Improvements in US maternal obstetrical outcomes from 1992 to 2006.
BACKGROUND
Over 4 million women give birth annually in the United States, making delivery one of the most common reasons for hospital care.


OBJECTIVE
We examined 15-year trends in risk-adjusted maternal complications following childbirth.


METHODS
We examined maternal obstetrical outcomes from 1992-2006 among women undergoing cesarean delivery (CD) and vaginal delivery (VD). A composite measure of major maternal complications including infection, hemorrhage, laceration, and other major operative and thrombotic complications was evaluated.


METHODS
Population-based sample of over 6 million women from Florida and New York hospital discharge data.


METHODS
Obstetric procedures and maternal complications postdelivery.


RESULTS
During the 15-year time period, the CD rate decreased from 24.7% in 1992 to 23% in 1996 and increased to 34.7% in 2006. The risk-adjusted rate of any major complication declined from 14.7% in 1992 to 10.7% in 2006 for all deliveries; from 14.4% to 11.6% for VD; and from 15.7% to 8.5% for CD. During 1992 to 2006, the average number of comorbidities increased from 0.65 to 0.93 for patients overall, from 0.43 to 0.58 for VD patients, and 1.34 to 1.59 for CD patients.


CONCLUSIONS
As evidenced by New York and Florida, the US has seen large reductions in major maternal complications over the past 15 years. Concurrently, the average number of comorbidities increased. These results reflect substantial improvements in maternal delivery outcomes.
Srinivas
Sindhu K
SK
Department of OB/GYN, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. ssrinivas@obgyn.upenn.edu
Epstein
Andrew J
AJ
Nicholson
Sean
S
Herrin
Jeph
J
Asch
David A
DA
D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D020379:Risk Adjustment; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology