Maternal mortality in an urban tertiary care hospital of north India

Objectives

The aims of the study were to help generate information and knowledge regarding the causes and complications leading to maternal deaths (MDs) in an urban tertiary care hospital, to find if any of them are potentially preventable, and to use information thus generated to save lives.

Methods

The medical records of all MDs occurring over a period of 4 years between January 2003 and December 2006 were reviewed and correlated with maternal age, antenatal registration, mode of delivery, parity, admission death interval, and causes of death.

Results

The maternal mortality rate (MMR) ranged between 926 and 377/100,000 births in the study period. The causes of deaths were sepsis 23.84%, eclampsia /pregnancy-induced hypertension 17.69%, hemorrhage 13.84%, hepatitis 13.84%, anemia 13.07%, respiratory infections 8.46%, other indirect obstetrical causes 6.15%, and unrelated causes 4.61%. Maximum deaths (71.53%) occurred in women between 21 and 30 years of age while multigravida had MMR of 51.53%. Mortality was highest in postnatal mothers 63.06%.Unbooked cases constituted 92.31% of MDs and included 25% referred cases.

Conclusion

Overall maternal mortality was 690/100,000. MDs due to direct obstetric causes were 55.38%, indirect obstetric deaths 40%, and unrelated deaths 4.61%. The causes of potentially preventable deaths include deaths due to anemia, sepsis, hemorrhage, DIC, and anesthesia complication, and accounted for 25.38% of all deaths.     

Evaluation of Severe Maternal Outcomes to Assess Quality of Maternal Health Care at a Tertiary Center

Background

Maternal mortality and near-miss index reflect the quality of care provided by a health facility. The World Health Organization recently published near-miss approach where strict near- miss criteria based on markers of organ dysfunction are defined.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of severe maternal complications, maternal near-miss cases and maternal deaths, to analyze causes of near-miss and maternal mortality and to determine the values of maternal near-miss indicators.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care centre in North India from January 2012 – March 2013. WHO's near-miss approach was implemented for evaluation of severe maternal outcomes and to assess the quality of maternal health care.

Results

The number of women attending our facility with severe maternal complications was low (205 in 6,767 live births); as a result maternal near-miss ratio (MNMR) was low; 3.98/1,000 live births; Overall Maternal near-miss mortality ratio (MNM:1MD) was also low, 3.37:1, because of strict criterion of labeling near-miss and delay in referral to the hospital. Hypertensive disorder (37.5 %) was the commonest underlying cause for maternal mortality.

Conclusion

Basic implementation of WHO near-miss approach helped in the systematic identification and evidence-based management of severe maternal complications thereby improving the quality of maternal health in a developing country.

     

Factors associated with antenatal mental disorder in West Africa: A cross-sectional survey

Background

The maternal mortality ratio in Sudan was estimated at 750/100,000 live births. Sudan was one of eleven countries that are responsible for 65% of global maternal deaths according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) estimate. Maternal mortality in Kassala State was high in national demographic surveys. This study was conducted to investigate the causes and contributing factors of maternal deaths and to identify any discrepancies in rates and causes between different areas.

Methods

A reproductive age mortality survey (RAMOS) was conducted to study maternal mortality in Kassala State. Deaths of women of reproductive age (WRA) in four purposively selected areas were identified by interviewing key informants in each village followed by verbal autopsy.

Results

Over a three-year period, 168 maternal deaths were identified among 26,066 WRA. Verbal autopsies were conducted in 148 (88.1%) of these cases. Of these, 64 (43.2%) were due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. Maternal mortality rates and ratios were 80.6 per 100,000 WRA and 713.6 per 100,000 live births (LB), respectively. There was a wide discrepancy between urban and rural maternal mortality ratios (369 and 872\100,000 LB, respectively). Direct obstetric causes were responsible for 58.4% of deaths. Severe anemia (20.3%) and acute febrile illness (9.4%) were the major indirect causes of maternal death whereas obstetric hemorrhage (15.6%), obstructed labor (14.1%) and puerperal sepsis (10.9%) were the major obstetric causes. Of the contributing factors, we found delay of referral in 73.4% of cases in spite of a high problem recognition rate (75%). 67.2% of deaths occurred at home, indicating under utilization of health facilities, and transportation problems were found in 54.7% of deaths. There was a high illiteracy rate among the deceased and their husbands (62.5% and 48.4%, respectively).

