Outcome of Patients Admitted to Obstetric Intensive Care Unit With Severe Preeclampsia, Eclampsia or HELLP Syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with maternal mortality and morbidity. Patients with these diseases usually require intensive care. This study reviewed pregnant women with severe preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome who needed intensive care and were consequently admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, data of all preeclamptic and eclamptic women and patients with HELLP syndrome who delivered at Al-Zahra hospital over a 1-year period from March 2012 to March 2013 were reviewed. Results: Of 9812 women delivered in our center, 56 women with severe hypertensive disorders required ICU admission (0.6%). The most common therapeutic interventions included vasodilator agents and transfusion. No case of maternal mortality was reported; while 5 cases of fetal death (8.9%) due to intrauterine death were reported. Conclusion: Outcome of patients admitted in ICU for severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is generally good. Intensive care management should be considered in every referral obstetric center.