Maternal mortality in a tertiary care hospital, Lahore: a four year review

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to determine the cause and frequency of maternal deaths in Jinnah Hospital, Lahore which is a tertiary care hospital. The study was performed between January 2000 and December 2003 at Gynae unit-I. The case notes of all patients who died during January 2000 to December 2003 period in Jinnah Hospital gynecological unit-I as a result of conditions associated with pregnancy, labor, and puerperium [6 weeks after pregnancy] were reviewed in an effort to identify the most common cause of maternal deaths. Final conclusion regarding the causes of death were drawn after consultation within the department as well as with the concerned department like Medical, Surgical, Anaesthesia and ICU. Total number of deaths recorded during this period was 46. Maternal mortality ratio, measuring the risk of deaths specifically during pregnancy, was calculated to be 289.58/100,000 live births. Direct obstetrical deaths were 43 [93.47%] and there were three indirect deaths. Obstetrical hemorrhage accounted for 14 cases [30.43%]. Septicemia was second most common [11 cases, 23.91%]. Eclampsia accounted for 7 cases [15.21%]. Maternal mortality rate has been improved in 2002 [198.91/100,000] as compared to 333.55/100,000 in 2000 but again there was rise in 2003 [308.64/100,000]