Prognosticating Fetomaternal ICU Outcomes

Although no scoring system is as yet fully validated for predicting maternal outcomes in critically ill obstetric patients, prognostication may be done objectively using severity predicting models. General critical care scoring systems which have been studied in obstetric patients are outcome prediction models (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] I-IV, Simplified Acute Physiology Score [SAPS] I-III, Mortality Probability Model [MPM] I-IV) and organ dysfunction scores (Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score [MODS], Logistic Organ Dysfunction Score [LODS], Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA]). General critical care scoring systems may overpredict mortality rates in obstetric patients secondary to an altered physiology of organ systems during pregnancy. Obstetric prediction models were developed keeping in mind the physiological characteristics of obstetric population. They are Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS), Obstetric Early Warning Score (OEWS), Maternal Early Warning Trigger (MEWT), and disease-specific obstetric scoring systems. The APACHE II model and MPM II are most often used scoring systems for predicting maternal mortality. The SOFA model is the best predictive model for sepsis in obstetrics. APACHE II and SAPS are more useful for nonobstetric population. Recent studies have also underscored the applicability of the OEWS in intensive care unit (ICU) settings with results comparable to the more elaborate APACHE II and SOFA scores. The Early Warning System helps in identifying acutely deteriorating pregnant and postpartum women in non-ICU settings who may require critical care. Fetal outcomes are largely dependent upon maternal outcomes. Prognostic systems applied to mothers may help in estimation of perinatal mortality and morbidity. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Suri J, Khanam Z. Prognosticating Fetomaternal ICU Outcomes. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(Suppl 3):S206–S222.