Extended Perinatal Mortality Audit in a Rural Hospital in India

Am J Perinatol. 2023 Mar;40(4):375-386. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1727220. Epub 2021 Apr 26.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to describe the status of perinatal mortality (PM) in an Indian rural hospital.

Study design: Retrospective analysis of data was compiled from PM meetings (April 2017 to December 2018) following "Making Every Baby Count: audit and review of stillbirths and neonatal deaths (ENAP or Every Newborn Action Plan)."

Results: The study includes 8,801 livebirths, 105 stillbirths (SBs); 74 antepartum stillbirths [ASBs], 22 intrapartum stillbirths [ISBs], and nine unknown timing stillbirths [USBs]), 39 neonatal deaths or NDs (perinatal death or PDs 144). The higher risks for ASBs were maternal age >34 years, previous history of death, and/or SBs. Almost half of the PDs could be related with antepartum complications. More than half of the ASB were related with preeclampsia/eclampsia and abruptio placentae; one-third of the ISB were related with preeclampsia/eclampsia and gestational hypertension, fetal growth restriction, and placental dysfunction. The main maternal conditions differed between PDs (p = 0.005). The main causes of the ND were infections, congenital malformations, complications of prematurity, intrapartum complications, and unknown. The stillbirth rate was 11.8/1,000 births, neonatal mortality rate 4.4/1,000 livebirths, and perinatal mortality rate 15.8/1,000 births.

Conclusion: This is the first study of its kind in Andhra Pradesh being the first step for the analysis and prevention of PM.

Key points: · Many conditions that lead to stillbirths are linked to neonatal deaths and PM has been outside of the global parameters from the last decades.. · This is the first study following International Classification of Disease perinatal mortality codes and the audit of ENAP in Andhra Pradesh.. · Extended PM and mortality are mainly caused by similar preventable and treatable conditions..

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Eclampsia*
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Rural
  • Humans
  • Infant Mortality
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Perinatal Death* / etiology
  • Perinatal Mortality
  • Placenta
  • Pre-Eclampsia*
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stillbirth / epidemiology