Beyond Infection: Targeting Maternal Sepsis

Abstract

Although sepsis only occurs in 1 to 2.5 per 1,000 births, it represents 11-23% of maternal deaths-many of which are preventable. Due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) recommends that every hospital develop a process to screen for sepsis and a standard operating procedures for treatment. The purpose of this report is to review the most recent SSC guidelines with particular reference to maternal physiology, highlight maternal-specific screening tools, and recommendations for treatment, including the need for multidisciplinary collaborative care to reduce morbidity and mortality from maternal sepsis.

Keywords: Early warning signs; Guidelines; Maternal sepsis; Surviving sepsis campaign.