Maternal Deaths in Trasnskei Region of South Africa a Case Report Meel B.L.* Research Associate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa *Corresponding Author: Prof. B. Meel MBBS, MD, DHSM (Natal), DOH (Wits), M. Phil HIV/AIDS Managment (Stellenbosch), Research Associate, Faculty of Health Sceinces, Nelson Mandela Metropolitian University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
Online published on 23 December, 2019. Abstract Every day, approximately 830 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Ninety-nine percent of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries. Its incidence is higher in women living in rural areas and among poor communities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015. The objective of this case report is to highlight the problem of maternal deaths in the Transkei region of South Africa. A 31-year-old woman was brought to hospital with a history of bleeding vaginally. She was not complaining of labor pain, only of bleeding profusely. When the patient collapsed, cardio-respiratory resuscitation (CPR) was started, and the patient was defibrillated. Intubation was carried out and IV adrenaline was given, but there were no signs of recovery. Resuscitation was called off, and the patient was declared dead. The patient was the mother of five children. She had delivered four children vaginally, and one by caesarean section. At autopsy, the woman was found to be obese and pale. There was a copious amount of blood in the peritoneal cavity. A full-term mature fetus was floating on the umbilical cord, and lower segment of the uterus was found ruptured. The history, pathophysiology and cause of death are discussed in this report. Preventive measures are suggested. In conclusion, the incidence of maternal death is unacceptably high in the Transkei region. The matter needs urgent attention. Top Keywords Maternal deaths, ruptured uterus, medical negligence. Top |