Analysis of maternal morbidity and mortality among patients admitted to Obstetric Intensive Care with severe preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome

• Published in: Medicina intensiva (English ed.) Vol. 35; no. 8; pp. 478 - 483
• Main Authors: Curiel-Balsera, E, Prieto-Palomino, M.Á, Muñoz-Bono, J, Ruiz de Elvira, M.J, Galeas, J.L, Quesada García, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-11-2011
• Subjects: Critical Care; Internal Medicine; Preeclampsia grave; Síndrome HELLP; Complications; Mortality; Eclampsia; HELLP syndrome; Mortalidad; Severe preeclampsia; Unidad de cuidados intensivos; Complicaciones; Intensive care unit
• ISSN: 2173-5727; 2173-5727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.medine.2011.11.005

Abstract Objective To describe the incidence and clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with severe preeclampsia admitted to intensive care. Design A prospective, observational case series. Setting A specific obstetric 8-bed ICU belonging to a university hospital with a total of 55 ICU beds. Patients A total of 262 patients admitted due to severe preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Intervention Descriptive analysis of the population and complications in the ICU and hospital mortality. Results The mean patient age was 30.47 ± 5.7 years, with the following diagnóstico at admission: A total of 78% of the patients with severe preeclampsia, 16% with HELLP syndrome, and 6% with eclampsia, occurring in gestational week 31.85 ± 4.45. In turn, 63% of the patients were nulliparous and had a low prevalence of previous diseases. The global complications rate was 14% (9% heart failure, 5% acute renal failure and 2% coagulopathy). Maternal mortality was 1.5% (4 patients), and was associated with non-nulliparous status, the presence of complications, and toast >71 mg/dl. Conclusions Severe preeclampsia has a low mortality rate (1.5%), though the complications rate is considerable (14%). The condition develops more often in nulliparous women during the third trimester of pregnancy.