Retained Placenta: Still a cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in a Nigerian Semi- urban Population

Abstract

Background: Retained placenta is associated with morbidity and mortality when left untreated. This study was done to determine the occurrence of retained placenta in our setting as well as to ascertain the possible risk factors, morbidities and mortality.
Method of study: This was a retrospective review of all cases of retained placenta over a three year period (March 2005 to March 2007). There were 3542 deliveries, and of which 64 cases were of retained placenta.
Results: The incidence of retained placenta was 1.8% of all deliveries with a higher incidence in unbooked patients and a case fatality of 3.12%.The commonest complication was postpartum haemorrhage in 51(79.68%) of cases with blood transfusion rate of 47%.
Conclusion: Complications associated with retained placenta could be reduced by adequate utilisation of health care facilities manned by skilled attendants; availability of blood transfusion services as well as effective and safe anaesthesia.

Keywords: Haemorrhage, blood transfusion, anaesthesia