C O U Esike1, O U J Umeora, J N Eze, G O Igberase. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. dimejesike@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ruptured uterus is an obstetric catastrophe and results in significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. METHODS: To review the incidence and management of ruptured uterus over the 8-year period (2000-2004 and 2007-2009) and analysis of records of cases of ruptured uterus during the period under review in a descriptive study. RESULTS: The incidence of uterine rupture is 1 in 81 deliveries with a contribution of 13.8% to maternal mortality in Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. There was high fetal wastage as 99 (97.1%) of the babies died. The highest incidence of ruptured uterus was found in the para 2-4 group. Teenagers constituted 4 (3.96%) of the cases. Majority of the rupture, 69 (65.4%) occurred anteriorly. Fifty-seven (56.4%) had only repair of the rupture done. The greatest complication was septicemia, which occurred in 32 (31.7%) of the patients. CONCLUSION: The incidence of uterine rupture is very high in our center. It is one of the highest causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. There should be a multi-pronged effort aimed at improving the utilization of medical services by the populace and the health institutions offering efficient obstetric emergency care.
BACKGROUND: Ruptured uterus is an obstetric catastrophe and results in significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. METHODS: To review the incidence and management of ruptured uterus over the 8-year period (2000-2004 and 2007-2009) and analysis of records of cases of ruptured uterus during the period under review in a descriptive study. RESULTS: The incidence of uterine rupture is 1 in 81 deliveries with a contribution of 13.8% to maternal mortality in Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. There was high fetal wastage as 99 (97.1%) of the babies died. The highest incidence of ruptured uterus was found in the para 2-4 group. Teenagers constituted 4 (3.96%) of the cases. Majority of the rupture, 69 (65.4%) occurred anteriorly. Fifty-seven (56.4%) had only repair of the rupture done. The greatest complication was septicemia, which occurred in 32 (31.7%) of the patients. CONCLUSION: The incidence of uterine rupture is very high in our center. It is one of the highest causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. There should be a multi-pronged effort aimed at improving the utilization of medical services by the populace and the health institutions offering efficient obstetric emergency care.