Factors associated with maternal death in women admitted to an intensive care unit with severe maternal morbidity

Determinants of maternal near miss among women admitted to maternity wards of tertiary hospitals in Southern Ethiopia, 2020: A hospital-based case-control study

BACKGROUND

A maternal near-miss (MNM) refers to when a gravely ill woman survives a complication as a result of the standard of care she receives or by chance during gestation, childbirth, or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy. Rescuers of near-miss events share several features with mothers who have died and identifying MNM determinants will aid in improving the capacity of the health system to reduce severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Ethiopia is one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa with high maternal mortality and morbidity, but there is little evidence on determinants of a MNM based on a WHO criteria. Hence, this study aimed at identifying determinants of MNM among women admitted to tertiary hospitals in southern Ethiopia, 2020.

METHODS

A facilities-based unmatched case-control study was conducted in five selected tertiary hospitals found in central southern Ethiopia from February 1 to June 1, 2020. A total of 322 (81 cases and 241 controls) study participants were included in the study. At the time of their discharge, cases were recruited consecutively, while controls were selected using a systematic sampling method. The cases were women admitted to hospitals during pregnancy, childbirth, or 42 days following termination of pregnancy who met at least one of the WHO near-miss criteria. Whereas the controls comprised of women who were admitted during pregnancy, childbirth, or 42 days following termination of pregnancy and discharged without severe obstetric complications. Data collection was conducted using the interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and data abstraction tool. The data was coded and entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted and determinants of MNM were established at p-value<0.05.

RESULTS

Severe postpartum hemorrhage (50.6%) and sepsis (23.4%) were the most common reasons for admission of cases. Lack of ANC [AOR = 3.25; 95%CI: 2.21,7.69], prior history of Cesarean section [AOR = 3.53; 95%CI:1.79,6.98], delaying more than 60 minute to access final place of care [AOR = 3.21; 95%CI:1.61,6.39], poor practice of Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) [AOR = 3.31; 95%CI:1.50,7.29], and history of preexisting medical disorders [AOR = 2.79; 95%CI:1.45,5.37] were identified as significantly determinants of maternal near miss.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Stakeholders need to enhance their efforts for improving access to roads and transportations. Besides, women who have a prior history of Caesarean section, chronic medical conditions, and no ANC need special attention from their families and health care providers to proactively mitigate the occurrence of serious obstetric complications. More attention has to be paid to birth preparedness and complication readiness activities.

Profile and spatial distribution on maternal mortality

Abstract Objectives: to describe profile and spatial distribution on maternal mortality in a city in the North of Minas Gerais-Brazil. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional, documentary and quantitative study was carried out in 31 (100%) Fichas de Investigação de Óbito Materno do Comitê de Mortalidade Materna (Maternal Mortality Investigation Data Forms from the Maternal Mortality Committee) from 2009 to 2013. Results: prevalence is observed in women between 20 and 34 years old, mixed race, single and with low schooling. Of the deaths classified, 48.2% are direct obstetric death and 74.2% would be likely avoidable. The most prevalent causes of death were pregnancy-specific hypertensive disease; circulatory system disease; neoplasms; coagulopathies and post-abortion infection. In relation to prenatal care, only 20 women performed it, and most performed less than six prenatal consultations and in relation to the end of gestation, 68.1% underwent cesarean childbirth. Regarding to the descriptive spatial analysis, we identified a higher occurrence of maternal deaths in the areas of medium and high social vulnerability. Conclusions: maternal mortality is a strong indicator of women's healthcare, there is a necessity to readjust women’s healthcare in the puerperal pregnancy cycle. New healthcare practices for women are needed, due to the referred bond and responsible care.

Magnitude of maternal near misses and the role of delays in Ethiopia: a hospital based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of maternal near misses and the role of delays including other risk factors. A Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at three referral hospitals of Amhara region on 572 mothers who came to obtain obstetrics care services from February 01 to July 30, 2018.

RESULTS

The magnitude of maternal near miss was 26.6% (95% CI 23, 30). With regards to delays, 83 (14.5%), 226 (39.5%), and 154 (26.9%) of women delayed in the decision to seek care, in reaching care, and in receiving care respectively. Women who had no antenatal care [AOR = 3.16; CI (1.96, 5.10)], who stayed in hospital 7 days or more [AOR = 2.20; CI (1.33, 3.63)] and those who had delay in reaching health facility [AOR = 1.99; CI (1.10, 3.61)] were more likely to be near miss. While, women whose husband was able to read and write [AOR = 0.29; CI (0.09, 0.96)] and those with monthly household income between 2001 and 3000 ETB [AOR = 0.35; CI (0.18, 0.70)] were 71% and 65% less likely to be near misses respectively. Promoting antenatal care and increasing maternal health care access could have significant impact in reducing maternal near misses.

Risk factors of obstetric admissions to the intensive care unit: An 8-year retrospective study

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors among obstetric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).The study was conducted in Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University during January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2016. A total of 44,817 pregnant women ≥20 weeks of gestational age were scanned. Demographic characteristics, perinatal outcomes, and risk factors among participants were analyzed.A number of factors (21) were more prevalent in the ICU admission group. The greatest for admission to the ICU occurred with amniotic fluid embolism, heart disease, acute fatty liver, and referral for care. The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, hysterectomy, organ failure, and method of delivery differed significantly between groups (P < .05). Adverse neonatal outcome differed significantly between groups (P < .05).Complications of pregnancy are risk factors for referral to the ICU and may increase risk for unexpected outcomes among mothers and neonates.

Obstetric Admissions in ICU in a Tertiary Care Center: A 5-Years Retrospective Study

Background and Aim

Obstetric patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) represent a challenge to physicians. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and mortality of pregnant and postpartum patients requiring ICU admission.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed between January 2008 and December 2013 at the University Hospital Federico II of Naples including pregnant and puerperal women until the 42nd day of postpartum and admitted to ICU.

