Characteristics of extreme maternal morbidity at the Regional Hospital of Ayacucho, Peru, 2021-2023

Rojas R.; Salinas-Alvarado P.; Pomacanchari-Llantoy J.; Tipe G.; Sandoval K.D.; Palomino-Vargas V. · Revista Peruana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia (2025) · DOI: 10.31403/rpgo.v71i2730

Resumen

Extreme maternal morbidity (EMM), according to WHO, is a condition in which a woman nearly almost loses her life due to complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. This rate is higher in low- and middle-income countries. Although maternal mortality has declined in Peru, the EMM is not fully described, underlining the importance of its analysis to improve maternal health services. Objective: To describe EMM in the Regional Hospital of Ayacucho, Peru, between June 2021 and June 2023, and to analyze key indicators to improve maternal care. Materials and methods: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 cases of EMM. Socio-demographic data, obstetric characteristics, pathological history and interventions were assessed using epidemiological surveillance forms and formulas to calculate the EMM, maternal mortality ratio and other metrics. Results: The mean age of the patients was 28 years, mostly cohabiting women with secondary education. The most frequent criteria for EMM were severe hypoxia (50%) and cardiovascular compromise (39%). HELLP syndrome (30%) and postpartum hemorrhage (22%) were the most common complications. The EMM was 19.4 per 1,000 live births and the maternal mortality ratio was 5.75 per 100 cases of EMM. Conclusions: The EMM in Ayacucho (2021-2023) reveals severe complications mainly in young women with low educational level. It is crucial to implement efective prevention and management strategies to reduce its incidence and improve obstetric outcomes.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga