Health care provider knowledge and routine management of pre-eclampsia in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Maternal mortality ratio is 276 per 100,000 live births in Pakistan. Eclampsia is responsible for one in every ten maternal deaths despite the fact that management of this disease is inexpensive and has been available for decades. Many studies have shown that health care providers in low and middle-income countries have limited training to manage patients with eclampsia. Hence, we aimed to explore the knowledge of different cadres of health care providers regarding aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia and current management practices.

METHODS

We conducted a mixed method study in the districts of Hyderabad and Matiari in Sindh province, Pakistan. Focus group discussions and interviews were conducted with community health care providers, which included Lady Health Workers and their supervisors; traditional birth attendants and facility care providers. In total seven focus groups and 26 interviews were conducted. NVivo 10 was used for analysis and emerging themes and sub-themes were drawn.

RESULTS

All participants were providing care for pregnant women for more than a decade except one traditional birth attendant and two doctors. The most common cause of pre-eclampsia mentioned by community health care providers was stress of daily life: the burden of care giving, physical workload, short birth spacing and financial constraints. All health care provider groups except traditional birth attendants correctly identified the signs, symptoms, and complications of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia and were referring such women to tertiary health facilities. Only doctors were aware that magnesium sulphate is recommended for eclampsia management and prevention; however, they expressed fears regarding its use at first and secondary level health facilities.

CONCLUSION

This study found several gaps in knowledge regarding aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of pre-eclampsia among health care providers in Sindh. Findings suggest that lesser knowledge regarding management of pre-eclampsia is due to lack of refresher trainings and written guidelines for management of pre-eclampsia and presentation of fewer pre-eclamptic patients at first and secondary level health care facilities. We suggest to include management of pre-eclampsia in regular trainings of health care providers and to provide management protocols at all health facilities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01911494.

Community perceptions of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in southern Mozambique

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest maternal mortality ratio at 500 deaths per 100,000 live births. In Mozambique maternal mortality is estimated at 249-480 per 100,000 live births and eclampsia is the third leading cause of death. The objective of this study was to describe the community understanding of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, as a crucial step to improve maternal and perinatal health in southern Mozambique.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in Maputo and Gaza Provinces of southern Mozambique. Twenty focus groups were convened with pregnant women, partners and husbands, matrons and traditional birth attendants, and mothers and mothers-in-law. In addition, ten interviews were conducted with traditional healers, matrons, and a traditional birth attendant. All discussions were audio-recorded, translated from local language (Changana) to Portuguese and transcribed verbatim prior to analysis with QSR NVivo 10. A thematic analysis approach was taken.

Results

The conditions of “pre-eclampsia” and “eclampsia” were not known in these communities; however, participants were familiar with hypertension and seizures in pregnancy. Terms linked with the biomedical concept of pre-eclampsia were high blood pressure, fainting disease and illness of the heart, whereas illness of the moon, snake illness, falling disease, childhood illness, illness of scaresand epilepsy were used to characterizeeclampsia. The causes of hypertension in pregnancy were thought to include mistreatment by in-laws, marital problems, and excessive worrying. Seizures in pregnancy were believed to be caused by a snake living inside the woman’s body. Warning signs thought to be common to both conditions were headache, chest pain, weakness, dizziness, fainting, sweating, and swollen feet.

Conclusion

Local beliefs in southern Mozambique, regarding the causes, presentation, outcomes and treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were not aligned with the biomedical perspective. The community was often unaware of the link between hypertension and seizures in pregnancy. The numerous widespread myths and misconceptions concerning pre-eclampsia and eclampsiamay induceinappropriatetreatment-seeking and demonstrate a need for increased community education regarding pregnancy and associated complications.

Trial Registration

NCT01911494

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12978-016-0135-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Utilization of maternal health care services and their determinants in Karnataka State, India

BACKGROUND

Karnataka State continues to have the highest rates of maternal mortality in south India at 144/100,000 live births, but lower than the national estimates of 190-220/100,000 live births. Various barriers exist to timely and appropriate utilization of services during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. This study aimed to describe the patterns and determinants of routine and emergency maternal health care utilization in rural Karnataka State, India.

