Current Key Challenges in Managing Maternal Sepsis

Sepsis resulting from maternal infection is the second leading cause of pregnancy-related death. Although screening and initial care of a septic nonpregnant patient is standardized in nonpregnant adults, many challenges exist for early recognition and management of sepsis and septic shock in the obstetric population. Because most sepsis research excludes pregnant patients, there are many challenges that contribute to a lack of standardized approach to maternal sepsis. These challenges include inconsistent early warning sign criteria, lack of validated screening tools, adaptation of bundle components for maternal physiology, delivery considerations, and knowing when to transfer the patient to a higher level of care. To overcome these challenges, reduce variation in care, and improve patient outcomes, it is important for clinicians to plan, practice, and implement a maternal sepsis bundle.