Conclusions

Maternal mortality rates and ratios were found to be high, with a wide variation between urban and rural populations. Direct causes of maternal death were similar to those in developing countries. To reduce this high maternal mortality rate we recommend improving provision of emergency obstetric care (Emoc) in all health facilities, expanding midwifery training and coverage especially in rural areas.     

Changing trends of maternal mortality: A comparative study

Objective

To study the difference in causes of maternal deaths at two tertiary centers one being rural and the other urban.

Methods

A five years retrospective study from January 2001 to December 2005. Results: The maternal mortality ratio has decreased at Eden (6.09 to 2.81/1000 live births) and risen at Bankura (2.68 to 4.18/1000 live births) over the last five years. Most of the deaths were in the age group of 21–30 (65.48% and 60.62%) and unbooked (81.14% and 67.71%) at Eden and Bankura respectively. Greater number of deaths were noted in early puerperium (68.58% vs. 37.79%) and in multigravidas (71.68% vs. 50.78%) at Eden. Sepsis (30.70%) and jaundice (30.08%) were the major causes of death at Bankura and Eden respectively. Death due to toxaemia has gradually decreased.

Conclusion

Majority of the deaths are preventable by proper antenatal care, counseling and asepsis practice. Antenatal care and EmOC are complementary to each other in reducing maternal mortality.     

Maternal Mortality: A FOGSI Study (Based on Institutional Data)

Objective

The aim of this study of maternal deaths through FOGSI members is to see its current STATUS.

Method

A three-year retrospective observational study from January 2005 to December 2007 formed the basis for collection of the data for analysis.

Results

A wide variation of maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the five zones (West—342; South—229; East—709; North East—709 and North—814) was observed. Leading causes of maternal deaths also varied among the zones [hemorrhage in West (31 %), South (26 %), and North East (21.5 %); hypertension in East (34 %) and North (22 %)]. When the data were analyzed as a whole, the leading causes of deaths were determined as hypertension (29.4 %), hemorrhage (21.56 %), sepsis (15.05 %), and medical disorders (12 %). Analysis of data in India (including Kerala State) for the year 2005 revealed significant drop in MMR to 147.

Conclusion

MMR in India varied widely in zones. There is significant difference in MMR for the whole country as well as for the south zone with or without inclusion of Kerala. Areas of discrepancy in data had been observed in different sources. Prioritization of causes of death and appropriate allocation of resources are needed. A prospective study for evaluation of exact MMR in India is an immediate necessity.     

Active management of the third stage of labour without controlled cord traction: a randomized non-inferiority controlled trial

Background

It has been suggested that the study of women who survive life-threatening complications related to pregnancy (maternal near-miss cases) may represent a practical alternative to surveillance of maternal morbidity/mortality since the number of cases is higher and the woman herself is able to provide information on the difficulties she faced and the long-term repercussions of the event. These repercussions, which may include sexual dysfunction, postpartum depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, may persist for prolonged periods of time, affecting women's quality of life and resulting in adverse effects to them and their babies.

Objective

The aims of the present study are to create a nationwide network of scientific cooperation to carry out surveillance and estimate the frequency of maternal near-miss cases, to perform a multicenter investigation into the quality of care for women with severe complications of pregnancy, and to carry out a multidimensional evaluation of these women up to six months.

Methods/Design

This project has two components: a multicenter, cross-sectional study to be implemented in 27 referral obstetric units in different geographical regions of Brazil, and a concurrent cohort study of multidimensional analysis. Over 12 months, investigators will perform prospective surveillance to identify all maternal complications. The population of the cross-sectional component will consist of all women surviving potentially life-threatening conditions (severe maternal complications) or life-threatening conditions (the maternal near miss criteria) and maternal deaths according to the new WHO definition and criteria. Data analysis will be performed in case subgroups according to the moment of occurrence and determining cause. Frequencies of near-miss and other severe maternal morbidity and the association between organ dysfunction and maternal death will be estimated. A proportion of cases identified in the cross-sectional study will comprise the cohort of women for the multidimensional analysis. Various aspects of the lives of women surviving severe maternal complications will be evaluated 3 and 6 months after the event and compared to a group of women who suffered no severe complications in pregnancy. Previously validated questionnaires will be used in the interviews to assess reproductive function, posttraumatic stress, functional capacity, quality of life, sexual function, postpartum depression and infant development.     

