EmergenciesFree in the app
Maternal sepsis
Suspected infection + red flags — Sepsis Six within 1 hour.
Source: RCOG GTG 64 (2024)Red flags
- New confusion
- RR ≥25, HR >130
- Systolic ≤90 or MAP <65
- Needs ≥40% O2
- No urine 12 h / <0.5 ml/kg/h
- Mottled skin, non-blanching rash
- Lactate ≥2 mmol/L
Sepsis Six
- Senior review.
- Oxygen to SpO2 94–98%.
- Blood cultures and bloods incl. lactate.
- IV broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour.
- IV fluid bolus 500 ml if hypotensive or lactate >2 (care in pre-eclampsia).
- Hourly urine output; observations every 30 min.
Find the source: uterus, urine, chest, wound, breast. Lactate >4 or persistent hypotension: critical care.
A summary for trained clinicians. Always check the full guideline, the patient in front of you and your hospital's protocol. Spotted an error? Tell us.