Results

Patients admitted with an obstetric diagnosis had a higher incidence of at least one previous cesarean section, were treated more with hysterectomy, had an increasing incidence of hemodynamic instability, had more postpartum admission, had a higher TISS-28 score, and required more endotracheal intubation than patients admitted with non-obstetrics diagnosis.

Conclusion

A shared approach including a close collaboration between ICU and obstetric ward may be useful to reduce ICU admission and to improve maternal and foetal outcomes.

How to cite this article

Vargas M, Marra A, Buonanno P, Iacovazzo C, Schiavone V, Servillo G. Obstetric Admissions in ICU in a Tertiary Care Center. A 5-years Retrospective Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(5):213-219.

Outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit for complications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at a South African tertiary hospital - a 4-year retrospective review

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a major cause of maternal mortality and adverse outcomes. A previous study in the intensive care unit (ICU) at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa, in 2000 found 10.5% mortality among eclampsia patients.

Objectives

To describe the mortality and adverse neurological outcomes associated with HDP in a tertiary ICU, compare these with results from 2000 and describe factors associated therewith.

Methods

The data of 85 patients admitted with HDP to ICU at King Edward VIII Hospital from 2010 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Mortality and adverse neurological outcome (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤14 on discharge from ICU) were assessed. Two sets of analyses were conducted. The first compared those alive on discharge from ICU with those who died in ICU. The second compared good neurological outcome with poor outcome (adverse neurological outcome, or death).

Results

The mortality was 11.6%, and overall, 9% had adverse neurological outcomes. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients with eclampsia in 2010 - 2013 (11.0%) and those in 2000 (10.5%) (p=0.9). Factors associated with mortality were: intra- or postpartum onset of seizures; twins; failure to perform operative delivery when indicated; lowest GCS score <10; failure to use magnesium sulphate when indicated; respiratory failure; and lower respiratory tract infections. Factors associated with poor outcomes (adverse neurological outcome, or death) were: parity (better outcomes in primiparous patients); time of antenatal onset of hypertension (worse if earlier onset); HIV infection; failure to perform operative delivery when indicated; lowest GCS score <10; failure to use magnesium sulphate when indicated; use of anticonvulsants other than magnesium sulphate or benzodiazepines in eclampsia.

Conclusion

The lack of improvement in ICU eclampsia mortality demonstrates a need to develop and implement a protocol for HDP management.

Contributions of the study

The study provides a comparison of present mortality among eclamptic patients with hyperensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) with the mortality of eclamptic patients described in an article from the year 2000. It further looks at adverse maternal outcomes, specifically adverse neurological outcomes.In addition, it analyses other factors that may affect outcomes in HDP patients. This information is useful in making recommendations in an attempt to improve the outcomes.

Maternal critical care in resource-limited settings. Narrative review

Maternal critical care reflects interdisciplinary care in any hospital area according to the severity of illness of the pregnant woman. The admission rate to intensive care units is below 1% (0.08-0.76%) of deliveries in high-income countries, and ranges from 0.13% to 4.6% in low- and middle-income countries. Mortality in these patients is high and varies from 0% to 4.9% of admissions in high-income countries, and from 2% to 43.6% in low- and middle-income countries. Obstetric haemorrhage, sepsis, preeclampsia, human immunodeficiency virus complications and tropical diseases are the main reasons for intensive care unit admission in low middle-income countries. Bedside assessment tools, such as early warning scores, may help to identify critically ill patients and those at risk of deterioration. There is a lack of uniformity in definitions, identification and treatment of critically ill pregnant patients, especially in resource-limited settings. Our aims were to (i) propose a more practical definition of maternal critical care, (ii) discuss maternal mortality in the setting of limited accessibility of critical care units, (iii) provide some accessible tools to improve identification of obstetric patients who may become critically ill, and (iv) confront challenges in providing maternal critical care in resource-limited settings. To improve maternal critical care, training programmes should embrace modern technological educational aids and incorporate new tools and technologies that assist prediction of critical illness in the pregnant patient. The goal must be improved outcomes following early interventions, early initiation of resuscitation, and early transfer to an appropriate level of care, whenever possible.

Concepts, prevalence and characteristics of severe maternal morbidity and near miss in Brazil: a systematic review

Abstract Objectives: to analyze frequency, characteristics and causes of severe maternal morbidity (maternal near miss) in Brazil. Methods: a systematic review on quantitative studies about characteristics, causes, and associated factors on severe maternal morbidity (maternal near miss). The search was done through MEDLINE (maternal near miss or severe maternal morbidity and Brazil) and LILACS (maternal near miss, maternal morbidity). Data were extracted from methodological characteristics of the article, criteria for maternal morbidity and main results. Near miss ratios and indicators were described and estimated. Results: we identified 48 studies: 37 were on hospital based; six were based on health surveys and five were based on information systems. Different definitions were adopted. Maternal near miss ratio ranged from 2.4/1000 LB to 188.4/1000 LB, depending on the criteria and epidemiological scenario. The mortality rate for maternal near miss varied between 3.3% and 32.2%. Hypertensive diseases and hemorrhage were the most common morbidities, but indirect causes have been increasing. Flaws in the healthcare were associated to near miss and also sociodemographic factors (non-white skin color, adolescence/ age ≥ 35 years old, low schooling level). Conclusions: the frequency of maternal near miss in Brazil is high, with a profile of similar causes to maternal mortality. Inequities and delays in the healthcare were identified as association.

Outcomes of Antepartum and Postpartum Obstetric Admissions to the Intensive Care Unit of A Tertiary University Hospital: An 8-Year Review

Objective

Although their rates are decreasing, pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity are problems worldwide. In this study, we aimed to review the characteristics, diagnoses, required interventions and outcomes of obstetric patients admitted between 2006 and 2014 to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a tertiary university hospital to provide an indicator for improving the management of critically ill obstetric patients.

