The effect of HIV infection on the incidence and severity of post-partum haemorrhage

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) accounts for more than 75% of maternal deaths from obstetric haemorrhage. In South Africa, maternal mortality resulting from postpartum haemorrhage has persistently been shown to be higher in HIV positive compared to HIV negative women. It is unknown whether the incidence of PPH is higher in HIV positive women; and/or whether HIV positive women have more severe bleeding and suffer greater morbidity as a result of PPH. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of HIV infection on the incidence and severity of PPH. All women delivering at Mowbray Maternity and Groote Schuur Hospital in 2009 who had PPH were identified through a manual search of labour ward and operating theatre records. The women were categorized according to their HIV status as HIV positive, negative and untested. Data was also obtained on HIV status of the whole delivery population at these two hospitals. For women with PPH, data regarding background characteristics:- blood loss; cause of PPH and management provided; severity of and morbidity from PPH was analysed by comparing the HIV positive with the HIV negative group. Severity was assessed in terms of blood loss alone. Morbidity on the other hand was a composite assessment of blood loss, need for blood products, interventions required and complications of the PPH. Data was also collected on CD4 counts and treatment provided although the study was not powered to investigate these factors as associations.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Chilopora, Garvey Chipiliro

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Fawcus, Susan R

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3036

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/3036