OBSTETRIC COMPLICATIONS LEADING TO ICU ADMISSIONS: INCIDENCE, RISK FACTORS, AND SURVIVAL RATES

Background: Obstetric complications remain a major contributor to severe maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Women requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission represent the most critically ill obstetric population and frequently require advanced multidisciplinary management to improve maternal outcomes. Objective: To determine the incidence, risk factors, and survival outcomes of obstetric patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit due to obstetric complications at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Intensive Care Unit of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. A total of 47 obstetric patients aged 18–45 years admitted to the ICU due to pregnancy-related complications were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data regarding demographic characteristics, obstetric history, indication for ICU admission, clinical management, duration of ICU stay, and survival outcomes were collected using a structured proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were calculated and associations between study variables and outcomes were assessed using appropriate statistical tests, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 47 obstetric patients were included in the study. The majority belonged to the 26–35 years age group and were multiparous. Postpartum hemorrhage was the most common indication for ICU admission, followed by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and sepsis. Mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support were required in a proportion of critically ill patients. Most patients survived and were successfully discharged from the ICU, while a smaller proportion experienced mortality during admission. Conclusion: Obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were the leading causes of ICU admission among obstetric patients. Early identification of high-risk pregnancies, timely referral, comprehensive antenatal care, and multidisciplinary critical care management may contribute to improved maternal survival and reduced severe maternal morbidity.