Abstract

Aim: To determine and understand the cause of critical illness occurring in obstetrics patients, interventions required to prevent adverse events and final outcome of patients.Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study where clinical records of fifty patients admitted during 6-month period were reviewed and analyzed. Both maternal and fetal outcomes were assessed by collecting data: parity, gestational age on admission and delivery, time between illness and childbirth, preexisting morbidities, NICU admissions, condition at birth and mortality.Results: Majority (56%) of the patients were between 26 and 34 years of age. Most of them were referred and unbooked. Cardiac disease was a common preexisting morbidity next to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Majority (66%) of the patients were in third trimester. The most common cause of admission was postoperative intensive monitoring in patients with preexisting morbidity. In this study we noted one maternal death resulting from multiorgan failure hepatic encephalopathy, one case of intrauterine fetal death at 36 weeks period of gestation and early neonatal deaths of preterm baby.Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for continuing vigilance and use of skilled resources for managing critical obstetric patients to avoid maternal mortality.