Frequency and causes of maternal morbidity. A review of 300 cases at the maternity ward of the National Hospital Center in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Of 5517 live births that occurred at the maternity ward of the National Hospital Center in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 1996, 300 resulted in maternal death, yielding a rate of 5437.7/100,000 live births. Although this rate is not representative of maternal mortality throughout Burkina Faso, it is alarmingly high. Younger age, major multiparity, and evacuation were associated with maternal death. As in previous studies, the main causes were bleeding, infection, anemia, and management difficulties. Uterine rupture was the most common cause of fatal bleeding. The data from this study and from earlier publications show that most maternal deaths could be prevented by close cooperation between all those involved in maternal health.