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Preterm delivery in Ilorin: multiple and teenage pregnancies as major aetiological factors
1University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Insights
Preterm births, often caused by multiple pregnancies and first-time mothers (primiparity), significantly contribute to perinatal deaths. Early identification and intervention for high-risk groups are crucial to reduce infant mortality.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Perinatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Preterm birth is a major contributor to perinatal mortality.
- Understanding aetiological factors is crucial for intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the aetiological factors contributing to preterm births.
- To assess the impact of preterm births on perinatal mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 291 preterm births over a 12-month period.
- Data collected from 5019 deliveries at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
Main Results:
- Preterm births constituted 5.8% of deliveries but accounted for 42% of perinatal deaths.
- Key aetiological factors included multiple pregnancy (41.2%) and primiparity (23.4%).
- Teenage mothers comprised one-fifth of primiparous cases; other factors included premature rupture of membranes, antepartum haemorrhage, grandmultiparity, and eclampsia.
Conclusions:
- Multiple pregnancy and primiparity are significant risk factors for preterm delivery.
- Targeted interventions for high-risk groups can improve gestational duration and reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
This study reports the aetiological factors responsible for 291 preterm births among 5019 deliveries at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) during a 12-month period. It was found that although preterm babies made up 5.8% of all deliveries, they were responsible for 42% perinatal deaths. Important aetiological factors predisposing to preterm delivery included multiple pregnancy in 41.2% and primiparity in 23.4%. One-fifth of the primiparous were teenage mothers. Other factors included premature rupture of membrane, antepartum haemorrhage, grandmultiparity and eclampsia. It is suggested that early identification, monitoring and intervention in these high risk groups will improve gestational duration thereby reducing morbidity and mortality associated with preterm deliveries.