Prevalence and Causes of Neonatal Mortality at Chu-Mel, Cotonou in 2023

Introduction: Neonatal mortality represents a global health problem that has been at the core of programs developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for more than 30 years. In our country, it represents a real scourge and remains high despite the efforts made by the Ministry of Health. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and causes of neonatal mortality at CHU-MEL of Cotonou in 2023. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study with retrospective data collection, carried out in the neonatology unit of the Mother and Child Teaching Hospital of Lagune (CHU-MEL) in Cotonou over a period of six months from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023. All neonates, premature or full-term, born alive and who died during hospitalization in the unit were included. Results: 211 cases of neonatal deaths were recorded among the 2884 neonates hospitalized in the unit during the study period, representing a hospital prevalence of 7.31%. Early neonatal mortality represented 81.5% of cases. The average age at admission was 4.6 days ± 5.3. The average weight of deceased neonates was 1609.08 ± 798.35 g. The most frequent reasons for hospitalization were represented by prematurity (60.66%) and respiratory distress (23.22%), respectively. Prematurity was the leading cause of neonatal mortality (41.7%), followed by neonatal infections (29.4%) and perinatal asphyxia (10.9%). Conclusion: The prevalence of neonatal mortality in the neonatology unit of CHU-MEL is high. Efforts to improve the quality of perinatal care departments must be intensified to reduce this prevalence.

Effect of Body Mass Index on All-cause Mortality and Incidence of Cardiovascular Diseases─Report for Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies on Optimal Cut-off Points of Body Mass Index in Chinese Adults

Objective To verify the optimal cut-off points for overweight and obesity in Chinese adults based on the relationship of baseline body mass index (BMI) to all-cause mortality, and incidence of cardiovascular diseases from pooled data of Chinese cohorts. Methods The prospective study data of existing cohort studies in China were collected, and the age-adjusted all-cause mortality stratified by BMI were estimated. The similar analysis was repeated after excluding deaths within the first three years of follow-up and after excluding smokers. The incidence of age-adjusted coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke stratified by BMI were also analyzed. Multiple Cox regression coefficients of BMI for the incidence of CHD and stroke after controlling other risk factors were pooled utilizing the methods of weighting by inverse of variance to reveal whether BMI had independent effect and its strength on the incidence of CHD and stroke. Results The data of 4 cohorts including 76 227 persons, with 745 346 person-years of follow-up were collected and analyzed. The age-adjusted all-cause mortality stratified by BMI showed a U-shaped curve, even after excluding deaths within the first three years of follow-up and excluding smokers. Age-adjusted all-cause mortality increased when BMI was lower than 18.5 and higher than 28. The incidence of CHD and stroke, especially ishemic stroke increased with increasing BMI, this was consistent with parallel increasing of risk factors. Cox regression analysis showed that BMI was an independent risk factor for both CHD and stroke. Each amount of 2 kg/m2 increase in baseline BMI might cause 15.4%, 6.1% and 18.8 % increase in relative risk of CHD, total stroke and ischemic stroke. Reduction of BMI to under 24 might prevent the incidence of CHD by 11% and that of stroke by 15 % for men, and 22 % of both diseases for women. Conclusion BMI ≤18.5, 24-27.9 and ≥28 (kg/m2) is the appropriate cut-off points for underweight, overweight and obesity in Chinese adults.

BMI and BMI Changes to All-cause Mortality among the Elderly in Beijing： a 20-year Cohort Study

Objective To explore the association between body mass index （BMI） and all-cause mortality among the elderly in Beijing. Methods This analysis was based on the Beijing multidimensional longitudinal study of aging （BLSA）, which included 2,090 subjects over 55 years old and was followed-up from 1992 to 2012. BMI-mortality curves were drawn to find the optimal BMI range with the lowest mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used to obtain the hazard ratios （HRs） for BMI and BMI changes in the overall population and in specific stratified populations. Results During follow-up, 2,264 deaths were recorded; BMI-mortality curve was U-shaped, with the lowest mortality at a BMI of approximately 25 kg/m2. After adjusting for gender, age, smoking, drinking and some pre-existing diseases, HRs for underweight, overweight and obesity compared with normal weight were 2.372 （95% C/： 2.254-2.632）, 0.767 （95% CI： 0.666-0.884） and 0.872 （95% CI： 0.830-1.246）, respectively. HR for BMI drop was 3.245 （95% CI： 0.824-22.772） in the underweight group and 1.892 （95% C/： 0.830-1.246） in the normal weight group, HR for BMI rise was 1.795 （95% CI： 1.243-2.591） in normal weight group and 2.962 （95% CI： 2.202-3.203） in the overweight group. Conclusion Keeping BMI in an overweight status and stable is related to a reduced mortality

