Publication:

Preterm birth: associated risk factors and outcome in tertiary care center

Background The major cause of infant mortality and morbidity is preterm birth. WHO has defined it as any birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation or fewer than 259 days since the last day of menstrual period. Objective of present study was to identify major etiological factors associated with preterm birth, and their effects on mode of delivery and neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Methods Retrospective cohorts study, which was conducted in M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, over period of 12 months (January 2015 to December 2015). The study included 343 women who delivered preterm they were followed from admission to discharge. Various parameters were analyzed like maternal characteristics, gestational age, associated risk factors, tocolysis, administration of steroids, and neonatal outcome.

Results The incidence of preterm birth among the total deliveries was approximately 18.01%. Although the risk factors included many, the most common occurring were hypertensive disorders during pregnancy approximately 32.9%, followed by preterm rupture of membranes (18.1%), idiopathic 14.9%, and previous LSCS at 12.2%. Neonatal mortality was 6.9% (24 neonates), and stillborn were 0.5% (2 neonates).

Conclusions Various risk factors for preterm labour are modifiable hence early detection and treatment prevents maternal morbidity and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Specific emphasis on regular antenatal checkups.