Anaesthetic lessons to be learnt from confidential inquiries into maternal death

Morbidity and mortality from obstetric anaesthesia in the 1990s

As anaesthetic-related maternal mortality reduces in the developed world, alternative indicators of obstetric anaesthetic quality are required. Serious morbidity is difficult to define and quantify, but can be reduced by the provision of effective critical care. Regional anaesthesia, although safer than general anaesthesia, is not without risks. Evidence-based strategies exist to reduce the risks.

Critical care obstetrics and gynecology

The critical care aspects of obstetrics and pregnancy are varied and demand that critical care practitioners have a thorough knowledge of fetal and maternal changes in physiology as pregnancy progresses. Pregnancy can affect every organ system; and organ-specific conditions as well as syndromes that span multiple organ systems were described. Care of the critically ill, pregnant patient requires a true multidisciplinary approach for optimal outcomes. A review of the current concepts and suggestions for therapy were presented.