A Prospective Observational Study of Near-miss Events and Maternal Deaths in Obstetrics

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose To study the incidence and causes of near-miss cases and maternal deaths (MDs) and also search the level of delay. Materials and methods The prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for a period of one and a half year (September 2012 to February 2014). For identifying near-miss events, disease-specific criteria were used. Near-miss cases were identified among women with pregnancy-related complications whose diagnoses were meeting the criteria. Detailed information of maternal mortalities and near-miss cases for demographic features, underlying causes, treatment received, and level of delay were also obtained. Results There were 15,170 obstetric admission, 13,851 live births, 184 near-miss cases, and 60 MDs during the study period. The maternal near-miss (MNM) rate was 13.2/1,000 live births and maternal mortality ratio was 433.1/100,000 live births. The mortality index (MD/MNM+MD) was reported as 25%. The maternal mortality to near-miss ratio was 1:3.07. Severe maternal outcome rate (MNM/MNM+MD) was 17.6/1,000 live births. Hemorrhage (54.89%) was the leading cause of nearmiss events followed by hypertension (24.45%) and anemia (13.59%). Hypertension (26.66%) was responsible for most of the MDs followed by anemia (25%), hemorrhage (20%), and puerperal sepsis (10%). The most common level of delay was found on the part of women and/or family to seek help. Conclusion Hypertension, hemorrhage, and anemia are leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Lessons need to be learnt from cases of near-miss, which can serve as a useful tool in making strategies and putting efforts to reduce maternal mortality. How to cite this article Yadav S, Nanda S. A Prospective Observational Study of Near-miss Events and Maternal Deaths in Obstetrics. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2016;8(4):261-265.