Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The impact of referred patients with an obstetric emergency due to complications is not yet known. This study aimed to identify the complications associated with obstetric emergency in referred patients in Yaoundé. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study at the Yaoundé Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital from 1 February to 31 July 2015. We compared the women referred to the Emergency Department with the non-referred women and their newborns respectively. Consecutive and comprehensive sampling technique was used for early analysis of the sociodemographic, obstetric and neonatal features. Chi-squared tests and Fisher exact probability test helped to compare the qualitative variables. Logistic regression analysis helped to eliminate the confounding factors. The significant level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: After multivariate analysis, statistically significant obstetric complications in referred patients were: premature rupture of membranes (adjusted OR = 9.37, CI 95%: 2,52-66,98, p = 0.002); preterm birth (adjusted OR = 4.14 (1,88-9,16; p < 0.001) and death after severe neonatal asphyxia (adjusted OR = 6.48 (1,17-35,80); p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Premature rupture of the membranes, preterm birth and death after severe neonatal asphyxia are the complications associated with obstetric emergency in referred patients in Yaoundé.