OBJECTIVE: To determine the causes of maternal death in The Netherlands. STUDY DESIGN: Nationwide Confidential Enquiry into the Causes of Maternal Deaths during the period 1983-1992. RESULTS: Of 192 direct and indirect maternal deaths, 154 (80%) were available for the Enquiry. The most frequent direct causes were (pre-)eclampsia, thrombo-embolism, obstetrical haemorrhage and sepsis. Cerebro- and cardiovascular disorders were the most frequent indirect causes of death. Age above 35 years and parity 3 or more are related to higher maternal mortality. Women from non-caucasian origin are more prone to death in comparison to caucasian women. Autopsy was performed in 88 cases (57%). Of the 24 women where labour started at home, the place of birth played a significant role in delay in four. CONCLUSIONS: More efforts should be made to have a higher percentage than 80% available for the Confidential Enquiry as in the UK where only 1-4% of deaths are not available for similar purposes. Also, the autopsy rate of 57% is much lower than in the UK (82%). Special strategies should be developed to improve maternal health of populations at higher risk such as women of high age and parity and immigrant populations.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the causes of maternal death in The Netherlands. STUDY DESIGN: Nationwide Confidential Enquiry into the Causes of Maternal Deaths during the period 1983-1992. RESULTS: Of 192 direct and indirect maternal deaths, 154 (80%) were available for the Enquiry. The most frequent direct causes were (pre-)eclampsia, thrombo-embolism, obstetrical haemorrhage and sepsis. Cerebro- and cardiovascular disorders were the most frequent indirect causes of death. Age above 35 years and parity 3 or more are related to higher maternal mortality. Women from non-caucasian origin are more prone to death in comparison to caucasian women. Autopsy was performed in 88 cases (57%). Of the 24 women where labour started at home, the place of birth played a significant role in delay in four. CONCLUSIONS: More efforts should be made to have a higher percentage than 80% available for the Confidential Enquiry as in the UK where only 1-4% of deaths are not available for similar purposes. Also, the autopsy rate of 57% is much lower than in the UK (82%). Special strategies should be developed to improve maternal health of populations at higher risk such as women of high age and parity and immigrant populations.
Authors: Wietske Hermes; Arie Franx; Maria G van Pampus; Kitty W Bloemenkamp; Joris A van der Post; Martina Porath; Gabrielle Ponjee; Jouke T Tamsma; Ben W Mol; Christianne J de Groot Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2010-06-01 Impact factor: 3.007
Authors: Mallory D Woiski; Rosella Pmg Hermens; Johanna M Middeldorp; Jan A Kremer; Marco A Marcus; Maurice Gaj Wouters; Richard P Grol; Fred K Lotgering; Hubertina Cj Scheepers Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2010-01-26 Impact factor: 3.007
Authors: Susanne He Luitjes; Maurice Gaj Wouters; Arie Franx; Hubertina Cj Scheepers; Veerle Mh Coupé; Huub Wollersheim; Eric Ap Steegers; Martijn P Heringa; Rosella Pmg Hermens; Maurits W van Tulder Journal: Implement Sci Date: 2010-09-06 Impact factor: 7.327