Delay in the provision of adequate care to women who died from abortion-related complications in the principal maternity hospital of Gabon.

Deaths resulting from unsafe induced abortions represent a major component of maternal mortality in countries with restrictive abortion laws. Delays in obtaining care for maternal complications constitute a known determinant of a woman's risk of death. However, data on the role of delays in providing care at health care facilities are sparse.

[Maternal mortality in Libreville, Gabon: assessment and challenges].

Objective: To analyze the course over time of the rates and causes of maternal mortality in Libreville, Gabon.

Material And Methods: This prospective descriptive study covers the 6-year period from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2006. It was performed at the Libreville Hospital Center (LCH) maternity ward, the leading obstetrical care facility in the country.

[Audit of the severe obstetrical morbidity (near miss) in Gabon].

Objective: To examine "near-miss" cases to identify the weak points of our department.

Material And Methods: This prospective study took place at the Libreville Hospital Maternity Center for six months, from 1 June to 31 December 2006. It included all pregnant women with a severe obstetrical complication (uterine haemorrhage with signs of shock, eclampsia, severe infection) or whose condition required a major intervention to prevent death.

[Emergency obstetrical hysterectomy: about 58 cases at Libreville Hospital Centre].

Objective: To evaluate the incidence, indications and prognosis of this surgery in our daily practice in order to suggest preventive action.

Patients And Method: This is a retrospective study over a period of 10 years, from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 2001. Using patient's documents, parameters have been analysed as followed: age, parity, antecedent of uterine surgery, indications, surgery technique, foeto-maternal prognosis.