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Abstract
Post partum hemorrhage accounts for 38% of maternal deaths. The main cause is atonicity of uterus. PPH can be classified as primary (within 24hours after delivery) and secondary (24 hours to 12 weeks) after delivery. Most cases of postpartum bleeding occur within 4 hours after delivery. Optimum levels of calcium are important for contraction of uterine musculature. Low levels of serum calcium results in reduced contraction. Reduced serum calcium level may affect contractility of uterine smooth muscle, hence may result in atonic uterus and PPH.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Study the association between maternal serum calcium levels and development of uterine atonicity in a tertiary care hospital.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective case control study conducted in department of obstetrics and gynecology, KAPV Government medical college, Tiruchirappalli.
156 antenatal mothers in first and second stage of labour were tested for serum calcium levels.
RESULTS AND OBSERVATION: In this study, mothers with serum calcium less than 9mg/dl, 36.7% had PPH, and those who had levels more than 9mg/dl , only 7.8% developed PPH.
CONCLUSION: Serum calcium levels were found to have statistically significant association with PPH implying that participants having low serum calcium levels have increased chances of atonic PPH.