Vol. 4, Issue 2 (2015)

Author(s):
Atombosoba Ekine A, Patrick Udoye E, Obaabo West

Abstract:
Background: Good feto-maternal outcome in pregnancy is an indication of good obstetrics and socio-economic state of a country. Uterine rupture, although rare is often catastrophic and complicated with a high incidence of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality, mostly in developing countries.
Objective: As a preventable condition, we intend to identify the incidence, role of sociodemographic variables and other risk causes in relation to fetomaternal outcome of ruptured uterus at our tertiary center.
Methods: This is a descriptive case conducted between January, 2009 and December, 2013 in the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri.
Result: The incidence of uterine rupture was 1.03% of the 2815 delivery. 82.76% of the patients were unbooked; Mean age was 27±6.8 std. years; the highest age group 30-39 years constitutes 48.28%. Abdominal massage were 72.41, TBA patronage was 86.21%. 58.62% were housewives, 75.86% were unemployed, and 86.21% were rural dwellers. Hysterectomy was done in 10.34%, bladder injury and repair was 58.62% (17), tubal ligation was done in 34.48%.Rupture of a previous scar was the commonest etiologic factor, 65.51%. Abdominal pain was commonest in 92.5% of cases. Still birth and maternal mortality were 82.76% and 6.89%% respectively.
Conclusion: Uterine rupture still remains a major obstetric challenge in this environment. The major obstacles we face are ignorance, and neglect of medical advice. The high level of attempted home deliveries by TBAs, abdominal massage practices, coupled with self-denials, all contribute to unnecessary delays before obstructed labor sets in. Therefore the need for a rigorous public enlightenment so as to ensure better antenatal care attendance is paramount.