Methods

A retrospective study of hospital records of obstetric admissions to the ICU was conducted.

Results

The pregnancy-related ICU admission rate was 0.21% among all deliveries during the study period. Nine antepartum (mean gestational age: 23 weeks) and 48 postpartum (mean gestational age: 34 weeks) obstetric ICU admissions were included. Most obstetric patients admitted antepartum were primiparous (88.8%), whereas those admitted postpartum were multiparous (64.6%). The mean ICU stay was 7 days among the patients admitted antepartum and 6 days among those admitted postpartum. Common medical reasons for ICU admission were respiratory failure and HELLP syndrome in both groups; DIC and eclampsia were also medical reasons causing ICU admission among the postpartum patients. Mechanical ventilation and blood derivative transfusion were the most common interventions required during the ICU stay of the obstetric patients. Maternal death was unique to the patients admitted postpartum (6 patients, 12.5%).

Conclusion

We reviewed obstetric admissions to our institution over an 8-year period. We believe that a nationwide study in Turkey that provides an indicator of the frequency, reasons of ICU admission and outcome of obstetric patients is required to improve the quality of intensive care.

Model of obstetric attention based on critical care in Latin America

PURPOSE

Report the results obtained following the implementation of an OCC (Obstetric Critical Care) model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is an observational prospective study in obstetric population with high complexity illness attended in a safety and quality model of attention in a specific unit supporting the concept of obstetric critical care. Records were used as the primary source for collecting information, using the standards of the Center for Clinical Research.

RESULTS

In a 5-year period, 10,956 patients were admitted. About 51% had diseases that were not exclusive to pregnancy, 91% were admitted while pregnant and, from all births, 46% were by vaginal delivery. 1685 (19%) patients met the criteria for Near Miss Maternal Mortality (NMMM). Forty-three patients died, which represented a mortality rate of 0.49% of the total of hospitalized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of an OOC model, security models, and an institutional support system improve the quality of care in the obstetric services of reference hospitals in developing countries.

Incidence and causes of maternal near-miss in selected hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Because maternal mortality is a rare event, it is important to study maternal near-miss as a complement to evaluate and improve the quality of obstetric care. Thus, the study was conducted with the aim of assessing the incidence and causes of maternal near-miss.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in five selected public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016. All maternal near-miss cases admitted to the selected hospitals during the study period were prospectively recruited. World Health Organization criteria were used to identify maternal near-miss cases. The number of maternal near-miss cases over one year per 1000 live births occurring during the same year was calculated to determine the incidence of maternal near-miss. Underlying and contributing causes of maternal near-miss were documented from each participant's record.

RESULTS

During the one-year period, there were a total of 238 maternal near-miss cases and 29,697 live births in all participating hospitals, which provides a maternal near-miss incidence ratio of 8.01 per 1000 live births. The underlying causes of the majority of maternal near-miss cases were hypertensive disorders and obstetric hemorrhage. Anemia was the major contributing cause reported for maternal near-miss. Most of the maternal near-miss cases occurred before the women's arrival at the participating hospitals.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated a lower maternal near-miss incidence ratio compared to previous country-level studies. The majority of the near-miss cases occurred before the women's arrival at the participating hospitals, which underscores the importance of improving pre-hospital barriers. Efforts made toward improvement in the management of life-threatening obstetric complications could reduce the occurrence of maternal near-miss problems that occur during hospitalization.

Severe maternal morbidity in a general intensive care unit in Nigeria: clinical profiles and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Data on outcomes of obstetric admissions to intensive care units can serve as useful markers for assessing the quality of maternal care. We evaluated the intensive care unit utilization rate, diagnoses, case-fatality rate, mortality rate and associated factors among obstetric patients.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of obstetric patients admitted to the general intensive care unit was performed. Women at 24 or more weeks of gestation, or within six weeks postpartum, who were admitted to the intensive care unit constituted the study population.

RESULTS

A total of 101 obstetric patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. Obstetric patients accounted for approximately 12% of all intensive care unit admissions. Over 90% of admissions were from direct obstetric morbidity such as hypertensive disorders (41.6%), major obstetric haemorrhage (37.6%) and sepsis (11.9%). Forty-three women (42.6%) died, giving an overall mortality rate of 1 in 2.4. Sepsis had the highest case-fatality rate (1 in 1.7) followed by obstetric haemorrhage (1 in 2.1) and hypertensive disorders (1 in 3.6). In univariable logistic regression analysis, abdominal delivery and/or peripartum hysterectomy, had 2.7-fold (95% CI 1.1 to 6.5) increased risk of maternal death as compared to vaginal delivery.

CONCLUSION

Direct obstetric morbidities constituted the leading reasons for obstetric admissions to the intensive care unit, with sepsis accounting for the highest case-fatality rate. Abdominal delivery and/or peripartum hysterectomy increased risk of death among obstetric admissions.

Obstetric Admissions to the Intensive Care Unit in a Tertiary Hospital

AIMS

A better understanding of the characteristics of obstetric patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) could guide where the focus of obstetric training and awareness should be directed at to reduce further maternal mortality and morbidity.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed the charts of all women admitted during pregnancy or postpartum to a tertiary ICU over a 12-year period. We retrieved whether women were followed locally or referred from another hospital and whether the ICU admission was prophylactic or therapeutic.

RESULTS

There were 190 admissions in 183 women. One-hundred and four admissions were in referred women and 86 in women cared for locally. Seventy-eight admissions (41.1%) were for direct obstetric causes (primarily postpartum hemorrhage (n = 14), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (n = 12) and peripartum cardiomyopathy (n = 10)). Indirect obstetric admissions (n = 89; 46.8%) were primarily for cardiopathies (n = 35) and pulmonary diseases (n = 18). Among non-obstetric admissions, trauma (n = 6; 26.1%) and neurologic tumors (n = 6; 26.1%) were the most common.