METHODS

This study was conducted in Karnataka in 2012-2013. Purposive sampling was used to convene twenty three focus groups and twelve individual interviews with community and health system representatives: Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and Staff Nurses, Accredited Social Health Activists, community leaders, male decision-makers, female decision-makers, women of reproductive age, medical officers, private health care providers, senior health administrators, District health officers, and obstetricians. Local researchers familiar with the setting and language conducted all focus groups and interviews, these researchers were not known to community participants. All discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated to English for analysis. A thematic analysis approach was taken utilizing an a priori thematic framework as well as inductive identification of themes.

RESULTS

Most women in the focus groups reported regular antenatal care attendance, for an average of four visits, and more often for high-risk pregnancies. Antenatal care was typically delivered at the periphery by non-specialised providers. Participants reported that sought was care women experienced danger signs of complications. Postpartum care was reportedly rare, and mainly sought for the purpose of neonatal care. Factors that influenced women's care-seeking included their limited autonomy, poor access to and funding for transport for non-emergent conditions, perceived poor quality of health care facilities, and the costs of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Rural south Indian communities reported regular use of health care services during pregnancy and for delivery. Uptake of maternity care services was attributed to new government programmes and increased availability of maternity services; nevertheless, some women delayed disclosure of pregnancy and first antenatal visit. Community-based initiatives should be enhanced to encourage early disclosure of pregnancies and to provide the community information regarding the importance of facility-based care. Health facility infrastructure in rural Karnataka should also be enhanced to ensure a consistent power supply and improved cleanliness on the wards.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01911494.

Community perceptions of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Ogun State, Nigeria: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. When undetected or poorly managed, it may progress to eclampsia which further worsens the prognosis. While most studies examining pre-eclampsia have used a bio-medical model, this study recognizes the role of the socio-cultural environment, in order to understand perceptions of pre-eclampsia within the community.

METHODS

The study was conducted in Ogun State, Nigeria in 2011-2012. Data were obtained through twenty-eight focus group discussions; seven with pregnant women (N = 80), eight with new mothers (N = 95), three with male decision-makers (N = 35), six with community leaders (N = 68), and three with traditional birth attendants (N = 36). Interviews were also conducted with the heads of the local traditional birth attendants (N = 4) and with community leaders (N = 5). Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed in NVivo 10 software.

RESULTS

There was no terminology reportedly used for pre-eclampsia in the native language - Yoruba; however, hypertension has several terms independent of pregnancy status. Generally, 'gìrì âlábôyún' describes seizures specific to pregnancy. The cause of hypertension in pregnancy was thought to be due to depressive thoughts as a result of marital conflict and financial worries, while seizures in pregnancy were perceived to result from prolonged exposure to cold. There seemed to be no traditional treatment for hypertension. However for seizures the use of herbs, concoctions, incisions, and topical application of black soap were widespread.

CONCLUSION

This study illustrates that knowledge of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are limited amongst communities of Ogun State, Nigeria. Findings reveal that pre-eclampsia was perceived as a stress-induced condition, while eclampsia was perceived as a product of prolonged exposure to cold. Thus, heat-related local medicines and herbal concoctions were the treatment options. Perceptions anchored on cultural values and lack of adequate and focused public health awareness is a major constraint to knowledge of the aetiology and treatment of the conditions. A holistic approach is recommended for sensitization at the community level and the need to change the community perceptions of pre-eclampsia remains a challenge.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01911494 .

Community's perceptions of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Sindh Pakistan: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Maternal mortality is of global public health concern and >99 % of maternal deaths occur in less developed countries. The common causes of direct maternal death are hemorrhage, sepsis and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. In Pakistan, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia deaths represents one-third of maternal deaths reported at the tertiary care hospital settings. This study explored community perceptions, and traditional management practices about pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted in Sindh Province of Pakistan from February to July 2012. Twenty-six focus groups were conducted, 19 with women of reproductive age/mothers-in-law (N = 173); and 7 with husbands/fathers-in-law (N = 65). The data were transcribed verbatim in Sindhi and Urdu, then analyzed for emerging themes and sub-themes using NVivo version 10 software.

RESULTS

Pre-eclampsia in pregnancy was not recognized as a disease and there was no name in the local languages to describe this. Women however, knew about high blood pressure and were aware they can develop it during pregnancy. It was widely believed that stress and weakness caused high blood pressure in pregnancy and it caused symptoms of headache. The perception of high blood pressure was not based on measurement but on symptoms. Self-medication was often used for headaches associated with high blood pressure. They were also awareness that severely high blood pressure could result in death.