La mortalité maternelle en France est-t-elle toujours plus élevée que dans les autres pays européens ? Mise au point avec des données de routine

Background

In 1996, an European study showed that maternal mortality and frequency of deaths due to hemorrhages were higher in France than in other countries. This study aims to update with routine data.

Methods

We compared the maternal mortality ratio and the frequency of causes during the period 2000–2004 among France, United Kingdom (UK), and the Netherlands. The data were collected from WHO and the demographic yearbooks. Direct standardization, Z-test, and Chi-square statistics were used.

Results

The standardized maternal mortality ratios were 7.5, 7.5, and 6.7 per 100,000 live births in France, UK, and the Netherlands, respectively. In France, the ratio decreased between 1990–1994 and 2000–2004 from 11.2 to 7.5 per 100,000 live births. However, the hemorrhages are persisting as the predominant obstetrical cause in France, whereas they are the indirect causes in the UK, and the hypertensive complications are the cause in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

France seems to fill up its delay, thanks to the implementation of the confidential inquiries into maternal death recommendations, launched since 1996. More studies are needed to deal with the hemorrhages.     

Maternal and neonatal outcome in triplet, quadruplet and quintuplet gestations following ART: a 11-year study

Objectives

To review the maternal and fetal outcome of triplet, quadruplet and quintuplet gestations following ART, which were managed at a hospital over 11 years.

Study design

Retrospective chart review of 150 triplet, 27 quadruplet, and 6 quintuplet pregnancies between January 2001 and December 2011. 25 women aged 50–56 years with triplet pregnancies, were excluded due to lack of data. No prophylactic interventions were used.

Results

300 triplets, 108 quadruplets, and 30 quintuplets were born. The mean maternal age was 30.2 years (SD 4.2 years). Mean gestational age delivery was 32.2 weeks (SD 4.2 weeks). Maternal complications included preterm labor 114 (86 %), prematurity 115 (87 %), anemia 44 (33 %) gestational diabetes 35 (27 %), preeclampsia 33 (25 %), post partum hemorrhage 13 (10 %). Preterm labor was diagnosed in 84 (84 %) triplets, 32 (97 %) of quadru- and quintuplet pregnancies (P > 0.05). Prematurity and preterm labor were major determinants. Of the 438 fetuses born there were 57 (13 %) still births, 77 (18 %) neonatal deaths. 32 (7 %) were early neonatal deaths, 45 (10 %) late neonatal deaths. The majority died due to extreme low birth weight. 75 (17 %) neonates had low apgar score of <7 at 5 min. 22 (5 %) infants had congenital anomalies. Severe respiratory distress syndrome, perinatal asphyxia, very early preterm delivery and perinatal mortality were higher in quadru- and quintuplets (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Preterm labor and preterm prematurity were the commonest complications. Neonatal mortality and morbidity was significantly increased in quadru- and quintuplets. Prophylactic interventions were not used in an attempt to prevent preterm labor.     

National maternal mortality ratio for Jordan, 2007-2008

Objective

To estimate the number of maternal deaths per 100 000 live births during 2007-2008 among Jordanian women; to identify the causes of maternal mortality; and to compare the results with those of the last report for 1995-1996.

Methods

Reproductive-age mortality study of maternal deaths among women aged 15-49 years in Jordan in 2007-2008.

Results

Among 1406 identified deaths of reproductive-aged women, 76 maternal deaths were identified out of 397 588 live births, for a maternal mortality ratio of 19.1 deaths per 100 000 live births. Forty-three (56.6%) deaths were attributable to hemorrhage, thrombosis and thromboembolism, and sepsis. Avoidable factors were present in 53.9% of women, 52.6% had substandard care, and 31.5% had 3 or fewer antenatal visits. Of those with available information on family planning, only 29.4% had ever used any form of contraception.

Conclusions

Maternal deaths in Jordan are declining. The maternal mortality ratio of 19.1 deaths per 100 000 live births reported for 2007-2008 showed a remarkable reduction of 53.9% achieved in the 12 years since the 1995-1996 report (a 4.5% annual reduction), which is approaching the 75% reduction recommended by Millennium Development Goal 5.     

Evaluation of Obstetric Near Miss and Maternal Deaths in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India: Shifting Focus from Mortality to Morbidity

Objective

Near miss audit improves understanding of determinants of maternal morbidity and mortality and identifies areas of substandard care. It helps health professionals to revise obstetric policies and practices.

