Incidence and factors associated with outcomes of uterine rupture among women delivered at Felegehiwot referral hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: cross sectional study

Inter-facility transfers for emergency obstetrical and neonatal care in rural Madagascar: a cost-effectiveness analysis

CONTEXT

There is a substantial lack of inter-facility referral systems for emergency obstetrical and neonatal care in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Data on the costs and cost-effectiveness of such systems that reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths are scarce.

SETTING

We aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of a non-governmental organisation (NGO)-run inter-facility referral system for emergency obstetrical and neonatal care in rural Southern Madagascar by analysing the characteristics of cases referred through the intervention as well as its costs.

DESIGN

We used secondary NGO data, drawn from an NGO's monitoring and financial administration database, including medical and financial records.

OUTCOME MEASURES

We performed a descriptive and a cost-effectiveness analysis, including a one-way deterministic sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

1172 cases were referred over a period of 4 years. The most common referral reasons were obstructed labour, ineffective labour and eclampsia. In total, 48 neonates were referred through the referral system over the study period. Estimated cost per referral was US$336 and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was US$70 per additional life-year saved (undiscounted, discounted US$137). The sensitivity analysis showed that the intervention was cost-effective for all scenarios with the lowest ICER at US$99 and the highest ICER at US$205 per additional life-year saved. When extrapolated to the population living in the study area, the investment costs of the programme were US$0.13 per person and annual running costs US$0.06 per person.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the inter-facility referral system was a very cost-effective intervention. Our findings may inform policies, decision-making and implementation strategies for emergency obstetrical and neonatal care referral systems in similar resource-constrained settings.

Acute Kidney Injury in Pregnancy: A Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION

When acute kidney damage occurs during pregnancy, it poses a difficult clinical problem. One of the main causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and death is pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (AKI), a significant obstetric complication characterized by a fast deterioration in renal function and several subsequent clinical problems. The objective of the study is to analyze the etiological factors, clinical manifestations, and maternal and fetal outcomes of AKI during pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective observational research involved patients hospitalized in the General Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology departments at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, for a year (October 2021 to September 2022) due to obstetric difficulties resulting in acute renal damage.

RESULTS

The study included 62 patients with a mean age of 25.08±4.25 years. The majority of patients in our study were aged 18-25 years (38, 61.3%), followed by 26-30 years (19, 30.6%) and >30 years (5, 8.1%). The majority of patients in our study were non-booked (52, 83.9%) and presented as emergency cases, whereas 10 (16.1%) patients had booked. In addition, 34 (54.8%) patients were primigravida, while 28 (45.1%) were multigravida. There were 25 patients in their third trimester (40.3%), 19 who were postpartum (30.6%), 10 who were post-abortion (16.1%), and eight in their second trimester (12.9%). Upon admission, the majority of the patients showed signs of oliguria, accounting for 45 cases (72.6%). This was followed by nine cases of abnormal kidney function (14.5%) and eight cases of anuria (12.9%). Among the other symptoms, fever was observed in 25 cases (40.32%), whereas breathlessness increased to 15 cases (24.19%), edema was present in 14 cases (22.58%), vomiting and altered sensorium were observed in four cases (6.45%), abdominal pain was observed in three cases (4.83%), and burning micturition was observed in two cases (3.22%). The most common causes of AKI in pregnancy in the present study were puerperal sepsis (18 cases, 29.0%), followed by preeclampsia/eclampsia (14 cases, 22.6%), hemorrhagic shock (10 cases, 16.1%), septic abortion (six cases, 9.7%), hyperemesis gravidarum (four cases, 6.5%), acute fatty liver of pregnancy (three cases, 4.8%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (three cases, 4.8%), drug-induced sepsis (two cases, 3.2%), and urosepsis (two cases, 3.2%). Modes of delivery in this study were normal vaginal delivery (32 cases, 51.6%), lower segment cesarean section (21 cases, 33.9%), dilation and evacuation (seven cases, 11.3%), and total hysterectomy (two cases, 3.2%). Hemodialysis was performed in 39 patients (62.9%), and 51 (82.3%) received blood transfusions. The mean systolic and diastolic BP (mmHg) were 111.37±22.60 and 71.40±18.88, respectively. Maternal outcome data revealed that 48 (77.4%) women had fully recovered, eight (12.9%) had not recovered, 43 (69.4%) were lost to follow-up, and two (3.2%) had died. Neonatal outcomes in the present study were as follows: live birth, 43 (69.4%); abortion, eight (12.9%); intrauterine death of the fetus, five (8.1%); and neonatal mortality, six (9.7%).

