5. Feasibility of Wigglesworth Pathophysiological Classification for Perinatal Mortality in Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Perinatal mortality of a country is often used as a measure of the adequacy of obstetric and neonatal services. Several classification systems have been in use with their own advantages and disadvantages. Studies have reported Wigglesworth classification to be simple and reproducible. There are no reports regarding its use and feasibility in Ethiopia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to review perinatal deaths at Saint Paul’s hospital millennium medical college and see the feasibility of Wigglesworth classification.

Methods: A one-year review of perinatal deaths at Saint Paul’s Hospital millennium medical college from January 2014 to December 2014 was conducted. The deaths were analyzed using Wigglesworth classification.

Result: Perinatal mortality rate was found to be 70.1/1000 live births. Majority of the perinatal mortality were still births (72%). According to Wigglesworth classification of the perinatal deaths 47% were Macerated still births, 25.7% perinatal asphyxia. Other causes mortality was; lethal congenital malformations (10%), prematurity (10.7%) and septicemia (5.7%) were mortality. Wigglesworth classification was found to be feasible at SPHMMC.

Conclusion Macerated stillbirths and perinatal mortality were leading causes of perinatal mortality at SPHMMC. Wigglesworth classification is a simple and feasible system to be applied in Ethiopian hospitals.

Key words:   Perinatal mortality, Wigglesworth classification, Ethiopia

(Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health 2018;10:49-55)