Causes and Outcomes of Maternal Hospitalization during Pregnancy and Puerperium in Intensive Care Units of Mazandaran Teaching Hospitals in 2001-2013

Pregnancy-related mortality is one of the most important indicators of the overall health of a population and the functioning of the healthcare system. Mainly, pregnant women are admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) for reducing maternal and neonatal complications and mortality. The present study aimed to determine the causes and outcomes of maternal hospitalization during pregnancy and puerperium in the ICUs of Babol and Sari teaching hospitals during April 2001-March 2012. In this descriptive analytical study, all pregnant women, admitted to the ICUs of Babol and Sari hospitals during 2001-2012, were enrolled. Demographic data, as well as complications and procedures, documented in hospital records, were collected. For data analysis, Chi-square test was performed, using SPSS version 18. In 64 pregnant women, who were admitted to the ICUs, hypertension was the most common cause of hospitalization (39.1%). The most commonly performed procedure was blood transfusion (32.8%), followed by intubation (21.9%). Overall, maternal death was reported in 6 cases (9.4%), and embolism was observed in 4 patients (6.3%). Cesarean section (c-section) was performed in 93.75% of subjects, hospitalized after childbirth. In this study, the most common cause of ICU admission was hypertension, and the most commonly performed procedure was blood transfusion. Since c-section was the most common mode of delivery, unnecessary cases of c-section should be avoided. In addition, identifying factors, which lead to ICU admission or death in pregnant women, and increasing the quality of prenatal care for reducing maternal and mortality rates are essential.