ABSTRACT
Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a syndrome that can be initiated by a myriad of medical, surgical, and obstetric disorders. Also known as consumptive coagulopathy, DIC is a common contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality and is associated with up to 25% of maternal deaths.Aim of the study: To determine the risk factors associated with the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in obstetrical cases.Material & Methods:This descriptive type of study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Janaki Medical College Teaching Hospital, RamdaiyaBhawadi, Janakpurdham, Nepal from January 2016 to December 2021. A total of 500 pregnant women complicated with DIC admitted for termination of pregnancy were included in this study. History and clinical examination were completed. The adverse obstetrical event that causes DIC is identified from clinical diagnosis and relevant investigations. Statistical analysis of the results was obtained by using windows computer software with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-version 26).Results:More than half (58.0%) of the patients did not receive any antenatal checkup. Regarding the risk factors for the development of DIC; abruptio placenta was associated with 185(37.0%) cases followed by PPH 147(29.4%) and preeclampsia and eclampsia 119(23.8%). Patients with risk factors of DIC were hypertension 360(72.0%), Antepartum heamorrhage 227(45.4%) and PPH 193(38.6%) these are the most common presenting features. More than two-thirds of the patients (68.0%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery. Almost two-thirds (64.0%) of patients stayed in the hospital for 8-14 days. Maternal death was found in 60(12.0%) cases and perinatal death in 121(24.2%) cases.Conclusion:Maternal and perinatal mortality in patients with DIC were 12.0% and 24.0% respectively. The major determinant of survival is prompt identification of the underlying trigger, elimination of the cause and appropriate management.