Farhat Khanum, Farhat Nasreen, Mehr-un-nisa.
Maternal mortaility in a tertiary care hospital a continuing tregedy.
J Med Sci Jan ;21(4):212-6.

Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the maternal mortality ratio and its causes in a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in obstetric and Gynae department of Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from January 2003 to December 2007. All maternal deaths during the above mentioned period were analyzed retrospectively. The information and relevant data was obtained from the patient’s record and mortality register. Results: The maternal mortality ratio for the five year period was 296/100,000 live births (64 maternal death/21654 live birth). Fifty one (79.6%) patients had direct causes and 13 (20.3%) had indirect causes. The most common cause of maternal death was eclampsia in 20 cases (31.2%) followed by hemorrhage in 16 cases (25%) and sepsis in 7 cases (10.9%). In indirect maternal deaths cardiac disease was seen in 4 cases followed by hepatic failure in 3 cases. The mean age was 28.4 ± 7 years. The median parity was 4. Education ante natal care and socioeconomic status were poor in these patients. Majority (48 cases) were received in serious condition. Maximum number of patients (29) died within 12 hours of admission. Conclusion: The major causes of maternal mortality like eclampsia hemorrhage and septicaemia are preventable, if prompt and appropriate management is provided at the time of pregnancy complication.

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