Elevated serum uric acid level as a predictor for cardiovascu-lar and all-cause mortality in Chinese patients with high cardiovascular risk

Objective To assess the predictive value of serum uric acid levels for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in a large prospective population based study.Methods The study was based on 3648 participants in Shanghai and Beijing,who were inpatients with high cardiovascular(CV) risk at baseLine (2004.7 to 2005.1),and blood was taken.Follow-up for death from cardiovascular disease and any cause was complete until January 1,2006.Results The mean follow-up was 1 years.There were 303 deaths during follow-up,of which 121 were cardiovascular.Crude mortality rates were 8.3 % for all patients,6.8% for female patients (116/1715),and 9.7% (187/1933) for male patients.Among men,patients in the lower and higher uric acid groups had increased cardiac and overall mortality risks compared with patients in the normal uric acid groups.Similar relation was found in women but not statistically significant.After adjusting for other conventional risk factors (age,diabetes,hypertension,diuretic use and smoking),baseline uric acid level was still associated with increased risk for death from cardiovascular disease (P=0.005),or death from all causes (P=0.014) Conclusion Our data suggest that abnormal serum uric acid levels are independently and significantly associated with risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2008;5:15-20)

Influence of Underlying Diseases and Age on the Association between Obesity and All-Cause Mortality in Post-Middle Age

Background: Studies on the association between obesity and all-cause mortality have found that the degree of obesity is directly proportional to all-cause mortality. In contrast, there have been studies indicating that obese people with underlying diseases have a higher survival rate. We hypothesized that age and underlying diseases lead to such contrasting results. Therefore, we conducted a study to clarify the influence of post-middle age obesity and underlying diseases on all-cause mortality. Methods: This study used data from longitudinal studies in the United States, which conducted follow-up for 19 years on 33,708 participants in different age groups: ≥45, 45 - 64, and ≥65 years. Hazard ratio (HR) was determined using the Cox proportional hazards model to analyze a group consisting of all participants, a group of those with underlying diseases, and a group of those without underlying diseases, considering age, gender, education history, marital status, household income, smoking history, and BMI category as covariates. Results: In the group aged ≥65 without underlying diseases, HR was almost 1 in those with BMI 25 - 35 kg/m2. Further, HR was higher in the 45 - 64 age group without underlying diseases if BMI was >35 kg/m2. However, HR was approximately 1 in the ≥65 age group. Conclusions: The study revealed that among individuals aged ≥65 years without underlying diseases, there was no association between obesity and all-cause mortality. Among individuals without underlying diseases, HR was higher in the 45 - 64 age group with BMI > 35 kg/m2 but was approximately 1 among those aged ≥65 years. Therefore, an interaction based on age was detected. These findings may lead to recommendations regarding the need to modify the advice and education provided to obese individuals in different age groups.

Study of Mortality and Causes of Death in the Service of Stomatology, Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery of the Face at Cocody Teaching Hospital (RCI)

Introduction: The study of mortality is an indicator that allows a control and a review of the therapeutic measures in the hospital environment. The purpose of this work was to determine the epidemiological profile of the patients who died and analyse the circumstances of the death in a hospital service. Material and Methods: It is a retrospective descriptive study conducted in the service of Stomatology, maxillofacial and plastic surgery of the face over a period of 10 years (from January 1999 to December 2008). Seventy-two cases have been taken into account. Results: The crude death rate was 4.29%. Higher level of male has been noted with a sex ratio of 1.77. The most affected age groups were the 3rd and 2nd decades, respectively with 20.8% and 19.4% with an average age of 39 years. Cellulitis of the face and their complications were responsible for deaths in 58.33% of cases. The majority of deaths occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. (65.28%). These deaths were preventable in 5.6% of cases. Conclusion: Facing the lack of description of the ultimate circumstances of death in the medical records, the conclusion of this study has been the establishment of a regular medical audit in the service, which would track mortality in order to reduce its rate.

