L.A.V.O.E.: An Easy Mnemonic for the Initial Management of Sepsis in Obstetric Patients

Abstract

Maternal Sepsis remains as one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality between obstetric patients with the 11% of maternal deaths worldwide. It also contributes, to the increased risk of other common causes of maternal death such as hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage, and thromboembolism. Despite of the recent advances in preventative strategies, diagnostic tools, antimicrobial therapy and laboratory tests, morbidity and mortality in pregnant population continued to increase over the years [1]. Due to these worrying facts, effective prevention, early recognition and appropriate management has become so important nowadays. The international definition of sepsis was changed in 2016 by the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3) Committee defined sepsis as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a deregulated host response to infection secondary to inadequate perfusion [2]. Attending the physiopathology of sepsis we propose the mnemonics LAVOE initial management with Liquids (fluids therapy), Antibiotics, Vasopressors, Oxygen and Enoxaparin (thromboprophylaxis) as an easy form to remember what to do with a patient on suspect of sepsis.