Analysis of 348 consecutive cases of primary postpartum haemorrhage at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Abstract

A retrospective analysis of 348 cases of primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) that occurred at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 1996 was carried out. The incidence of PPH was 4.5%. Booking status of the patients had no relation with occurrence of PPH in this study (P>0.05). The risk of PPH in advanced maternal age (over 35 years) and grandmultiparity (para 5 and over) was twofold higher than low maternal age (<25 years) and low parity (para 0-1), P<0.05, respectively. The incidence of PPH was higher in deliveries conducted by midwives than doctors (P<0.05). Anaemic patients (PCV< or =30%) were more at risk than non-anaemic patients (P<0.05). Uterine atony, 183 (53.8%) was the most common cause of PPH and a combination of uterotonic agents and uterine massage were effective in controlling PPH in 171 (49.1%) of the cases. Seven (2.0%) patients required hysterectomy. One-third of the patients had a blood transfusion. To reduce the incidence of PPH, we recommend that doctors should supervise the delivery of parturients at risk of PPH and advocate health education against high parity.

• Authors: M A Ijaiya, A P Aboyeji, D Abubakar
• Journal: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (J Obstet Gynaecol) Vol. 23 Issue 4 Pg. 374-7 (Jul 2003) ISSN: 0144-3615 [Print] England
• PMID: 12881075 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Hospitals, Teaching
• Humans
• Maternal Age
• Nigeria (epidemiology)
• Parity
• Postpartum Hemorrhage (epidemiology, etiology)
• Pregnancy
• Uterine Diseases (complications)