Population attributable risks of cigarette smoking for deaths of all causes, all cancers and other chronic diseases among adults aged 40-74 years in urban Shanghai, China

Objective： To evaluate the population attributable risks （PARs） between cigarette smoking and deaths of all causes, all cancers, lung cancer and other chronic diseases in urban Shanghai. Methods： In total, 61,480 men aged 40-74 years from 2002 to 2006 and 74,941 women aged 40-70 years from 1997 to 2000 were recruited to undergo baseline surveys in urban Shanghai, with response rates of 74.0% and 92.3%, respectively. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate relative risks （RRs） and 95% confidence intervals （95% CIs） of deaths associated with cigarette smoking. PARs and 95 % CIs for deaths were estimated from smoking exposure rates and the estimated RRs. Results： Cigarette smoking was responsible for 23.9% （95% CI： 19.4-28.3%） and 2.4% （95% Ch 1.6- 3.2%） of all deaths in men and women, respectively, in our study population. Respiratory disease had the highest PAR in men [37.5% （95% CI： 21.5-51.6%）], followed by cancer [31.3% （95% Ch 24.6-37.7%）] and cardiovascular disease （CVD） [24.1% （95% CI： 16.7-31.2%）]. While the top three PARs were 12.7% （95% CI： 6.1-19.3%）, 4.0% （95% CI： 2.4-5.6%）, and 1.1% （95% CI： 0.0-2.3%）, for respiratory disease, CVD, and cancer, respectively in women. For deaths of lung cancer, the PAR of smoking was 68.4% （95% CI： 58.2- 76.5%） in men. Conclusions： In urban Shanghai, 23.9% and 2.4% of all deaths in men and women could have been prevented if no people had smoked in the area. Effective control programs against cigarette smoking should be strongly advocated to reduce the increasing smoking-related death burden.

Morbidity and Mortality of Inpatients in the Department of Infectious Diseases of the University Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Background: Infectious Diseases are responsible for nearly 17 million annual deaths worldwide. Burkina Faso, like the majority of poor countries, remains vulnerable to infectious diseases. The objective of the present study was to analyze the profile of inpatients, including the mortality and causes of death, in the Infectious Diseases Department of SourôSanou teaching hospital (Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso). Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study based on medical records of all inpatients from 2011 to 2015. Results: We included 1169 patients. The gender ratio was 0.8. The age group 30 to 39 was more represented (30.2%) as well as housewives and farmers (73.7%). Over one-thirds of the patients (35.3%) were consulted within an average of 7 days. The most common reason for consultation was fever (65.1%). Around 62.0% of inpatients were infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Digestive diseases ranked first (21.8%) followed by nervous system disorders (19.4%) and tuberculosis (17.8%). Overall morbidity rate was 31.3%. About 42% were admitted to the emergency ward while 83.3% already arrived with poor health condition. And 82.1% of deaths occurred on pathological grounds of which 66.7% were related to HIV. Main causes of death included nervous system diseases (28.6%), tuberculosis (21.9%) and gastrointestinal diseases (18.3%). Conclusion: Infectious diseases remain a major public health issue. Further efforts are needed to improve their management in Burkina Faso.

Potential Toxicological and Cardiopulmonary Effects of PM2,5 Exposure and Related Mortality:Findings of Recent Studies Published during 2003-2013

Air pollution has environmental issue owing become a serious to its diverse harmful effects on the physical and biological environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency （EPA） and the World Health Organization （WHO）, air pollution affects millions of people worldwide. Hundreds of thousands of deaths each year and a range of diseases, particularly among vulnerable groups （i.e., children, the elderly, and people with special medical conditions）, are attributed to air pollution. These effects are not always caused by single pollutant in the air; rather, they are considered consequences of the multi-pollutants to which people are simultaneously exposed.

Analysis of Cause of Death in Inner Mongolia of China, 2008-2014

Objective: The aim of our study was to analyze the character of cause of death in Inner Mongolia of China from 2008 to 2014. Methods: We collected data from monitoring points of the Death Registry System (DRS) in Inner Mongolia. We calculated the mortality rates by gender, year and age-specific. We calculated the proportion, the mortality rate and potential years of life lost (PYLL) of various system deaths. Results: During the period 2008-2014, the average crude mortality rate of all cause of death was 539.33/105. The mortality rate increased semilogarithm linearly with age. The top four system deaths were circulatory system, neoplasm, respiratory system and injury. In 2014, the mortality rates of circulatory system were increased and the mortality rates of certain infectious and parasitic diseases, neoplasms, respiratory system, genitourinary system and injury were decreased compared to those in 2008. Conclusion: Through analysis the indicators of proportion, the mortality rate and PYLL indicated that health status of a population in Inner Mongolia was at a better level.

