Uterine rupture in Dohuk, Iraq

Rupture of the uterus is a serious obstetric emergency endangering the life of both mother and fetus. In a study at the general hospital in Dohuk, Iraq, from January 2003 to December 2004, the incidence of ruptured uterus was 0.2% (42 out of 20 574 deliveries). The majority of these women (81%) were unbooked and had had no antenatal care. The range of parity was 1-13, median 7. The main causes were obstructed labour and previous caesarean scar (36% of cases each). The maternal mortality rate among these cases was 5% and the perinatal mortality rate was 62%. Improvements are needed in antenatal care and labour guidelines and emergency drill training for staff.