CONCLUSIONS

Community-based participatory health education strategies are recommended to dispel myths and misperceptions regarding pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. The educational initiatives should include information on the presentation, progression of illness, danger signs associated with pregnancy, and appropriate treatment.

Barriers and facilitators to health care seeking behaviours in pregnancy in rural communities of southern Mozambique

BACKGROUND

In countries, such as Mozambique, where maternal mortality remains high, the greatest contribution of mortality comes from the poor and vulnerable communities, who frequently reside in remote and rural areas with limited access to health care services. This study aimed to understand women's health care seeking practices during pregnancy, taking into account the underlying social, cultural and structural barriers to accessing timely appropriate care in Maputo and Gaza Provinces, southern Mozambique.

METHODS

This ethnographic study collected data through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women of reproductive age, including pregnant women, as well as household-level decision makers (partners, mothers and mothers-in-law), traditional healers, matrons, and primary health care providers. Data was analysed thematically using NVivo 10.

RESULTS

Antenatal care was sought at the heath facility for the purpose of opening the antenatal record. Women without antenatal cards feared mistreatment during labour. Antenatal care was also sought to resolve discomforts, such as headaches, flu-like symptoms, body pain and backache. However, partners and husbands considered lower abdominal pain as the only symptom requiring care and discouraged women from revealing their pregnancy early in gestation. Health care providers for pregnant women often included those at the health facility, matrons, elders, traditional birth attendants, and community health workers. Although seeking care from traditional healers was discouraged during the antenatal period, they did provide services during pregnancy and after delivery. Besides household-level decision-makers, matrons, community health workers, and neighbours were key actors in the referral of pregnant women. The decision-making process may be delayed and particularly complex if an emergency occurs in their absence. Limited access to transport and money makes the decision-making process to seek care at the health facility even more complex.

CONCLUSIONS

Women do seek antenatal care at health facilities, despite the presence of other health care providers in the community. There are important factors that prevent timely care-seeking for obstetric emergencies and delivery. Unfamiliarity with warning signs, especially among partners, discouragement from revealing pregnancy early in gestation, complex and untimely decision-making processes, fear of mistreatment by health-care providers, lack of transport and financial constraints were the most commonly cited barriers. Women of reproductive age would benefit from community saving schemes for transport and medication, which in turn would improve their birth preparedness and emergency readiness; in addition, pregnancy follow-up should include key family members, and community-based health care providers should encourage prompt referrals to health facilities, when appropriate.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01911494.

The feasibility of community level interventions for pre-eclampsia in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa: a mixed-methods design

BACKGROUND

Globally, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are major contributors to maternal and perinatal mortality; of which the vast majority of deaths occur in less developed countries. In addition, a disproportionate number of morbidities and mortalities occur due to delayed access to health services. The Community Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) Trial aims to task-shift to community health workers the identification and emergency management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia to improve access and timely care. Literature revealed paucity of published feasibility assessments prior to initiating large-scale community-based interventions. Arguably, well-conducted feasibility studies can provide valuable information about the potential success of clinical trials prior to implementation. Failure to fully understand the study context risks the effective implementation of the intervention and limits the likelihood of post-trial scale-up. Therefore, it was imperative to conduct community-level feasibility assessments for a trial of this magnitude.

METHODS

A mixed methods design guided by normalization process theory was used for this study in Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan, and India to explore enabling and impeding factors for the CLIP Trial implementation. Qualitative data were collected through participant observation, document review, focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with diverse groups of community members, key informants at community level, healthcare providers, and policy makers. Quantitative data were collected through health facility assessments, self-administered community health worker surveys, and household demographic and health surveillance.

RESULTS

Refer to CLIP Trial feasibility publications in the current and/or forthcoming supplement.

CONCLUSIONS

Feasibility assessments for community level interventions, particularly those involving task-shifting across diverse regions, require an appropriate theoretical framework and careful selection of research methods. The use of qualitative and quantitative methods increased the data richness to better understand the community contexts.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01911494.

Community perceptions of pre-eclampsia in rural Karnataka State, India: a qualitative study

Background

Maternal deaths have been attributed in large part to delays in recognition of illness, timely transport to facility, and timely treatment once there. As community perceptions of pregnancy and their complications are critical to averting maternal morbidity and mortality, this study sought to contribute to the literature and explore community-based understandings of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

Methods

The study was conducted in rural Karnataka State, India, in 2012–2013. Fourteen focus groups were held with the following community stakeholders: three with community leaders (n = 27), two with male decision-makers (n = 19), three with female decision-makers (n = 41), and six with reproductive age women (n = 132). Focus groups were facilitated by local researchers with clinical and research expertise. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English for thematic analysis using NVivo 10.

Results

Terminology exists in the local language (Kannada) to describe convulsions and hypertension, but there were no terms that are specific to pregnancy. Community participants perceived stress, tension and poor diet to be precipitants of hypertension in pregnancy. Seizures in pregnancy were thought to be brought on by anaemia, poor medical adherence, lack of tetanus toxoid immunization, and exposure in pregnancy to fire or water. Sweating, fatigue, dizziness-unsteadiness, swelling, and irritability were perceived to be signs of hypertension, which was recognized to have the potential to lead to eclampsia or death. Home remedies, such as providing the smell of onion, placing an iron object in the hands, or squeezing the fingers and toes, were all used regularly to treat seizures prior to accessing facility-based care although transport is not delayed.

Conclusions

It is evident that ‘pre-eclampsia’ and ‘eclampsia’ are not well-known; instead hypertension and seizures are perceived as conditions that may occur during or outside pregnancy. Improving community knowledge about, and modifying attitudes towards, hypertension in pregnancy and its complications (including eclampsia) has the potential to address community-based delays in disease recognition and delays in treatment that contribute to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Advocacy and educational initiatives should be designed to target knowledge gaps and potentially harmful practices, and respond to cultural understandings of disease.

Trial registration

NCT01911494

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12978-016-0137-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Health care seeking behaviours in pregnancy in rural Sindh, Pakistan: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Pakistan has alarmingly high numbers of maternal mortality along with suboptimal care-seeking behaviour. It is essential to identify the barriers and facilitators that women and families encounter, when deciding to seek maternal care services. This study aimed to understand health-seeking patterns of pregnant women in rural Sindh, Pakistan.

METHODS

A qualitative study was undertaken in rural Sindh, Pakistan as part of a large multi-country study in 2012. Thirty three focus group discussions and 26 in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers [n = 173], male decision-makers [n = 64], Lady Health Workers [n = 64], Lady Health Supervisors [n = 10], Women Medical Officers [n = 9] and Traditional Birth Attendants [n = 7] in the study communities. A set of a priori themes regarding care-seeking during pregnancy and its complications as well as additional themes as they emerged from the data were used for analysis. Qualitative analysis was done using NVivo version 10.

RESULTS

Women stated they usually visited health facilities if they experienced pregnancy complications or danger signs, such as heavy bleeding or headache. Findings revealed the importance of husbands and mothers-in-law as decision makers regarding health care utilization. Participants expressed that poor availability of transport, financial constraints and the unavailability of chaperones were important barriers to seeking care. In addition, private facilities were often preferred due to the perceived superior quality of services.

CONCLUSION

Maternal care utilization was influenced by social, economic and cultural factors in rural Pakistani communities. The perceived poor quality care at public hospitals was a significant barrier for many women in accessing health services. If maternal lives are to be saved, policy makers need to develop processes to overcome these barriers and ensure easily accessible high-quality care for women in rural communities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01911494.

Determinants of health care seeking behaviour during pregnancy in Ogun State, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

In Nigeria, women too often suffer the consequences of serious obstetric complications that may lead to death. Delay in seeking care (phase I delay) is a recognized contributor to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to describe the health care seeking practices in pregnancy, as well as the socio-cultural factors that influence these actions.

METHODS

The study was conducted in Ogun State, in south-western Nigeria. Data were collected through focus group discussions with pregnant women, recently pregnant mothers, male decision-makers, opinion leaders, traditional birth attendants, health workers, and health administrators. A thematic analysis approach was used with QSR NVivo version 10.

