A retrospective study of 50 cases of intrauterine fetal death at tertiary care centre

Introduction: This study was undertaken to identify the maternal and fetal factors associated with intrauterine fetal death and its complications. This will be helpful in counselling of parents as well as formatting preventing measures. Material and Method: This is a retrospective study carried out over a period of one year at a tertiary care hospital. 50 cases of IUFD were studied and their details were collected from the hospital records. Inclusion criteria was all IUFD greater than 20 weeks of gestation. Results: It was observed that 36 (72%) were Emergency admission and 14 (28%) were booked cases from the total 50 cases. The incidence was maximum, 22 cases (44%) in the 26-32 gestational weeks. In 16 (32%) number of cases no identifiable cause of IUFD was found. IUFD occurred in 9 (18%) cases APH and 8 (16%) PIH. Other causes IUFD were GCA (12%), oligohydramnios (8%), diabetes (4%), fever (4%) and MSL (4%). Vaginal delivery occurred in 42 (84%) and LSCS required in 8 (16%).The most common complications associated with IUFD is psychological upset (22%). DIC, ARF, sepsis and PPH are rare but serious complications and majority of them occurred because of associated medical comorbidities. Conclusions: A significant proportion of IUFD can be preventable by proper antenatal care, health education to community about warning signs.PIH and APH accounted for most common causes of IUFD. In cases where cause is not identifiable, there should be some easily available and convenient investigations to find the cause.Proper counselling of parents is of root value in IUFD.