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Obstetric Emergencies requiring Rapid response team activation: A retrospective cohort study in a high-risk tertiary care centre

J. Taras, G. Raghavan, K. Downey, M. Balki

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 2021

110 participants · 6 citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to better understand obstetric codes requiring rapid response team (RRT) activation by examining their incidence, indications, team response and patient outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study in peripartum women who required activation of "Code 77 (C77)" (obstetric emergency), "Code Blue (CB)" (cardiopulmonary compromise) or "Code Omega (CO)" (massive transfusion) during hospitalization during January 2014-May 2018. Hospital database and health records were interrogated to identify and review cases. Data on code characteristics, resuscitative measures, and maternal/ neonatal outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

147 codes were identified (C77, n=110; CO, n=25; CB, n=12) during the study period, with an incidence of 1:203 deliveries (C77 - 1:271 deliveries, CO - 1:1,194 deliveries and CB - 1:2,488 deliveries). The common indications for C77 were cord prolapse (33%) and fetal bradycardia (32%), and for CO and CB were postpartum hemorrhage (84%) and cardiac arrest (42%), respectively. Most (67%) codes occurred afterhours. The median (IQR) decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) was 8 (5, 15) min after C77. Emergency cesarean delivery (CD) was performed after 57% of obstetric emergencies and general anesthesia was administered in 63% of CDs. Maternal and neonatal mortality rates were 0.68% and 7%, respectively. Major maternal morbidity was seen in 33% cases. Debrief was documented in 4% codes.

CONCLUSION

RRT activation was required more…

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