International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Vol. 1 (1), pp. 001-006, September, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Maternal mortality and emergency obstetric care in Benin City, South-south Nigeria

L. O. Omo-Aghoja¹*, O. A. Aisien², J. T. Akuse³, S. Bergstrom⁴ and F. E. Okonofua²

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

²Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

³Sefas Medical Centre, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

⁴Department of Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

*Corresponding author. Email: eguono_2000@yahoo.com. Tel: 234 8023435599 or 234 8039377043

Accepted 25 July, 2013

Abstract

To estimate the maternal mortality ratio, identify the contribution of Type III delays and assess the status of emergency obstetric services in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital, service delivery records of all maternities over 2 years were analyzed. Emergency care facilities in the hospital were physically verified and 10 senior medical/midwifery staff was interviewed in-depth. The maternal mortality ratio was 2,356/100,000 deliveries. The leading causes of death were HIV/AIDS (20.2%), eclampsia (12.4%), puerperal sepsis (11.9%), unsafe abortion (9.5%), and postpartum hemorrhage (4.8%). Associated causes of death were Type III delay (61.9%), Type I delay (28.6%), Type II delay (0%) and 9.5% of the women had no delay. Type III delay was due largely to delayed referral. Other causes were lack of blood, oxygen and necessary equipment in the hospital. Although the hospital had relevant emergency obstetric care facilities, there is inadequate midwifery staff, blood, oxygen supplies and intensive care facilities. Tertiary health institutions engaged in maternity care in Nigeria should step up their emergency obstetric services and reach out to other care providers to build greater understanding of issues relating to safe motherhood.

Key words: Maternal mortality, Nigeria, emergency obstetrics care, safe motherhood, millennium development goals, Type III delay.

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Vol. 1 (2), pp. 020-022, October, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence and pregnancy outcome among obstetric population in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria

C. Ibekwe Perpetus*, A. Onu Fidelis, Agboeze Joseph and O. Ezeonu Paul

Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: drogoperps@yahoo.com.

Accepted 29 October, 2013

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a pandemic worldwide especially among the obstetric population where prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of the infection is still a major challenge. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of HIV seropositivity and pregnancy outcome among obstetric patients in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria. A retrospective review of all deliveries at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State over a period of three years (January 2006 to December 2008) was done. The records of all HIV positive patients who delivered in the hospital were retrieved for detailed analysis. One thousand eight hundred and sixty six (1866) deliveries were conducted during the period. Of these, 94 patients were HIV positive giving a seroprevalence rate of 5.04%. Seventy percent were between 25 and 30 years. Majority (90%) had some form of education while 10% were illiterates. Most diagnoses (93.3%) were made in pregnancy, 73.3% received antiretroviral therapy and 86.7% delivered vaginally. Thirty percent of the babies were exclusively breastfed. Maternal mortality ratio was 3,300 per 100,000 births, while perinatal mortality was 67 per 1,000 for this group of patients. It is concluded that the seroprevalence rate is high with associated adverse maternal and perinatal outcome. Routine screening by the general populace is advocated, as most diagnoses were made during antenatal care. There is also need to educate our women on safe delivery and breastfeeding options.

Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence, maternal outcome, perinatal outcome, Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria.