Common obstetrics and gynecologic topics in critical care: A narrative review

Abstract

The fields of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Critical Care often share medically and surgically complex patients. Peripartum anatomic and physiologic changes can predispose or exacerbate certain conditions and rapid action is often needed. This review discusses some of the most common conditions responsible for the admission of obstetrical and gynecological patients to the critical care unit. We will consider both obstetrical and gynecologic concepts including postpartum hemorrhage, antepartum hemorrhage, abnormal uterine bleeding, preeclampsia and eclampsia, venous thromboembolism, amniotic fluid embolism, sepsis and septic shock, obstetrical trauma, acute abdomen, malignancies, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and substance abuse. This article aims to be a primer for the Critical Care provider.

Keywords: Critical care; gynecology; obstetrics.