Review of Maternal and Fetal Mortality Associated with Uterine Rupture at a Tertiary Maternity Center in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

More than 90% of maternal deaths and stillbirths occur in developing countries, and ruptured uterus is a major contributor. This study was aimed to review the current incidence of uterine rupture and the associated maternal and fetal mortality in Lagos, Nigeria over a 13-year period. This was a descriptive retrospective review of all cases of uterine rupture at a tertiary maternity center in Lagos, Nigeria over a 13-year period. The case notes of all women were retrieved from the Medical records Department and relevant information extracted. Descriptive statistics were computed for all quantitative data and statistical analysis was done using Epi info version 7.2 statistical packages for windows. A total of 18,188 deliveries were conducted during the review period and out of which 91 cases of uterine rupture occurred giving an incidence of 5.0 per 1,000 deliveries. Maternal and fetal deaths were recorded in 6.6% and 73.6% of cases. Most of the cases of uterine rupture in this study (51.7%) were treated by uterine repair with or without bilateral tubal ligation. Uterine rupture still remains a common problem in Nigeria and is associated with severe maternal and perinatal mortality. Effective measures to reducing the high maternal and perinatal mortality associated with uterine rupture should include health education of the masses, proper antenatal care, early referral of at-risk patients, and increased access to supervised hospital delivery

Keywords: Caesarean section, Incidence, Multiparous, Stillbirths