MATERNAL ANAEMIA-AN INDEPENDENT RISK FACTOR FOR PERINATAL MORTALITY

Low birth weight from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and prematurity was reportedly the major cause of perinatal mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate if maternal anaemia ([Hb] < 10gdl) increases perinatal mortality after controlling for low birth weight and prematurity in low resource setting. It was a population-based cohort study using data from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo perinatal database. Patients with haemoglobinopathies as well as chronic medical illnesses were excluded. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to control for confounders. Anaemic patients were found to have higher rates of previous caesarean deliveries, IUGR, labour induction, placenta praevia, abruption placenta and breech presentation than their non-anaemic controls. There were higher rates of caesarean births in the anaemic group, as well as higher rates of birth asphyxia and perinatal mortality. The significant association of maternal anaemia with increased perinatal mortality remains significant after adjusting for IUGR and prematurity. Moreover, anaemia remains an independent predictor of perinatal mortality from the logistic regression model. In conclusion, perinatal mortality is increased by maternal anaemia, independent of IUGR or prematurity.