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Arnold A, Beckmann M, Flenady V, Gibbons K. Term stillbirth in older women. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2012; 52:286-9. [PMID: 22384984 DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2011.01404.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of women are choosing to delay pregnancy. Pregnancy in older women is associated with increased risks, of which stillbirth is one of the most devastating. This retrospective cohort study reviewed the obstetric outcomes in women aged 40 and above over an 11-year period to determine whether maternal age is an independent risk factor for term stillbirth. The study shows that advanced maternal age is an independent risk factor for term stillbirth (odds ratio 2.42, 95% confidence interval 1.04-5.62).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Arnold
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mater Mothers Hospital, Raymond Tce South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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152
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Ota E, Souza JP, Tobe-Gai R, Mori R, Middleton P, Flenady V. Interventions during the antenatal period for preventing stillbirth: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ota
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo; Department of Global Health Policy; 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo Japan 113-0011
| | - João Paulo Souza
- World Health Organization; Department of Reproductive Health and Research; 20 Avenue Appia Geneva Switzerland 1211
| | - Ruoyan Tobe-Gai
- School of Public Health, Shandong University; No.44 Wen-Hua-Xi Road Jinan China 250012
| | - Rintaro Mori
- Collaboration for Research in Global Women's and Children's Health; 1-13-10 Matsunoki Suginami-ku Tokyo Tokyo Japan 166-0014
| | - Philippa Middleton
- The University of Adelaide; ARCH: Australian Research Centre for Health of Women and Babies, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Women's and Children's Hospital 72 King William Road Adelaide South Australia Australia 5006
| | - Vicki Flenady
- Mater Health Services; Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP) Centre - Mater Medical Research Institute; Level 2 Quarters Building Annerley Road Woolloongabba Queensland Australia 4102
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153
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Mascarenhas MN, Flaxman SR, Boerma T, Vanderpoel S, Stevens GA. National, regional, and global trends in infertility prevalence since 1990: a systematic analysis of 277 health surveys. PLoS Med 2012; 9:e1001356. [PMID: 23271957 PMCID: PMC3525527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1128] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global, regional, and national estimates of prevalence of and tends in infertility are needed to target prevention and treatment efforts. By applying a consistent algorithm to demographic and reproductive surveys available from developed and developing countries, we estimate infertility prevalence and trends, 1990 to 2010, by country and region. METHODS AND FINDINGS We accessed and analyzed household survey data from 277 demographic and reproductive health surveys using a consistent algorithm to calculate infertility. We used a demographic infertility measure with live birth as the outcome and a 5-y exposure period based on union status, contraceptive use, and desire for a child. We corrected for biases arising from the use of incomplete information on past union status and contraceptive use. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate prevalence of and trends in infertility in 190 countries and territories. In 2010, among women 20-44 y of age who were exposed to the risk of pregnancy, 1.9% (95% uncertainty interval 1.7%, 2.2%) were unable to attain a live birth (primary infertility). Out of women who had had at least one live birth and were exposed to the risk of pregnancy, 10.5% (9.5%, 11.7%) were unable to have another child (secondary infertility). Infertility prevalence was highest in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa/Middle East, and Central/Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Levels of infertility in 2010 were similar to those in 1990 in most world regions, apart from declines in primary and secondary infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa and primary infertility in South Asia (posterior probability [pp] ≥0.99). Although there were no statistically significant changes in the prevalence of infertility in most regions amongst women who were exposed to the risk of pregnancy, reduced child-seeking behavior resulted in a reduction of primary infertility among all women from 1.6% to 1.5% (pp=0.90) and a reduction of secondary infertility among all women from 3.9% to 3.0% (pp>0.99) from 1990 to 2010. Due to population growth, however, the absolute number of couples affected by infertility increased from 42.0 million (39.6 million, 44.8 million) in 1990 to 48.5 million (45.0 million, 52.6 million) in 2010. Limitations of the study include gaps in survey data for some countries and the use of proxies to determine exposure to pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS We analyzed demographic and reproductive household survey data to reveal global patterns and trends in infertility. Independent from population growth and worldwide declines in the preferred number of children, we found little evidence of changes in infertility over two decades, apart from in the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Further research is needed to identify the etiological causes of these patterns and trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya N. Mascarenhas
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Seth R. Flaxman
- Machine Learning Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- School of Public Policy and Management, H. John Heinz III College, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ties Boerma
- Department of Health Statistics and Information Systems, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sheryl Vanderpoel
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gretchen A. Stevens
- Department of Health Statistics and Information Systems, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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154
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Langli Ersdal H, Mduma E, Svensen E, Sundby J, Perlman J. Intermittent detection of fetal heart rate abnormalities identify infants at greatest risk for fresh stillbirths, birth asphyxia, neonatal resuscitation, and early neonatal deaths in a limited-resource setting: a prospective descriptive observational study at Haydom Lutheran Hospital. Neonatology 2012; 102:235-42. [PMID: 22907583 DOI: 10.1159/000339481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring during labor using an acoustic stethoscope is the most frequent method for fetal assessment of well-being in low- and middle-income countries. Evidence concerning reliability and efficacy of this technique is almost nonexistent. OBJECTIVES To determine the value of routine intermittent FHR monitoring during labor in the detection of FHR abnormalities, and the relationship of abnormalities to the subsequent fresh stillbirths (FSB), birth asphyxia (BA), need for neonatal face mask ventilation (FMV), and neonatal deaths within 24 h. METHODS This is a descriptive observational study in a delivery room from November 2009 through December 2011. Research assistants/observers (n = 14) prospectively observed every delivery and recorded labor information including FHR and interventions, neonatal information including responses in the delivery room, and fetal/neonatal outcomes (FSB, death within 24 h, admission neonatal area, or normal). RESULTS 10,271 infants were born. FHR was abnormal (i.e. <120 or >160 beats/min) in 279 fetuses (2.7%) and absent in 200 (1.9%). Postnatal outcomes included FSB in 159 (1.5%), need for FMV in 695 (6.8%), BA (i.e. 5-min Apgar score <7) in 69 (0.7%), and deaths in 89 (0.9%). Abnormal FHR was associated with labor complications (OR = 31.4; 95% CI: 23.1-42.8), increased need for FMV (OR = 7.8; 95% CI: 5.9-10.1), BA (OR = 21.7; 95% CI: 12.7-37.0), deaths (OR = 9.9; 95% CI: 5.6-17.5), and FSB (OR = 35; 95% CI: 20.3-60.4). An undetected FHR predicted FSB (OR = 1,983; 95% CI: 922-4,264). CONCLUSIONS Intermittent detection of an absent or abnormal FHR using a fetal stethoscope is associated with FSB, increased need for neonatal resuscitation, BA, and neonatal death in a limited-resource setting. The likelihood of an abnormal FHR is magnified with labor complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hege Langli Ersdal
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
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155
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Hirst JE, Ha LT, Jeffery HE. The use of fetal foot length to determine stillborn gestational age in Vietnam. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2011; 116:22-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Revised: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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156
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Bailey PE, Keyes EB, Parker C, Abdullah M, Kebede H, Freedman L. Using a GIS to model interventions to strengthen the emergency referral system for maternal and newborn health in Ethiopia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2011; 115:300-9. [PMID: 21982854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To show how GIS can be used by health planners to make informed decisions about interventions to increase access to emergency services. METHODS A combination of data sources, including the 2008 national Ethiopian baseline assessment for emergency obstetric and newborn care that covered 797 geo-coded health facilities, LandScan population data, and road network data, were used to model referral networks and catchment areas across 2 regions of Ethiopia. STATA and ArcGIS software extensions were used to model different scenarios for strengthening the referral system, defined by the structural inputs of transportation and communication, and upgrading facilities, to compare the increase in access to referral facilities. RESULTS Approximately 70% of the population of Tigray and Amhara regions is served by facilities that are within a 2-hour transfer time to a hospital with obstetric surgery. By adding vehicles and communication capability, this percentage increased to 83%. In a second scenario, upgrading 7 strategically located facilities changed the configuration of the referral networks, and the percentage increased to 80%. By combining the 2 strategies, 90% of the population would be served by midlevel facilities within 2 hours of obstetric surgery. The mean travel time from midlevel facilities to surgical facilities would be reduced from 121 to 64 minutes in the scenario combining the 2 interventions. CONCLUSIONS GIS mapping and modeling enable spatial and temporal analyses critical to understanding the population's access to health services and the emergency referral system. The provision of vehicles and communication and the upgrading of health centers to first level referral hospitals are short- and medium-term strategies that can rapidly increase access to lifesaving services.
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157
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Hirst JE, Ha LTT, Jeffery HE. Reducing the proportion of stillborn babies classified as unexplained in Vietnam by application of the PSANZ clinical practice guideline. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2011; 52:62-6. [PMID: 21923842 DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2011.01363.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 2.6 million babies are stillborn every year mostly in low- and middle-income countries, where cause of death remains often unexplained. AIM To determine the applicability and utility of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for Perinatal Mortality in reducing the proportion of unexplained stillbirths in a hospital setting in Vietnam. METHODS An analytic cross-sectional study of stillborn babies born at a major maternity facility in Vietnam. Maternal history, external physical examination of the baby and placental macroscopic examination were performed. Two experienced classifiers independently assigned PSANZ perinatal death classification (PDC). This was compared to cause of death documented in the hospital records. RESULTS 107 stillborn babies were born to 105 mothers. The proportion of stillborn babies classified as unexplained was reduced from 52.3 to 24.3% (P < 0.01) using the PSANZ-PDC system. Causes of death were congenital abnormalities (35.6%), hypertension (8.4%), fetal growth restriction (8.4%), specific perinatal conditions (8.4%), spontaneous preterm (6.5%), maternal conditions (5.6%) and antepartum haemorrhage (3.7%). CONCLUSIONS Application of the PSANZ-CPG and stillbirth classification system is effective and feasible in a low-income country facility setting and resulted in a reduction in the number of babies classified as unexplained stillbirth in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Hirst
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Australia.
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158
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Chan Y. Better understanding needed of physiology of sustaining life in utero. Lancet 2011; 378:878. [PMID: 21890050 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(11)61415-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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159
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Low N, Hawkes SJ. Trials of antenatal syphilis screening urgently needed. Lancet 2011; 378:877; author reply 877-8. [PMID: 21890048 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(11)61413-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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161
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Goldenberg RL, McClure EM, Bhutta ZA, Belizán JM, Reddy UM, Rubens CE, Mabeya H, Flenady V, Darmstadt GL. Stillbirths: the vision for 2020. Lancet 2011; 377:1798-805. [PMID: 21496912 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)62235-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Stillbirth is a common adverse pregnancy outcome, with nearly 3 million third-trimester stillbirths occurring worldwide each year. 98% occur in low-income and middle-income countries, and more than 1 million stillbirths occur in the intrapartum period, despite many being preventable. Nevertheless, stillbirth is practically unrecognised as a public health issue and few data are reported. In this final paper in the Stillbirths Series, we call for inclusion of stillbirth as a recognised outcome in all relevant international health reports and initiatives. We ask every country to develop and implement a plan to improve maternal and neonatal health that includes a reduction in stillbirths, and to count stillbirths in their vital statistics and other health outcome surveillance systems. We also ask for increased investment in stillbirth-related research, and especially research aimed at identifying and addressing barriers to the aversion of stillbirths within the maternal and neonatal health systems of low-income and middle-income countries. Finally, we ask all those interested in reducing stillbirths to join with advocates for the improvement of other pregnancy-related outcomes, for mothers and their offspring, so that a united front for improved pregnancy and neonatal care for all will become a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Goldenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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162
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Flenady V, Middleton P, Smith GC, Duke W, Erwich JJ, Khong TY, Neilson J, Ezzati M, Koopmans L, Ellwood D, Fretts R, Frøen JF. Stillbirths: the way forward in high-income countries. Lancet 2011; 377:1703-17. [PMID: 21496907 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(11)60064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Stillbirth rates in high-income countries declined dramatically from about 1940, but this decline has slowed or stalled over recent times. The present variation in stillbirth rates across and within high-income countries indicates that further reduction in stillbirth is possible. Large disparities (linked to disadvantage such as poverty) in stillbirth rates need to be addressed by providing more educational opportunities and improving living conditions for women. Placental pathologies and infection associated with preterm birth are linked to a substantial proportion of stillbirths. The proportion of unexplained stillbirths associated with under investigation continues to impede efforts in stillbirth prevention. Overweight, obesity, and smoking are important modifiable risk factors for stillbirth, and advanced maternal age is also an increasingly prevalent risk factor. Intensified efforts are needed to ameliorate the effects of these factors on stillbirth rates. Culturally appropriate preconception care and quality antenatal care that is accessible to all women has the potential to reduce stillbirth rates in high-income countries. Implementation of national perinatal mortality audit programmes aimed at improving the quality of care could substantially reduce stillbirths. Better data on numbers and causes of stillbirth are needed, and international consensus on definition and classification related to stillbirth is a priority. All parents should be offered a thorough investigation including a high-quality autopsy and placental histopathology. Parent organisations are powerful change agents and could have an important role in raising awareness to prevent stillbirth. Future research must focus on screening and interventions to reduce antepartum stillbirth as a result of placental dysfunction. Identification of ways to reduce maternal overweight and obesity is a high priority for high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Flenady
- Mater Medical Research Institute, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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163
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary L Darmstadt
- Family Health Division, Global Health Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA 98102, USA.
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164
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Pattinson R, Kerber K, Buchmann E, Friberg IK, Belizan M, Lansky S, Weissman E, Mathai M, Rudan I, Walker N, Lawn JE. Stillbirths: how can health systems deliver for mothers and babies? Lancet 2011; 377:1610-23. [PMID: 21496910 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)62306-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The causes of stillbirths are inseparable from the causes of maternal and neonatal deaths. This report focuses on prevention of stillbirths by scale-up of care for mothers and babies at the health-system level, with consideration for effects and cost. In countries with high mortality rates, emergency obstetric care has the greatest effect on maternal and neonatal deaths, and on stillbirths. Syphilis detection and treatment is of moderate effect but of lower cost and is highly feasible. Advanced antenatal care, including induction for post-term pregnancies, and detection and management of hypertensive disease, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes, will further reduce mortality, but at higher cost. These interventions are best packaged and provided through linked service delivery methods tailored to suit existing health-care systems. If 99% coverage is reached in 68 priority countries by 2015, up to 1·1 million (45%) third-trimester stillbirths, 201 000 (54%) maternal deaths, and 1·4 million (43%) neonatal deaths could be saved per year at an additional total cost of US$10·9 billion or $2·32 per person, which is in the range of $0·96-2·32 for other ingredients-based intervention packages with only recurrent costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Pattinson
- Medical Research Council Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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165
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Lawn JE, Blencowe H, Pattinson R, Cousens S, Kumar R, Ibiebele I, Gardosi J, Day LT, Stanton C. Stillbirths: Where? When? Why? How to make the data count? Lancet 2011; 377:1448-63. [PMID: 21496911 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)62187-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing attention and investment for maternal, neonatal, and child health, stillbirths remain invisible-not counted in the Millennium Development Goals, nor tracked by the UN, nor in the Global Burden of Disease metrics. At least 2·65 million stillbirths (uncertainty range 2·08 million to 3·79 million) were estimated worldwide in 2008 (≥1000 g birthweight or ≥28 weeks of gestation). 98% of stillbirths occur in low-income and middle-income countries, and numbers vary from 2·0 per 1000 total births in Finland to more than 40 per 1000 total births in Nigeria and Pakistan. Worldwide, 67% of stillbirths occur in rural families, 55% in rural sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia, where skilled birth attendance and caesarean sections are much lower than that for urban births. In total, an estimated 1·19 million (range 0·82 million to 1·97 million) intrapartum stillbirths occur yearly. Most intrapartum stillbirths are associated with obstetric emergencies, whereas antepartum stillbirths are associated with maternal infections and fetal growth restriction. National estimates of causes of stillbirths are scarce, and multiple (>35) classification systems impede international comparison. Immediate data improvements are feasible through household surveys and facility audit, and improvements in vital registration, including specific perinatal certificates and revised International Classification of Disease codes, are needed. A simple, programme-relevant stillbirth classification that can be used with verbal autopsy would provide a basis for comparable national estimates. A new focus on all deaths around the time of birth is crucial to inform programmatic investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy E Lawn
- Saving Newborn Lives/Save the Children, Cape Town, South Africa.
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166
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167
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Abstract
In this first paper of The Lancet's Stillbirths Series we explore the present status of stillbirths in the world-from global health policy to a survey of community perceptions in 135 countries. Our findings highlight the need for a strong call for action. In times of global focus on motherhood, the mother's own aspiration of a liveborn baby is not recognised on the world's health agenda. Millions of deaths are not counted; stillbirths are not in the Global Burden of Disease, nor in disability-adjusted life-years lost, and they are not part of the UN Millennium Development Goals. The grief of mothers might be aggravated by social stigma, blame, and marginalisation in regions where most deaths occur. Most stillborn babies are disposed of without any recognition or ritual, such as naming, funeral rites, or the mother holding or dressing the baby. Beliefs in the mother's sins and evil spirits as causes of stillbirth are rife, and stillbirth is widely believed to be a natural selection of babies never meant to live. Stillbirth prevention is closely linked with prevention of maternal and neonatal deaths. Knowledge of causes and feasible solutions for prevention is key to health professionals' priorities, to which this Stillbirths Series paper aims to contribute.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Frederik Frøen
- Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
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168
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Lee ACC, Cousens S, Darmstadt GL, Blencowe H, Pattinson R, Moran NF, Hofmeyr GJ, Haws RA, Bhutta SZ, Lawn JE. Care during labor and birth for the prevention of intrapartum-related neonatal deaths: a systematic review and Delphi estimation of mortality effect. BMC Public Health 2011; 11 Suppl 3:S10. [PMID: 21501427 PMCID: PMC3231883 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-s3-s10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Our objective was to estimate the effect of various childbirth care packages on neonatal mortality due to intrapartum-related events (“birth asphyxia”) in term babies for use in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST). Methods We conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies or reviews of childbirth care packages as defined by United Nations norms (basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care, skilled care at birth). We also reviewed Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) training. Data were abstracted into standard tables and quality assessed by adapted GRADE criteria. For interventions with low quality evidence, but strong GRADE recommendation for implementation, an expert Delphi consensus process was conducted to estimate cause-specific mortality effects. Results We identified evidence for the effect on perinatal/neonatal mortality of emergency obstetric care packages: 9 studies (8 observational, 1 quasi-experimental), and for skilled childbirth care: 10 studies (8 observational, 2 quasi-experimental). Studies were of low quality, but the GRADE recommendation for implementation is strong. Our Delphi process included 21 experts representing all WHO regions and achieved consensus on the reduction of intrapartum-related neonatal deaths by comprehensive emergency obstetric care (85%), basic emergency obstetric care (40%), and skilled birth care (25%). For TBA training we identified 2 meta-analyses and 9 studies reporting mortality effects (3 cRCT, 1 quasi-experimental, 5 observational). There was substantial between-study heterogeneity and the overall quality of evidence was low. Because the GRADE recommendation for TBA training is conditional on the context and region, the effect was not estimated through a Delphi or included in the LiST tool. Conclusion Evidence quality is rated low, partly because of challenges in undertaking RCTs for obstetric interventions, which are considered standard of care. Additional challenges for evidence interpretation include varying definitions of obstetric packages and inconsistent measurement of mortality outcomes. Thus, the LiST effect estimates for skilled birth and emergency obstetric care were based on expert opinion. Using LiST modelling, universal coverage of comprehensive obstetric care could avert 591,000 intrapartum-related neonatal deaths each year. Investment in childbirth care packages should be a priority and accompanied by implementation research and further evaluation of intervention impact and cost. Funding This work was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through a grant to the US Fund for UNICEF, and to Saving Newborn Lives Save the Children, through Save the Children US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C C Lee
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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