RESULTS

Findings show that women utilized multiple care givers during pregnancy, with a preference for traditional providers. There was a strong sense of trust in traditional medicine, particularly that provided by traditional birth attendants who are long-term residents in the community. The patriarchal c influenced health-seeking behaviour in pregnancy. Economic factors contributed to the delay in access to appropriate services. There was a consistent concern regarding the cost barrier in accessing health services. The challenges of accessing services were well recognised and these were greater when referral was to a higher level of care which in most cases attracted unaffordable costs.

CONCLUSION

While the high cost of care is a deterrent to health seeking behaviour, the cost of death of a woman or a child to the family and community is immeasurable. The use of innovative mechanisms for health care financing may be beneficial for women in these communities to reduce the barrier of high cost services. To reduce maternal deaths all stakeholders must be engaged in the process including policy makers, opinion leaders, health care consumers and providers. Underlying socio-cultural factors, such as structure of patriarchy, must also be addressed to sustainably improve maternal health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01911494.

Magnesium Sulphate for Eclampsia and Fetal Neuroprotection: A Comparative Analysis of Protocols Across Canadian Tertiary Perinatal Centres

BACKGROUND

Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) has been recommended for fetal neuroprotection to prevent cerebral palsy, with national societies adopting new guidelines for its use. A knowledge translation project to implement Canadian guidelines is ongoing. Discussion about MgSO4 for fetal neuroprotection could not occur distinct from MgSO4 for eclampsia prophylaxis and treatment. Thus, in order to explore standardization of MgSO4 use in Canada, we sought to compare local protocols for eclampsia and fetal neuroprotection across tertiary perinatal centres.

METHODS

Twenty-five Canadian tertiary perinatal centres were asked to submit their protocols for use of MgSO4 for eclampsia prophylaxis/treatment and fetal neuroprotection. Information abstracted included date of protocol, definitions of indications for treatment, details of MgSO4 administration, maternal and fetal monitoring, antidote for toxicity, and abnormal signs requiring physician attention. Descriptive analyses were used to compare site protocols with known definitions of preeclampsia. Data from the Canadian Perinatal Network (CPN) were used to verify what was done in clinical practice.

RESULTS

Twenty-two of the 25 centres submitted protocols for eclampsia prevention/treatment. Eleven of these provided a definition of preeclampsia that warranted treatment; five of the 22 advised treatment of severe preeclampsia only. Criteria for treatment and monitoring procedures varied across centres. Sixteen of the 22 sites with protocols had data from the CPN. Of 635 women with pre-eclampsia, 422 (66.5%) received MgSO4. Twenty of 25 centres provided protocols for fetal neuroprotection. Definitions of indications were consistent across sites, except for gestational age cut-off.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that local protocols are often inconsistent with published evidence. While this may be related to local institutional practices, relevant processes must be put in place to maximize uniformity of practice and improve patient care.

Magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection: benefits and challenges of a systematic knowledge translation project in Canada

BACKGROUND

Administration of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) to women with imminent preterm birth at <34 weeks is an evidence-based antenatal neuroprotective strategy to prevent cerebral palsy. Although a Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) national guideline with practice recommendations based on relevant clinical evidence exists, ongoing controversies about aspects of this treatment remain. Given this, we anticipated managed knowledge translation (KT) would be needed to facilitate uptake of the guidelines into practice. As part of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)-funded MAG-CP (MAGnesium sulphate to prevent Cerebral Palsy) project, we aimed to compare three KT methods designed to impact both individual health care providers and the organizational systems in which they work.

METHODS

The KT methods undertaken were an interactive online e-learning module available to all SOGC members, and at MAG-CP participating sites, on-site educational rounds and focus group discussions, and circulation of an anonymous 'Barriers and Facilitators' survey for the systematic identification of facilitators and barriers for uptake of practice change. We compared these strategies according to: (i) breadth of respondents reached; (ii) rates and richness of identified barriers, facilitators, and knowledge needed; and (iii) cost.

RESULTS

No individual KT method was superior to the others by all criteria, and in combination, they provided richer information than any individual method. The e-learning module reached the most diverse audience of health care providers, the site visits provided opportunity for iterative dialogue, and the survey was the least expensive. Although the site visits provided the most detailed information around individual and organizational barriers, the 'Barriers and Facilitators' survey provided more detail regarding social-level barriers. The facilitators identified varied by KT method. The type of knowledge needed was further defined by the e-learning module and surveys.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that a multifaceted approach to KT is optimal for translating national obstetric guidelines into clinical practice. As audit and feedback are essential parts of the process by which evidence to practice gaps are closed, MAG-CP is continuing the iterative KT process described in this paper concurrent with tracking of MgSO4 use for fetal neuroprotection and maternal and child outcomes until September 2015; results are anticipated in 2016.

