Every year, World Sepsis Day serves as a crucial reminder of the global impact of sepsis, an often overlooked but life-threatening condition. While sepsis can affect anyone, it has implications for pregnant and postpartum women, leading to a condition known as maternal sepsis. As we mark World Sepsis Day, it’s vital to shed light on this critical issue and understand how we can make a difference.
What is maternal sepsis?
Maternal sepsis occurs when a pregnant or postpartum woman develops a severe infection that leads to sepsis, a condition where the body’s response to an infection causes widespread inflammation and can result in organ failure. This condition is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Symptoms of maternal sepsis can be diverse and may include:
- Fever or chills
- Rapid heart rate or breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion or disorientation
- Severe abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
Prompt recognition and treatment are essential for survival. Despite advancements in medical care, sepsis remains a significant challenge in maternal health, particularly in low-resource settings.
The global impact
Sepsis is responsible for a substantial number of maternal deaths globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infections are a major contributor to maternal mortality, with sepsis being a leading cause. In high-income countries, improved healthcare infrastructure and early intervention have reduced maternal sepsis rates, but disparities persist. In low- and middle-income countries, where access to healthcare can be limited, maternal sepsis remains a pressing issue.
Why World Sepsis Day matters
World Sepsis Day, observed annually on September 13th, aims to raise awareness about sepsis and promote actions to improve its prevention, recognition, and treatment. The day is an opportunity to educate healthcare professionals and the public about sepsis and to advocate for better resources and practices in maternal healthcare.
Key objectives of World Sepsis Day include:
- Raising Awareness: Educating communities and healthcare providers about the signs and symptoms of sepsis, especially in pregnant and postpartum women.
- Promoting Early Intervention: Encouraging prompt medical attention for suspected infections and sepsis to improve outcomes.
- Supporting Research and Policy: Advocating for better research, data collection, and healthcare policies to address sepsis globally.
- Improving Healthcare Systems: Ensuring that healthcare systems are equipped to manage sepsis effectively, with particular attention to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women.
What can be done?
Addressing maternal sepsis requires a multifaceted approach:
- Education and Training: Healthcare providers should be trained to recognize the early signs of sepsis and to manage infections promptly. This includes understanding the unique aspects of sepsis in pregnant and postpartum women.
- Access to Care: Ensuring that all women, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status, have access to quality prenatal and postnatal care is crucial. This includes access to facilities equipped to handle sepsis cases.
- Public Awareness: Increasing public awareness about the risks of sepsis and the importance of seeking medical care for infections can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
- Research and Data Collection: Investing in research to better understand sepsis and develop new treatments is essential. Accurate data collection helps in identifying trends and improving healthcare strategies.
- Support and Advocacy: Supporting organizations and initiatives that focus on improving maternal health and sepsis care can drive systemic change.
How OBHG hospitalists are making a difference
Dr. Eric Colton, OBHG Market Medical Director and Site Director, is passionate about women’s health. He is working to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality with a focus on maternal sepsis.
“I’ve long been passionate about addressing maternal morbidity and mortality, especially when it comes to maternal sepsis, which consistently ranks among the top issues, depending on the source. This passion stems from my experiences on the job and from reading news stories regarding these issues.
Sepsis in pregnant or postpartum women requires a different approach than in other adults, which is often misunderstood in hospitals lacking obstetric care. This misunderstanding can be critical, as every hour of delay in diagnosing and treating maternal sepsis increases morbidity and mortality by 8%.
At our program, we have a dedicated sepsis team that monitors vital signs across various departments—emergency, ICU, surgical post-op wards, labor and delivery, and the obstetric emergency department. This proactive system ensures that any signs of sepsis trigger immediate intervention, supported by continuous education for our team of physicians and nurses.
The criteria for identifying maternal sepsis are based on four key indicators: temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and white blood cell count. If two of these four are abnormal, it prompts the initiation of treatment. And the treatment itself is straightforward—IV fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics—without the need for complex or invasive procedures.”
Moving forward
As we observe World Sepsis Day, let’s commit to improving maternal health outcomes by addressing sepsis proactively. By raising awareness, advocating for better resources, and supporting research and education, we can make significant strides in reducing the incidence and impact of maternal sepsis.
Every life saved from maternal sepsis represents a step forward in our global health journey. Together, let’s work towards a future where no mother has to face the devastating consequences of sepsis alone.
For more information on World Sepsis Day and how you can get involved, visit the World Sepsis Day website.
Maternal sepsis resource:
Dr. Colton recently recorded a presentation for clinicians regarding maternal sepsis diagnosis and treatment.
Improving Diagnosis & Treatment of Maternal Sepsis – Presentation by Dr. Eric Colton