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis and treatment of AKI during pregnancy is a significant challenge for the treating physician because of the pathophysiological changes that occur during pregnancy, the variability of symptoms, and the fact that clinical and laboratory features may occasionally overlap.

Incidence of Recurrent Uterine Rupture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to quantify the incidence of recurrent uterine rupture in pregnant women.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and ClinicalTrials.gov for observational studies was performed from 2000 to 2023.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Of the 7,440 articles screened, 13 studies were included in the final review. We included studies of previous uterine ruptures that were complete uterine ruptures , defined as destruction of all uterine layers, including the serosa. The primary outcome was the pooled incidence of recurrent uterine rupture. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 value. Subgroup analyses were conducted in terms of the country development status, year of publication, and study size (single center vs national study). The secondary outcomes comprised the following: 1) mean gestational age at which recurrent rupture occurred, 2) mean gestational age at which delivery occurred without recurrent rupture, and 3) perinatal complications (blood loss, transfusion, maternal mortality, and neonatal mortality).

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

A random-effects model was used to pool the incidence or mean value and the corresponding 95% CI with R software. The pooled incidence of recurrent uterine rupture was 10% (95% CI 6-17%). Developed countries had a significantly lower uterine rupture recurrence rate than less developed countries (6% vs 15%, P =.04). Year of publication and study size were not significantly associated with recurrent uterine rupture. The mean number of gestational weeks at the time of recurrent uterine rupture was 32.49 (95% CI 29.90-35.08). The mean number of gestational weeks at the time of delivery without recurrent uterine rupture was 35.77 (95% CI 34.95-36.60). The maternal mortality rate was 5% (95% CI 2-11%), and the neonatal mortality rate was 5% (95% CI 3-10%). Morbidity from hemorrhage, such as bleeding and transfusion, was not reported in any study and could not be evaluated.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review estimated a 10% incidence of recurrent uterine rupture. This finding will enable appropriate risk counseling in patients with prior uterine rupture.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42023395010.

Survival Status and Predictors of Mortality Among Women with Uterine Rupture at Public Hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia. Semi-Parametric Survival Analysis

Background

Uterine rupture is the most dangerous complication of labor and contributes to high maternal mortality. Despite efforts to improve basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric treatment, women continue to suffer from disastrous maternal outcomes.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the survival status and predictors of mortality among women with uterine rupture at public hospitals in the Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among women with uterine rupture in public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. All women with uterine rupture were followed for 11 years retrospectively. Statistical analysis was conducted with STATA version 14.2. Kaplan-Meier curves together with a Log rank test were used to estimate the survival time and show the presence of differences among groups. Cox Proportion Hazard (CPH) model was used to determine the association between independent variables and survival status.

Results

There were 57,006 deliveries in the study period. We found that 10.5% (95% CI: 6.8-15.7) of women with uterine rupture have died. The median recovery and death time for women with uterine rupture were 8 and 3 days with interquartile range (IQR) of 7-11 days and 2-5 days, respectively. Antenatal care follow-up (AHR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.8-9.79), education status (AHR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02-0.85), visiting health center (AHR: 4.89; 95% CI: 1.05-22.88), and admission time (AHR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.89-10.18) were the predictors of survival status of women with uterine rupture.

Conclusion

One out of ten study participants died due to uterine rupture. Factors including not having ANC follow-up, visiting health centers for treatment, and being admitted during the night time were predictors. Thus, a great emphasis has to be given to the prevention of uterine rupture and the linkage within health institutions has to be smooth to improve the survival of patients with uterine rupture with the help of different professionals, health institutions, health bureaus, and policymakers.

Case-control study on determinants of uterine rupture among mothers who gave birth at Hawassa University comprehensive specialized hospital

BACKGROUND

Uterine rupture is defined as tearing of the uterine wall during pregnancy or delivery. It can occur during pregnancy or labor and delivery. Rupture of the uterus is a catastrophic event resulting in the death of the baby, and severe maternal morbidity and mortality Despite different interventions done by stakeholders, it remained one of the leading public problems in developing countries like Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of uterine rupture among mothers who gave birth at Hawassa University comprehensive specialized hospital from July 2015 to June 2020G.C.

METHOD

A case-control study was conducted by reviewing data from a total of 582 patient charts which include 194 cases and 388 controls with a case-to-control ratio of 1:2. Then the data was extracted using a pre-tested and structured data extraction sheet. Data were entered using Epi data 3.1 and exported to SPSS and analyzed using SPSS 20. The association between independent variables and uterine rupture was estimated using an odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. The statistical significance of the association was declared at P-value < 0.05.

RESULT

There were a total of 22,586 deliveries and 247 confirmed cases of uterine rupture which makes the prevalence 1.09%. Lack of ANC (Ante-natal care) (AOR = 7.5; 95% CI: 1.9-30.3) inadequate ANC (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.1-5.57), gravidity ≥5 (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.36-8.12), obstructed labor (AOR = 38.3; 95% CI: 17.8-82.4) and fetal macrosomia (AOR = 8; 95% CI: 17.8-82.4) are variables which increase the odds of developing uterine rupture. Mothers without additional medical or obstetric conditions are more likely (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI: 2.1-8.65) to develop uterine rupture than mothers with additional medical or obstetric conditions.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of uterine rupture is high in the study area. The study also revealed that a decrease in ANC follow-up, gravidity of ≥5, obstructed labor, and fetal weight of >4kg are significantly associated with uterine rupture. Improving the quality of ANC follow-up, intrapartum follow-up and proper estimation of fetal weight are recommended interventions from the study.

Obstructed labor and its effect on adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Obstructed labor is one of the five major causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in developing countries. In Ethiopia, it accounts for 19.1% of maternal death. The current review aimed to assess maternal and perinatal outcomes of obstructed labor in Ethiopia.

Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed for this systematic review and meta-analysis. A literature search was made using PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Summon country-specific search, and Cochrane Libraries’ online databases. Search terms were adverse outcome, obstructed labor, maternal outcome, fetal outcome, and Ethiopia. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS), based on a star scoring system, was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 16 software. The pooled prevalence of an adverse maternal outcome, fetal outcome, and association between adverse outcome and obstructed labor was calculated using a random-effects model. Egger’s test and funnel plot were used to evaluate publication bias.

Result

Eighty-seven studies were included in this review, with an overall sample size of 104259 women and 4952 newborns. The pooled incidence of maternal death was estimated to be 14.4% [14.14 (6.91–21.37). The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture and maternal near-miss was 41.18% (95% CI: 19.83, 62.54) and 30.5% [30.5 (11.40, 49.59) respectively. Other complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, sepsis, obstetric fistula, hysterectomy, bladder injury, cesarean section, and labor abnormalities were also reported. The pooled prevalence of perinatal death was 26.4% (26.4 (95% CI 15.18, 37.7). In addition, the association of obstructed labor with stillbirth, perinatal asphyxia, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid was also demonstrated.

Conclusions

In Ethiopia, the incidence of perinatal and maternal mortality among pregnant women with obstructed labor was high. The rate of maternal death and maternal near miss reported in this review was higher than incidences reported from high-income and most low and middle-income countries. Uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, sepsis, fistula, hysterectomy, and bladder injury were also commonly reported. To improve the health outcomes of obstructed labor, it is recommended to address the three delay models: enhancing communities’ health-seeking behavior, enhancing transportation for an obstetric emergency with different stakeholders, and strengthening the capacity of health facilities to handle obstetric emergencies.

Ruptured uterus: Frequency, risk factors and feto-maternal outcome: Current scenario in a low-resource setup

Introduction

Pakistan is among the countries with the highest maternal death rates. Obstetric hemorrhage accounts for 41% of these deaths. Uterine rupture is a grave obstetric emergency with high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is important to identify its frequency and associated risk factors to formulate programs for its prevention and management. This study aimed to assess the frequency, associated risk factors, fetomaternal outcomes, and management of women with the ruptured uterus at our hospital.

Material and methods

It was a retrospective study of 206 women to review data collected from cases of uterine rupture managed at the WCTH Bannu, Pakistan from October 2016 to October 2018. A structured proforma was designed and used to extract data from operating theatre registers and the hospital medical records. In our hospital, there is a strong system of maintaining all information of the patients related to demographics, obstetric information, operative notes, and postoperative course during their hospital stay in the patient’s charts. Detailed information on operative procedures is further maintained in the operation theater register and all these registers are checked in the weekly statistical meetings to ensure proper documentation. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS package version 21 (IBM Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA). Frequency and percentages were calculated for the categorical variables. For inferential statistics, chi-square or Fischer exact tests were used. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The overall incidence of the ruptured uterus was 1.71%. The important etiological factors were grand multiparity 62 (35.2%), obstructed/neglected labour 58 (32.9%), injudicious use of Oxytocin 56 (31.8%) and prostaglandins 26 (14.7%), previous cesarean section 35 (19.8%) and previous pelvic surgery (0.5%). Hysterectomy was done in 80.6% of cases, 34 (19.2%) patients underwent uterine repair and 4.5% had bladder repair. The mortality rate was 21%, mainly due to irreversible shock or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Perinatal mortality was 91.4%. Duration of surgery more than two hours and presentation to the hospital at night time was significantly associated with poor maternal outcome (p = 0.00).

Conclusion

Uterine rupture is a preventable obstetric emergency associated with high fetomaternal morbidity and mortality. The main causes were grand multigravidity, obstructed labour, previous C-sections and injudicious use of oxytocin and prostaglandins. Women with prolonged surgery and admission at night time had a poor maternal outcome.

Rupture Uterus in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Rupture uterus is an obstetric catastrophe with poor maternal and fetal outcome. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of rupture uterus in pregnancy.

METHODS

This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted in a tertiary care centre from January 2016 to December 2016 after taking ethical approval (Approval No. F-NMC-510/76/77) from Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling method was used. Data were entered in the Microsoft Excel sheet and obtained data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18 software for central tendency and frequencies.

RESULTS

Out of total 1559 deliveries, prevalence of rupture uterus was found to be 12 (0.0077%). Previous lower segment caesarean scar rupture was the most common risk factor noted in 7 (58.3%) cases. A total of seven patients (58.3%) required intensive care unit admission and blood transfusion. Other maternal complications were surgical site infection 2 (16.67%), sepsis 2 (16.67%), paralytic ileus 1 (8.3%), pelvic collection 1 (8.3%) and vesico vaginal fistula 1 (8.3%). Two maternal deaths (16.67%) and perinatal death was noted in 8 (66.66 % ) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Rupture uterus most commonly occurred in scarred uterus. Identification of high risk pregnancy, judicious caesarean section, proper labor monitoring, early diagnosis and prompt management are essential in reducing its occurrences.

Maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity of uterine rupture and its association with prolonged duration of operation in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Uterine rupture is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and it accounts for 36% of the maternal mortality in Ethiopia. The maternal and perinatal outcomes of uterine rupture were inconclusive for the country. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity of uterine rupture and its association with prolonged duration of operation.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist was used for this systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically used PubMed, Cochrane Library, and African Journals online databases for searching. The Newcastle- Ottawa quality assessment scale was used for critical appraisal. Egger’s test and I² statistic used to assess the check for publication bias and heterogeneity. The random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The pooled maternal mortality and morbidity due to uterine rupture in Ethiopia was 7.75% (95% CI: 4.14, 11.36) and 37.1% (95% CI: 8.44, 65.8), respectively. The highest maternal mortality occurred in Southern region (8.91%) and shock was the commonest maternal morbidity (24.43%) due to uterine rupture. The pooled perinatal death associated with uterine rupture was 86.1% (95% CI: 83.4, 89.9). The highest prevalence of perinatal death was observed in Amhara region (91.36%) and the lowest occurred in Tigray region (78.25%). Prolonged duration of operation was a significant predictor of maternal morbidity (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.81).

Conclusions

The percentage of maternal and perinatal deaths due to uterine rupture was high in Ethiopia. Uterine rupture was associated with maternal morbidity and prolonged duration of the operation was found to be associated with maternal morbidities. Therefore, birth preparedness and complication readiness plan, early referral and improving the duration of operation are recommended to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes of uterine rupture.

Risk factors and outcomes of uterine rupture in Singapore: Emerging trends

ABSTRACT Introduction: Uterine rupture is uncommon but has catastrophic implications on the pregnancy. A scarred uterus and abnormal placentation are known contributory factors. The aim of our study was to review the contributing factors, clinical presentation, complications and management of uterine rupture in our population in light of the changing nature of modern obstetric practices. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital by studying proven cases of uterine rupture in the period between January 2003 and December 2014. These cases were analysed according to their past history, clinical presentation, complications, management and outcome. Results: A total of 48 cases of proven uterine rupture were identified. The incidence of uterine rupture was 1 in 3,062 deliveries. The ratio of scarred uterus rupture to unscarred uterus rupture was approximately 3:1. The most common factor was previous lower segment caesarean section for the scarred group, followed by a history of laparoscopic myomectomy. Abdominal pain was the common clinical presentation in the antenatal period, while abnormal cardiotocography findings were the most common presentation in intrapartum rupture. Conclusion: There is a notable shift in the trend of uterine rupture cases given the increasing use of laparoscopic myomectomy and elective caesarean sections. While ruptures from these cases were few, their presentation in the antenatal period calls for diligent monitoring with informed patient involvement in their pregnancy care. Keywords: Antenatal, laparoscopic myomectomy, birth after caesarean, rupture, VBAC

Strengthening Maternal Death Surveillance Systems for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of the Center Region in Cameroon

BACKGROUND

The article seeks to document the experience of implementing Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) in the Center Region of Cameroon. The paper raises awareness on the need for implementing MDSR, shares progress and lessons learned and reflects on the implications for public health practice.

METHODS

A desk research involving the collection and analysis of secondary data using tables with specific themes in excel, following the review of existing resources at the Regional Delegation of Public Health-Center from the year 2016 to 2019.

RESULTS

The findings depict the existence of MDSR policies and sub-regional committees. Although, the number of regional maternal death notifications increased from 19 to 188 deaths between 2016 and 2019, the implementation of death review recommendations was only estimated at 10% in 2019. While 66% of deaths occurred in Yaoundé, 72% of these were deaths reported to have occurred in tertiary institutions out of which 75% were attributed to late referrals. Hemorrhage constituted 70/144 (48.6%) of the known direct causes of death. Maternal death related co-factors such as the use of partograph during labor had a high non-response rate (84%) and represents a weakness in the data set.

CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Across the board, stakeholder engagement towards MDSR was increased through continuous awareness-raising, dissemination of surveillance tools, the institutionalization of the District Health Information Software (DHIS 2) and the "No Name No Blame" policy. However, the reporting and investigation of deaths for informed decisions remain a daunting challenge. For a resource-scarce setting with limited access to blood banks, the application of life-saving cost-effective interventions such as the use of partographs and the institution of a functional referral system among health units is likely to curb the occurrence of deaths from hemorrhage and other underlying causes. The success of these will require a robust strengthening of the health system.

Burden of Uterine Rupture and Its Determinant Factors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background. Uterine rupture is a life-threatening obstetrical emergency, which results in serious undesired maternal and perinatal complications in resource-limited countries, mainly in Ethiopia. The prevalence, determinants, and outcomes of uterine rupture described by different studies were highly inconsistent in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence, determinants, and adverse outcomes of uterine rupture in Ethiopia. Methods. Studies were searched from international databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, and web of science) and Ethiopian universities’ digital libraries (Addis Ababa University, University of Gondar, and Harameya University). All observational studies were included. A total of 15 studies that fulfill the inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. Data were extracted by two reviewers and exported to STATA version 11 for analysis. The $I^2$ statistics were used to assess heterogeneity across the studies. Publication bias was examined by using Egger’s test and funnel plot. The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture and its outcomes were estimated by using a random effects model. The associations between determinants and uterine rupture were evaluated by using both random and fixed-effect models. Results. In this meta-analysis, a total of 15 studies with 92,394 study participants were involved. The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture was 2.37% in Ethiopia. Obstructed labor ( $\text{OR}=3.03$ ; $95\%\text{CI}=2.52,3.63$ ), lack of antenatal care follow-up ( $\text{OR}=5.79$ ; $95\%\text{CI}=2.47,13.61$ ), duration of $\text{labor}>24$ hours ( $\text{OR}=3.75$ ; $95\%\text{CI}=2.24,6.29$ ), grand multipara ( $\text{OR}=10.79$ ; $95\%\text{CI}=4.77,24.40$ ), and being rural residency ( $\text{OR}=7.17$ ; $95\%\text{CI}=3.90,13.16$ ) were significantly associated with uterine rupture. Conclusion. The overall prevalence of uterine rupture was high in Ethiopia. Obstructed labor, lack of antenatal care follow-up, duration of $\text{labor}>24$ hours, grand multipara, and rural residency were determinants of uterine rupture. This study implies the need to develop plans and policies to improve antenatal care follow-up and labor and delivery management at each level of the health system.

