HARD DECISIONS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Intensivecareunitkapak

DIFFICULT CASES IN PREGNANT PATIENTS

Erol Toy

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Department of Intensive Care, Ankara, Türkiye

Toy E. Difficult Cases in Pregnant Patients. In: Turan S, editor. Hard Decisions in Intensive Care Unit. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.483-491.

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy is a complex period characterized by significant physiological changes in the body. These changes primarily affect the cardiovascular, renal and immune systems to meet the needs of both the mother and the developing fetus. While most pregnancies proceed without complications, some can present serious health problems. These complications can significantly jeopardize the health of both mother and fetus. These critical conditions require prompt and accurate diagnosis to effectively address the underlying problems. A multidisciplinary approach and carefully designed treatments are essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and fetus.

A number of complications can occur during pregnancy that affect critical systems such as cardiovascular, renal, neurologic and immune function and pose risks to both mother and fetus. Cardiovascular problems such as acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias and peripartum cardiomyopathy require advanced interventions and close hemodynamic monitoring. Renal complications such as acute kidney injury and pre-eclampsia require careful fluid and electrolyte management. Infectious events such as urinary tract infections and maternal sepsis are managed with antibiotics and supportive care, while neurological conditions such as eclampsia and cerebrovascular events require immediate stabilization and specialized therapies. Furthermore, pregnancy trauma and obstetric bleeding require rapid intervention and multidisciplinary coordination to ensure maternal and fetal health.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Critical care; Pregnancy complications; Maternal health; Intensive care units

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