Evaluation of obstetric admissions to intensive care unit of a tertiary referral center in coastal India.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To evaluate the occurrence, indications, course, interventions, and outcome of obstetric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

ICU of a Medical College Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data collected were age, parity, obstetric status, primary diagnosis, interventions, and outcome of obstetric patients admitted to the ICU from Jan 2005 to June 2011.

RESULTS

Total deliveries were 16,804 in 6.5 years. Obstetric admissions to the ICU were (n = 65) which constitutes 0.39% of deliveries. Majority of the admissions were in the postpartum period (n = 46, 70.8%). The two common indications for admission were obstetric hemorrhage (n = 18, 27.7%) and pregnancy related hypertension with its complications (n = 17, 26.2%). The most common intervention was artificial ventilation (n = 41, 63%). The mortality among obstetric admissions in the ICU was (33.8% (22/65)). The patients appropriate for High Dependency Unit (HDU) care was (32.3% (21/65)). The statistical analysis was done by fractional percentage and Chi-square test.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhage and pregnancy-related hypertension with its complications are the two common indications for ICU admissions. The need for a HDU should be considered.