Classification of Stillbirth by Relevant Condition at Death (Re Co De) at a Tertiary Care Center in Eastern Nepal

Authors

  • Archana Kumari Sah Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
  • Pritha Basnet Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
  • Sarita Situla Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal

Keywords:

Fetal growth restriction, Oligohydramnios, Re Co De Classification, Stillbirth

Abstract

Aims: Stillbirth, defined as birth of baby with no signs of life at or after 22 completed weeks of pregnancy, is one of major contributor to perinatal mortality. Millions of women experience stillbirth each year, yet these deaths are unsupported and understudied. Relevant condition at death (Re Co De) classification system for defining relevant clinical categories for stillbirth significantly decreases the proportion of stillbirths previously classified as unexplained.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out to classify stillbirth by Re Co De classification System at Obstetrics and Gynecology department of B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences from January 1st 2019 to December 31st 2019 (one year). The medical records of the patients were studied, relevant data entered and analyzed in SPSS statistical software.

Results: The stillbirth rate was 14.61/1000 birth. The majority of women 87.2% were in between 21-35 years of age. Multigravida women were 52.4%. Most of the cases of stillbirth were unbooked (90.2%) and among them 62.2% had less than four antenatal visits. There were 45.1% of stillbirth were between 28 to 36 weeks of gestation and 77.4% were antepartum stillbirth. Fetal group contributed to 32.1% of stillbirth followed by maternal group of 25%. Fetal growth restriction was seen in 21.3% of stillbirth followed by oligohydramnios in 16.5% of cases. Among maternal group, Stillbirth due to hypertensive disorder were seen in 12.4%, followed by diabetes mellitus in 6.7% of cases.

Conclusion: The classification of stillbirth by Re Co De showed a better understanding of causes of fetal death and it can help clinician and public health specialist to emphasize on issues previously considered as unexplained.

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Published

2023-09-25

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Section

Original Articles