MATERNAL NEAR MISS AND MATERNAL MORTALITY AS HEALTH INDICATORS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

OBJECTIVES: To assess the various causes and incidence of maternal near miss (MNM) and maternal deaths (MD) and to define the limitations and to search the level of delay. METHODS: A prospective and observational study, including women who were admitted in emergency from April 2012 to March 2013 with severe maternal complications and who fulfilled any of the WHO criteria of MNM. Results: A total of 6008 live births (LB) and 156 severe maternal outcomes (25.9/1000 LB) were observed, consisting of 140 MNM (23.3/1000 LB) and 16 MD(266/100, 000 LB). The maternal near miss/mortality ratio was 8.75. Hypertensive disorders accounted for the most common event of MNM (50.6%), followed by haemorrhagic disorders (38.6%). Majority of maternal deaths were due to hypertensive disorders (31.2%) and sepsis (25%). CONCLUSION: Reduction of present MNM and MD may be achieved by strictly following management protocols for hypertension and haemorrhage.