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

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2022.06.13324

Received 25 October 2021 | Revised 8 February 2022 | Accepted 14 February 2022