Evaluation of Maternal Mortality Ratio and Causes in a University Hospital in Eastern Turkey

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and causes of maternal death in order to decrease these deaths. Materials and Methods: The number of live births, maternal deaths, and the causes of deaths in Yuzuncu Yil University were recorded between 2004 and 2013. Results: The MMR was 268 per 100,000. Forty-nine maternal deaths were examined in terms of cause. The most frequent cause of death is eclampsia (33%) and associated intracerebral complications. The antenatal follow-up rate was 23.3%. The majority of patients had low income (92.3%), 72.2% were from rural areas, and 95.5% were illiterate. Conclusion: The high MMR may arise from the high incidence of pregnancy complications in eastern Turkey, the rareness of antenatal follow-ups, and the present hospital being a referral hospital. The most frequent cause of maternal mortality is eclampsia and associated complications, followed by bleeding.