CONCLUSION

Pre-existing and acquired cardiopathies are the main reason for admission to an ICU in a developed country and have surpassed hypertensive disorders and hemorrhage. This should become a focus of obstetric care provider training.

Characteristics, Outcomes, and Predictability of Critically Ill Obstetric Patients: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pregnant/postpartum patients requiring ICUs admission in Argentina, describe characteristics of mothers and outcomes for mothers/babies, evaluate risk factors for maternal-fetal-neonatal mortality; and compare outcomes between patients admitted to public and private health sectors.

DESIGN

Multicenter, prospective, national cohort study.

SETTING

Twenty ICUs in Argentina (public, 8 and private, 12).

PATIENTS

Pregnant/postpartum (< 42 d) patients admitted to ICU.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Three hundred sixty-two patients were recruited, 51% from the public health sector and 49% from the private. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II was 8 (4-12); predicted/observed mortality, 7.6%/3.6%; hospital length of stay, 7 days (5-13 d); and fetal-neonatal losses, 17%. Public versus private health sector patients: years of education, 9 ± 3 versus 15 ± 3; transferred from another hospital, 43% versus 12%; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, 9 (5-13.75) versus 7 (4-9); hospital length of stay, 10 days (6-17 d) versus 6 days (4-9 d); prenatal care, 75% versus 99.4%; fetal-neonatal losses, 25% versus 9% (p = 0.000 for all); and mortality, 5.4% versus 1.7% (p = 0.09). Complications in ICU were multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome (34%), shock (28%), renal dysfunction (25%), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (20%); all predominated in the public sector. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (during first 24 hr of admission) score of at least 6.5 presented the best discriminative power for maternal mortality. Independent predictors of maternal-fetal-neonatal mortality were Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, education level, prenatal care, and admission to tertiary hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients spent a median of 7 days in hospital; 3.6% died. Maternal-fetal-neonatal mortality was determined not only by acuteness of illness but to social and healthcare aspects like education, prenatal control, and being cared in specialized hospitals. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (during first 24 hr of admission), easier to calculate than Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, was a better predictor of maternal outcome. Evident health disparities existed between patients admitted to public versus private hospitals: the former received less prenatal care, were less educated, were more frequently transferred from other hospitals, were sicker at admission, and developed more complications; maternal and fetal-neonatal mortality were higher. These findings point to the need of redesigning healthcare services to account for these inequities.

Study of Obstetric Admissions to the Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital

PURPOSE

To analyze obstetric admissions to intensive care unit and to identify the risk factors responsible for intensive care admission.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of all obstetric cases admitted to the intensive care unit over a period of 3 years. Data were collected from case records. The risk factors responsible for ICU admission were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 765 obstetric admissions to ICU accounting for 1.24 % of all deliveries. 56.20 % were in the age group of 20-25 years. 38.43 % were in their first pregnancy. 36.48 % of cases were at 37-40 weeks of gestation. Postpartum admissions were 80.91 %. Major conditions responsible were obstetric hemorrhage in 44.05 %, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in 28.88 %, severe anemia in 14.37 %, heart disease in 12.15 %, and sepsis in 7.97 % of ICU cases. 40.39 % cases required high dependency care. Maternal mortality was seen in 15.55 % of ICU cases. Commonest cause of mortality was hemorrhagic shock (26.89 %) and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (26.05 %).

CONCLUSION

Commonest risk factors for ICU admissions are obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Other major risk factors are severe anemia, heart disease, sepsis, more than one diagnosis on admission, and the need for cesarean delivery.

Maternal near miss in the intensive care unit: clinical and epidemiological aspects

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the epidemiological clinical profile of women with maternal near miss according to the new World Health Organization criteria.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, in which the records of patients admitted to the obstetric intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Recife (Brazil) over a period of four years were analyzed. Women who presented at least one near miss criterion were included. The variables studied were age, race/color, civil status, education, place of origin, number of pregnancies and prenatal consultations, complications and procedures performed, mode of delivery, gestational age at delivery, and maternal near miss criteria. The descriptive analysis was performed using the program Epi-Info 3.5.1.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-five cases of maternal near miss were identified, with an overall ratio of maternal near miss of 12.8/1,000 live births. Among these cases, 43.2% of the women had incomplete primary education, 44.7% were primiparous, and 20.5% had undergone a previous cesarean section. Regarding specific diagnoses, there was a predominance of hypertensive disorders (62.7%), many of which were complicated by HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome (41.2%). The laboratory near miss criteria were the most often observed (59.6%), due mainly to the high frequency of acute thrombocytopenia (32.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

A high frequency of women who had a low level of education and who were primiparous was observed. According to the new criteria proposed by the World Health Organization, hypertensive pregnancy disorders are still the most common among maternal near miss cases. The high frequency of HELLP syndrome was also striking, which contributed to acute thrombocytopenia being the most frequent near miss criterion.

Are Young Mothers in India Deprived of Maternal Health Care Services? A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Areas

This article attempts to study the effect of age of women at birth on the use of maternal health care services separately for urban and rural areas using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-3, 2005–2006, India. The indicators of use of maternal health care services used in this study are use of antenatal care services recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) (includes three or more antenatal check-ups during the first trimester, two or more tetanus toxoid (TT) injections and taking 100 iron and folic acid tablets during pregnancy), place of delivery, assistance at delivery and use of postnatal care services. At first, the percentage of births that utilized various maternal health care services are discussed separately for urban and rural areas, followed by difference in utilization of maternal health care services between adolescent and adult mothers. Finally, logistic and multinomial regressions are used to examine the influence of age of women at birth on the use of maternal health care services for controlling for other factors. Multivariate results revealed that women who gave birth during adolescence are less likely to use antenatal, natal and postnatal care services in both urban and rural areas. Therefore, efforts should be made to educate parents and other family members on the consequences of early marriage and early pregnancy and also the importance of delaying marriage.

Prevalência e fatores associados ao Near Miss Materno: inquérito populacional em uma capital do Nordeste Brasileiro

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência do near miss e de complicações no período gravídico-puerperal, identificando seus principais marcadores clínicos e de intervenção e os fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos a ele associados. Trata-se de um estudo seccional, de base populacional, probabilístico, com amostra complexa, realizado em Natal/RN, Brasil. Aplicou-se um questionário validado em 848 mulheres, de 15 a 49 anos, identificadas em 8.227 domicílios de 60 setores censitários. Nas análises de associações, aplicou-se o teste Qui-quadrado e calculou-se a Razão de Prevalência (RP) com Intervalo de Confiança (IC) de 95% e significância de 5%. A prevalência de near miss materno foi de 41,1/1.000 NV, sendo a internação em UTI (19,1/1.000 NV) e a eclampsia (13,5/1.000 NV) os marcadores mais referidos. A prevalência de complicações no período gravídico-puerperal foi de 21,2%. A maior prevalência do near miss foi observada nas mulheres com maior idade, da raça preta/parda e com piores condições socioeconômicas. A realização de inquéritos populacionais é factível e pode acrescentar informações importantes ao estudo do near miss e seus marcadores apontam para a necessidade de fortalecimento da assistência materna para reduzir iniquidades em saúde.

Factors associated with maternal death from direct pregnancy complications: a UK national case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the factors associated with maternal death from direct pregnancy complications in the UK.

DESIGN

Unmatched case-control analysis.

SETTING

All hospitals caring for pregnant women in the UK.

POPULATION

A total of 135 women who died (cases) between 2009 and 2012 from eclampsia, pulmonary embolism, severe sepsis, amniotic fluid embolism, and peripartum haemorrhage, using data from the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Death, and another 1661 women who survived severe complications (controls) caused by these conditions (2005-2013), using data from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System.

METHODS

Multivariable regression analyses were undertaken to identify the factors that were associated with maternal deaths and to estimate the additive odds associated with the presence of one or more of these factors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Odds ratios associated with maternal death and population-attributable fractions, with 95% confidence intervals. Incremental risk of death associated with the factors using a 'risk factors' score.

RESULTS

Six factors were independently associated with maternal death: inadequate use of antenatal care (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 15.87, 95% CI 6.73-37.41); substance misuse (aOR 10.16, 95% CI 1.81-57.04); medical comorbidities (aOR 4.82, 95% CI 3.14-7.40); previous pregnancy problems (aOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.34-3.62); hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aOR 2.44, 95% CI 1.31-4.52); and Indian ethnicity (aOR 2.70, 95% CI 1.14-6.43). Of the increased risk associated with maternal death, 70% (95% CI 66-73%) could be attributed to these factors. Odds associated with maternal death increased by three and a half times per unit increase in the 'risk factor' score (aOR 3.59, 95% CI 2.83-4.56).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that medical comorbidities are importantly associated with direct (obstetric) deaths. Further studies are required to understand whether specific aspects of care could be improved to reduce maternal deaths among women with medical comorbidities in the UK.

The Robson ten-group classification system for appraising deliveries at a tertiary referral hospital in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the distribution of women according to the Robson 10-group classification system (RTGCS) and the occurrence of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) by mode of delivery at a tertiary referral hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted of all women admitted to the Women's Hospital at the University of Campinas (Campinas, Brazil) for delivery between January 2009 and July 2013. Women were grouped according to RTGCS. Mode of delivery and SMM (defined as need for admission to the intensive care unit) were assessed.

RESULTS

Among 12 771 women, 5957 (46.6%) delivered by cesarean. Overall, 3594 (28.1%) women were in group 1 (nulliparous, single pregnancy, cephalic, term, spontaneous labor), 2328 (18.2%) in group 5 (≥1 previous cesarean, single pregnancy, cephalic, term), and 2112 (16.5%) in group 3 (multiparous excluding previous cesarean, single pregnancy, cephalic, term, spontaneous labor). Group 5 contributed the most cesarean deliveries (1626 [27.3%]), followed by group 2 (nulliparous, single pregnancy, cephalic, term, induced labor or cesarean before labor; 1049 [17.6%]). SMM was more common among women undergoing cesarean delivery than among those delivering vaginally in groups 1-5.

CONCLUSION

The RTGCS allowed the identification of groups with the highest frequency of cesarean delivery and an assessment of SMM. This should be considered in related health policies.

The burden of eclampsia: results from a multicenter study on surveillance of severe maternal morbidity in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

Maternal mortality (MM) is a core indicator of disparities in women's rights. The study of Near Miss cases is strategic to identifying the breakdowns in obstetrical care. In absolute numbers, both MM and occurrence of eclampsia are rare events. We aim to assess the obstetric care indicators and main predictors for severe maternal outcome from eclampsia (SMO: maternal death plus maternal near miss).

METHODS

Secondary analysis of a multicenter, cross-sectional study, including 27 centers from all geographic regions of Brazil, from 2009 to 2010. 426 cases of eclampsia were identified and classified according to the outcomes: SMO and non-SMO. We classified facilities as coming from low- and high-income regions and calculated the WHO's obstetric health indicators. SPSS and Stata softwares were used to calculate the prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess maternal characteristics, clinical and obstetrical history, and access to health services as predictors for SMO, subsequently correlating them with the corresponding perinatal outcomes, also applying multiple regression analysis (adjusted for cluster effect).

RESULTS

Prevalence of and mortality indexes for eclampsia in higher and lower income regions were 0.2%/0.8% and 8.1%/22%, respectively. Difficulties in access to health care showed that ICU admission (adjPR 3.61; 95% CI 1.77-7.35) and inadequate monitoring (adjPR 2.31; 95% CI 1.48-3.59) were associated with SMO.

