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Published:
Mar 8, 2013Keywords:
Abdominal massage Splenic rupture Maternal and Foetal mortalities
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Maternal and Foetal Deaths from Ruptured Spleen Following Abdominal Massage by Traditional Birth Attendants in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Abdominal massage is a harmful cultural practice sometimes leading to maternal and Foetal mortality and morbidity.
Aim: To report a case of maternal and foetal deaths from abdominal massage with review of relevant literature.
Method: A case of maternal and fetal deaths from abdominal massage is reported.
Result: A case of a 34 year old unbooked gravida 3 para 1 1+ lady admitted at 32 weeks gestation with 2 weeks history of cough and a 3 day history of fever, labour pains and difficulty with breathing is presented. She had abdominal massage done on 2 occasions in a traditional birth attendant's home. Abdominal ultrasound revealed massive intraperitoneal fluid collection with twin intrauterine foetal death. Findings at laparotomy showed a ruptured spleen, massive haemoperitoneum of 4.5 litres and twin intrauterine foetal deaths. She died 2 hours post operatively of hypovolemic shock and cardiac arrest.
Conclusion: Widespread public health enlightenment of traditional birth attendants and pregnant women on the harmful effect of abdominal massage is needed.
Key words: Abdominal massage, Splenic rupture,
Maternal and Foetal mortalities.
Aim: To report a case of maternal and foetal deaths from abdominal massage with review of relevant literature.
Method: A case of maternal and fetal deaths from abdominal massage is reported.
Result: A case of a 34 year old unbooked gravida 3 para 1 1+ lady admitted at 32 weeks gestation with 2 weeks history of cough and a 3 day history of fever, labour pains and difficulty with breathing is presented. She had abdominal massage done on 2 occasions in a traditional birth attendant's home. Abdominal ultrasound revealed massive intraperitoneal fluid collection with twin intrauterine foetal death. Findings at laparotomy showed a ruptured spleen, massive haemoperitoneum of 4.5 litres and twin intrauterine foetal deaths. She died 2 hours post operatively of hypovolemic shock and cardiac arrest.
Conclusion: Widespread public health enlightenment of traditional birth attendants and pregnant women on the harmful effect of abdominal massage is needed.
Key words: Abdominal massage, Splenic rupture,
Maternal and Foetal mortalities.