Methods

A retrospective review of obstetric case records was performed to assess frequency ad nature of maternal near miss (MNM) cases as per WHO criteria. For each case, primary obstetric complication leading to maternal morbidity was evaluated. Obstetric complications were analyzed to calculate prevalence ratio, case fatality ratio, and mortality index.

Results

There were 6,357 deliveries, 5,273 live births, 247 maternal deaths, and 633 MNM cases. As per WHO criteria for Near miss, shock, bilirubin >6 mg%, and use of vasoactive drugs were the commonest clinical, laboratory, and management parameters. Hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were leading cause of MNM (45.7 and 24.2 %) and maternal deaths (28.7 and 21.5 %). Highest prevalence rate, case fatality ratio, and mortality index were found in hemorrhage (0.53), respiratory diseases (0.46), and liver disorders (51.9 %), respectively.

Conclusion

Developing countries carry a high burden of maternal mortality and morbidity which may be attributed to improper management of obstetric emergencies at referring hospitals, poor referral practices, and poor access/utilization of health care services.     

Second stage disorders in patients following a previous cesarean section: vacuum versus repeated cesarean section

Objective

To investigate whether vacuum extraction due to failure of labor to progress (dystocia) during the second stage in a delivery following a previous cesarean section (CS) is related to increased adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes as compared with repeated CS.

Study design

A retrospective cohort study of pregnancy and delivery outcomes of patients in their second deliveries attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) following one CS was conducted. Patients who delivered by vacuum extraction were compared with patients who underwent a repeated CS for failure of labor to progress during the second stage.

Results

During the study period, 319 patients with a previous CS suffered from a prolonged second stage of labor in their second delivery. Of these, 184 underwent vacuum extraction and 135 patients underwent a repeated CS. No significant differences in relevant pregnancy complications such as perineal lacerations, uterine rupture, and post-partum hemorrhage and perinatal outcomes were noted between the groups. There were no cases of perinatal mortality in our study.

Conclusion

When managing second stage labor disorders, vacuum extraction does not seem to be an unsafe procedure in patients with a previous CS.     

Assessment of maternal near-miss and quality of care in a hospital-based study in Accra,Ghana

Objective

To assess the baseline incidence of maternal near-miss, process indicators related to facility access, and quality of care at a tertiary care facility in urban Ghana.

Methods

A prospective observational study of all women delivering at the facility, including those with pregnancy-related complications, was conducted between October 2010 and March 2011. Quality of maternal health care was assessed via a newly developed WHO instrument based on near-miss criteria and criterion-based clinical audit methodology.

Results

Among 3438 women, 516 had potentially life-threatening conditions and 131 had severe maternal outcomes (94 near-miss cases and 37 maternal deaths). More than half (64.4%) of the women had been referred to the facility. The incidence of maternal near-miss was 28.6 cases per 1000 live births. Anemia contributed to most cases with a severe maternal outcome. More than half of all women with severe maternal outcomes developed organ dysfunction or died within the first 12 hours of hospital admission. Although preventive measures were prevalent, treatment-related indicators showed mixed results.

Conclusion

The WHO near-miss approach was found to represent a feasible strategy in low-resource countries. Improving referral systems, effective use of critical care, and evidence-based interventions can potentially reduce severe maternal outcomes.     

Factors associated with maternal near-miss morbidity and mortality in Kowloon Hospital,Suzhou, China

Objective

To investigate factors associated with acute maternal morbidity and mortality in Kowloon Hospital, Suzhou, China.

Methods

Data from cases of near-miss and maternal death between January 2008 and December 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Maternal characteristics and related factors were identified, and multiple regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During the study period, there were 18 104 deliveries, 69 near-miss cases, and 3 maternal deaths. Women who had no health insurance (aOR, 4.55; 95% CI, 0.87–21.8), had fewer than 6 prenatal consultations (aOR, 6.76; 95% CI, 0.76–45.8), were part of a migrant population (aOR, 2.34; 95% CI, 0.45–24.9), or delayed seeking healthcare (aOR, 4.76; 95% CI, 0.89–13.6) had a greater risk of near-miss morbidity or death. Admission to intensive care (aOR, 6.75; 95% CI, 0.89–34.6) and blood transfusion within 30 min (aOR, 3.79; 95% CI, 0.65–8.67) were protective factors in disease progression.

