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Hennessy M, O'Donoghue K. Bridging the gap between pregnancy loss research and policy and practice: insights from a qualitative survey with knowledge users. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:15. [PMID: 38273374 PMCID: PMC10809434 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01103-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The loss of a pregnancy or the death of baby around the time of their birth can have profound impacts on parents, families and staff involved. There is much opportunity to enhance the systematic uptake of evidence-based interventions to enhance service provision, lived experiences and outcomes. Challenges exist to translating pregnancy loss research evidence into policy and practice, however. Pregnancy loss remains a neglected area of research and resourcing and is steeped in stigma. While barriers and facilitators to the use of research evidence by decision-makers in public health and health services are well documented, we aimed to better understand the factors that influence the translation of pregnancy loss research into practice and policy. METHODS We conducted a qualitative online survey of pregnancy loss research knowledge users in Ireland, identified through our clinical and academic networks, between January and March 2022. The survey comprised ten questions, with three closed questions, informed by the Knowledge Translation Planning Template©. Questions included who could benefit from pregnancy loss research, perceived barriers and facilitators to the use of research evidence and preferred knowledge translation strategies. We analysed data using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS We included data from 46 participants in our analysis, from which we generated two central themes. The first-'End the silence; stigma and inequality around pregnancy loss to enhance awareness and understanding, public health and services and supports'-addresses issues related to the stigma, sensitivities and silence, lack of awareness and understanding, and lack of relevance or priority afforded to pregnancy loss. The second theme-'Use a range of tailored, accessible approaches to engage a large, diverse range of knowledge users'-highlights the need to use relevant, accessible, and engaging information, resources or materials in knowledge translation efforts, and a variety of tailored approaches to suit different audiences, including materials, workshops/webinars, media, knowledge brokers and champions or opinion leaders. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis provides rich insights into the barriers and facilitators to knowledge translation in the field of pregnancy loss research. We identified key strategies that can be used to inform knowledge translation planning in Ireland, and which have international applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Hennessy
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland.
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland.
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland
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Kawaguchi H, Kuritani Y, Yamamoto R, Hayashi S, Ishii K. Neonatal respiratory complications in twins at 36-38 weeks of gestation. Pediatr Int 2024; 66:e15767. [PMID: 38924178 DOI: 10.1111/ped.15767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twin pregnancies are associated with a high risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Late preterm or early term delivery is frequently performed to avoid unexpected fetal death in uncomplicated twin pregnancies. Nonetheless, delivery before full term is associated with neonatal respiratory complications. This study aimed to evaluate perinatal respiratory complications in twins delivered between 36 and 38 weeks of gestation. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on twins delivered between 36 and 38 weeks of gestation from January 2008 to June 2020. The primary outcomes were the incidence of composite neonatal respiratory morbidity, which included respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, meconium aspiration syndrome, mechanical ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure according to gestational age at delivery, and chorionicity. The relationship between gestational age at delivery and composite neonatal respiratory morbidity was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS This study included 1608 twins (614 monochorionic diamniotic twins, 994 dichorionic diamniotic twins). At 36, 37, and 38 weeks of gestation, the frequencies of composite neonatal respiratory morbidity were 19.4%, 10.7%, and 9.2% in dichorionic diamniotic twins and 13.6%, 8.7%, and 9.4% in monochorionic diamniotic twins, respectively. In dichorionic diamniotic twins, the composite neonatal respiratory morbidity rate was higher for twins delivered at 36 weeks of gestation than for those delivered at 37 weeks. No significant differences between monochorionic diamniotic twins were detected. CONCLUSIONS In uncomplicated dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies, delivery should be considered after 37 weeks of gestation to reduce neonatal respiratory complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruna Kawaguchi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kuritani
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamamoto
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shusaku Hayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ishii
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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Prasad S, Khalil A. Twin charts should be the standard reference to assess growth in twin pregnancy. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 35:403-410. [PMID: 37560793 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Twin pregnancies are characterized by slower growth velocity compared with singletons, especially during the third trimester and, therefore, tend to be smaller than singletons. Growth surveillance is instrumental in the identification of twin pregnancies at risk of adverse outcomes. Whether the phenomenon of slow growth is an adaptive physiological response or represents pathological growth lag, is controversial. In this review, we focus on the evidence related to the types of growth charts employed for twin pregnancies. RECENT FINDINGS Consistent evidence has emerged over the past few years from large independent cohorts in different countries suggesting that twin-specific standards perform better in identifying growth-restricted twin pregnancies at risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, without resulting in an increase in interventions or iatrogenic prematurity. SUMMARY The current evidence supports the use of twin-specific reference charts. Concerted efforts should be made to derive prospective evidence from large multicentre studies on various aspects of the implementation of twin-specific standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Prasad
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospital
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London
- Twins and Multiples Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospital, St George's University of London, London
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospital
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London
