Sepsis as a cause of maternal death

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2026.214

Klimov V.A., Silaev B.V., Shchegolev A.I., Serov V.N.
1) Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia; 2) I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia

This paper presents an analysis of the literature on the evolution of views regarding the definition of sepsis. It is noted that the main clinical manifestation of sepsis is the development of multiple organ dysfunction/failure in the presence of an obvious or probable source of infection (septic focus) and assessed using the SOFA score. It is emphasized that the physiological changes in the body that occur during pregnancy are reflected in the values of the SOFA score, which does not include any adjustments for this, and that multiple organ failure may also complicate other conditions. In the absence of laboratory data, the use of the SOFA quick assessment scale (qSOFA) is considered a promising diagnostic method for determining a patient’s risk of adverse outcomes. It is stated that the detection of microorganisms in a patient’s blood (bacteremia) is one of the important, but not mandatory, manifestations of sepsis; consequently, the absence of bacteremia should not exclude the possibility of making a diagnosis and administering antibiotic therapy. The characteristics are highlighted and the wording for the final clinical diagnosis is provided in cases of maternal death from sepsis, depending on the gestational age and the source of infection: sepsis developing during or after an abortion, sepsis during labor, postpartum sepsis, and non-obstetric sepsis.
Conclusion. Sepsis remains one of the most common causes of maternal death that requires intensive care.

Authors’ contributions. Klimov V.A., Silaev B.V., Shchegolev A.I. – search and analysis of literary sources, writing and editing the text of the article; Serov V.N. – editing the text.
Conflicts of interest. Authors declare lack of the possible conflicts of interests.
Funding. The study was conducted without sponsorship.
Generative Artificial Intelligence. No generative artificial intelligence technologies were used in the preparation of this article.
For citation: Klimov V.A., Silaev B.V., Shchegolev A.I., Serov V.N. Sepsis as a cause of maternal death.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya/Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; (8): 13-21 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2026.214

maternal death

sepsis

septic shock

diagnosis

Full text (in Russian)

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Received 03.07.2026

Accepted 14.07.2026

Vladimir A. Klimov, PhD, Head of the Service for Organization of Medical Care and Information Service, Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Heath of Russia, 117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparin str., 4, +7(977)937-67-27, va_klimov@oparina4.ru,
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4699-7614
Borislav V. Silaev, PhD, Associate Professor at the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Heath of Russia (Sechenov University); Head of the Department of Anesthesiology-Intensive Care of the Institute of Anesthesiology-Intensive Care and Transfusiology, Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Heath of Russia,
117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparin str., 4, b_silaev@oparina4.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9698-3915
Alexander I. Shchegolev, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Head of the 2nd Pathology Department, Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Heath of Russia, 117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparin str., 4, ashegolev@oparina4.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2111-1530
Vladimir N. Serov, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, President of the Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists;
Chief Researcher, Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia,
117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparina str., 4, v_serov@oparina4.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6640-1235

Sepsis as a cause of maternal death

Klimov V.A., Silaev B.V., Shchegolev A.I., Serov V.N.

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