CONCLUSIONS

Morbidity and mortality associated with eclampsia were high in Brazil, especially in lower income regions. Promoting quality maternal health care and improving the availability of obstetric emergency care are essential actions to relieve the burden of eclampsia.

Maternal near miss and death among women with severe hypertensive disorders: a Brazilian multicenter surveillance study

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive disorders represent the major cause of maternal morbidity in middle income countries. The main objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with severe maternal outcomes in women with severe hypertensive disorders.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study, including 6706 women with severe hypertensive disorder from 27 maternity hospitals in Brazil. A prospective surveillance of severe maternal morbidity with data collected from medical charts and entered into OpenClinica®, an online system, over a one-year period (2009 to 2010). Women with severe preeclampsia, severe hypertension, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome were included in the study. They were grouped according to outcome in near miss, maternal death and potentially life-threatening condition. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for cluster effect for maternal and perinatal variables and delays in receiving obstetric care were calculated as risk estimates of maternal complications having a severe maternal outcome (near miss or death). Poisson multiple regression analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

Severe hypertensive disorders were the main cause of severe maternal morbidity (6706/9555); the prevalence of near miss was 4.2 cases per 1000 live births, there were 8.3 cases of Near Miss to 1 Maternal Death and the mortality index was 10.7% (case fatality). Early onset of the disease and postpartum hemorrhage were independent variables associated with severe maternal outcomes, in addition to acute pulmonary edema, previous heart disease and delays in receiving secondary and tertiary care.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with severe hypertensive disorders, the current study identified situations independently associated with a severe maternal outcome, which could be modified by interventions in obstetric care and in the healthcare system. Furthermore, the study showed the feasibility of a hospital system for surveillance of severe maternal morbidity.

Clinical Profile of Obstetric Patients Admitted to the Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit (MSICU) of an Inner-City Hospital in New York

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy is associated with physiological and anatomical changes that usually occur uneventfully in majority of women. However, these changes can cause major maternal morbidity with potential catastrophic consequences. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of obstetric patients admitted to the MSICU of an inner-city hospital in New York.

METHODS

A prospective, observational study was conducted among all the obstetric patients admitted to the MSICU between June 1, 2009 and June 30, 2012.

RESULTS

A total of 19 obstetric patients were admitted to the MSICU between June 1, 2009 and June 30, 2012. The most common comorbidity on admission was hypertensive disorder. Hemodynamic unstability and shock was the most common admission diagnosis. The mean length of stay was 3.5 days. One patient died.

CONCLUSIONS

Obstetric hemorrhage and pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders remains as the most common entities requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission among obstetric patients. A multidisciplinary team involvement is essential in the management of these patients.

The WHO maternal near-miss approach and the maternal severity index model (MSI): tools for assessing the management of severe maternal morbidity

OBJECTIVES

To validate the WHO maternal near-miss criteria and develop a benchmark tool for severe maternal morbidity assessments.

METHODS

In a multicenter cross-sectional study implemented in 27 referral maternity hospitals in Brazil, a one-year prospective surveillance on severe maternal morbidity and data collection was carried out. Diagnostic accuracy tests were used to assess the validity of the WHO maternal near-miss criteria. Binary logistic regression was used to model the death probability among women with severe maternal complications and benchmark the management of severe maternal morbidity.

RESULTS

Of the 82,388 women having deliveries in the participating health facilities, 9,555 women presented pregnancy-related complications, including 140 maternal deaths and 770 maternal near misses. The WHO maternal near-miss criteria were found to be accurate and highly associated with maternal deaths (Positive likelihood ratio 106.8 (95% CI 99.56-114.6)). The maternal severity index (MSI) model was developed and found to able to describe the relationship between life-threatening conditions and mortality (Area under the ROC curve: 0.951 (95% CI 0.909-0.993)).

CONCLUSION

The identification of maternal near-miss cases using the WHO list of pregnancy-related life-threatening conditions was validated. The MSI model can be used as a tool for benchmarking the performance of health services managing women with severe maternal complications and provide case-mix adjustment.

Delivering obstetrical critical care in developing nations

Obstetrical critical care has not been able to achieve the same level of peaks in developing nations like India, as in the western countries. Numerous factors, including clinical and economical, have played a major role in widening the gap of quality care delivery in severely ill obstetric patients, between the two extreme worlds. Moreover, this wide gap can be, to a large extent, attributable to the lower literacy rates, paucity of research in obstetrical critical care, poverty, lack of awareness, and the sociocultural and behavioral factors prevalent in these developing nations. The most common indication for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission of such patients throughout the world is hemorrhage, both antepartum and postpartum. Hypertensive disorders, pre-eclampsia, and its related complications are also major contributory factors for such admissions. The pattern of the disease necessitating such admissions influences maternal mortality to a great extent. The present article reviews the most common indications of obstetrical admissions to the ICU, the challenges and obstacles in the treatment of severely ill obstetric patients, their possible outcome in the developing nations, room for improvement, and the need for a change in the system for better delivery of critical care obstetrical services.

Sequential organ failure assessment score for evaluating organ failure and outcome of severe maternal morbidity in obstetric intensive care

Objective. To evaluate the performance of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in cases of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Design. Retrospective study of diagnostic validation. Setting. An obstetric intensive care unit (ICU) in Brazil. Population. 673 women with SMM. Main Outcome Measures. mortality and SOFA score. Methods. Organ failure was evaluated according to maximum score for each one of its six components. The total maximum SOFA score was calculated using the poorest result of each component, reflecting the maximum degree of alteration in systemic organ function. Results. highest total maximum SOFA score was associated with mortality, 12.06 ± 5.47 for women who died and 1.87 ± 2.56 for survivors. There was also a significant correlation between the number of failing organs and maternal mortality, ranging from 0.2% (no failure) to 85.7% (≥3 organs). Analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) confirmed the excellent performance of total maximum SOFA score for cases of SMM (AUC = 0.958). Conclusions. Total maximum SOFA score proved to be an effective tool for evaluating severity and estimating prognosis in cases of SMM. Maximum SOFA score may be used to conceptually define and stratify the degree of severity in cases of SMM.

