RÉSUMÉ
OBJECTIVE: To assess causes, trends, and substandard care in indirect maternal mortality in the Netherlands. DESIGN: Confidential enquiry into causes of maternal death. SETTING: Nationwide in the Netherlands. POPULATION: A total of 2,557,208 live births. METHODS: Data analysis of indirect maternal deaths in the period 1993-2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Indirect maternal mortality. RESULTS: Of the study subjects, 97 were classified as indirect deaths, representing a maternal mortality ratio of 3.3/100,000 live births, a significant increase compared to the preceding enquiry in the period 1983-1992 (MMR 2.4, OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.0-2.1). The percentage of cases not directly reported to the Maternal Mortality Committee decreased from 15 to 5%. Cardiovascular disorders were the leading cause of indirect maternal mortality, followed by cerebrovascular disorders. Vascular dissection (n = 19) was the most frequent specified cause of death. Risk factors were advanced maternal age, non-indigenous origin (Surinam and Dutch Antilles), and medical health risks before pregnancy. Substandard care was present in 35%, mainly being misjudgment of the severity of the condition and delay in initiating therapy. CONCLUSION: The rise of mortality due to indirect causes is considered a reflection of the change in risk profile of women of childbearing age and the result of demographic alterations concerning ethnicity and maternal age. The identification of high risk groups, preferably by programs of preconception care, should lead to improved care for these women, with a multidisciplinary approach when needed.