Maternal Mortality in Ribat University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan: Seven years of experience

Background: Maternal death is a tragedy that leaves an enormous negative impact on the family. The objectives of the study were to determine the rate and causes of maternal mortality in Ribat University HospitalMethods: This was a descriptive, hospital-based study conducted in Ribat University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Maternal mortality records were reviewed for causes of maternal death. Data were collected by a check list and analysed by SPSS soft ware.Results: The number of maternal deaths was 10 while the number of live births during the study period was 19604. The maternal mortality rate was 51:100000 live births. 40% of patients were below the age of 30 while 60% were 30 years of age and more. Rural and urban residence constituted 70% and 30% respectively. 60% of patients had a parity of more than four. Results showed that 62.5% delivered by emergency caesarean section. The study revealed that 20% of the patients died as a result of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) (Hellp syndrome and eclampsia), 20% of PIH (eclampsia), 10% of PIH (rupture liver), 10% of ante partum haemorrhage (placenta praevia), 10% of primary postpartum haemorrhage following twin vaginal delivery, 10% of puerperal sepsis and septic shock following emergency caesarean section, 10% of hypovolaemia due to hyperemisis gravidarum and 10% of septicaemia with acute renal failure following missed miscarriage,Conclusions: Maternal mortality rate was 51:100000 live births. Pregnancy induced hypertension constituted one half of the causes of maternal deaths, followed by haemorrhage and septicaemia