A review of postpartum haemorrhage cases at a referral hospital in southern Nigeria

Postpartum haemorrhage poses management challenges for the obstetrician and it is a significant contributor to perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and globally. Anticipation in high risk patients, early identification and prompt institution of treatment is essential to curtail this obstetric scourge and preserve our mothers. The objectives of this study are to determine the incidence, risk factors, types and causes of primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), place and mode of delivery, and the fetomaternal outcomes of PPH at the Federal medical centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, Nigeria. The study was a descriptive retrospective study.In the three year period under review there were 34 cases of postpartum haemorrhage and there were 2374 deliveries giving the prevalence of 1.43%. The mean age was 30.2 years +/- 6.6. The most identifiable risk factor for PPH was prolonged labour accounting for 38.2% of cases. Majority of the cases was primary postpartum haemorrhage constituting 91.2% of PPH. Uterine atony was the most common cause of postpartum haemorrhage which was 50%. About 44.1% delivered in the hospital. Majority of the cases delivered vaginally and 91.2% survived while 8.8% died. About 76.5% of the neonates had good outcome.Postpartum haemorrhage is a legitimate leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality; hence the departments must have the needed expertise to identify at risk patient and act swiftly so as to prevent the associated morbidity, lasting disability and mortality.