A comparative analysis of qSOFA and SOFA score for outcome prediction among obstetric patients admitted to intensive care unit at a tertiary care centre

Background: Sepsis in obstetric patients remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, requiring timely recognition and management. The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score is widely used for organ dysfunction assessment, while the Quick SOFA (qSOFA) provides a rapid bedside tool. Their utility in obstetric sepsis, however, is challenged by pregnancy-related physiological changes. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months (June 2023-November 2024) at L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut. Fifty women pregnant, postnatal (≤6 weeks), or postabortal (≤2 weeks) with sepsis diagnosed by SIRS criteria were included. Patients with ectopic pregnancy, malignancy, trauma, or chronic systemic disease were excluded. Clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and SOFA/qSOFA scoring were performed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v22 with Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-test, and ROC analysis. Results: SOFA scores showed significant correlation with maternal outcomes: 70% recovered, 20% developed complications, and 10% died (p=0.015). ICU admission was associated with higher qSOFA scores in 80% of patients (p=0.007). SOFA demonstrated superior sensitivity (85%) and specificity (90%) for mortality prediction compared to qSOFA (70% and 75%, respectively; p=0.013). Conclusion: qSOFA is a useful triage tool for rapid assessment, while SOFA provides greater prognostic accuracy. A combined approach may improve management of obstetric sepsis.