Effects of Maternal Death on Children Living in the Sagnarigu Municipality

Introduction: The greatest effect of maternal mortality is renowned in children aged 2 - 5 months whose mothers had died. Children whose mothers died due to maternal complications were likely to record a higher mortality in infancy compared to children of surviving mothers. Motherless children mostly suffer a lot due to lack of day-to-day care, isolation, lack of motivation as well as economic cost associated with mother’s death. Thus, the purpose of this study was to ascertain the lives of children whose mothers passed away during childbirth at the Sagnarigu Municipality. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out at the Sagnarigu Municipal. The study recruited 297 respondents. To assess the effects of maternal death on the lives of children, families that experienced maternal death were assessed. The number of pregnancies experienced by the deceased woman, pregnancy-related complaints experienced, determinants of maternal death, number of children alive, and their standard of living were assessed with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Results: The data showed that negligence, illiteracy, poor road access, poverty, ignorance, delays in recognizing the problem, delays in making appropriate decisions, delays in the health facility, delays in giving the appropriate treatments, and traditional beliefs were some of the factors that led to maternal death in the Sagnarigu Municipality. Conclusion: The study concluded that determinants of maternal death in the Sagnarigu Municipal included the following;negligence, illiteracy, poverty, and delays in recognizing the problem. The study findings also demonstrated that the effects of maternal death on children are diverse and cut across different areas of a child’s life including livelihood sustenance, healthcare, education, and emotional and psychological development.

Effect of the Implementation of Emonc in the Reduction of Maternal Deaths in the Department of Collines from 2018 to 2022

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality remains a public health problem in Benin. Each year, approximately 1500 maternal deaths and more than 12,000 newborn deaths are recorded there. In order to correct the situation, strategies such as the implementation of Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) were initiated. Objective: Determine the rates of maternal deaths in EmONC centers in the Collines department from 2018 to 2022. Framework and Methods: The study took place in Benin precisely in the Collines department. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data collection was carried out during the first two weeks of January 2023 and covered data from the 09 Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care centers (BEMONC) and the Obstetric and Neonatal Care centers of Complete Emergency (CEmONC) of the Collines department from 2018 to 2022. An estimate of the ratios of maternal deaths occurring at the level of the EmONC centers of the Collines department from 2018-2022 was carried out followed by constructive suggestions. Results: During the five years (2018 to 2022), the Collines department recorded 42,582 live births with 148 maternal deaths, i.e. a ratio of 348 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Between 2018 and 2022, the highest maternal death ratio was recorded in 2019, i.e. 425 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births for all EmONC centers and 607 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in EmONC centers. The highest maternal death ratio at the BEmONC center level was recorded in 2020, i.e. 129 maternal deaths per 100,000 births. Conclusion: These results suggest that despite the implementation of EmONC in the Collines department, maternal deaths have not decreased. To improve these outcomes for a reduction in maternal deaths, urgent action must be taken.

Epidemiology of Maternal Deaths from 2017 to 2022 in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the University Hospital of Tengandogo, Burkina Faso

Background: Although maternal mortality is declining in most countries, it remains a significant public health problem worldwide, with high rates, particularly in developing and insecure countries like ours. Objective: To study the epidemiological factors and factors associated with the occurrence of maternal death in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of University Hospital of Tengandogo. Method: It was a retrospective case-control study with a descriptive and analytical purpose over a period of 6 years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Cases were women with maternal deaths during the study period. Data processing and analysis were performed using Stata version 13 software. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with Stata version 13 software, and logistic regression modeling was used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR), their 95% confidence intervals (CI), and the threshold for statistical significance was set at a p value < 0.05. Results: A total of 372 patients were included in the study, including 146 cases of maternal death. The in-hospital maternal mortality rate was 1933 deaths per 100,000 live births. The average age was 28.5 years. 58.9% of patients lived in rural areas. Married patients accounted for 88.7% of cases. The average parity was 3. Direct obstetrical causes were the main causes of death, accounting for 72.6%. They were dominated by post-partum hemorrhage (24.2%), puerperal infection (18.6%), pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (16.1%) and retroplacental hematoma (8.9%). Chronic anemia (12.9%) was the main indirect obstetric cause. Risk factors associated with maternal death were primiparity (OR for paucigravida and multigravida at 0.05;P = 0.001);ambulance transport (OR for patients referred and brought in by personal vehicle = 0.3, p < 0.001) and vaginal delivery (OR for cesarean deliveries = 0.4, p < 0.001). Conclusion: To reduce maternal mortality in Burkina Faso, strategies such as educating women about danger signs during pregnancy and promoting women’s education can be adopted.

