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Iatrogenic risks and maternal health: Issues and outcomes
Meharun-Nissa Khaskheli1, Shahla Baloch2, Aneela Sheeba3
1Dr. Meharun-nissa Khaskheli, MBBS, FCPS, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
|March 19, 2014
Summary
Maternal morbidity and mortality from iatrogenic factors, such as oxytocin misuse and fluid overload, were high. Most of these life-threatening complications were preventable, highlighting the need for improved obstetric care.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Iatrogenic factors significantly contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality.
- Adverse events during medical management pose life-threatening risks to pregnant women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and outcomes of acute maternal morbidity and mortality.
- To identify specific iatrogenic factors leading to severe complications and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in an ICU from January 2011 to December 2012.
- Included women admitted to ICU for life-threatening complications due to management, excluding those with pre-existing medical conditions.
- Data on demographics, iatrogenic risk factors, complications, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Fifty-one women required ICU care due to iatrogenic complications.
- Common factors included oxytocin misuse (31.37%), fluid overload/cardiac failure (15.68%), and blood reactions (13.72%).
- Maternal mortality rate was 27.45%, with 72.54% of women recovering.
Conclusions:
- Iatrogenic factors contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality.
- A majority of these adverse events and subsequent complications were avoidable.
- There is a critical need to address and mitigate iatrogenic risks in obstetric care.
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