Prevalence, maternal and perinatal sequelae of antepartum haemorrhage in a tertiary hospital in south-south, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Antepartum haemorrhage (APH) remains a dire obstetric emergency associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidities and mortalities. Aim: The aim of the study was to review antepartum haemorrhage in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), to determine its prevalence, blood transfusion requirement, maternal and perinatal sequelae over a three-year period for improved management outcomes. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 135 cases of APH managed in RSUTH. Data collected were analysed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 25.0 (Armonk, NY). Results: Over the view period, there were 6,138 deliveries, of which 135 were cases of antepartum haemorrhage. The prevalence of APH was 2.2% or 22 per 1000 deliveries. The most common cause of APH was placenta praevia [88 (65.2%)], followed by abruptio placentae [47 (34.1%)]. The mean age ±SD and gestational age ±SD at occurrence of APH were 32.25 ± 4.78 years, [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 31.44, 33.06], and 36.04 ±3.02 weeks, (95%CI: 35.52,36.55) respectively. Majority of the women were booked 104(77%), Christians 129 (95.7%), had formal education 129 (99.3%-) and blood transfusion 120 (88.9%). Modal parity was para-1, range 0-5. Still birth rate was 3.26 per 1000 deliveries. There was no case of maternal mortality. Conclusion: Th e prevalence of antepartum haemorrhage in RSUTH is 2.2%. Antepartum haemorrhage in RSUTH is common with high blood transfusion requirement. Thus, early diagnosis, prompt management and blood transfusion services are pertinent in achieving excellent maternal and foetal outcomes.