Cuidado crítico materno: desenlaces y características de los pacientes de una unidad obstétrica combinada de alta dependencia en Medellín, Colombia

SUMMARY The critically ill obstetric patient represents a complex clinical challenge that requires a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of our study was to assess the utilization rate, admission diagnosis and maternal-fetal outcome of critically ill obstetrical patients admitted in a single institution high dependency/Intensive care Unit in Colombia, Latin America. A 3-year retrospective review of hospital records was completed. Eight hundred and nineteen patients were admitted in a 3 year period, representing 3.3 % of all deliveries, 64 % of the admissions were in the antepartum period. Obstetric complications accounted for 82 % of admissions; the preeclampsia - eclampsia and its complications were the most common diagnosis (50.5 %) and obstetric hemorrhage was the primary cause of severe morbidity and mortality. There were seven deaths (0.85 %). The average length of stay at the unit was 2.41 days (1–15). Nine patients were transferred to a medical/surgical Intensive Care Unit during the study. Uses of an exclusive Obstetric high dependency unit includes the concurrent availability of an obstetric, perinatal and critical care management, with low threshold for admission either antenatal or in the postnatal period, that allow an efficient and opportune management of the complex obstetric patient.