Clinical Characteristics of Obstetric Patients Admitted in ICU During COVID-19 Pandemic and its Comparison with Pre-COVID Period: A Retrospective Analysis from North India

Background: It was initially believed that coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) increased the risk of complications as well as mortality in obstetric patients. This study was done to analyze any difference in-patient admissions, indications and outcomes in the obstetric ICU before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study of obstetric cases admitted to the intensive care unit over a period of 6 years was done. The 6-year period was divided into 2 groups, pre-COVID-19 era (1st March 2017-1st March 2020) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2nd March 2020-2nd March 2023). The causes of admission, clinical characteristics, interventions required and outcomes of these patients were compared to see if there was any difference between the two periods and whether COVID-19 out obstetric patients at any additional risk as compared to patients admitted during the pre-COVID-19 period.

Results: It was found that there was no significant difference in the number of admissions, associated problems, interventions required and outcomes of patients between the two groups. The data seemed to suggest that the number of abortions have increased post COVID-19, but further studies would be required for that.

Conclusion: Obstetric patients did not seem to be at an increased risk for ICU admission due to SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, no additional increase in morbidity or mortality was observed in those patients in comparison to those admitted before the pandemic.

How to cite this article: Khan EA, Qadri A, Wani D, Gurcoo MS. Clinical Characteristics of Obstetric Patients Admitted in ICU During COVID-19 Pandemic and its Comparison with Pre-COVID Period: A Retrospective Analysis from North India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(10):912-916.