INCIDENCE AND MATERNAL-PERINATAL OUTCOMES OF UTERINE RUPTURE IN HIWOT FANA COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

BACKGROUND: Uterine rupture remains a significant public health concern in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. Understanding its incidence and associated maternal and perinatal outcomes is essential for developing effective prevention and management strategies. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence, trends, and maternal and perinatal outcomes of uterine rupture among women who gave birth at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital. METHODS: A retrospective, facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to 31, 2023, including all women who gave birth at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. Data were collected by reviewing medical records using a structured and pretested checklist. The information was coded, cleaned, and entered into EpiData version 4.6, then exported to SPSS version 26 for statistical analysis. The results were summarized and presented in tables and figures. RESULTS: Out of 24,608 deliveries recorded during the study period, 168 cases of uterine rupture were identified, corresponding to an incidence rate of 6.8 per 1,000 births. Over the five-year period, there were no significant changes in the trend of uterine rupture incidence. Among the 153 cases with complete information, there were 119 stillbirths (90.8%), 113 cases of severe hemorrhage (73.9%), 79 hysterectomies (51.6%), 13 bladder ruptures (8.5%), 9 cases of obstetric fistula (5.9%), and 5 maternal deaths (3.3%). CONCLUSION: Although relatively infrequent, uterine rupture is associated with substantial adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Regular audits to evaluate the timeliness and quality of obstetric care are essential to prevent such complications and maternal and perinatal deaths.