Role of critical care units in the management of obstetric patients (Review)

Abstract

Pregnancy is considered a natural process for the majority of women. However, a limited proportion of pregnancies and deliveries can present with a broad variety of complications that may require admission to a Critical Care Unit (CCU). In the present review, the indications of admission of obstetrical and postpartum patients to CCUs were critically evaluated with a particular focus on the management of their complications. The management of critically ill obstetric patients remains challenging due to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, pregnancy-related diseases and the need to carefully consider the well-being of the fetus before any intervention can be recom-mended/performed. Indications for admission to CCUs include both obstetric and non-obstetric conditions that may require continuous monitoring and further interventions. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and mass hemorrhage are amongst the most common causes of admission to CCUs in pregnant and postpartum women. The establishment of a diagnostic and care algorithm based on the contribution of a multidisciplinary team is of critical importance to aid in the determination of which patients will require intensive care, and to assist in deciding what type of critical care each critically ill patients receives.