Source
2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece. nvrachnis@med.uoa.gr
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To present retrospective data for maternal deaths in Greece from 1996 to 2006.
METHODS:
Demographic information and information on the causes of death was provided by the Hellenic Statistical Authority. Maternal deaths were assessed by cause of death, maternal age, and place of residence. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was estimated and expressed as the number of deaths per 100,000 live births.
RESULTS:
From 1996 to 2006, 29 deaths were attributed to pregnancy and childbirth, yielding a total MMR of 2.63. The leading cause of direct deaths was hemorrhage and that of indirect deaths was cardiac disease. There was a borderline significant decline in the MMR during the study period. The MMR was significantly higher at the extremes of the reproductive age range.
CONCLUSION:
Maternal mortality in Greece is low; however, no formal data have been published since 1996. Knowledge of the causes of maternal death can lead to the prevention of maternal deaths and safer motherhood.
Copyright © 2011 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.