Cancer mortality in Inner Mongolia of China, 2008-2010

Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the status of the common cancer in Inner Mongolia of China. Methods: We obtained data from the Centers for Disease Control in the Inner Mongolia from five monitoring points of DRS in Inner Mongolia from 2008 to 2010. We calculated the crude mortality, the proportion of all cause of death during the three years, further calculated cancer mortality, the proportion of cancer death and PYLL by genders. Results: During the period 2008-2010, the crude mortality of all cause of death is 518.02 per million in Inner Mongolia. As the second most common cause of death, the mortality dying from cancer is 127.11 per million, accounting for over one fifth of all deaths. Among all deaths from cancer, the lung cancer had the highest mortality rates (46.25 per million in males and 17.95 per million in females) and PYLL (0.72 in males and 0.41 in females), followed by the liver cancer (23.76 per million) and the gastric cancer (16.15 per million). The female breast cancer is the fourth leading cancer from mortality and PYLL for 7.65 per million and 0.17. Conclusion: Our analysis determined the severity of cancer death in Inner Mongolia of China from 2008 to 2010.Our study found that the cancer mortality in Inner Mongolia is lower than Chinese average level and most west countries, higher than some Africa countries. Our results will guide future cancer control strategies in Inner Mongolia of China.

Early Mortality (120 Days) amongst Incident Hemodialysis with End Stage Kidney Disease: A 5-Year Retrospective Study

Background: End stage kidney failure (ESKF) is a major public health problem worldwide. Haemodialysis is the principal method in its management, and is associated with high mortality mostly owing to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In Cameroon, data on its predictors is lacking. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the 120 day mortality, causes of death and its predictors and amongst incident haemodialysis patients with end stage kidney disease in Cameroon. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients admitted for ESKF who started haemodialysis between January 2016 and December 2020 (5 years) and who died within 120 days. For these patients, the variables collected were: age, gender, comorbidities, dialysis parameters, para-clinical parameters, cause of death. The causes of death were registered as stated by the attending physician. Data were analysed using SPSS 20. A p-value Results: Out of 1012 incident patients, 258 died giving a mortality rate of 25.5%. Of these, 59.7% were males. The mean age (SD) was 46.52 (15.6) years. The main causes of death included sepsis (45.61%), CVD (12.86%), and severe anaemia (9.94%);and were comparable between males and females except for anaemia which was more prevalent in females (p = 0.003). Catheters related infections (77.9%), and chest infections (9.0%) were the main sources of sepsis while sudden death (76.2%), myocardial infarction (9.5%), and heart failure (9.5%) were the main cardiovascular causes of death. Hypertension (65%), CVD (35.6%), and diabetes (9.19%) were the main comorbidities associated to death. The main vascular access was central venous catheter 96%. CVD (p = 0016, aOR;4.107), Albumin ≤ 3.5 g/dl (p = 0.015, aOR;23.083), and Creatinine > 20 mg/dl (p = 0.024, aOR;5.649) were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: One in four patients on haemodialysis died early. CVD, hypoalbuminemia and late initiation were predictors of mortality. Majority of patients die from preventable causes, with sepsis from catheter being the most frequent.

Mortality from chronic liver disease:Recent trends and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Prepandemic time trends in mortality from chronic liver disease(CLD)differed according to specific cause of death(decreasing for liver cirrhosis,stable or increasing for liver cancer),etiology(increasing for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,generally decreasing for other etiologies),and world region(decreasing in areas with the highest burden of hepatitis B virus,increasing in Eastern Europe and other countries).The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic affected mortality of patients with CLD both directly,with a higher risk for severe illness and death depending on age,stage and etiology of the disease,and indirectly,through social isolation and loss of support,harmful drinking,and difficulties in access to care.Nevertheless,only sparse data are available on variations in CLD as a cause of death during the pandemic.In the USA,in 2020-2021 a growth in mortality was registered for all liver diseases,more marked for alcoholic liver disease,especially among young people aged 25-44 years and in selected ethnic groups.COVID-19 related deaths accounted only for a minor part of the excess.Further data from mortality registers of other countries are warranted,preferably adopting the so-called multiple cause-of-death approach,and extended to deaths attributed to viral hepatitis and liver cancer.

