Risk Factors Related to Intra Uterine Fetal Death at Tripoli Medical Center in 2011

الملخص

Intra Uterine Fetal Death (IUFD) is a traumatic event for the family which occurs in about 1% of all pregnancies.
In comparison with other countries this rate is increasing in Libya. Although obstetrical management has improved
significantly, more than 50% of these cases are still unexplained. The aim of this study is to determine risk factors for
IUFD. A standard questionnaire was designed and was filled by using medical records in 2011.
The sample included 385 records, including 85 cases (those who had IUFD) and 300 controls (those who had live
newborn). Generally, gestational age and parity were found as major risk factors. Moreover, maternal risk factors included
pregnancy complications, amniotic fluid problems, the history of IUFD, infertility treatment, recurrent miscarriage and
malpresentation. Congenital abnormality was also found to be a major fetal risk factor, whilst third trimester bleeding was
the risk factor related to placenta. Logistic regression analysis was employed to clarify further the role of confounding
variables, risk factors related to mother, fetus and placenta in IUFD. It is difficult to identify preventable factors of IUFD.
However, consultation, proper prenatal care, early diagnosis of complications and careful evaluation may reduce the
incidence of IUFD. This study suggests that certain measures have to be taken by our health ministry to make women
more aware of the risk factors involved in IUFD.
Conclusion: Several independent risk factors were identified, suggesting possible causes of death, which can be prevented
by health education and antenatal care.