Maternal sudden death: A nationwide retrospective study
Sophia Braund1, Juliette Leviel1,2, Estelle Morau3
1Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.
BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|September 26, 2022
Summary
Maternal sudden death (MSD) is rare but significant, accounting for 16% of maternal deaths. Explained MSD cases often occurred in-hospital and had more thorough investigations than unexplained cases.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Cardiology
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- Maternal sudden death (MSD) represents a critical, albeit infrequent, cause of mortality in women.
- Understanding the characteristics and prevalence of MSD is crucial for improving maternal healthcare outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of maternal sudden death (MSD) in France.
- To compare the characteristics of explained versus unexplained MSD.
- To identify potential factors influencing maternal mortality due to sudden cardiac arrest.
Main Methods:
- A national retrospective study utilizing data from the French National Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (2007-2012).
- Extraction of maternal deaths linked to unexpected sudden cardiac arrest.
- Comparison of maternal, pregnancy, and death characteristics between explained and unexplained MSD cases.
Main Results:
- MSD accounted for 16% of all maternal deaths (83 cases out of 510).
- Of the MSD cases, 61% were explained and 39% were unexplained.
- Explained MSD was more frequently associated with in-hospital cardiac arrest (47% vs. 12%) and witnessed events (86% vs. 62%) compared to unexplained MSD.
Conclusions:
- Maternal sudden death, though rare, constitutes a substantial portion of maternal mortality.
- Systematic postmortem investigations are essential for elucidating causes of MSD and informing preventive strategies.
- Enhanced training for healthcare providers in diagnostic and management strategies for sudden cardiac arrest in mothers is recommended.
