analysis of cases with postpartum collapse and accidents

ABSTRACT

A total of 261 cases with postpartum collapse and accidents was seen over a period of 4 years in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore. Most of the problems in 234 [89.65%] cases occurred within 24 hours of delivery. Haemorrhagic collapse was the commonest emergency encountered in 161 [61.68%] cases, followed by postpartum eclampsia in 43 [16.47%] cases, various medical problems in 12 [4.60%], septic shock in 11 [4.21%] and anaeshesia accidents in 9 [3.45%] cases. Important contributing factors were high risk reproductive patterns, substandard social and nutritional status and inadequate and improper antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum care. In 157 [60.15%] cases various surgical interventions were carried out. Intensive care for more than 72 hours was instituted in 69 [26.44%] patients but 26 [9.96%] cases expired despite every effort