Publication:

Profile of obstetric patients in intensive care unit -a retrospective study

Background Obstetric patients form a particular subgroup of population to intensive care admission. Pregnancy specific problems like pre-eclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage or deterioration of pre-existent conditions can be sudden and life threatening, requiring immediate intensive management and monitoring. The main objective was to determine the pattern and outcome of obstetric admissions to intensive care unit.

Methods It was a retrospective study from June 2020 to June 2022. Obstetric patients admitted to intensive care unit were included in the study. Data were obtained from the patient’s case notes and records from the ICU and were entered into a predesigned proforma.

Results Maximum study subjects were between age group 21-25 years of age. Most of them were primigravida and admitted in the postpartum period. The most common indications for admission to ICU were preeclampsia with severe features followed by obstetric haemorrhage. The mortality rate was 18.8% and shock attributing to the main cause.

Conclusions Maternal and child health have become an important measure of human and social development. Early and prompt diagnosis and treatment of high-risk obstetric patients in intensive care unit can prevent and ameliorate serious maternal morbidity.