PREGNANT PATIENTS IN THE INTENSIVE-CARE UNIT - A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS

We present a descriptive analysis of experience with pregnant women in the intensive care units at a tertiary hospital. During the period fr om 1983 through 1990, 38 women were admitted to our intensive care uni ts during their pregnancy or within 2 weeks postpartum. This was a rat e of 1 per 400 pregnant patients. The mean age of these 38 women was 2 5 years; 68% of them were white and 32% were primigravidas. Nineteen o f the 38 women were mechanically ventilated. Twelve women were admitte d for hypertensive disease and 10 for adult respiratory distress syndr ome. Maternal mortality was 18% (7/38). Follow-up was available for 33 women. The fetal and neonatal loss rate in this group was 4 of 33 pre gnancies. In this case series of 38 very ill women, it was apparent th at a team approach of obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and intensive care workers provided optimal management for the mother and child.