Obstetric Sepsis
Why We Want to Prevent Obstetric Sepsis
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 complicates the diagnosis even further. A women’s body goes through a multitude of physiological changes during pregnancy that can alter the common sepsis warning signs seen in the general population.
It’s hard to imagine with all the medical breakthroughs being pregnant and giving birth can result in life-threatening complications such as sepsis. Thousands of pregnant women in the United States are diagnosed with obstetric sepsis and, while most women recover, some face life-threatening complications. Early identification of signs and symptoms associated with sepsis in obstetric patients remains a major issue.
What We’re Doing to Address Obstetric Sepsis
NJHIIN is doing its part to educate providers, family members and, most importantly, the patient. The arrival of a new baby is a time for celebrating, making memories and growing a family. Take the time to educate yourself and your loved ones to signs and symptoms of sepsis.
For clinicians, examples of hospital-based protocols and resources from several NJHIIN member hospitals are available by contacting Soniya Sheth at SSheth@NJHA.com.
Resources
- Why Maternal Sepsis is Such an Important Topic
- Sepsis in Obstetrics: Clinical Features and Early Warning Tools
- Sepsis and Pregnancy & Childbirth
- Seacrist, MJ, Morton, CH, VanOtterloo, LR, & Main, EK. "Quality Improvement Opportunities Identified Through Case Review of Pregnancy-Related Deaths From Sepsis." Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing. 48(3), 311-320.
- Maternal Sepsis Clinical Pathway
- Maternal Assessment of Sepsis Tool
- OB Calculator
- California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC): The Improving Diagnosis and Treatment of Maternal Sepsis toolkit - developed by the Maternal Sepsis Task Force as a resource for obstetricians, rapid response teams, and intensive care units who interact with women during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. The toolkit offers a new two-step screening and confirmation process to more accurately diagnose and treat maternal sepsis.
Webinars
