman was admitted via a local general hospital with a high fever. Intrauterine fetal death disseminated intravascular coagulation, and septic shock were confirmed. Broad‐spectrum antibiotics were started, and the patient was returned to the local general hospital. Eight hours after arrival, the patient died of circulatory and respiratory dysfunction complications. iGAS infections in remote areas may directly lead to life‐threatening conditions and should be treated as an emergency, comparable to the serious conditions of placental abruption or placenta previa.