The world health organization multicountry survey on maternal and newborn health: study protocol

Background

Effective interventions to reduce mortality and morbidity in maternal and newborn health already exist. Information about quality and performance of care and the use of critical interventions are useful for shaping improvements in health care and strengthening the contribution of health systems towards the Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5. The near-miss concept and the criterion-based clinical audit are proposed as useful approaches for obtaining such information in maternal and newborn health care. This paper presents the methods of the World Health Organization Multicountry Study in Maternal and Newborn Health. The main objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of maternal near-miss cases in a worldwide network of health facilities, evaluate the quality of care using the maternal near-miss concept and the criterion-based clinical audit, and develop the near-miss concept in neonatal health.

Methods/Design

This is a large cross-sectional study being implemented in a worldwide network of health facilities. A total of 370 health facilities from 29 countries will take part in this study and produce nearly 275,000 observations. All women giving birth, all maternal near-miss cases regardless of the gestational age and delivery status and all maternal deaths during the study period comprise the study population. In each health facility, medical records of all eligible women will be reviewed during a data collection period that ranges from two to three months according to the annual number of deliveries.

Discussion

Implementing the systematic identification of near-miss cases, mapping the use of critical evidence-based interventions and analysing the corresponding indicators are just the initial steps for using the maternal near-miss concept as a tool to improve maternal and newborn health. The findings of projects using approaches similar to those described in this manuscript will be a good starter for a more comprehensive dialogue with governments, professionals and civil societies, health systems or facilities for promoting best practices, improving quality of care and achieving better health for mothers and children.

Pre-validation of the WHO organ dysfunction based criteria for identification of maternal near miss

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the performance of the WHO criteria for defining maternal near miss and identifying deaths among cases of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) admitted for intensive care.

METHOD

Between October 2002 and September 2007, 673 women with SMM were admitted, and among them 18 died. Variables used for the definition of maternal near miss according to WHO criteria and for the SOFA score were retrospectively evaluated. The identification of at least one of the WHO criteria in women who did not die defined the case as a near miss. Organ failure was evaluated through the maximum SOFA score above 2 for each one of the six components of the score, being considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of maternal near miss. The aggregated score (Total Maximum SOFA score) was calculated using the worst result of the maximum SOFA score. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of these WHO criteria for predicting maternal death and also for identifying cases of organ failure were estimated.

RESULTS

The WHO criteria identified 194 cases of maternal near miss and all the 18 deaths. The most prevalent criteria among cases of maternal deaths were the use of vasoactive drug and the use of mechanical ventilation (≥1 h). For the prediction of maternal deaths, sensitivity was 100% and specificity 70.4%. These criteria identified 119 of the 120 cases of organ failure by the maximum SOFA score (Sensitivity 99.2%) among 194 case of maternal near miss (61.34%). There was disagreement in 76 cases, one organ failure without any WHO criteria and 75 cases with no failure but with WHO criteria. The Total Maximum SOFA score had a good performance (area under the curve of 0.897) for prediction of cases of maternal near miss according to the WHO criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The WHO criteria for maternal near miss showed to be able to identify all cases of death and almost all cases of organ failure. Therefore they allow evaluation of the severity of the complication and consequently enable clinicians to build a plan of care or to provide an early transfer for appropriate reference centers.

Human immunodeficiency virus and AIDS and other important predictors of maternal mortality in Mulago Hospital Complex Kampala Uganda

Background

Women with severe maternal morbidity are at high risk of dying. Quality and prompt management and sometimes luck have been suggested to reduce on the risk of dying. The objective of the study was to identify the direct and indirect causes of severe maternal morbidity, predictors of progression from severe maternal morbidity to maternal mortality in Mulago hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

This was a longitudinal follow up study at the Mulago hospital's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Participants were 499 with severe maternal morbidity admitted in Mulago hospital between 15^th November 2001 and 30^th November 2002 were identified, recruited and followed up until discharge or death. Potential prognostic factors were HIV status and CD4 cell counts, socio demographic characteristics, medical and gynaecological history, past and present obstetric history and intra- partum and postnatal care.

Results

Severe pre eclampsia/eclampsia, obstructed labour and ruptured uterus, severe post partum haemorrhage, severe abruptio and placenta praevia, puerperal sepsis, post abortal sepsis and severe anaemia were the causes for the hospitalization of 499 mothers. The mortality incidence rate was 8% (n = 39), maternal mortality ratio of 7815/100,000 live births and the ratio of severe maternal morbidity to mortality was 12.8:1.

The independent predictors of maternal mortality were HIV/AIDS (OR 5.1 95% CI 2-12.8), non attendance of antenatal care (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3-9.2), non use of oxytocics (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.7-9.7), lack of essential drugs (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.1-11.3) and non availability of blood for transfusion (OR 53.7, 95% CI (15.7-183.9) and delivery of amale baby (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.6-10.1).

Conclusion

The predictors of progression from severe maternal morbidity to mortalitywere: residing far from hospital, low socio economic status, non attendance of antenatal care, poor intrapartum care, and HIV/AIDS.

There is need to improve on the referral system, economic empowerment of women and to offer comprehensive emergency obstetric care so as to reduce the maternal morbidity and mortality in our community.

