Obstetric uterine rupture in north Jordan

The purpose of our study was to determine the aetiological factors of uterine rupture during labour, and propose preventive measures.

This retrospective study was performed between February 1989 and July 1994, to analyze the cases of rupture uterus in relation to causes, age, parity, maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity.

There were 37 cases of uterine rupture at our institutions. Obstructed labour by malpresentation and disproportion was the main cause. The presence of previous caesarean section scar, dysfunctional labour, injudicious use of uterine stimulant, were the other causes. There was no maternal death and the fetal loss was 17 (46%).

The high incidence of uterine rupture is attributed to lack of prenatal care, labour in high risk patients outside the hospital because of declining economy, and more patients with 2 or more previously scarred uterus with many of them labouring more than 14 hours. Maternal and neonatal complications have remained very high in the developing countries.