Sepsis in Obstetrics: Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Definitions.

In spite of many medical breakthroughs, sepsis continues to be challenging to identify, treat, and successfully resolve, including among the obstetric population. Sepsis is the result of an overactive, complex inflammatory response that is not completely understood. Currently there are no nationally agreed-upon criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis in pregnant or peripartum women, as the physiologic changes of pregnancy have not been taken into consideration.This article is the first in a series of three that discuss the importance of sepsis and septic shock in pregnancy. The focus of this article is to understand the proposed pathophysiology of sepsis and new definitions associated with sepsis and septic shock. Knowledge of these conditions can assist in better identification of sepsis in the obstetric population.

Sepsis in Obstetrics: Treatment, Prognosis, and Prevention.

Sepsis during pregnancy is one of the five leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Early recognition and prompt treatment of maternal sepsis is necessary to improve patient outcomes. Patient education on practices that reduce infections may be helpful in decreasing rates of sepsis. Education of nurses about early signs and symptoms of sepsis in pregnancy and use of obstetric-specific tools can assist in timely identification and better outcomes. Although the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) criteria for diagnosis of sepsis in the general population are not pertinent for obstetric patients, their treatment bundles (guidelines) are applicable and can be used to guide care of obstetric patients who develop sepsis.This article is the third in a series of three that discuss the importance of sepsis and septic shock in pregnancy. This article includes case studies, treatment, prognosis, education, and prevention of maternal sepsis.

Sepsis in Obstetrics: Clinical Features and Early Warning Tools.

Morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis has gained widespread attention on a local, state, and national level, yet, it remains a complicated disorder that can be difficult to identify in a timely manner. Sepsis in obstetric patients further complicates the diagnosis as alterations in physiology related to pregnancy can mask sepsis indicators normally seen in the general population. If early signs of sepsis go unrecognized, septic shock can develop, leading to organ dysfunction and potential death. Maternal early warning tools have been designed to assist clinicians in recognizing early indications of illness. Through use of clinical pathway-specific tools, disease processes may be detected early, subsequently benefitting patients with aggressive treatment management and intervention.This article is the second in a series of three that discuss the importance of sepsis and septic shock in pregnancy. Risk factors, causes of sepsis, signs and symptoms, and maternal early warning tools are discussed.