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Sep 14, 2007Article Details
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Main Article Content
HIV-associated maternal mortality – primary causes of death at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban
Abstract
Background. The maternal mortality ratio in poor countries
is reported to be 650/100 000 live births. This high maternal
mortality may be associated with increasing numbers of HIVrelated
deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
Objective. To establish the direct causes of maternal mortality
related to the HIV syndrome.
Methods. A retrospective analysis was done of 378 maternal
deaths at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, between January
1998 and December 2004.
Results. The commonest cause of death related to HIV was
World Health Organization (WHO) clinical classification stage
IV disease, followed by pneumonia (bacterial and Pneumocystis
carinii pneumonia), pregnancy-related sepsis and pulmonary
tuberculosis.
Conclusion. HIV/AIDS has a great impact on maternal
mortality in South Africa, mainly because of the increasing
incidence of this syndrome in women in their early
reproductive years.
South African Medical Journal Vol. 97 (5) 2007: pp. 363-366
