Malpractice as a Leading Cause to Maternal Mortality in Egypt: A Postmortem Statistical Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14420Keywords:
malpractice, maternal mortality, obstetric complications, cesarian section complications, anathesia complications, postpartum hemorrhage, MMR, MM.Abstract
Background: Maternal deaths are quite common tragic event in developing countries where the main source
of information on the causes of maternal death is clinical records and autopsies. Knowledge about the causes
of these deaths are scarce in Egypt. Efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Egypt are mostly not driven by
evidence. This autopsy study was performed to assess the cause of maternal mortality including malpractice,
thus providing information which plays an important role in improving clinical practice in Egypt.
Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted at the Egyptian Forensic Authority (EFMA) in
a 5-years perios between January 2008 and December 2012 to investigate maternal mortality cases alleged
to be due to malpractice.
Results:. The total number of maternal deaths was 114 cases. The majority of cases (n=90, 79.0%) were
negative concerning malpractice. Twenty-four deaths (21%) can be attributed to malpractice; 16 due to
surgeon faults and 8 anesthesia-related deaths. The main cause of death was obstetric hemorrhage (n=46)
followed by respiratory failure (n=30). Out of the 24 cases, 19 were proved to be due to negligence in
the form of late intervention, improper preparation, unmanaged complication and unauthorized place of
management.
Conclusion: Malpractice causes nearly one-fifth of alleged maternal deaths; the most frequenct type of
which is negligence. Surgeon errors were double anesthesia related deaths. Hemorrhage was the most
common cause of death in malpractice as well as incidental deaths. Quality of obstetric care in Egypt needs
further improvement in the aspects of health facilities and care providers.
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