Magnesium sulphate for the management of preeclampsia and eclampsia in low and middle income countries: a systematic review of tested dosing regimens

OBJECTIVE

To review systematically the magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) dosing regimens tested in low and middle income countries (LMICs) for women with preeclampsia (prevention) and/or eclampsia (treatment).

DATA SOURCES

We searched Medline, EMBASE, IPA, CINAHL, CDSR, and CENTRAL databases for relevant English language publications.

STUDY SELECTION

Our search yielded 753 publications, of which 26 (10 randomized controlled trials and 16 observational studies) evaluated MgSO4 for preeclampsia and/or eclampsia in World Bank-classified LMICs.

DATA EXTRACTION

Independent, by two authors.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Twenty-five studies were conducted in hospital settings and one in the community. Rates of eclampsia were usually < 5% (median 3.0%, range 0.0% to 26.5%) even when MgSO4 was administered for eclampsia. When dosage varied from the standard Pritchard or Zuspan regimens, almost all (n = 22) reduced the dose or duration of treatment, most commonly because of concerns about maternal safety, cost, or resource availability. Four trials of a loading dose only (4 g IV + 10 g IM) versus loading plus maintenance dosing of 5 g/4 hr IM found no difference in eclampsia recurrence (RR 1.64; 95% CI 0.48 to 5.65, n = 396). One study documented less eclampsia recurrence associated with community administration of a MgSO4 loading dose before referral to a care facility versus treatment in a care facility (RR 0.23; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.49, n = 265).

CONCLUSION

Use of MgSO4 for eclampsia treatment and prevention has been well-studied in LMICs, but concern remains about potential toxicity. Further studies are needed to identify the minimum effective dosage of MgSO4 for management of preeclampsia and eclampsia and whether MgSO4 loading can be safely administered in the community.

Magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection: a cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of administering magnesium sulphate to patients in whom preterm birth at < 32+0 weeks gestation is either imminent or threatened for the purpose of fetal neuroprotection.

METHODS

Multiple decision tree models and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to compare the administration of magnesium sulphate with the alternative of no treatment. Two separate cost perspectives were utilized in this series of analyses: a health system and a societal perspective. In addition, two separate measures of effectiveness were utilized: cases of cerebral palsy (CP) averted and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).

RESULTS

From a health system and a societal perspective, respectively, a savings of $2,242 and $112,602 is obtained for each QALY gained and a savings of $30,942 and $1,554,198 is obtained for each case of CP averted when magnesium sulphate is administered to patients in whom preterm birth is imminent. From a health system perspective and a societal perspective, respectively, a cost of $2,083 is incurred and a savings of $108,277 is obtained for each QALY gained and a cost of $28,755 is incurred and a savings of $1,494,500 is obtained for each case of CP averted when magnesium sulphate is administered to patients in whom preterm birth is threatened.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of magnesium sulphate to patients in whom preterm birth is imminent is a dominant (i.e. cost-effective) strategy, no matter what cost perspective or measure of effectiveness is used. Administration of magnesium sulphate to patients in whom preterm birth is threatened is a dominant strategy from a societal perspective and is very likely to be cost-effective from a health system perspective.

PP164. Magnesium sulphate for prevention and treatment of eclampsia in low and middle income countries: Systematic review of tested regimens

INTRODUCTION

Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) is regarded as the most effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent for eclampsia. Although well studied and widely used in high income countries (HICs), MgSO4 is under utilized in low and middle income countries (LMICs) due to many factors including lack of adequately trained health care providers, supplies for administration, or the MgSO4 itself, in addition to fear of potential adverse effects.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the dosing and effectiveness of MgSO4 regimens administered in LMICs to women with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.

