Medical risk factors in perinatal mortality in Kuwait: a case-controlled study from Al-Jahra district

This study is the first of its kind in Kuwait. It evaluates various risk factors associated with perinatal mortality (PNM) in the Al-Jahra district hospital during the period January 1995-December 1997. Risks associated with PNM were age above 30, parity above 8, history of abortion or perinatal death, lack of antenatal care, presence of chronic maternal disease, hydramnios, antepartum haemorrhage, breech presentation and low Apgar scores. The effect of the appropriate preventative programmes involving highlighting women at risk of perinatal mortality and probable intervention are discussed.