Cardiac disease during pregnancy--a Free State perspective on maternal morbidity and mortality.
OBJECTIVE
Description of maternal outcome of pregnancies complicated by cardiac disease.


METHODS
Pelonomi Hospital, Bloemfontein.


METHODS
Black African women of low socio-economic background who presented with cardiac disease during pregnancy.


METHODS
All patients who delivered from 1 January 1990 to 1 January 1995.


METHODS
Descriptive retrospective study.


RESULTS
Cardiac disease complicated 0.6% of pregnancies. Rheumatic valvular disease dominated in this population. The maternal mortality rate was 9.5% while the maternal morbidity rate ranged from 50% to 100% for the various lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Cardiac disease in pregnancy has high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Hypertension, anticoagulation therapy, late referrals and inadequate counselling were important contributing factors. A high priority should be given to meticulous contraceptive counselling in patients with cardiac disease. Collaboration between obstetricians, physicians and cardiothoracic surgeons in imperative.
Schoon
M G
MG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein.
Bam
R H
RH
Wolmarans
L
L
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000401:mortality*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors