A Cross-Sectional Study on Post-Partum Severe Acute Maternal Morbidity And Maternal Deaths in A Tertiary Level Teaching Hospital of Eastern India

Abstract

Objectives: Identification of severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM) has gained importance in recent years in view of falling maternal death rates and thrust on improving quality of maternal health care. Although most of these events occur in developing countries, reporting system for SAMM is poorly developed in these regions. Aim of this study was to determine the incidence and direct causes of postpartum SAMM along with measuring of relevant new indicators on maternal health in an apex institute of India Materials and Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study conducted in India on 109 women with severe post partum complications. Outcome measures were SAMM or death. Results: 99 women had SAMM and there were 10 maternal deaths. Eclampsia was the most common cause of SAMM, but case fatality ratio was higher for PPH. SAMM ratio was 16.22/1000 live births and mortality index was 9.17%. Conclusion: 1 out of every 10 women with SAMM dies in developing countries. Improving facility based care and prompt referral can be a short term measure to quickly reduce the number of maternal deaths. Facility based monitoring and reporting of severe maternal outcome is an important step for scaling up such efforts.