Enhancing maternal care: Applying the maternal near miss concept in intensive care units

ABSTRACT:

Background: The Maternal Near-Miss (MNM) concept, defined by WHO, identifies women who survive life-threatening obstetric complications. Its application in ICUs offers critical insights into maternal care quality. Objective: To evaluate maternal morbidity and outcomes among ICU-admitted obstetric patients using WHO MNM criteria. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 90 obstetric ICU admissions at MGM Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad (Oct 2023–Oct 2024). Data on demographics, complications, interventions, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: MNM was observed in 62.2% of cases. Most patients were aged 21–25 years (46.7%) and admitted post-emergency caesarean section (50%). Severe pre-eclampsia (32.1%) and hemorrhage were leading causes. Blood transfusions (46.7%), ventilatory support (28.9%), and multidisciplinary care (57.8%) were key interventions. Maternal mortality was 2.2%. Conclusion: Applying the MNM approach in ICUs helps identify critical risk factors and improve maternal outcomes through timely, multidisciplinary care.

Keywords: Maternal Near-Miss (MNM), WHO, ICU