Publication:

Intrauterine fetal demise: a retrospective study in tertiary care center in India

Background An Intrauterine Fetal Demise (IUFD) is a major obstetrical catastrophe at any gestational age but the emotional pain and distress caused by this event increases in direct relation to the duration of pregnancy. The objective of the present study was to determine the incidence and possible causes of Intrauterine Fetal Demise (IUFD), and to determine preventive measures.

Methods Retrospective observational study was done from Jan 2015 to Dec 2017 at Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Narhe, Pune. Inclusion criteria were all the pregnant women with IUFD delivered at the centre, at or above 24 weeks of gestation. The methodology followed were parameters of assessment for analysis were maternal age, parity, probable causes for IUFD, booked or unbooked cases, mode of delivery, maternal complications, and placental histopathology. Statistical data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results The incidence of IUFD at authors’ hospital was 27/1000 live births. The IUFD rate was similar in maternal age 30years (p value 0.26). The incidence of IUFD increased with decreasing gestational age which was statistically significant (p value 0.001). IUFD incidence was higher in multiparous women compared to primiparous women (p value 0.036 with OR of 1.6 and 95% CI 1.02 to 2.54). The rate of IUFD was similar when sex of the baby was analyzed. 49.4% of fetuses had signs of maceration. The major cause of IUFD was severe preeclampsia (48.1%) which included HELLP syndrome, IUGR, Abruption. Maternal anemia (20.4%), GDM (3.8%), SLE (2.5%), APLA positive (2.5%), anhydramnios (6.3%) were some of the other important causes of IUFD.

Conclusions This study was conducted to determine the incidence of IUFD and associated maternal risk factors. By understanding the contributing factors, we can seek ways of avoiding recurrence of IUFD by proper antenatal care and early diagnosis of obstetric complications and its appropriate management.