Nkwabong, Elie University of Yaoundé I - Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University Teaching Hospital - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cameroon , Bechem, Efuetnkeng University of Yaounde I - Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences - Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Cameroon , Fomulu, Joseph Nelson University of Yaounde I - Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University Teaching Hospital - Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Cameroon

Outcome of Clandestine Abortions in Two University Teaching Hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon

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Purpose. To evaluate the outcome of clandestine abortions. Material and methods This retrospective descriptive study was conducted between March 1st and August 31st, 2012 in the maternities of the University Teaching Hospital and the Central Hospital of Yaoundé, Cameroon. Files of women with clandestinely induced abortion were reviewed. Main variables studied were maternal age, gestational age, abortionist’s qualification, method used and the complications reported. Results Ninety-four abortions were recorded. Mean gestational age was 11.0 ± 3.4 weeks. Methods used were mainly manual vacuum aspiration (39.4%), dilatation and curettage (29.8%) and misoprostol (13.8%). Abortionists were mostly health assistants (62.7%) and general practitioners (14.9%). Major abortion complications were severe anemia (24.5%), pelvic infection (18.1%), hypovolemic shock (17.1%) and incomplete abortion (16%). Maternal death occurred in 2.1%. Conclusions Clandestine abortions are still associated with maternal complications including maternal death.

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Clandestine abortions , Abortionists , Complications , Cameroon

Health Sciences an‎d Diseases

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