A prospective observational study of clinical and demographic profile of obstetric patients requiring intensive care unit admissions in a tertiary care hospital, Kashmir

Background: Obstetric critical care is a key indicator of maternal and perinatal health. Severe complications such as hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage, and sepsis frequently necessitate ICU admission, particularly in resource-limited and rural settings. Understanding demographic factors, antenatal care utilization, and clinical outcomes can guide preventive strategies.Aim: To analyze the demographic profile, indications for ICU admission, antenatal care status, maternal and perinatal outcomes, and ICU stay duration among obstetric patients at a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This prospective observational study included 300 obstetric patients admitted to the ICU at Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar, from September 2023 to February 2025. Data on demographics, obstetric history, indications for ICU admission, antenatal care, maternal and perinatal outcomes, and duration of ICU stay were collected and analyzed.Results: The majority of patients were aged 26-30 years (39.7%) and from rural areas (74%), with over half having primary-level education. Multigravida and grand multigravida women constituted 92% of admissions. Hypertensive disorders (34.3%), hemorrhage (26.3%), and sepsis (14.3%) were the leading causes. Only 24.3% had regular antenatal care. Maternal outcomes showed 88.3% survival, 3.3% transfer to higher ICU, and 8.3% mortality. Perinatal outcomes included 82% live births, 14% intrauterine fetal deaths, and 4% early neonatal deaths. Most patients (64%) had ICU stays of 1-3 days, while 12% required ?7 days.Conclusion: High parity, rural residence, low education, and inadequate antenatal care are major risk factors for ICU admission. Hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage, and sepsis are primary causes. Strengthening antenatal care, improving rural referral systems, and timely management of obstetric emergencies can reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.