Causes and Risk Factors of Intrauterine Death at a Tertiary Hospital

Kavitha Devaraj Nayak, Sravya Yerragudi

Abstract

Background and Aim: Intrauterine death (IUD) is one of the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with significant trauma to the mother and family. Several risk factors have been implicated in IUD. Effective prevention strategies require an analysis of etiology and associated risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the causes and risk factors for IUD.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Karnataka. The risk factors for IUD were assessed based on past medical history, maternal characteristics, pregnancy-associated complica¬tions, and fetal characteristics. Data were evaluated using uni¬variate analysis, mean, and percentages. The etiology of IUD was determined through the ReCoDe classification.

Results: The incidence of IUD was 8.26 per 1000 births beyond 24 weeks of gestation. The most common risk factors identi¬fied were advanced maternal age and fewer antenatal visits (especially referral cases). According to the ReCoDe classifica¬tion, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, followed by acute fatty liver of pregnancy in 6%, were the leading causes of IUD.

Conclusion: In this study, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were the leading causes of IUD. Identification of risk factors, improved detection of fetal growth restriction, and timely, appropriate intervention may reduce stillbirth rates.