Maternal Mortality in Henan Province, China: Changes between 1996 and 2009

Abstract

BackgroundMaternal deaths occur mostly in developing countries and the majority of them are preventable. This study analyzes changes in maternal mortality and related causes in Henan Province, China, between 1996 and 2009, in an attempt to provide a reliable basis for introducing effective interventions to reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR), part of the fifth Millennium Development Goal.Methods and FindingsThis population-based maternal mortality survey in Henan Province was carried out from 1996 to 2009. Basic information was obtained from the health care network for women and children and the vital statistics system, from specially trained monitoring personnel in 25 selected monitoring sites and by household survey in each case of maternal death. This data was subsequently reported to the Henan Provincial Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital. The total MMR in Henan Province declined by 78.4%, from 80.1 per 100 000 live births in 1996 to 17.3 per 100 000 live births in 2009. The decline was more pronounced in rural than in urban areas. The most common causes of maternal death during this period were obstetric hemorrhage (43.8%), pregnancy-induced hypertension (15.8%), amniotic fluid embolism (13.9%) and heart disease (8.0%). The MMR was higher in rural areas with lower income, less education and poorer health care.ConclusionThere was a remarkable decrease in the MMR in Henan Province between 1996 and 2009 mainly in the rural areas and MMR due to direct obstetric causes such as obstetric hemorrhage. This study indicates that improving the health care network for women, training of obstetric staff at basic-level units, promoting maternal education, and increasing household income are important interventional strategies to reduce the MMR further.

Microalbuminuria as a Predictor of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] At present the termination of pregnancy LV WKH RQO\ GH¿QLWLYH WUHDWPHQW DYDLODEOH IRU hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] They can cause several dreaded complications such as eclampsia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, cerebral edema, liver failure and ante-partum hemorrhage. Maternal hypertension also contributes to fetal mortality and morbidity by causing intrauterine growth retardation, preterm delivery, hypoxemia and perinatal death.…”

An appraisal of China’s progress toward the Millennium Development Goals as they relate to children

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Serum magnesium at 18-20 weeks of gestation: can it be a predictor of gestational hypertension and fetomaternal outcome?

“…1,2 Globally HDP remains one of the most common cause of maternal, fetal morbidity and mortality. 3,4 Prevalence of GHT and PE in developing countries is 3-10% and 4-18% respectively. 5-7 Women with HDP is associated with increased risks of placental abruption, cerebrovascular events, disseminated intravascular coagulation and leading to 10-15% of maternal death.…”

“…5-7 Women with HDP is associated with increased risks of placental abruption, cerebrovascular events, disseminated intravascular coagulation and leading to 10-15% of maternal death. 4,8 Fetus of these mothers are having the increased risk of prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation and death. 9,10 The prevalence of maternal, fetal complications associated with HDP vary by region and healthcare facility type.…”