Table 1.

Classification of severity categories of abortion complications

Classification	Signs and symptoms
Severe morbidity	• body temperature of >37.9 ° C
	• organ or system failure
	• generalized peritonitis
	• pulse >119 beats/minute
	• evidence of foreign body or mechanical injury
	• sepsis
	• shock
	• tetanus
	• death
Moderate morbidity	• body temperature between 37.3-37.9 °C
	• adnexal or abdominal tenderness
	• localized peritonitis
	• offensive products of conception
Low morbidity	All other cases

Cases were categorized into the extreme category of abortion complications, and required only one sign or symptom to be counted in that category. (Adopted from Jewkes, Fawcus et al. [28] and Jewkes, Gumede et al. [29]