Rationale for a long-term evaluation of the consequences of potentially life-threatening maternal conditions and maternal "near-miss" incidents using a multidimensional approach

Recent advances in health care mean that women survive severe conditions and events related to pregnancy that would previously have resulted in death. Therefore, a greater number of women will experience significant maternal morbidity with significant consequences. Little is known, however, about these long-term consequences. Some investigators have evaluated the repercussions of severe biological or traumatic events, and have reported that survivors are at an increased risk of death in the five years after the event. In addition, they continue to experience both organic and emotional problems such as clinical, cardiac, respiratory, and neurological complications, as well as anxiety and depression, following discharge from hospital. Following a maternal "near-miss" incident, various life domains may be affected (organic, mental, cognitive, and social function), and these must be evaluated in addition to the related economic issues and quality of life. However, because of the diversity of methods and instruments used to evaluate possible repercussions, comparisons between the few studies available on the subject are difficult. An in-depth debate should be initiated to discuss the methodological aspects of such investigation. We propose a conceptual and methodological discussion on the long-term repercussions of severe maternal morbidity based on the evaluation of the following variables: reproductive health, quality of life, posttraumatic stress syndrome, sexual function, postpartum depression, daily functioning, and the physical, neurological, and psychomotor development of the children born after a complicated pregnancy.

HISTOLOGICAL CHORIOAMNIONITIS: CURRENT CONCEPTS OF DIAGNOSIS, CLASSIFICATION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Interest in the clinical associations between maternal intrapartum fever and adverse neonatal outcome has been longstanding, with publications of a relationship between maternal fever and cerebral palsy dating from the 1950s. Further recognition of the associations between either clinically or histologically characterised chorioamnionitis, ascending infection and neonatal wellbeing followed, with numerous reports in the 1960s and 70s, particularly as the neonatal significance of group B streptococcal infections became apparent. Similarly, with the systematic introduction of diagnostic light microscopy into clinical medicine, chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the placental membranes) and funisitis (inflammation of the umbilical cord) were recognised as distinct histological entities, with increasing recognition that the aetiology was likely to be infective. There are numerous texts discussing in detail the pathogenesis and histological features of chorioamnionitis and funisitis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the salient associated issues for clinical practitioners and to highlight areas of ongoing uncertainty and recent developments in understanding.

Positive effects of the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment on delays in accessing care for postpartum and postabortion hemorrhage in Egypt and Nigeria

BACKGROUND

We examined whether the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) ameliorates the effects of delays in transport to and treatment at hospitals for women with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and postabortion hemorrhage (PAH) and investigated the effects of NASG use on timing of delivery of interventions in-hospital.

METHODS

Pre/post studies of the NASG were conducted at hospitals in Cairo (n = 349 women), Assuit (n = 274), Southern Nigeria (n = 57), and Northern Nigeria (n = 124). In post-hoc analyses, comparisons of delays were conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and associations of delays with extreme adverse outcomes (EAO, mortality or severe morbidity) were examined using chi-square tests, odds ratios (ORs), and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Median minutes from hemorrhage start to study admission differed by site, ranging from 15 minutes in Cairo to 225 minutes in Northern Nigeria (p < 0.001). Median minutes from study admission to blood transfusion ranged from 30 minutes in Cairo to 209 minutes in Southern Nigeria (p < 0.001). Twenty percent of women with ≥60 minutes between hemorrhage start and study admission experienced an EAO without the NASG compared with only 6% with the NASG (χ(2) = 13.71, p < 0.001). In-hospital delays in receiving intravenous (IV) fluids and blood were more common in the NASG phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with PPH or PAH in Egypt and Nigeria often face delays in reaching emergency obstetrical care facilities and delays in receiving definitive therapies after arrival. Our results indicate that the NASG can reduce the impact of these delays. Stabilization does not replace treatment, however, and delays in fluid/blood administration with NASG use must be avoided.

Is intensive care the only answer for high risk pregnancies in developing nations?

BACKGROUND

Management of high risk obstetric patients.

AIM

The present study was conducted to evaluate the primary causes of the admission of obstetric patients to Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the presence of co-morbid diseases, outcome of such patients, their survival rate as well as the factors which contribute to the maternal mortality.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Anaesthesiology/ICU of our Institute.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-one obstetric patients, who were admitted to ICU between 20 December 2006 and 31 January 2010, were evaluated for various factors responsible for their admission as well as their outcome.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

At the end of study, the data were arranged systematically and subjected to statistical analysis using nonparametric tests and P value <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Majority of the 61 patients admitted in ICU were referred from the peripheral health centers, smaller nursing homes/hospitals and some even without proper primary care and mainly comprising uneducated and rural population. Hemorrhage, pregnancy induced hypertension, cardiac diseases, respiratory insufficiency and sepsis were the main causes for admission. A total of 18 patients among 61 died during their ICU stay in the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

In the developing countries, high risk pregnancy should be managed at peripheral centers with proper facilities, antenatal visits and timely referral. The intensive care help should be reserved for very high risk pregnancies with co-morbid diseases.

Indications and outcome for obstetric patients' admission to intensive care unit: a 7-year review

The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the indications, interventions and clinical outcome of pregnant and newly delivered women admitted to the multidisciplinary intensive care unit at the King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan over a 7-year period from January 2002 to December 2008. The collected data included demographic characteristics of the patients, mode of delivery, pre-existing medical conditions, reason for admission, specific intervention, length of stay and maternal outcome. A total of 43 women required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), which represented 0.37% of all deliveries. The majority (95.3%) of patients were admitted to the ICU postpartum. The most common reasons for admissions were (pre)eclampsia (48.8%) and obstetric haemorrhage (37.2). The remainder included adult respiratory distress syndrome (6.9%), pulmonary embolism (2.3%) and neurological disorders (4.6%). Mechanical ventilation was required to support 18.6% of patients and transfusion of red blood cells was needed for 48.8% of patients. There were three maternal deaths (6.9%). A multidisciplinary team approach is essential to improve the management of hypertensive disorders and postpartum haemorrhage to achieve significant improvements in maternal outcome. A large, prospective study to know which women are at high risk of admission to the intensive care units and to prevent serious maternal morbidity and mortality is warranted.