ESAIC Academy

Pregnancy-related mortality ratios are higher than previously estimated and there is also evidence of an increasing incidence of several major critical maternal pathologies [e.g. sepsis, hemorrhage and cardiogenic shock]. Almost 10% of admissions of women under the age of 50 into ICUs are for treament of peripartum complications. Data from the US suggests that approximately 40% of maternal deaths occurring in the setting of modern medical care are potentially preventable. Thus, identifying strategies that could prevent maternal critical illness is of utmost importance. In this symposium the first speaker will discuss how registries can improve maternal outcomes. The second speaker will discuss why we are unable to diagnose maternal sepsis. The third speaker will discuss what we know and what we do not know about maternal critical care. And the last speaker will show us what we can do as anesthsiologists to prevent the occurrence of peripartum complications.