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Maternal deaths at Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein, 1980 -1985 A survey of 81 consecutive cases
Abstract
From 1 January 1980 to 31 December 1985, 81 maternal deaths occurred at Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein; these were classified as direct obstetric-related (74 cases), indirect obstetric-related (6) and non-obstetric (1). The overall maternal mortality rate was 2,87 per 1 000 deliveries, including deaths related to abortion and ectopic pregnancy, but excluding the non-obstetric death. Among booked patients the maternal mortality rate was 0,32 and among unbooked patients 11,13 per 1 000 deliveries. The maternal mortality rate for patients from the Bloemfontein area was 0,72 per 1 000. Puerperal sepsis and postabortal sepsis accounted for 45,7% of the deaths. Avoidable factors were considered to be present in 65 cases (80,2%).
