PATTERN OF FETAL DEATHS AT A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF SINDH

Authors

  • Meharunnissa Khaskheli
  • Shahla Baloch
  • Imdad A. Khushk
  • Shaheen Sharf Shah

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mortality is a significant public health problem throughout the world. Its
prevalence is quite high in the developing countries on account of number of factors. Most of the
causes are treatable and fetal outcome can be improved by provision of good health care facilities
during antepartum and intrapartum periods and through public education regarding reproductive
health and better utilization of health services.Objective: To determine the pattern of intrauterine
fetal deaths before or in the process of labor in our tertiary care set up. Methods: This descriptive
case series was conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (unit-IV) at Liaquat
University Hospital, Jamshoro, Sindh,from April 2002 to October 2003. In total, 50 intrauterine
fetal deaths from 24 weeks of gestation to full term pregnancy were analyzed. The case records of
all the women were evaluated and data collected regarding their age, period of gestation, clinical
features, antenatal records, previous obstetrical history, labor, mode of delivery as well as
complications during or after the labor. Results: Out of 697 deliveries, 50 (7.17%) babies were
still born. Of these 84% were fresh still born. The commonest factors were antepartum
hemorrhage (30%), mismanaged labor (26%), premature rupture of membranes (26%) and
congenital anomalies (16%). Conclusion: Majority of fetal deaths in our set up are due to
avoidable factors. Hence, there is strong need to improve the quality of care by proper antenatal
care, identification of high risk cases and referral to tertiary care hospitals for proper management
to prevent morbidity and mortality in this regard.
Keywords: Intrauterine; Fetal death; Causes; Prevention; Mortality

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How to Cite

Khaskheli, M., Baloch, S., Khushk, I. A., & Shah, S. S. (2007). PATTERN OF FETAL DEATHS AT A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF SINDH. Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad, 19(2), 32–34. Retrieved from https://jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/5007

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 2 (2007): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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