European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: The new covid 19 strains having two mutations is highly infectious and the
ongoing disease has posed a huge threat to global public health, causing higher rates of
morbidities and mortalities. Keeping this in mind, this study is planned to understand the
causes leading to maternal mortality due to covid 19 infection in a tertiary care hospital
Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya district, Karnataka, India.
Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on maternal mortality during the COVID 19
pandemic in MIMS, Mandya, and Karnataka. We collected records of MMR due to covid 19
occurred from the month of June 2020 to July 2021 over a period of one year.
Results: MMR from June 2020 to July 2021 is 0.034/lakh live births, majority were of the
age group 25 to 35 yrs., majority of the death occurred after 5 days from tested positive, all
belonged to moderate or severe category of covid 19 infection. Termination of pregnancy was
done in 7 cases i/v/o worsening symptoms, 2 were antenatal deaths, 2 post abortal, 5 deaths
were in postoperative period. Most cases were managed on oxygen initially, on Noninvasive
ventilation (NIV) and later on intubated. All cases were treated with Thromboprophylaxis,
nebulization, steroids, IV antibiotics and Remdesivir was given in four cases.
Conclusion: Maternal mortality was more during second wave of pandemic. Maternal
mortality was more among moderate and severe disease and nil among mild cases.
Unpreparedness among healthcare workers in managing severe cases was among the key
determining factors. Better team approach by physicians, intensivists, Obstetricians and
infrastructure might be helpful in preventing maternal mortality. Covid vaccination among
pregnant women and providing essential drugs and anticipation of worsening symptoms and
early intervention might be beneficial in preventing future mortality.