ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The high rate of in utero fetal death in our hospital led us to study its risk factors and causes. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study from 1 January to 30 June, 2011, of all fetal deaths in utero in the Gynecology-Obstetrics University Hospital of Befelatanana. Risk factors were studied after comparison with a random sample of live births during the same period. The causes were classified according to the Perinatal Death Classification of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand. RESULTS: The rate of in utero fetal deaths was 5.22%. The risk factors statistically verified were: mother older than 34 years, parity of five or more, preterm, fewer than four prenatal consultations, previous fetal loss or hypertension disorders, and mother working in agriculture or commerce. The causes identified were hypertensive disorders (20.66%), prepartum hemorrhage (18.18%), fetal growth restriction (14.87%), premature rupture of the membrane (14.05%), hypoxia (12.39%), perinatal infection (11.57%), maternal conditions (3.30%), congenital abnormalities (3.30%), and specific perinatal conditions (1.65%). CONCLUSION: Screening for risk factors and close monitoring during pregnancy and labor are important to reduce fetal deaths.
