Objective

To identify the lessons learned from women who died during pregnancy or childbirth in Lebanon between 2018 and 2020.

Method

This is a case series and synthesis of maternal deaths between 2018 and 2020 that were reported by healthcare facilities to the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon. The notes recorded from the maternal mortality review reports were analyzed using the “Three Delays” model to identify preventable causes and lessons learned.

Results

A total of 49 women died before, during, or after childbirth, with hemorrhage being the most frequent cause (n = 16). The possible factors that would have prevented maternal deaths included a prompt recognition of clinical severity, availability of blood for transfusion and magnesium sulfate for eclampsia, adequate transfer to tertiary care hospitals comprising specialist care, and involvement of skilled medical staff in obstetric emergencies.

Conclusion

Many maternal deaths in Lebanon are preventable. Better risk assessment, use of an obstetric warning system, access to adequately skilled human resources and medications, and improved communication and transfer mechanisms between private and tertiary care hospitals may avoid future maternal deaths.

© 2023 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Overview publication

TitleMaternal mortality is preventable in Lebanon: A case series of maternal deaths to identify lessons learned using the “Three Delays” model.
DateSeptember 1st, 2023
Issue nameInternational journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Issue numberv162.3:922-930
DOI10.1002/ijgo.14770
PubMed37102363
AuthorsRebeiz MC, El-Kak F, van den Akker T, Hamadeh R & McCall SJ
KeywordsCOVID-19, amniotic fluid embolism, avoidable, hypertensive disorders, maternal mortality, postpartum hemorrhage, preventable, sepsis
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