Epidemiology of Fetal Death and Analysis of Causes According to CODAC Classification at Amath Dansokho Regional Hospital of Kedougou, Senegal

Abstract

Objectives: This paper aims to study the epidemiology and causes of fetal deaths in utero at Regional Hospital Amath Dansokho of Kedougou (RHADK). Methodology: This was a retrospective epidemiological study conducted at the Maternity Ward of the Regional Hospital Amath Dansokho of Kedougou from June 01, 2022 to June 30, 2023, including all patients seen for delivery care. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 22, Windows version). The parameters studied were the frequency of in-utero fetal death, sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy and delivery data, neonatal data and cause-of-death classification according to the Cause of Death and Associated Conditions (CODAC) classification. Results: We recorded 1628 deliveries, with 231 cases of in-utero fetal death, a frequency of 14.2%. Fetal death occurred most frequently in multiparous women (64.5%). The majority of patients (72.3%) were transferred. 51.9% of patients with fetal death had at least 3 antenatal visits. On admission, fetal heart rate was absent in 73.2% of patients. The etiology of in-utero fetal death was dominated by maternal factors (high blood pressure, anaemia and diabetes), which accounted for 36.9% of deaths, followed by placental pathologies (retroplacental haematoma) and intrapartum pathologies (uterine rupture, abnormal presentation). Conclusion:In-utero fetal death can be prevented, and is mainly due to direct obstetric complications. The focus should be on the prevention and management of hypertensive disorders and their complications during pregnancy, the fight against anaemia and, above all, the rapid and correct management of dystocia.