A four-year review of uterine rupture at a secondary health facility in Okitipupa, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Uterine rupture in pregnancy is an obstetric emergency especially in developing countries associated with a significant increase in maternal plus perinatal mortality and morbidity. There is a need to identify the prevalence together with underlining factors which could guide effective intervention. Hence, the study aimed at determining the prevalence of uterine rupture, predisposing factors, management options plus clinical presentation at Secondary Health Facility in Okitipupa, South West Nigeria. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients with a uterine rupture from January 2009 to December 2012 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology State Specialist Hospital Okitipupa. The case records of patients in this period were retrieved from the medical health records department and relevant data of sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentation, management as well as maternal and perinatal outcome were collated using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel version 10. Results Of the 11,377 deliveries during the study period a total of 52 uterine ruptures were recorded during the same period making an incidence of 0.46% or a ratio of 1:219 deliveries. Most of the patients 28 (60.9%) were 20–30 years of age. Uterine rupture was more common amongst multiparous women 36 (78.3%). None was a primigravida. The majority of the patients 34 (73.9%) were nonattendants at the antenatal clinic. The commonest single predisposing factor was the presence of a previous scar being present in 12 (26.1%) of the patients. The most common surgery performed for uterine rupture in the series was repair only 24 (52.2%). There is an absence of uterine rupture in primigravida supports the belief that primigravida is somehow immune to rupture. Conclusions Rupture of the gravid uterus is a major contributor to maternal and perinatal mortality in Okitipupa Southwest Nigeria.