Maternal deaths in the greater Auckland region over a 10 year period

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> A maternal death is one occurring between conception and 42 days of termination of pregnancy, and excludes coincidental deaths. Maternal deaths can be divided into direct and indirect deaths. <h3>Aims</h3> To determine the number of maternal deaths and review the causes of death in coronial autopsy cases in the greater Auckland region from 2000 to 2010. <h3>Methods</h3> A computerised search for maternal deaths and deaths in pregnancy was performed using the departmental database. Information recorded included demographic data, body mass index, gestational age and cause of death. The cases were divided into direct, indirect and co-incidental deaths based on autopsy findings and clinical circumstances. Late maternal deaths were not included. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 30 maternal deaths, 18 direct and 12 indirect; and 7 co-incidental deaths were identified. The most common direct maternal deaths were due to amniotic fluid embolism (<i>n</i>=7) and obstetric haemorrhage (<i>n</i>=4). Indirect maternal deaths were mainly due to cardiac disease or non-maternal sepsis. The most common co-incidental deaths were due to motor vehicle accidents and suicide. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Maternal deaths are uncommon (average 3 per year); direct maternal deaths outnumbered indirect deaths and amniotic fluid embolism was the most common cause of death in this review.