Prevalence and predictors of uterine rupture among Ethiopian women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Uterine rupture has a significant public health importance, contributing to 13% of maternal mortality and 74%-92% of perinatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 36% of maternal mortality in Ethiopia. The prevalence and predictors of uterine rupture were highly variable and inconclusive across studies in the country. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and predictor of uterine rupture in Ethiopia.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2009 checklist. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online databases were searched. The Newcastle- Ottawa quality assessment tool was used for critical appraisal. I² statistic and Egger’s tests were used to assess the heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

Sixteen studies were included, with a total of 91,784 women in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture was 2% (95% CI: 1.99, 3.01). The highest prevalence was observed in the Amhara regional state (5%) and the lowest was in Tigray region (1%). Previous cesarean delivery (OR = 9.95, 95% CI: 3.09, 32.0), lack of antenatal care visit (OR = 8.40, 95% CI: 4.5, 15.7), rural residence (OR = 4.75, 95% CI: 1.17, 19.3), grand multiparity (OR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.83, 7.11) and obstructed labor (OR = 6.75, 95%CI: 1.92, 23.8) were predictors of uterine rupture.

Conclusion

Uterine rupture is still high in Ethiopia. Therefore, proper auditing on the appropriateness of cesarean section and proper labor monitoring, improving antenatal care visit, and birth preparedness and complication readiness plan are needed. Moreover, early referral and family planning utilization are the recommended interventions to reduce the burden of uterine rupture among Ethiopia women.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of uterine rupture in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Uterine rupture is one of the peripartum complications, which cause nearly about one out of thirteen maternal deaths. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of mortality among women with uterine rupture in referral hospitals of Lubumbashi, in the south east part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from December 1st, 2012 to 31st, 2016 on uterine rupture. During the study selected 158 women were included by using exhaustive sampling method. Data were checked, coded and analyzed into STATA version 12. Chi-square test was used to identify the predictors of maternal and perinatal mortalities in women with uterine rupture and 95% Confidence Interval of odds ratio at p - value less than 0.05 was taken as a significance level. Results: The overall prevalence of uterine rupture was 0.49%. The average age of the patients was 29.5 ± 6.2 years and 71.52% of them were between 20 and 34 years old; more than 60% had a parity ≥4 (average parity: 4.7 ± 2.5). 81.17% of the cases had a fully ruptured uterus and 51.17% of the uterine ruptures were located in the lower segment. Repair of the pregnant ruptured uterus was performed in 93.04% of the cases and hysterectomy in 5.06%. Maternal and perinatal mortalities were 8.86% and 72.04% respectively. Regarding maternal mortality, no parameter showed a significant association with maternal death. As for perinatal mortality, parity ≥4, complete rupture and segmento-corporeal lesion were significantly associated with perinatal death (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Uterine rupture remains one of the causes of maternal and perinatal mortality in Lubumbashi. The place occupied by uterine ruptures in obstetric activity requires joint and urgent action by all stakeholders in the health system in order to combat this scourge, witness to poor quality obstetric care.

Prevalence and determinants of uterine rupture in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Uterine rupture is a serious public health concern that causes high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Few of the studies conducted in Ethiopia show a high discrepancy in the prevalence of uterine rupture, which ranges between 1.6 and 16.7%. There also lacks a national study on this issue in Ethiopia. This systematic and meta-analysis, therefore, was conducted to assess the prevalence and determinants of uterine rupture in Ethiopia. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic review and meta-analysis of studies. All observational published studies were retrieved using relevant search terms in Google scholar, African Journals Online, CINHAL, HINARI, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and PubMed (Medline) databases. Newcastle–Ottawa assessment checklist for observational studies was used for critical appraisal of the included articles. The meta-analysis was done with STATA version 14 software. The I² test statistics were used to assess heterogeneity among included studies, and publication bias was assessed using Begg's and Egger's tests. Odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was presented using forest plots. A total of twelve studies were included in this study. The pooled prevalence of uterine rupture was 3.98% (95% CI 3.02, 4.95). The highest (7.82%) and lowest (1.53%) prevalence were identified in Amhara and Southern Nations, Nationality and Peoples Region (SNNPR), respectively. Determinants of uterine rupture were urban residence (OR = 0.15 (95% CI 0.09, 0.23)), primipara (OR = 0.12 (95% CI 0.06, 0.27)), previous cesarean section (OR = 3.23 (95% CI 2.12, 4.92)), obstructed labor(OR = 12.21 (95% CI 6.01, 24.82)), and partograph utilization (OR = 0.12 (95% CI 0.09, 0.17)). Almost one in twenty-five mothers had uterine rupture in Ethiopia. Urban residence, primiparity, previous cesarean section, obstructed labor and partograph utilization were significantly associated with uterine rupture. Therefore, intervention programs should address the identified factors to reduce the prevalence of uterine rupture.