Near-miss obstetrical events and maternal deaths

To determine the frequency of near-miss cases, nature of near-miss events and mortality among obstetric patients.

Cross-sectional, observational study.

The study was conducted in the Obstetric Unit of Fatima Hospital, Baqai Medical University, from January 2006 to December 2006.

Near-miss case definition was based on validated specific criteria comprising of five diagnostic features: haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, dystocia, infection and anemia. The main outcome measures were frequency and characteristics of near-miss cases, total hospital stay, high dependency unit/ICU stay and development of multiple organ dysfunction. Near-miss events and maternal deaths were described with respect to disease profiles. Mortality indices were determined for various disease processes to appreciate the standard of care provided for near-miss cases. The maternal death to near-miss ratio was calculated.

There were 868 deliveries in the year 2006, 44 near-miss cases, 47 near-miss events and 6 maternal deaths. The maternal death to near-miss ratio was 1:7. The most common type of near-miss events were obstetrical haemorrhage, anemia and dystocia responsible for 51%, 21.2% and 14.8% respectively. Severe hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and infections accounted for 8.5% and 4.2% of near-miss events. Postpartum haemorrhage was responsible for 83.3% and infection for 16.6% of the maternal deaths. The mortality index was higher for infections (33.3%) than for haemorrhage (17.2%). Organ system dysfunction/failure was diagnosed in 18.1% of near-miss cases.

This study showed that for every 7 women who survived life threatening complications, one died. However, the underlying disease processes for near-miss and mortalities were almost same. Evaluation of the circumstances surrounding near miss cases could act as proxy for maternal deaths in the studied population.