IATROGENIC PATHOLOGIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON MATERNAL MORTALITY: MODERN APPROACHES AND PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES

Abstract

Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with indirect causes, including iatrogenic pathologies, increasingly recognized as critical contributors. This study aimed to analyze the role of iatrogenic complications in maternal mortality, identify the most common types, and propose modern strategies for prevention and management.

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary-level maternity hospital over the period 2018–2024, including 40 maternal deaths associated with iatrogenic factors. Data were collected from medical records, surgical and anesthesia reports, laboratory findings, and autopsy reports. Complications were classified into surgical errors, drug-related complications, anesthesia-related events, procedural/instrumental errors, and diagnostic delays.

Results showed that surgical errors were the leading cause (37.5%), followed by drug-related complications (25%), anesthesia-related complications (15%), procedural errors (12.5%), and diagnostic delays (10%). The analysis highlighted a major problem: insufficient adherence to surgical protocols and delayed recognition of complications. Proposed solutions include standardized surgical checklists, team-based training, real-time intraoperative monitoring, and early recognition protocols.

These findings underscore the importance of a problem-solution approach in obstetric care to reduce preventable maternal deaths. Implementing evidence-based interventions can significantly enhance patient safety and improve maternal outcomes.