Outcome of critically ill obstetric patients admitted to the intensive care units in India INDI-OBS STUDY

Worldwide about half a million women die as results of complications of pregnancy and childbirth. In India many women die due to pregnancy-related complications and those who survive suffer from severe maternal morbidity.  Maternal mortality has been identified as a priority on health policy and research agendas for developing countries. Maternal mortality is a vital index of the effectiveness of obstetric services prevailing in country. Obstetric critically ill patients pose significant challenge due to physiological changes. It may become more challenging when comorbid conditions are present. Compared with non-pregnant women they experience considerably increased rates of mortality, receive organ supports for prolonged duration, have premature birth, and are at increased risk of fetal deaths. Obstetric patients in the intensive care unit needed specialized yet personalized care.

In the Indian healthcare settings, there are late referrals, resource constraints and increased burden of critically ill obstetric patients. There is an urgent need for timely obstetric critical care, structured triage systems, and region-specific data to drive policy in order to improve overall outcomes.

This study aimed to assess pregnancy outcomes and mortality in critically ill pregnant women in the Intensive Care Unit  and to provide valuable clinical insights for improving the management of obstetric emergency care, reducing maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes, and improving the level of obstetric care.