Postpartum Haemorrhage in a Secondary Level Health Care Centre in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage [PPH] is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Some women are at greater risk of postpartum haemorrhage than others. Obstetric care is provided at three levels of care in Nigeria; primary, secondary and tertiary (specialist care) levels, with substantial difference in quality between the levels.Objectives: The objective of the study was to record the pattern of presentation and the mode of management of the patients with PPH in a secondary-level health care delivery centre.Method: The records of patients seen with PPH over a three-year period from January 2004 to December 2006 at a government general hospital in Northwestern Nigeria were retrieved to extract information about the socio-demographic and clinical attributes of the patients, including the mode ofmanagement of their clinical problems.Result: During the period, 55 patients were managed for postpartum haemorrhage; 45 for primary PPH and 10 for secondary PPH. They all received uterotonic agaents and blood transfusion in the course ofmanagement.Conclusion: Early presentation, prompt management, and availability of uterotonic agents and blood transfusion services are necessary in the management of postpartum haemorrhage as delay in prompt management leads to avoidable maternal deaths.Key Words: Haemorrhage, Childbirth, Blood Transfusio