Publication:

Study of maternal and perinatal outcome of referred patients in tertiary health centre

Background Referral services for identification and referral of high risk pregnancies are an integral part of maternal and child health services. The aim of this study was to review the pattern of obstetric cases referred to tertiary care center, to identify their clinical course, mode of delivery, maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Methods It is a prospective observational study carried out from January 2017 to July 2017. Study population was all Obstetrics patients referred to Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of B.J Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India a tertiary care center during the study period.

Results The total number of referred cases in above study period was 100. Mode of transport used by the referred patients was by 108 ambulances (75%) and private vehicles (25%). Most common diagnosis at the time of referral was hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (31%). Out of the total referred cases, 57% had vaginal delivery, 42% had caesarean section. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy constitute the leading cause of maternal deaths amongst the referred cases.

Conclusions The present study has shown that inadequate antenatal and intra-natal care at the periphery level is responsible for increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Even today, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the leading cause of maternal mortality. Health education to the community will definitely reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.