Abstract
A retrospective analysis of 348 cases of primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) that occurred at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 1996 was carried out. The incidence of PPH was 4.5%. Booking status of the patients had no relation with occurrence of PPH in this study (P > 0.05). The risk of PPH in advanced maternal age (over 35 years) and grandmultiparity (para 5 and over) was twofold higher than low maternal age (< 25 years) and low parity (para 0–1), P < 0.05, respectively. The incidence of PPH was higher in deliveries conducted by midwives than doctors (P < 0.05). Anaemic patients (PCV ⩽ 30%) were more at risk than non-anaemic patients (P < 0.05). Uterine atony, 183 (53.8%) was the most common cause of PPH and a combination of uterotonic agents and uterine massage were effective in controlling PPH in 171 (49.1%) of the cases. Seven (2.0%) patients required hysterectomy. One-third of the patients had a blood transfusion. To reduce the incidence of PPH, we recommend that doctors should supervise the delivery of parturients at risk of PPH and advocate health education against high parity.
Published Version
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