Demographic Characteristics and Risk Factors Affecting the Development of Postpartum Acute Kidney Injury in Somalia: Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although postpartum acute kidney injury (PPAKI) is declining in developing countries, it is still a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to determine the causes, risk factors, and the outcomes of patients with postpartum acute kidney injury managed at Mogadishu Somali Turkey Training and Research Hospital, in Mogadishu, Somalia over a two years period. METHODS: This study was conducted retrospectively at Mogadishu Somali-Turkey Training and Research Hospital, Somalia’s largest teaching and referral hospital. During a two-year period (January 2020 to December 2021), we evaluated women who had acute kidney injury during the postpartum period and were hospitalized in our hospital. The data was also evaluated for postpartum admission day and hospital stay. The requirement for dialysis and the results were documented. Maternal outcomes are categorized as follows: Complete recovery after discharge/follow-up, chronic dependence on hemodialysis and death during admission. RESULTS: We studied 79 postpartum AKI patients. The mean age of the participants was 28.67 ± 6.14. Most patients (51%) were aged 20–30, followed by 30–40 (29%). According to self-reported comorbidities, most individuals had no history of chronic diseases, 8 (10.1%) had hypertension and 3 (3.8%) had heart failure, and DM and HTN 2(2.5%). The most common causes of PPAKI were eclampsia (24.1%), hemorrhagic shock, intrauterine mortality (16.5%), placenta abruptio and uterine rupture (8.9%). Hemorrhage (5.1%) and placenta previa (2.5%). The patient’s outcome was associated with age (p=0.04), platelet (p=0.024), and hospital stay (p=0.009). CONCLUSION: Postpartum acute kidney injury is very common in underdeveloped nations. Preeclampsia/Eclampsia, obstetric bleeding, and intrauterine death are the leading causes of postpartum acute kidney injury in Somalia. This tragic scenario may be avoided by providing appropriate antenatal care and raising awareness among Somali women about the benefits of antenatal care provided by public institutions.