High-Risk Abortions at University Hospital Bogodogo: A Comprehensive Study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Objective: To study high-risk abortions at the University Hospital Bogodogo (UTH-B) in Ouagadougou. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional survey over 12 months from June 2021 to May 2022. Our study included 111 patients admitted to the obstetrics and gynecology department during the study period and diagnosed as having an unsafe abortion at the end of the clinical examination. Results: The frequency of high-risk abortions was 1 in 47 deliveries, and the average age of the patients was 23.6 years, with extremes of 15 and 45 years. There were 62 primigravidas (55%). Hemorrhage was the main reason for admission in 78 patients (74.77%).  Induced abortion was identified in 18 patients (16.21%).  Complications were dominated by endometritis in 10 patients (10.80%), anemia in 6 patients (5.4%) and hepatonephritis in 6 patients (5.4%). The case fatality rate was 24% Conclusion: The epidemiological profile of a patient who has undergone an unsafe abortion is that of a young primigravida, unmarried and not gainfully employed. Complications are mainly haemorrhage and infection. Strengthening preventive activities, reproductive health education and the dissemination of contraceptive methods should help to reduce this scourge.