Ruptured Uterus At Afikpo, Southeast Nigeria.

Abstract

Context: Ruptured uterus is an obstetric catastrophe associated with high maternal and perinatal mortality.
Objectives: To determine the incidence, causes, management and fetomaternal outcomes
of ruptured uterus in Afikpo, Southeast Nigeria.
Methods: Delivery records, theatre registers and case notes of all ruptured uterus seen at
Mater Hospital Afikpo, between January 2001 and December 2007 were analyzed.
Results: Fifty one cases (1.2%) of ruptured uterus occurred out of 4,361 deliveries, giving
an incidence ratio of 1:86. Mothers aged 30-34 years, multiparous and un-booked were
worse affected. Multiple predisposing factors were noted with obstructed labour,
mismanagement, grand multiparity and previous caesarean scars recorded in decreasing
order. Uterine repair alone was performed in 88.2% of cases. Maternal mortality was
5.9% and perinatal mortality 84.6%. The incidence appears to be rising.
Conclusion: Provision of quality antenatal care and emergency obstetric care in secondary
hospitals, and supervision of Traditional Birth Attendants will reduce this menace.

Keywords:Antenatal, Care, emergency, maternal, perinatal, quality.

Ebonyi Medical Journal Vol. 7 (1&2) 2008: pp. 36-41