A Study of Intrauterine Foetal Death Cases and Associated Maternal Condition: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Care Centre in India

Abstract

Background: To identify the risk factors and to streamline preventive and management protocols for IUD. Methods: This was a retrospective study from Nov. 2018 to June 2021 which was conducted at Sharda hospital Greater Noida India. IUD was defined as fetal death beyond 20 weeks of gestation and/or birth weight >500g. Maternal and fetal records were analysed. Mode of delivery and associated complications were studied. Results: Total number of deliveries were 2514.Incidence of IUD at our centre was 5.09%. (128/2514). In 15.62% cases, no causes were identified. Among the identifiable causes, Placental abruption (12.5%), PROM (10.16%) hypertensive disorders (9.37%) anaemia (7.81%) were most common. Conclusions: The present study is an effort to compile a profile of maternal, fetal and placental causes culminating to IUD at our centre. This emphasizes the importance of proper antenatal care and identification of risk factors and its treatment. Institutional deliveries should be promoted to prevent intrapartum fetal deaths. A substantial number of IUD are still labelled as unexplained, hence cannot be prevented. Decrease in the incidence of IUD would significantly reduce the perinatal mortality exclusion criteria gestational age less than 24 weeks.