Objective

To determine the predictors of mortality in patients with obstetric sepsis using the Sepsis in Obstetrics Score (SOS) and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment-Obstetrics (SOFA-O).

Material and methods

An observational, retrospective, descriptive study was carried out, where data were collected from patients who entered intensive care units of second-level hospitals with a diagnosis of obstetric sepsis in the period from June 30, 2015 to June 30, 2017. The SOS and SOFA-O instruments were applied, correlating the variables with maternal mortality.

Results

From a universe of 284 patients who entered the ICU of second level hospitals, 51 were selected who had inclusion criteria for sepsis, correlating with SOS and SOFA-O variables. We found that major risk factors for the development of sepsis were multigestation, having preeclampsia, anemia, cesarean section, poor prenatal control and been subject of invasive procedures. The quantitative variables related to maternal death were creatinine, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, heart rate, lactate, venous saturation. The minimum and maximum SOS scores for maternal death were 7-22, and SOFA-O, 10-18 points. There was a mortality of 7.8% (four patients) of the study population.

Conclusions

The incidence of obstetric sepsis is increasing; therefore, rapid recognition and appropriate therapy will impact patient’s survival.