Epidemiology of fetal deaths in the Specialized Maternal Perinatal Institute, 2003

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. To determine the frequency of intrauterine fetal death in a IV level reference institute, in Lima, Peru, and sensitize medical personnel on its importance and to identify critical points in order to motivate related specific investigations. DESIGN. Retrospective study of clinical charts. SETTING. Instituto Especializado Materno Perinatal (IEMP), a teaching hospital. POPULATION. Cases of intrauterine fetal death. INTERVENTIONS. We reviewed clinical charts of all cases of intrauterine fetal death registered in the Statistical and Informatic Direction, Instituto Especializado Materno Perinatal, occurred between January 1 and December 31, 2003. Data were registered in the Historia Clinica Perinatal Base chart (CLAP/ OPS-OMS) and processed with Sistema Informatico Perinatal V.1.5 software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. Frequency of intrauterine fetal death. RESULTS. There were 17 869 deliveries at the Instituto during this period and 130 were intrauterine fetal deaths, rate 7,33 per thousand LNB. Associated maternal pathologies were anemia in 40% followed by threatened preterm delivery (33,1%) and preeclampsia/eclampsia (15,5%). Three first causes of associated fetal pathology were premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine growth restriction and congenital malformations. CONCLUSIONS. Intrauterine fetal death rate at the Institute was within average international rates during 2003.