Review of Maternal Deaths over 3 and a Half Years at the Kara University Hospital Center, Northern Togo: About 65 Cases

Objective: To analyze maternal deaths, identify causes and dysfunctions leading to these deaths in order to contribute to the implementation of strategies to reduce maternal mortality at CHU Kara. Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study involving 65 cases of maternal deaths recorded at CHU-Kara from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021. Results: Our study focused on 65 cases of maternal deaths recorded at the maternity ward of CHU-Kara. The average age was 30 years, with a range of 15 to 45 years. They were mostly housewives (52.3%), uneducated (38.5%), multiparous (41.5%), and referred (86.2%). The causes were mainly direct obstetric causes (81.54%), with preeclampsia and its complications (28.30%) and immediate postpartum hemorrhage (20.75%) being the most common. However, uterine rupture (20.5%) and post-abortion sepsis (16.4%) were the most lethal etiologies. Delayed evacuation (46.43%), inadequate transportation (91%), and insufficient prenatal care (72.31%) were the dysfunctions before referral. Within the CHU Kara, delays in management (58.46%), unavailability of blood and labile products (18%), and insufficient monitoring were the dysfunctions identified. Ninety-five point four percent (95.4%) of the deaths were preventable. Conclusion: The magnitude of intrahospital maternal deaths, the various dysfunctions observed in the occurrence of maternal deaths before referral/evacuation and within the hospital highlight the importance of effectively implementing recommendations from audits in the fight against maternal mortality. The majority of the deaths were preventable (95.38%).

Maternal Deaths after Obstetrical Referral and/or Evacuation to the Obstetrics Gynecology Clinic of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center, Togo

Introduction: Maternal death or maternal mortality is “the death of a woman occurring during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, regardless of duration or location, for any specific cause or aggravated by pregnancy or its management, but neither accidental nor fortuitous. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out from January 1st, 2021 to April 30th, 2022 at the Obstetrics Gynecology Clinic of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center (SOUHC). Results: we noted 86 cases of maternal deaths after referral/evacuation i.e. a maternal mortality rate hospital of 555 maternal deaths per 100,000 LB. The average age of the patients was 31.1 ± 6.3 years with extremes of 15 and 45 years. In 33.7% of cases our patients were resellers. Multiparas represented 33.7% of the sample, they had performed less than three antenatal consultations. Postpartum hemorrhage was the reference reason in 33.7%. In 74.4% of cases, the patients referred had arrived by taxi. In 87.9% of cases, the patients had died of direct obstetric causes. Immediate postpartum hemorrhage accounted for 44.6% of cases and anemia, 36.4%. There is a statistically significant association between the availability of blood product and the avoidability of maternal death after obstetrical referral and/or evacuation (p value = 0.0188 0.05). Conclusion: Determining responsibility for maternal death is not always easy. There is an urgent need to strengthen the policy of reducing maternal mortality in Togo. This remains possible by developing communication strategies and a solid referral/counter-referral system.

