CHP investigates case of intrauterine death

23 Jan 2010

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, through the surveillance system established since the launch of the human swine influenza (HSI) vaccination programme, today (January 23) received a report about a case of intrauterine death (IUD) involving a 33-year-old pregnant woman.

The woman is now staying at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in stable condition.

The CHP's investigation showed that the woman was at 37 weeks of gestation. She was followed up by a private practitioner for this pregnancy. On January 19, she reported decreased foetal movement and was referred to QEH. Intrauterine death was confirmed. Gestational diabetes mellitus was also diagnosed during the admission.

She had received an HSI vaccination at a Maternal and Child Health Centre on December 27, 2009.

Investigations for common causes of IUD, including infection, genetic and metabolic disorders, are being carried out.

A CHP spokesman said that there is no medical evidence presently to suggest that the IUD was related to the HSI vaccination. In Hong Kong, about 150 to 220 stillbirths are recorded every year. According to international and local experience, the rate of stillbirth is about 0.3 to 0.5 percent of total deliveries.

According to the World Health Organization, studies to date do not show harmful effects from the HSI vaccine with respect to pregnancy or a developing embryo or foetus.

On the other hand, the chances of HSI-infected pregnant women requiring hospitalisation in intensive care units are 10 times higher than those of infected persons in the general population and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.

Cases of IUD following an HSI vaccination have also been recorded and monitored in overseas countries. So far no causal relationship has been found between an HSI vaccination and IUD.

The CHP will closely monitor the clinical progress and further laboratory results of this woman.