Understanding obstetric ICU admissions: Clinical profile and outcomes in a tertiary hospital

Background: Obstetric patients requiring intensive care constitute a high-risk subgroup within maternal health services. These patients often present with rapidly evolving, life-threatening conditions that demand specialized and multidisciplinary care. Understanding the epidemiology, indications, and outcomes of obstetric intensive care unit (ICU) admissions is essential to improve maternal outcomes. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, indications, and maternal outcomes of obstetric admissions to the ICU at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted including all obstetric patients (pregnant or within 42 days postpartum) admitted to the ICU between December 2023 and February 2025. Data on demographic characteristics, obstetric profile, indications for ICU admission, interventions, duration of ICU stay, and outcomes were collected from medical records. Results: Out of 1,902 total deliveries during the study period, 50 women required ICU admission, yielding a prevalence of 2.6%. The majority of patients were aged 21–30 years (88%) and were multigravidas (58%). The most common indications for ICU admission were obstetric hemorrhage (28%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (22%). Cesarean section was the most frequently performed surgical procedure (68%). The maternal mortality rate was 6%. Conclusion: Obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders remain the leading causes of ICU admission. Early risk identification, timely referral, and coordinated multidisciplinary management are crucial in reducing severe maternal morbidity and mortality.