- Twins and Multiples Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospital, St George's University of London, London
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Single Intrauterine Death in Twin Pregnancy: Evidenced-based Counselling and Management. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 84:205-217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Khalil A, Reed K. Key messages for obstetricians and fetal medicine specialists from the confidential enquiry into stillbirth and neonatal death in twins. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2021; 58:799-803. [PMID: 33463820 DOI: 10.1002/uog.23594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Khalil
- Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - K Reed
- Twins Trust, Aldershot, UK
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Yu FNY, Mak ASL, Chan NM, Siu KL, Ma TWL, Leung KY. Prospective risk of stillbirth and neonatal complications for monochorionic diamniotic and dichorionic diamniotic twins after 24 weeks of gestation. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:3127-3135. [PMID: 34137119 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our study compared the prospective risks of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), neonatal death (NND), perinatal death (PND), and neonatal morbidities in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) and dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included twin pregnancies who had antenatal care and delivery in a public hospital from 2011 to 2018. Exclusion criteria included monoamnionicity, one/both twin miscarriage, twin-twin transfusion syndrome, or lethal congenital abnormalities. All twins were managed in multiple pregnancy clinic with standardized protocols. Gestational age-specific IUFD, NND, PND, and neonatal morbidity rates were compared according to chorionicity. RESULTS Three hundred seventy-eight MCDA and 1282 DCDA twins were included. MCDA twins had higher risks of PND (1.9% vs. 0.7% in DCDA twins, p = 0.05), composite neonatal morbidity (p = 0.01), preterm delivery (p < 0.01), and low birth weight (p < 0.01). The prospective risk of IUFD was 0.6% and 0.4% for MCDA and DCDA twins, respectively after 34 weeks' gestation. No NND occurred among deliveries after 30 weeks. The risk of neonatal morbidity of MCDA twins fell from 22.7% at 34 weeks to 2.7% at 37 weeks (p < 0.01). For DCDA twins, the risk of morbidity fell insignificantly from 36 to 38 weeks (4.0% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.60). Logistic regression analysis suggested that the increased risk of perinatal morbidities was related to the higher rate of preterm delivery in MCDA twins rather than chorionicity. CONCLUSION With close fetal monitoring, the risk of late IUFD in twin pregnancies without major complications is low. Perinatal morbidity can be minimized by avoiding late preterm deliveries in twin pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florrie Nga Yui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Annisa Shui Lam Mak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ngai Man Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kiu Lok Siu
- Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Teresa Wei Ling Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok Yin Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Gleneagles Hong Kong, Hong kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Kalafat E, Abiola A, Thilaganathan B, Bhide A, Khalil A. The Association Between Hypertension in Pregnancy and Preterm Birth with Fetal Growth Restriction in Singleton and Twin Pregnancy: Use of Twin Versus Singleton Charts. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082518. [PMID: 32764227 PMCID: PMC7464003 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the rates of fetal growth restriction (FGR) in singleton and twin pregnancies using singleton and twin-specific birthweight standards. METHODS The study included liveborn twin and singleton pregnancies between January 2000 and January 2019. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) included gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. The study outcomes were FGR or small-for-gestational-age (SGA) at birth as assessed using singleton and twin reference charts. RESULTS The analysis included 1473 twin and 62,432 singleton pregnancies. In singleton pregnancies the risk of PTB <34 weeks without HDP (OR 2.82, p < 0.001), delivery ≥34 weeks with HDP (OR 2.38, p < 0.001), and PTB <34 weeks with HDP (OR 13.65, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the pregnancies complicated by FGR compared to those without. When selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) was assessed using the singleton standard, the risk of PTB <34 weeks without HDP (OR 1.03, p = 0.872), delivery ≥34 weeks with HDP (OR 1.36, p = 0.160) were similar in the pregnancies complicated by sFGR compared to those without, while the risk of PTB <34 weeks with HDP (OR 2.41, p = 0.025) was significantly higher in the pregnancies complicated by sFGR compared to those without. When sFGR was assessed using the twin-specific chart, the risk of PTB <34 weeks without HDP (OR 3.55, p < 0.001), delivery ≥34 weeks with HDP (OR 3.17, p = 0.004), and PTB <34 weeks with HDP (OR 5.69, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the pregnancies complicated by sFGR compared to those without. The stronger and more consistent association persisted in the subgroup analyses according to chorionicity. The strength of association in dichorionic twin pregnancies resembles that of the singletons more closely and consistently when the FGR was diagnosed using the twin-specific charts. CONCLUSION FGR in twin pregnancies has a stronger and more consistent association with HDP and PTB when using twin-specific rather than singleton charts. This study provides further evidence supporting the use of twin-specific charts when assessing fetal growth in twin pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kalafat
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s Hospital, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK; (E.K.); (A.A.); (B.T.); (A.B.)
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Science, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, 06230 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aisha Abiola
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s Hospital, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK; (E.K.); (A.A.); (B.T.); (A.B.)
| | - Basky Thilaganathan
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s Hospital, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK; (E.K.); (A.A.); (B.T.); (A.B.)
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George′s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Amar Bhide
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s Hospital, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK; (E.K.); (A.A.); (B.T.); (A.B.)
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s Hospital, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK; (E.K.); (A.A.); (B.T.); (A.B.)
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George′s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
- Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical excellence, St George’s Hospital, Blackshaw road, Tooting, London SW17 0QT, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-20-3299-8256
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