Maternal mortality in Ribat University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan: seven years of experience

ABSTRACT

Maternal death is a tragedy that leaves an enormous negative impact on the family. The objectives of the study were to determine the rate and causes of maternal mortality in Ribat University Hospital This was a descriptive, hospital-based study conducted in Ribat University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Maternal mortality records were reviewed for causes of maternal death. Data were collected by a check list and analysed by SPSS soft ware. The number of maternal deaths was 10 while the number of live births during the study period was 19604. The maternal mortality rate was 51100000 live births. 40% of patients were below the age of 30 while 60% were 30 years of age and more. Rural and urban residence constituted 70% and 30% respectively. 60% of patients had a parity of more than four. Results showed that 62.5% delivered by emergency caesarean section. The study revealed that 20% of the patients died as a result of pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH] [Hellp syndrome and eclampsia], 20% of PIH [eclampsia], 10% of PIH [rupture liver], 10% of ante partum haemorrhage [placenta praevia], 10% of primary postpartum haemorrhage following twin vaginal delivery, 10% of puerperal sepsis and septic shock following emergency caesarean section, 10% of hypovolaemia due to hyperemisis gravidarum and 10% of septicaemia with acute renal failure following missed miscarriage, Maternal mortality rate was 51100000 live births. Pregnancy induced hypertension constituted one half of the causes of maternal deaths, followed by haemorrhage and septicaemia