Audit of Perinatal Mortality and Acute Morbidity in Northern KwaZulu-Natal

From September 1998, a system of data collection and analysis on perinatal deaths and their causes has been set up in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, which has the capacity to be both simple and sustainable. A good network of communication between individuals at the collaborating hospitals was essential for this process. Data collation was aided by the use of the Perinatal Problem Identification Program (PPIP), developed by the University of Pretoria. The research has led to further information about the causes of perinatal deaths, ways of preventing these deaths and a reduction in the perinatal mortality rate (PNMR), as well as increasing the discussion and interaction between hospitals in the area on maternal and neonatal management.

Acute maternal morbidity (maternal near misses) is a somewhat newer concept. The maternal mortality rate in South Africa is thankfully low. However, a number of women become life threateningly ill during pregnancy or in the puerperium such that, without medical intervention, they would certainly have died. Analysis of these near misses and how they might have been avoided provides further useful information on the standard of maternal care and problems that might be averted in future.

Researched by: Dr M.Gandhi, Dr A. Barnard, Dr P. West, Dr C.Siderfin, Dr T.Welz, Dr A. Martineau, Dr A. Dalrymple.