FREQUENCE ET PRONOSTIC NEONATAL DE L'ACCOUCHEMENT PREMATURE INDUIT A LUBUMBASHI, RD CONGO

ABSTRACT

 

Introduction: Induced preterm delivery is a high-risk obstetric situation undertaken when continuation of pregnancy poses a major life-threatening risk to the mother and/or the fetus. Objective: The specific objectives were to determine the frequency of induced preterm delivery in Lubumbashi, identify its main indications, describe the methods of its implementation, and assess early neonatal outcomes. Methods: This was a descriptive cohort study conducted in two major healthcare facilities in the city of Lubumbashi, namely the University Clinics of Lubumbashi and the Jason Sendwe Provincial Referral Hospital, from 2024 to 2025. Conventional logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the determinants of in-hospital neonatal mortality. Results: The hospital frequency of induced preterm delivery was 22.4%. Maternal indications were the most frequent, accounting for 68.9% of cases, with preeclampsia alone representing 48.4%. The determinants of neonatal mortality were: absence of adequate antenatal care (<3 visits) (adjusted OR = 4.25 [1.12–16.10]), vaginal delivery (adjusted OR = 3.87 [1.52–9.85]), gestational âge <34 weeks of amenorrhea (very high adjusted OR with a wide 95% confidence interval), APGAR score <7 (adjusted OR = 12.1 [3.68–39.9]), and birth weight, particularly <1000 g (OR = 84.0 [15.4–461.1]). Conclusion: Induced preterm delivery is common in Lubumbashi and is mainly prompted by severe maternal conditions. It is associated with high early neonatal mortality, largely attributable to both maternal and neonatal determinants.