The Use of Maternal Early Obstetric Warning Score (MEOWS) as a Tool to Predict Treatment Needs in the Intensive Care Unit in Severe Preeclampsia Patients

Abstract

Objective: To determine the cut-off point of the Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS) scores for severe preeclampsia patients to enhance clinical surveillance and responsiveness for determining the appropriate level of care. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 282 samples selected from medical record data of research subjects at Arifin Achmad Hospital in Pekanbaru. The research variables included preeclampsia (PEB), MEOWS score, and the place of care. The research sample was categorized into two groups: those with high MEOWS scores (MEOWS ≥ 8) and those with low MEOWS scores (MEOWS < 8). Data were processed and statistically analyzed using SPSS, with sensitivity and specificity measurements conducted using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the MEOWS score thresholds between the two groups. The calculated cut-off point for the MEOWS score was determined to be 7.57 (rounded to 8). There was a significant association between MEOWS scores ≥ 8 and the need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care (Relative Risk [RR] 0.35; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.157–0.788; p = 0.009) as well as the risk of Intrauterine Fetal Demise (IUFD) (RR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02–1.06). Conclusion: The MEOWS score can serve as a valuable parameter for early detection of ICU care requirements in severe preeclampsia patients, thereby enhancing clinical surveillance and responsiveness.