Retained placenta aspect of clinical management in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: Retained placenta is a significant cause of postpartum haemorrhage; maternal morbidity and occasionally mortality. This study assessed the clinical presentation; management and outcomes of retained placenta at the Ebonyi State University teaching Hospital.Method: Analysis of records relating to retained placenta managed in the hospital over a three year period (August 2003 to July 20060. Results: The incidence of retained placenta was 0.22(1 in 456 vaginal deliveries). Eleven (32.4) patients were admitted with retained placenta following home delivery. Two (5.6) delivery in a peripheral hospital; 6(17.7) delivered in a Health center and 2(5.9)delivered in a maternity home. Preterm deliveries accounted for 17.7of the cases. Eighteen parturient were admitted in shock. One patient had hysterectomy for adherent placenta. Conclusion: Improved peripatum services; education on the dangers of unsupervised home deliveries; women empowernment and prompt referral for emergency obstetrics care will reduce the associated mortality and morbidity