Neonatal Complications in Mothers with Severe Complications or Near-Miss Cases

Abstract

Background: Maternal complications, particularly maternal near death, may also contribute to the increase in perinatal complications. Consequently, this study investigated the correlation between neonatal complications in mothers with severe pregnancy complications and near-miss cases. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on mothers who gave birth between March 2017 and March 2019 at a Medical Training Hospital and a Private Hospital in Tehran and experienced severe maternal complications or life-threatening conditions. The characteristics of mothers and infants were recorded. Statistical tests were employed to analyze the data (p˂0.05). Resulting: This study evaluated 138 mothers with severe complications, where 32.6% exhibited near-death conditions. The most common causes of severe maternal outcomes were preeclampsia and severe bleeding (50.7% and 36.2%, respectively). Of newborn 48.2% experienced prematurity, 35.6% had low birth weight. 59.9% of the newborns of the mothers who were studied experienced at least one complication. 61.9% infants had respiratory failure, and 14.2% had a severe infection. The neonate mortality rate was 3%, while the stillbirth rate was 3.6%. Although linear/ binomial logistic regression test was not showed the correlation between the mother’s demographic characteristics and perinatal complications but one third of mothers with the underlying disease had neonatal complications and the likelihood of prenatal complications is higher in multiparous women over 30. Conclusion: In severe maternal complications, neonatal complications, prematurity and low birth weight, are more prevalent. Consequently, it appears necessary to equip hospitals with intensive care units and trained personnel who can provide adequate support for mothers and infants.