Maternal Sepsis

Introduction

Maternal Sepsis is sepsis which occurs as the result of pregnancy, delivery, or infection during the post-partum period.  Per the World Health Organization (WHO), maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition defined as organ dysfunction resulting from infection during pregnancy, childbirth, post-abortion, or the postpartum period.  Unfortunately, over 60,000 women in the United States each year are diagnosed with sepsis.  Most recover, but approximately 2,000 will die and others will have significant morbidity as a consequence. 

Sepsis, an inflammatory reaction to infection, is responsible for 15% of all maternal deaths worldwide with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) listing sepsis as responsible for 12.7% of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States.  Sepsis cannot always be prevented, but the risk can be reduced by taking steps to quickly identify and treat infections. 

THA hosted a webinar for members on October 16, 2017 to provide information on VLARC, the processes for billing claims if inserted at the time of delivery, and resources available to educate providers. The link to the slides and recording is available here.

Resources

Maternal Sepsis Resources

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Maternal Sepsis