Dysfunctions in the Management of Patients Whose Outcome Was Classified as “Maternal Death” from 2017 to 2021, at the Departemental University Teaching Hospital of Borgou Alibori (Chud-Ba), Benin

Background: Maternal death is a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: This study sought to investigate dysfunctions in the management of patients whose outcome was classified as “maternal death” in the Gynaecology-Obstetrics section of the Departmental University Teaching Hospital of Borgou Alibori (CHUD-BA) from 2017 to 2021. Method: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical purposes. The study population consisted of pregnant women, parturients and puerperas admitted into the CHUD-BA maternity ward from 2017 to 2021. Result: A total of 2011 patients were included in this study. The in-hospital maternal mortality ratio was 1526 per 100,000 live births. The dysfunctions identified were the amount of time spent in the referring center (more than 48 hours) (p = 0.001), delay of more than 2 hours between referral and admission into the referral center (p < 0.001), means of transport (motorcycle or public transport) (p compliance to the protocol for emergency obstetric and neonatal care (SONU) (p < 0.001) and delay of more than 2 hours in the etiological management of pregnant women (p Conclusion: Particular attention should be paid to the management of pregnant women in our healthcare system if we are looking forward to reducing maternal mortality.

Review of Maternal Deaths in Two Health Regions of Togo: About 69 Cases (Epidemiological and Sociodemographic Aspects)

Introduction: Maternal mortality is a public health problem. It is common in hospitals in Togo. From 401 per 100,000 live births in 2013, in 2017 we are 396 per 100,000 live births. Despite several programs ranging from subsidized caesarean section (CARMA) yezou (assistance for pregnant women), the establishment of maternal death reviews in maternity wards to compensate for avoidable causes;we are seeing preventable maternal and fetal deaths in our hospitals. No study on these reviews has been done since its establishment. The objective of our study was to determine the frequency of reviews of maternal deaths, the epidemiological, sociodemographic aspects and the causes of these reviewed maternal deaths. Method: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional, multicenter study lasting four and a half years, from the 1st of January 2018 to the 30th of June 2022, relating to the review of maternal deaths in three reference hospitals of two health regions of south Togo. Any maternal death occurring in one of these hospitals during the study period was included in this survey. The data collected using a collection sheet were analyzed using Epi Info version 7 software. Results: During the study period, the maternal mortality ratio in the three hospitals was 722.3 per 100,000 live births. Only 12.2% of maternal deaths were reviewed in the three hospitals. The patients were young with an average age of 29.9 years, housewives (71%), uneducated (21.7%). The causes of maternal deaths were dominated by direct obstetric causes (89.7%). The main cause was hemorrhage (72.5%), the main cause being immediate postpartum hemorrhage (50.7%). Conclusion: This study shows that the maternal mortality ratio still remains high in our country with a low frequency of maternal death reviews. Young, poor, uneducated women are the most affected by these deaths, the main cause of which remains hemorrhage. Preventive measures deserve to be taken at all levels with a view to reducing maternal mortality.

Maternal death due to severe and critical COVID-19 in Qom,Iran:A case series

Objective:To report the maternal death due to COVID-19.Methods:A total of 14 maternal deaths due to severe and critical COVID-19 who were referred to the obstetric department of Nekouie-Forghani-Hedayati Hospital,Qom,Iran from December 2019 to May 2022 were collected.The clinical manifestations and maternal and perinatal outcomes were analyzed.Results:Dexamethasone was used in 7 cases,while remdesivir was used in 5 cases.Acute respiratory distress syndrome,multiple organ failure,and sepsis were the main cause of mother death.The pregnancy in 8 cases were terminated by caesarean and only one neonatal death was reported from a mother at 13th week of gestational age,while all other fetus delivered were healthy and alive.Conclusions:COVID-19 in pregnancy is an emergency.Critical appraisal is needed to detect the other comorbidities and positive PCR test by throat swap should be performed as soon as possible.

