A Five-Year Review of Obstetric Admission to Intensive Care Unit at Hatyai Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To ascertain the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of obstetric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Hatyai Hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective medical chart review of all pregnant women and postpartum patients at less than 42 days admitted to the ICU between October 2014 and September 2019 was done. Results: There were 32,613 deliveries in Hatyai Hospital during the five-year study period, with 137 obstetric patients admitted to the ICU. The prevalence of obstetric ICU admissions was 0.42%. The main reasons leading to ICU admission were postpartum hemorrhage at 56.93%, followed by pregnancy-induced hypertension at 14.60%. Mechanical ventilation, at 86.13%, was the most common intervention in ICU admissions, with a five-year mortality rate of 3.64%. Conclusion: The prevalence of obstetric ICU admissions was 0.42%. Postpartum hemorrhage and pregnancy-related hypertension with complications were the two common obstetric indications for ICU admissions. The maternal mortality rate was low. A multidisciplinary team approach is mandatory in the care of obstetrical emergencies. Keywords: Maternal mortality; Pregnancy-induced hypertension; Postpartum hemorrhage; Intensive care unit