OUTCOME OF POST-PARTUM WOMEN NEED RE-ADMISSION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KARACHI

Shazia Sultana, Khasheaa Nadeem, Aamna Sadique, Muhammad Arif, Areeba Qureshi, Rubina Hussain(Ziauddin University Karachi).

Abstract:
Objective: The study aims to determine the prevalence, causes, and outcomes of post-partum re-admissions in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, to identify preventable complications and improve maternal care.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on post-partum women re-admitted within 42 days of delivery. Data were collected from August 2022 to July 2023, including patient demographics, clinical presentation, and re-admission outcomes. A total of 250 post-partum women were included, selected via convenience sampling. Medical records were reviewed for patient age, parity, mode of delivery, cause of re-admission, treatment provided, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, while chi square tests determined the association between risk factors and re-admission.

Results: The majority of re-admissions (70%, n=52) occurred within 10 days of discharge. Women with cesarean deliveries were significantly more likely to be re-admitted (20%, n=60) compared to those with vaginal deliveries (10%, n=15) (p < 0.05). Infections (60%, n=45) were the leading cause of re-admission, followed by postpartum hemorrhage (25%, n=19). Antibiotics were the most common treatment (60%, n=45). There were no maternal mortalities, but 10% of women (n=8) experienced significant morbidity requiring extended care.

Conclusion: The study reveals a 15% readmission rate among post-partum women, with hemorrhage and infections being the leading causes. Cesarean deliveries posed a higher risk for re-admission. Improving postnatal follow-up and patient education, especially as per surgical deliveries, could reduce readmission rates and improve maternal outcomes in tertiary care savings in Karachi.

Keywords: Post-partum re-admission, cross sectional study, maternal complications, cesarean delivery.