Epidemiologic Profile of Maternal Deaths in Two Referral Hospitals in Cameroon

Introduction: Our objective was to compare the epidemiologic profile of maternal mortality in two structures serving as referral levels of care in Cameroon. Methodology: This cross-sectional, comparative study took place at the maternities of the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH) and the Bamenda Regional Hospital (BRH) from December 1st 2014 to May 31st 2015, a 6 months’ period. The medical records of deceased women over 5 years, from January 2010 to December 2014, were collected. We calculated the MMR (Maternal mortality rate) and studied the causes and risk factors associated with maternal death. The Epi info software 3.5.4 was used to analyze data with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was 964 and 247 per 100,000 live births for YCH and BRH, respectively. More deaths occurred within the aged group range 20 to 34 years, 76.8% at YCH and 64.7% at BRH. At YCH, 70.7% of these patients were referrals versus 32.4% at BRH. Complication from abortion was often implicated at BRH (P = 0.007;OR = 0.31;CI = 0.13 - 0.74). Others causes were hemorrhage (YCH = 43.4%;BRH = 35.5%), hypertensive diseases (YCH = 17.2%;BRH = 14.7%) and infections (YCH = 8.1%;BRH = 17.6%). At YCH time elapsed from admission to death was <3 h (P = 0.005;OR = 6.63;CI = 1.49 - 29.5). Conclusion: Both hospitals have similar causes of maternal deaths, differing only in the context within which the deaths occurred. Improving access to good quality health care, satisfying unmet needs for family planning, availability of blood products and the establishment of health insurance could decrease the maternal mortality rate.

Management of Obstetric Emergencies in a Tertiary Hospital in Cameroon: A Milestone for End of Preventable Maternal Deaths

Background: Maternal mortality was insufficiently reduced in Cameroon in 2015 despite the adoption of Millennium development goals. To tackle the situation and meet the sustainable Millennium goals target of 140/100,000 live births by 2030, the Government adopted the strategies of building reference hospitals where high quality obstetric care, timely and optimal management of obstetric emergencies will be offered. The objective of this study was to describe the patterns of obstetric emergencies in Douala Gynaeco-obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, evaluate the outcomes of their management and the contribution to maternal mortality. Patients and Methods: 418 patients with obstetric emergencies were included in a two-phase cross-sectional study. Data were retrieved from patients’ case notes during the retrospective phase and a questionnaire filled for each case received during the prospective phase. Patterns of obstetric emergencies were determined and for each, the following were analysed: patient managed in this hospital or referred from other hospitals, management according to hospital guidelines, timing of care, result of management (recovery with no admission in ICU (intensive care unit), admission in ICU, death). Factors associated with each case of death were analysed. Results: The patterns of obstetric emergencies (OE) were dominated by HDP (hypertensive diseases in pregnancy) (20.57%), abortions (14.83%), Ectopic pregnancies (13.87%), Acute foetal distress (13.15%) and Obstructed labour (9.56%). PPH (post partum haemorrhage) represented 7.65% and Sikcle cell crisis (SCA) 0.91%. 40% of cases were referred from other hospitals. Six cases of deaths were recorded with a global case fatality of 1.43%. The causes of death were PPH, HDP, and Sickle cell anaemia 33.33% each. The case fatality of SCA was 50%, disclosing our worst performance. Conclusion: Management of OE following standardized hospital guidelines, reinforcement of referral systems, upgrading obstetrical services with ICU will result in least adverse maternal outcomes and especially reduced maternal mortality.

Situation and Strategies of the Maternal and Infant Health in Tunisia

This paper presents then makes a retrospective and descriptive evaluation of the Tunisian strategy implemented to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. The objectives of this bibliography work are to make a diagnosis of the situation of the maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, to develop the philosophy and the orientations of the strategic axis and to underline the keys of the success as well as the limits of the strategy.

Factors Associated with Maternal and Perinatal Complications of Preeclampsia at the Central Hospital of Yaoundé: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a public health problem especially in developing countries due to its incidence and severity. It is responsible for high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, the objective of this work was to study the factors associated with the occurrence of maternal and perinatal complications of preeclampsia. Method: This was an analytical cross-sectional study with prospective and retrospective data collection including all patients, pregnant or postpartum, admitted for pre-eclampsia to the maternity ward of the Yaoundé Central Hospital. It took place over a period of seven (07) months. The data collected was analyzed using CS Pro 7.4, SPSS 20.0 and Microsoft Office Excel 2010 software. We compared the group with complications to the group without complications. We calculated the odds ratio to look for associations between variables and their 95% confidence intervals. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p Results: We recruited 214 cases of preeclampsia in our series. There were maternal complications in 44.4% of cases, dominated by eclampsia (31.8%). We recorded 07 maternal deaths, representing a maternal lethality of 3.3%. We had at least one perinatal complication in 105 cases (49.1%). The predominant perinatal complication was prematurity. We recorded 32 cases of intrauterine fetal demise and 13 cases of early neonatal death, giving a perinatal lethality of 21%. After logistic regression, the factors associated with maternal complications were residing in a rural area (OR = 2.217 [1.054 - 3.09];p < 0.036);a nurse-aid as prenatal consultation provider (PNC) (OR = 5.059 [2.175 - 36.162];p - 4.029]). Conclusion: Complications of preeclampsia are very common in our setting. Several identified factors are associated with the occurrence of these complications. We suggest building the capacity of providers of PNC and sensitization of women on the use of PNC services.

