Preventability of maternal near miss and mortality in Rwanda: A case series from the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK)

Objective Assess the primary causes and preventability of maternal near misses (MNM) and mortalities (MM) at the largest tertiary referral hospital in Rwanda, Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK). Methods We reviewed records for all women admitted to CHUK with pregnancy-related complications between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2015. All maternal deaths and near misses, based on WHO near miss criteria were reviewed (Appendix A). A committee of physicians actively involved in the care of pregnant women in the obstetric-gynecology department reviewed all maternal near misses/pregnancy-related deaths to determine the preventability of these outcomes. Preventability was assessed using the Three Delays Model.[1] Descriptive statistics were used to show qualitative and quantitative outcomes of the maternal near miss and mortality. Results We identified 121 maternal near miss (MNM) and maternal deaths. The most common causes of maternal near miss and maternal death were sepsis/severe systemic infection (33.9%), postpartum hemorrhage (28.1%), and complications from eclampsia (18.2%)/severe preeclampsia (5.8%)/. In our obstetric population, MNM and deaths occurred in 87.6% and 12.4% respectively. Facility level delays (diagnostic and therapeutic) through human error or mismanagement (provider issues) were the most common preventable factors accounting for 65.3% of preventable maternal near miss and 10.7% maternal deaths, respectively. Lack of supplies, blood, medicines, ICU space, and equipment (system issues) were responsible for 5.8% of preventable maternal near misses and 2.5% of preventable maternal deaths. Delays in seeking care contributed to 22.3% of cases and delays in arrival from home to care facilities resulted in 9.1% of near misses and mortalities. Cesarean delivery was the most common procedure associated with sepsis/death in our population. Previous cesarean delivery (24%) and obstructed/prolonged labor (13.2%) contributed to maternal near miss and mortalities. Conclusion The most common preventable causes of MNM and deaths were medical errors, shortage of medical supplies, and lack of patient education/understanding of obstetric emergencies. Reduction in medical errors, improved supply/equipment availability and patient education in early recognition of pregnancy-related danger signs will reduce the majority of delays associated with MNM and mortality in our population.