RESUMO
To analyse causes of maternal deaths and to identify preventable causes leading to this tragedy in our setup. An analytical, hospital-based study. Department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, Nishter Hospital Multan from June-August 2005. During the study period retrospective data was collected for period of 10 year from January 1995 to December 2004. This data was analyzed in order to determine the Maternal Mortality Rate [MMR], causes of death and characteristics of the mothers who died including her age, parity and whether they were booked or unbooked. A total numbers of 30031 deliveries took place during the study period and there were 178 maternal deaths with maternal mortality rate of 593/100,000 LB [live births]. 7[3.9%] patients were below the age of 20, 74[41.5%] were in the age group of 21-30 and 82[46%] in 31-40 years age range. 15[8.42%] were above the age of 40. Most of them [69%] were grand multiparas [Parity >5]. The major causative factors were haemorrhage 63[35.4%], eclampsia 41[23.03%], sepsis 25[14.04%], anaemia 18[10.1%], hepatic encephalopathy 14[7.9%], abortion 11[6.2%]. Majority of the patients were unbooked and presented in the hospital very late. A high proportion of potentially preventable maternal deaths indicate the need for improvements in education for both patient and health care provider. The provision of skilled care and timely management of complications can lower maternal mortality in our setup