METHODS

We searched Medline, EMBASE, IPA, CINAHL, CDSR and CENTRAL databases for English language randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies of MgSO4 regimens administered in LMICs to women with pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. Two authors independently reviewed search results and extracted relevant data from eligible studies. No quality assessment was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty two papers (7 RCT and 15 observational studies) from 12 LMIC met our inclusion criteria, of which 21 were conducted in hospital settings. Two studied MgSO4 for eclampsia prevention ,14 for eclampsia treatment and 6 studied MgSO4 for both. In 20 studies, both loading and maintenance MgSO4 dosing was administered, with intravenous (IV) or combined IV and intramuscular (IM) loading doses of 4-15g and IV or IM maintenance doses up to 2g/h. Five studies used only the IV route of administration, while the remainder coupled IV with IM administration. All studies were effective at preventing the initiation and/or recurrence of eclamptic seizures. One study of 265 women with eclampsia found that MgSO4 loading dose administration in the community (4g IV over 20min plus 3g IM in each buttock) before referral and administration of maintenance therapy in hospital was more effective in decreasing recurrent eclampsia compared with the standard practice of referral to hospital where the initial dose of MgSO4 was administered [RR of 0.23, 95% CI 0.11, 0.49]. The two studies of 4g IV plus 10g IM loading dose-only regimens did not show a significant reduction in eclamptic seizures compared with identical loading dose plus 5g/4h IM maintenance dose regimens [RR of 1.38, 95% CI of 0.23, 8.45]. However the combined sample size was small (N=180 women).

CONCLUSION

In LMICs, most studies of MgSO4 for pre-eclampsia or eclampsia were conducted in high level health care facilities and administered MgSO4 by the IV route, at least in part. The one study of community administration of a MgSO4 loading dose showed this approach to be effective. There are limited data to support loading dose-only regimens.

OS032. Pharmacotherapy for pre-eclampsia in low and middle income countries: An analysis of essential medicines lists (EMLS)

INTRODUCTION

Pre-eclampsia is the second leading cause of maternal mortality in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Pharmacological management of pre-eclampsia has five major components including antihypertensive therapy for severe and non-severe hypertension, magnesium sulphate for prevention or treatment of eclampsia, treatment of pre-eclampsia-related end-organ complications, antenatal corticosteroids for acceleration of fetal pulmonary maturity given iatrogenic preterm delivery for maternal and/or fetal indications, and labour induction for such indicated deliveries. Essential medicines are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "drugs that satisfy the health care needs of the majority of the population". Essential Medicines Lists (EMLs) detail these essential medicines within an individual country and support the argument that the medication should be routinely available.

OBJECTIVES

To determine how many drugs required for comprehensive pre-eclampsia management are listed in national EMLs of LMIC.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive analysis of relevant drug prevalence on identified EMLs. We searched for the national EMLs of the 144 LMIC identified by the World Bank. EMLs were collected by broad based internet searches and in collaboration with the WHO. The EMLs were surveyed for therapies for the different aspects of pre-eclampsia management: hypertension (non-severe and severe with oral or parenteral agents), eclampsia, pre-eclampsia complications (e.g., pulmonary oedema, thrombosis), preterm birth, and labour induction.

RESULTS

EMLs were located and reviewed for 58(40.3%) of LMIC. One or more parenteral antihypertensive agents were listed in 51(87.9%) EMLs. The most common agents were: hydralazine (67.2%), verapamil (58.6%), propranolol (39.7%) and sodium nitroprusside (37.9%); parenteral labetalol was listed by only 19.0% of EMLs. The most prevalent oral antihypertensive therapies listed were: nifedipine (96.6%, usually 10 or 20mg intermediate-acting tablets), methyldopa (94.8%), propranolol (89.7%), and atenolol (87.9%). Captopril, enalapril, hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone were commonly listed. Magnesium sulphate for prevention and management of eclampsia was present in 86.2% of EMLs (and its antidote, calcium gluconate in 82.8%). To manage complications of pre-eclampsia, oral frusemide was listed in 94.8% of EMLs and parenteral heparin in 91.4%. Most EMLs listed parenteral dexamethasone (91.4%) for acceleration of fetal pulmonary maturity and oxytocin (98.3%) or a prostanoid (usually misoprostol, 39.7%) for labour induction.

CONCLUSION

EMLs of LMIC provide comprehensive coverage of all aspects of recommended pre-eclampsia pharmacotherapy. These EMLs may be used as advocacy tools to ensure the availability of these therapies within each country.