ABSTRACT
To determine the pattern of severe acute maternal morbidity [SAMM] at Combined Military Hospital Quetta. Descriptive Study. Department of Gynae Obs, Combined Military Hospital Quetta from March 07 to Sept 08. One hundred admitted patients of severe acute maternal morbidity [SAMM] were identified through random sampling procedure. Thorough history, examination and laboratory investigation were considered to identify the pattern of SAMM that is; severe hemorrhage, hypertension, sepsis, pulmonary embolism, uterine rupture, inversion, ruptured ectopic pregnancy etc and to recognize patient features common in cases of SAMM like maternal age, parity, socio-economic/ educational status and level of antenatal care. Out of 100 patients of SAMM, 52% had severe obstetrical hemorrhage, 32% had hypertension, 10% had both severe pre-eclampsia and massive obstetrical hemorrhage, 4% had ruptured Ectopic pregnancies, 1% had septic induced abortion and 1[1%] had puerperal sepsis. These complications were greater in booked multi-gravidas of 20 to 40 years, para 3 to 5, under matric and with less than Rs.10,000/month income. Massive Hemorrhage and uncontrolled hypertension are the major contributors of severe acute maternal morbidity. SAMM is more prevalent in women of 20 to 30 years [reproductive age], parity 3-5, under metric and with monthly income of less than Rs.10,000.