Severe sepsis during pregnancy

Luis D Pacheco1, George R Saade, Gary D V Hankins

  • 1*Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine †Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Surgical Critical Care, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas.

Severe sepsis is a major cause of mortality among critically ill patients. Early recognition accompanied by early initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics with source control and fluid resuscitation improves outcomes. Hemodynamic resuscitation starts with fluid therapy followed by vasopressors if necessary. Cases refractory to first-line vasopressors (norepinephrine) will require second-line vasopressors (epinephrine or vasopressin) and low-dose steroid therapy. Resuscitation goals should include optimization of central venous oxygenation and serum lactate.

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