Profile and outcomes of management of patients admitted to obstetric high care unit in a tertiary academic hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa

The aim of this study was to describe maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of women admitted in a dedicated obstetric high care unit (OHCU) in a tertiary hospital in Gauteng province, South Africa. The study involved review of clinical records of women admitted to OHCU between January and June 2016. Data collected included maternal demographic data, indication for admission, management and outcomes. A total of 4 637 of women gave birth and 114 (2.5%) were admitted to the OHCU during this period. Majority (90, 78.9%) were younger than 35 (mean 29.6) years with 32(28.1%), in their first pregnancy. Obstetric related indications for OHCU admission were mainly, pre-eclampsia and related complications (89, 78.1%), followed by obstetric haemorrhage (32, 28.1%). Cardiac disease, 14(12.3%) and pneumonia 6(5.3%) were the most common non-obstetrics indications for admission. Majority of patients stayed in OHCU for an average of 24-48 hours and were discharged alive (99.86.8%). Only 11(9.6%) were transferred to ICU and complications related to cardiac diseases were the most common reason for the transfer. Preeclampsia, obstetric hemorrhage and cardiac related complications are the most common reasons for OHCU and ICU admissions however most of these condition can be successfully managed in OHCU.