ABSTRACT
The medical record of 465,086 deliveries at Siriraj Hospital between the years 1974-1999 were analyzed in order to estimate the maternal mortality ratio and to identify the types and causes of maternal death. There were a total of 137 maternal deaths. The overall mortality ratio for the period was 29.61 per 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality ratio showed a downward trend year by year but has remained rather stable over the last 15 years. Direct maternal death, 73.72%, was the most common cause of maternal death followed by indirect maternal death (20.44%) and non maternal death (5.84%) respectively. Obstetric infection was the most common causes of direct maternal death while cardiac disease was the most common cause of indirect maternal death. Non maternal death did not play significant role in maternal mortality since it contributed a very small proportion and was mostly due to malignancy at various sites. Increasing maternal age showed a correlation with an increasing maternal mortality ratio while maternal parity showed a different pattern. The findings of this study will help us to plan policies to reduce the maternal mortality ratio in the future.
ABSTRACT
A prospective study was carried out on 276 live-born twins at 34 or more weeks gestation (or birth weight > 2,000 gm) delivered between the years 1982 – 1984, at Siriraj Hospital. Apgar scores, presentations, birth weights, and methods of delivery of the second twin were reviewed according to the time interval between delivery of the first and second twins. The study revealed the favourable outcome of the second child despite a delayed time interval beyond 15 minutes.