Conclusion

The factors associated with maternal near-miss morbidity and mortality were closely related to health insurance and socioeconomic status, suggesting that the government should take an active role in the community in preventing morbidity and mortality in pregnancy.     

Maternal Mortality and Its Causes in a Tertiary Center

Objectives

To study the maternal mortality and the complications leading to maternal death.

Methods

A retrospective study of hospital records and death summaries of all maternal deaths over the period from January 2000 to August 2009 was carried out.

Results

There were a total of 80 maternal deaths out of 88,443 live births giving maternal mortality rate (MMR) of 90.45 per 100,000 live births. Unbooked and late referral accounted for 77.5 % of maternal deaths. The majority of the deaths was in 30–40-year age group and around term. Hemorrhage was the commonest cause of death (52.5 %), followed by sepsis (13.75 %) and pregnancy-induced hypertension including eclampsia (10 %).

Conclusions

Hemorrhage, sepsis, and pregnancy-induced hypertension including eclampsia were found to be the direct major causes of death. Anemia and cardiac disease were other indirect causes of deaths.     

Risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus paralysis

Purpose

The study was aimed to identify risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus paralysis.

Methods

A retrospective case?Ccontrol study was designed. A comparison was performed between cases of brachial plexus paralysis, with all consecutive deliveries during the same 5 months period, without brachial plexus paralysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS package.

Results

The prevalence of brachial plexus paralysis was 1.62/1,000 (9/5,525) vaginal births. Independent risk factors for brachial plexus paralysis were shoulder dystocia (OR?=?525; 95% CI 51?C4,977, P?P?4,000?g; OR?=?16.3; 95% CI 3.7?C70.2, P?P?P?=?0.032).

Conclusions

In our population, shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, labor dystocia, vacuum delivery and vaginal breech deliveries were significant risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus paralysis, while maternal characteristics such as obesity and diabetes were not. Despite our growing knowledge concerning the risk factors associated with brachial plexus paralysis, unfortunately, this condition cannot be predicted or prevented.     

The etiology of maternal mortality in developed countries: a systematic review of literature

Purpose

To review the literature about MD in developed countries.

Methods

A search in PubMed, EMBASE, Medline and reference lists was performed. Key words: maternal death/mortality, pregnancy death and obstetric/maternity care. Articles were selected if they reported the cause of death per livebirths, were performed in developed countries and unselected population, classified MD by the World Health Organization. Maternal age, cause of MD, time of MD (antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum) and delivery mode were abstracted. MD was expressed as maternal mortality ratio (MMR). PRISMA guidelines were followed.

Results

Twelve articles provided data from 1980 to 2007. The MD rate was 9,750 in 75,560,683 livebirths (MMR: 12.90). MD was direct in 6,791 women (MMR: 8.98), being postpartum hemorrhage the leading cause, and indirect in 2,786 women (MMR: 3.68), with cardiovascular disease as the main cause. The remaining 173 deaths (MMR: 0.22) were unexplained. Maternal age >45?years, vaginal delivery, postpartum period increased the risk of MD. MD reduced over time in all countries except in the Netherlands and USA.

Conclusions

Conditions leading to hemorrhage warrant strict management. The risk of an apparently healthy woman to die during motherhood is 0.22 out of 100,000 livebirths.     

Cost-effectiveness of misoprostol and prenatal iron supplementation as maternal mortality interventions in home births in rural India

Objective

To determine the cost-effectiveness of prenatal iron supplementation and misoprostol use as interventions to prevent maternal mortality in home births in rural India.

Methods

A cost-effectiveness analysis depicted three hypothetical cohorts of 10 000 pregnant women delivering at home in rural India: one with no intervention, one receiving standard prenatal iron supplements, and 1 receiving 600 µg of misoprostol in the third stage of labor.

Results

Misoprostol used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage resulted in a 38% (95% CI, 5%-73%) decrease in maternal deaths, while prenatal iron supplementation resulted in a 5% (95% CI, 0%-47%) decrease. Misoprostol cost a median US $1401 (IQR US $1008-$1848) prenatal iron supplementation cost a median US $2241 (IQR No Lives Saved-$3882) per life saved compared with the standard care outcome.

Conclusion

Misoprostol is a cost-effective maternal mortality intervention for home births. Iron supplementation may be worthwhile to improve women's health, but it is uncertain whether it can prevent mortality after hemorrhage.