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OBJECTIVE: To describe major epidemiologic and placental findings regarding stillbirth in Vietnam. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of all stillbirths in a tertiary referral facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was performed. Detailed examination of each infant, placental pathology, and semi-structured maternal interviews were conducted according to the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Perinatal Death Classification guidelines. Maternal, fetal, and placental characteristics were examined. RESULTS: Between December 8, 2008, and January 9, 2009, there were 4694 live births and 122 stillbirths at the facility. In total, 107 (87.7%) cases were included in the study. Low education level was associated with a lack of prenatal care; induced abortion accounted for 34.6% of fetal deaths (gender selection was not the reason); 35.5% of infants were born at 22-28 weeks of gestation; 31.8% of stillbirths were small for gestational age; histologic evidence of chorioamnionitis was present in 40.2% of cases. Calcium supplements were less likely to have been taken in cases in which death from hypertension occurred. alpha-Thalassemia was the main cause of fetal hydrops (6.2%). CONCLUSION: Improving access to prenatal care and prenatal calcium and iron supplementation, and screening for congenital abnormalities and alpha-thalassemia may help to reduce rates of perinatal death in Vietnam.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.03.028

Type

Journal article

Journal

Int J Gynaecol Obstet

Publication Date

08/2010

Volume

110

Pages

109 - 113

Keywords

Abortion, Induced, Adolescent, Adult, Chorioamnionitis, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Gestational Age, Hospitals, Maternity, Humans, Incidence, Infant, Newborn, Infant, Small for Gestational Age, Male, Middle Aged, Pregnancy, Rural Population, Stillbirth, Urban Population, Vietnam, Young Adult