American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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We reviewed maternal deaths in the state of Michigan occurring from 1972 through 1984. There were 15 maternal deaths in which anesthesia was considered the primary cause and 4 deaths in which anesthesia was a contributory factor. ⋯ Obesity was a risk factor in 12 patients, in an equal number of patients the risk factor was the emergent nature of the operation, and hypertensive disease was a risk factor in eight. Thirteen of the 15 deaths occurred in black patients.