[Maternal mortality in various Italian regions: 1955-1984].

On the basis of numbers of maternal deaths and births according to age and regions published annually by the [Italian] Central Institute of Statistics the maternal mortality rates and ratios were computed for each region calendar year or quinquennia and outcome of pregnancy. Specific and standardized rates by maternal age are also presented. The authors note that although the maternal mortality rate declined from 133.3 per 100000 live births in 1955 to 11.4 in 1984 geographical differences in maternal mortality persist. (SUMMARY IN ENG) (EXCERPT)