Maternal death due to ruptured uterus consequent to abruptio placentae: 2 case reports

Abstract

Background: Abruptio placentae is a complication of pregnancy that can lead to uterine rupture, increasing maternal and fetal mortality, especially when there is a lack of medical outreach in remote areas. Case presentation: We present two maternal deaths due to uterine rupture in a term pregnancy consequent to abruptio placentae. In one case, the uterus ruptured at the previous lower segment Caesarean section (LSCS) scar site and in another over the lateral wall of Couvelaire uterus. In both cases, the fetus was partially lying outside the uterus in the peritoneal cavity, and there was a massive retro-placental clot. Conclusions: Early identification of high-risk factors, followed by institutional delivery, may reduce maternal and fetal mortality due to abruption followed by uterine rupture.