Clinical profile and outcome of obstetric referral pattern: an observational study

Abstract

Aim: To observe clinical profile and outcome of obstetric referral pattern.

Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Laheriasarai, Darbhanga, Bihar, India from 1 year,  Thorough history was taken; complete physical and obstetric examination and relevant investigations were done. Management of the patient, clinical course, mode of delivery, both maternal and perinatal outcomes were documented. Results: A total of 160 cases were referred to the higher centre due to various reasons. Maximum number of cases in present study were in the age group of 20-30 years comprising 102(63.75%) of total cases.Majority of the referral cases were primigravida 85 (53.12%).Out of 160 referred cases, 127 (79.37%) delivered 19 (11.87%) were treated conservatively. In 14 patients (8.76%) either abortion occurred or medical termination of pregnancy was done or there was ectopic pregnancy or tears which were managed according to set protocol depending upon the gestational age at diagnosis.Conclusion: The present study has shown that improper antenatal and intranatal care at the periphery level is responsible for poor maternal and perinatal outcome. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have been one of the commonest causes of referral among high risk obstetric patients which can be better dealt at the tertiary care centre.

Keywords:  Hypertensive disorders