Maternal Mortality in the Gynecology-Obstetric Department at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital Center (CHUYO), Burkina Faso: About 181 Cases Collected from January 1^stto December 31^st2016

Objective: To study maternal mortality in the obstetrics and gynecology department at Yalgado Ouedraogo teaching Hospital Center. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective and descriptive study of 181 cases of maternal deaths during study period. The parameters studied were sociodemographic characteristics, the causes of death, the clinical data and the contributing factors. Results: The maternal mortality ratio was 2624 per 100,000 live births. The mean age of death was 26.79 with extremes of 15 years to 40 years. Direct obstetric causes accounted for 58% dominated by hypertension and complications, hemorrhage during pregnancy and postpartum, and obstetric infections. The indirect obstetric causes were 42% dominated by non-obstetric infections and chronic anemias. In addition to the delay in consultation and delay in care, the lack of antenatal care was the contributing factor to maternal deaths. Conclusion: Maternal mortality remains a public health problem in view of its high ratio. The reduction of this scourge will inevitably go through a health insurance that will allow the supply of quality care.

血清几丁质酶-3样蛋白1与血液透析患者预后关系的研究

目的探讨血清几丁质酶-3样蛋白1(chitinase 3-like protein 1,CHI3L1)与血液透析患者全因死亡和心脑血管疾病死亡之间的关系。方法本研究为前瞻性队列研究,病例来自2014年9月北京大学第三医院肾内科维持性血液透析患者。测定基线血CHI3L1水平,并根据中位数将患者分为高CHI3L1组和低CHI3L1组,随访9年。用Kaplan-Meier生存分析高CHI3L1组和低CHI3L1组患者生存率的差异,用限制性立方样条(restricted cubic spline,RCS)曲线描述CHI3L1与全因死亡率的剂量反应关系,用多因素COX比例风险模型分析患者全因死亡或心脑血管疾病死亡的独立危险因素。结果共纳入109例患者,随访时间为80.0(38.2,113.2)个月。Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示高CHI3L1组患者全因死亡率高于低CHI3L1组(χ^(2)=4.720,P=0.030),2组患者心脑血管疾病死亡率无明显差异(χ^(2)=1.954,P=0.162)。当CHI3L1≥199.8 ng/ml时,全因死亡率随着CHI3L1水平的增加有明显增加(HR=1.747,95%CI:1.035~2.947,P=0.037)。COX回归分析结果显示:年龄增加(HR=1.029,95%CI:1.001~1.056,P=0.040)、长透析龄(HR=2.251,95%CI:1.310~3.868,P=0.003)、收缩压高(HR=1.022,95%CI:1.008~1.036,P=0.002)、血肌酐低(HR=0.135,95%CI:0.064~0.283,P<0.001)均为血液透析患者全因死亡的独立危险因素,多种因素校正后高CHI3L1仍然是患者全因死亡的独立危险因素(HR=1.963,95%CI:1.010~3.813,P=0.047)。结论高CHI3L1组患者全因死亡率高于低CHI3L1组患者,血CHI3L1可能是血液透析患者全因死亡的独立预测指标。

2016-2021年北京市5岁以下儿童死亡变化趋势及死因研究

目的 分析2016-2021年北京市5岁以下儿童死亡率(U5MR)变化趋势及主要死因,为制定、调整干预策略提供依据。方法 提取北京市妇幼保健网络信息系统中2016-2021年5岁以下儿童死亡监测数据,对北京市U5MR和不同年龄组死亡率变化趋势及主要死因进行回顾性分析。结果 2016-2021年北京市U5MR呈下降趋势,2021年下降至2.24‰,已达到国际领先水平。5岁以下儿童各年龄组中,新生儿死亡率(NMR)下降速度最快,年度变化百分比(APC)为-8.98%(95%CI:-13.14%~-5.59%),是2016-2021年北京市U5MR下降的主要原因;而1~<5岁儿童死亡率呈上升趋势(APC=13.50%,95%CI:1.06%~27.51%)。2016-2021年早产或低出生体重(APC=-14.00%,95%CI:-23.51%~-6.38%)和其他新生儿疾病死亡率(APC=-25.91%,95%CI:-44.69%~-12.43%),呈下降趋势;意外伤害死亡率呈上升趋势(APC=12.34%,95%CI:5.11%~19.72%)。2021年主要死因中,远郊地区先天异常、意外伤害、早产或低出生体重和出生窒息死亡率均高于城市地区。2016-2021年,城市地区和远郊地区早产或低出生体重死亡率均呈下降趋势,城市地区出生窒息和远郊地区其他新生儿病死亡率呈下降趋势;城市地区意外伤害和肺炎死亡率呈上升趋势。结论 北京市在降低NMR以及降低早产或低出生体重和其他新生儿病等疾病死亡率方面成果显著,但同时还应重视意外伤害、先天异常和出生窒息等主要死因防控,并加强对1~<5岁儿童群体的关注。

