Editorial Issue 9

Issue 9 (1998) Article 1: Page 1 of 1

The WHO and UNICEF recently reported that in developing countries maternal mortality ratios range from 190 per 100,000 live births in Latin America and the Caribbean to 870 per 100,000 in Africa. Extremely high ratios of over 1000 per 100,000 live births are found in Eastern and Western Africa, where the UN have estimated that up to one of seven women die from pregnancy-related causes. The most common causes of death during pregnancy include haemorrhage, abortion, sepsis and obstructed labour.

Caesarean section is one of the commonest emergency operations and anaesthetists have a major role in the care of the obstetric patient in both theatre and the labour suite. This edition of Update reviews aspects of obstetric anaesthesia by authors from Nepal, South Africa and USA.

We also include two basic science articles, including a self assessment section and a review of some recent publications from international anaesthesia journals. We are aware that our readership is very varied and we always appreciate feedback on Update. Constructive criticism is essential to improve the journal. Update and our sister publication "World Anaesthesia" can both be found at our website http://www.nda.ox.ac.uk/wfsa/

Dr Iain Wilson
Dr Roger Eltringham