Maternal mortality at University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka

Eighty maternal deaths occurring at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Lusaka, from 1974-1976 have been reviewed. The maternal mortality rate was 1.5 per 1000 births. The commonest causes of death were pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (23), septicaemia (14), haemorrhage (13) and ruptured uterus (11). Avoidable hospital factors were present in 52 percent of cases, while avoidable outside factors were noted in 27 percent. Thirty two per cent had no antenatal care. The mortality rate may be reduced by increased awareness of high risk patients by medical staff in the central hospital. Improvements in community maternal health services and better transport and communications are essential.