Causes of Maternal Mortality in 2020 in the Kara Region (Togo)

Objective: Determine the maternal mortality rate, the epidemiological profile, the causes of death and the dysfunctions noted. Patients and method: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study from January 1 to December 31, 2020. All maternal deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days after its termination fitting the World Health Organisation definition criteria that occurred in the seven districts of Kara region were included. The data were processed using Excel microsoft. Results: A total of 41 maternal deaths occurred among 23,456 live births, accounting for a maternal mortality ratio of 174.8 deaths per 100,000 live births. The followings were observed: the average age of 30 years;88% married;39% multiparous;78% housewives without income; 5% students. Hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and complications of abortion were the main direct obstetric causes, while anemia was the main indirect obstetric cause. Factors related to deaths were inadequate quality of health care and lack of universal health insurance. The various maternal death audit reports found that 94.4% of deaths were preventable. Conclusion: Most maternal deaths would be prevented in the Kara region if women during pregnancy and the postpartum period received quality health care and the community was involved in decision-making about their health.

Analysis of Maternal Mortality in Obstetrics and Anesthesia Resuscitation in 15 Years at Chu Point“G”about 389 Cases Bamako/Mali

Objective: Analyze the maternal mortality in the two departments of CHU Point “G” in Bamako, because of high maternal mortality rate in our country. Material and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study on maternal deaths from February 19, 2005 to November 19, 2019 for patients admitted in both departments and who died during the pregnancy-puerperal period at CHU Point “G”. All the patients who died outside this pregnancy-puerperal period were not retained. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 12.0 software. The statistical test used was that of Chi2, the statistical significance threshold was fixed at 5%. Results: During our study, we recorded 389 maternal deaths out of 16,033 admissions in 15 years and 18,060 live births during the same period making a maternal mortality ratio of 2153.931 and a frequency of 2.426. At the end of our study, we noted that the frequency of maternal deaths was higher in 2014: 12.9% (50/389). The maternal death predominantly affected women aged of 20 - 24 with a frequency of 22.4% (87/389). The multiparity (166/389 making 42.7%), illiteracy (341/389 making 87.7%), the poor evacuation conditions (non-medicalized transport): 263/389 making 67.6%;the evacuation without any evacuation sheet: 259/389 making 66.6%), poor CPN (Prenatal consultation) quality (undone CPN: 191/389 making 49.1%) and the poor monitoring of delivery works (no use of partograph in 343/389 making 88.2%) were the factors favoring maternal deaths. The main causes of maternal deaths were direct in 231/389 making 59.4% with hemorrhage in first line: 21.1% (82/389), infection (61/389 cases making 15.68%), dystocia: 50 cases making 12.85% and high blood pressure and complications (38/389 making 9.76%);indirect in 158/389 cases making 40.6% (Figures 1-3). The majority of women 65.8% (256/389) of our patients died in the gynecology and obstetrics department;in the Resuscitation department 73/389 making 18.8%;in the operating room 43/389 making 11.1% and the deaths that were observed on arrivals represented 17/389 making 4.4%. In our study, 10.3% (40/389) of our patients died in the antepartum, 57.1% (222/389) in perpartum, and 32.6% (127/389) in the postpartum (Figure 4). The need not covered in blood transfusion represented 91.5% the cases either 356/389. Conclusion: The frequency of maternal deaths is very high in our country. Reducing the rate of maternal deaths requires improving the SONU (cares obstetrical and neonatal emergency).