Obstetric admissions to the intensive care unit

Objective: To determine whether obstetric admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) are useful quality-assurance indicators. Methods: We analyzed retrospectively obstetric ICU admissions at two tertiary care centers from 1991 to 1997. Results: The 131 obstetric admissions represented 0.3% of all deliveries. The majority (78%) of women were admitted to the ICU postpartum. Obstetric hemorrhage (26%) and hypertension (21%) were the two most common reasons for admission. Together with cardiac disease, respiratory disorders, and infection, they accounted for more than 80% of all admissions. Preexisting medical conditions were present in 38% of all admissions. The median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 8.5. The predicted mortality rate for the group was 10.0%, and the actual mortality rate was 2.3%. Conclusion: The most common precipitants of ICU admission were obstetric hemorrhage and uncontrolled hypertension. Improved management strategies for these problems may significantly reduce major maternal morbidity.