Bone Cancer Mortality in Inner Mongolia from 2008 to 2012

Objective: The aim of our study was to assess bone cancer mortality and the related social factors in Inner Mongolia in China. Methods: We obtained data from the Centers for Disease Control in Inner Mongolia from five monitoring points of the Death Registry System in Inner Mongolia from 2008 to 2012. We calculated the crude mortality rate for bone cancer. The χ2 test was used to examine differences in bone cancer mortality rates between sexes and years. Unconditional logistic regressions were applied to analyze the effect of socio-demographic characteristics by sex. Results: Between 2008 and 2012, the crude mortality rate of bone cancer was 1.12/100000 (95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.21). The bone cancer mortality was 2.24 in men and 1.25 in women, resulting in a male-female ratio of 1.8. No between-year difference in the mortality rate was observed between 2008 and 2012 (men: χ2 = 4.65, P = 0.325;women: χ2 = 2.21, P = 0.698). In general, mortality increased with increasing age. People with a lower education level exhibited an increased risk of bone cancer among both men and women. Jobs involving extensive manual labor decreased the likelihood of bone cancer mortality, and the odds ratio was higher for men than women (0.6 vs. 0.45). Unmarried people had a higher risk for bone cancer than married people. Conclusion: The mortality rate of bone cancer was not significantly different between men and women from 2008 to 2012. The risk of bone cancer increased with age among both sexes. Unmarried people and those with a low education status had an elevated risk of bone cancer, whereas employment in a field involving extensive manual labor appeared to be a protective factor against bone cancer.

Attainment of the Fifth Millennium Development Goal: Utopia or Reality Based on Trends in Maternal Mortality in 12 Years in Two Regional Hospitals in Fako Division, Cameroon? A Retrospective Study

Introduction: According to WHO, globally an estimated 585,000 women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. One of the targets of Millennium Development Goal 5 (MDG 5) is to reduce maternal mortality by three quarters of the 1999 value by the year 2015. However, three years to 2015, very little is known on the trends in maternal mortality ratio, causes of maternal deaths and their associated factors in the Tiko Cottage Hospital (TCH) and Limbe Regional Hospital (LRH) in the South-West Region, Cameroon. Methods: This was a retrospective, analytical cross-sectional study that was carried out from 1st January 2000 to December 2012. After obtaining ethical clearance, the records of cases of maternal deaths and a reference group of women who survived after a pregnancy during the same period were carefully reviewed. The data were analyzed with SPSS 10 and EPI 3.5.1. Results: There were 14,480 live births and 132 maternal deaths during the study period, giving an adjusted Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 892/100,000 live births. Patients’ age ranged from 15 - 40 years (SD 2.3). We observed a downwards trend of Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). Seventy-eight percent of the maternal deaths were due to direct causes. The triad of hemorrhage (54.5%), abortions (17.4%), and eclampsia (10.6%) was the leading cause of death. HIV-related complications and hepatitis constituted the main indirect causes of maternal death. In 85.4% of cases, maternal deaths were avoidable. Lack of blood for transfusion and late referral of cases were the main avoidable factors. Patients less than 35 years (p = 0.01), no antenatal care (ANC) (p = 0.001), unemployment [OR = 1.52;95% CI: (1.38 - 48.28);p = 0.02] were significantly associated with maternal deaths while grand multiparity [OR = 1.20;95% CI (0.30 - 4.86);p = 0.79], marital status [OR = 1.20;95% CI: (0.70 - 2.07);p = 0.51] and education level were not significantly associated with maternal deaths. Conclusion: The trend shows that there was no appreciable decline in maternal mortality, implying that attaining the objectives of MDG 5 is very unlikely. Therefore, to meet the MDG 5 target, we recommend that, there should be amelioration towards obstetric emergencies care and health education by health care providers.