[Analysis of 39 cases of maternal deaths caused by incorrect use of oxytocin].

Thirty-nine cases of maternal deaths directly caused by incorrect use of oxytocin in Fujian Province from 1986 to 1992 were analysed. The results showed that 90.00% of these deaths occurred in the rural and mountainous areas. The main reason was the ignorance of the birth attendents on the pros and cons of oxytocin administration and therefore the incorrect use. The causes of maternal deaths were ranged in the following order: uterine rupture, soft tissue injury of the birth canal and amniotic fluid embolism. All were emergent deaths with 79.49% dying in intrapartum period or within four hours after delivery and 28.20% at patients' home or on their way to hospital.