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Le Vu M, Matthes KL, Brabec M, Riou J, Skrivankova VW, Hösli I, Rohrmann S, Staub K. Health of singleton neonates in Switzerland through time and crises: a cross-sectional study at the population level, 2007-2022. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:218. [PMID: 38528502 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06414-1] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being exposed to crises during pregnancy can affect maternal health through stress exposure, which can in return impact neonatal health. We investigated temporal trends in neonatal outcomes in Switzerland between 2007 and 2022 and their variations depending on exposure to the economic crisis of 2008, the flu pandemic of 2009, heatwaves (2015 and 2018) and the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Using individual cross-sectional data encompassing all births occurring in Switzerland at the monthly level (2007-2022), we analysed changes in birth weight and in the rates of preterm birth (PTB) and stillbirth through time with generalized additive models. We assessed whether the intensity or length of crisis exposure was associated with variations in these outcomes. Furthermore, we explored effects of exposure depending on trimesters of pregnancy. RESULTS Over 1.2 million singleton births were included in our analyses. While birth weight and the rate of stillbirth have remained stable since 2007, the rate of PTB has declined by one percentage point. Exposure to the crises led to different results, but effect sizes were overall small. Exposure to COVID-19, irrespective of the pregnancy trimester, was associated with a higher birth weight (+12 grams [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5 to 17.9 grams]). Being exposed to COVID-19 during the last trimester was associated with an increased risk of stillbirth (odds ratio 1.24 [95%CI 1.02 to 1.50]). Exposure to the 2008 economic crisis during pregnancy was not associated with any changes in neonatal health outcomes, while heatwave effect was difficult to interpret. CONCLUSION Overall, maternal and neonatal health demonstrated resilience to the economic crisis and to the COVID-19 pandemic in a high-income country like Switzerland. However, the effect of exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic is dual, and the negative impact of maternal infection on pregnancy is well-documented. Stress exposure and economic constraint may also have had adverse effects among the most vulnerable subgroups of Switzerland. To investigate better the impact of heatwave exposure on neonatal health, weekly or daily-level data is needed, instead of monthly-level data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Le Vu
- Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katarina L Matthes
- Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marek Brabec
- Institute of Computer Science of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Julien Riou
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Veronika W Skrivankova
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irene Hösli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Rohrmann
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kaspar Staub
- Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), Zurich, Switzerland.
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Pfleiderer M, Gilman E, Grüttner B, Ratiu J, Mallmann P, Baek S, Ratiu D, Mallmann-Gottschalk N. Maternal and Perinatal Outcome After Induction of Labor Versus Expectant Management in Low-risk Pregnancies Beyond Term. In Vivo 2024; 38:299-307. [PMID: 38148072 PMCID: PMC10756460 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Due to still controversial discussion regarding appropriate termination of low-risk singleton pregnancies beyond term, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes depending on gestational age and obstetric management. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a retrospective cohort analysis including 3.242 low-risk singleton deliveries at the Department of Obstetrics of the University Hospital of Cologne between 2017 and 2022. According to current national guidelines, the cohort was subdivided into three gestational groups, group 1: 40+0-40+6 weeks, group 2: 40+7-40+10 weeks and group 3>40+10 weeks. RESULTS In our cohort, advanced gestational age was associated with higher rates of secondary caesarean sections, lower rates of spontaneous vaginal deliveries, higher rates of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and depressed neonates with APGAR < 7 after 5 min. Analyzing obstetric management, induction of labor significantly increased the rate of secondary sections and reduced the rate of spontaneous deliveries, while the percentage of assistant vaginal deliveries was independent from obstetric management and gestational age. Induction of labor also significantly enhanced the need for tocolytic subpartu and epidural anesthesia and caused higher rates of abnormalities in cardiotocography (CTG), which also resulted in more frequent fetal scalp blood testing; however, the rate of fetal acidosis was independent of both obstetric management and gestational age. CONCLUSION Our study supports expectant management of low-risk pregnancies beyond term, as induction of labor increased the rate of secondary sections and did not improve perinatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Pfleiderer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elena Gilman
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Berthold Grüttner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jessika Ratiu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Mallmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sunhwa Baek
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dominik Ratiu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nina Mallmann-Gottschalk
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany
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Bossung V, Rath W, Rody A, Schwarz C. Heterogenous use of misoprostol for induction of labour: results of an online survey among midwives in German-speaking countries. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 304:1501-1511. [PMID: 33938998 PMCID: PMC8553731 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This online survey looked at the experiences and general perceptions of midwives concerning induction of labour and the specific use of misoprostol. METHODS We published an online questionnaire with 24 questions in German on midwives' experiences and perceptions of different methods of induction of labour. RESULTS The online survey was answered by 412 midwives between February 2016 and February 2017. At least 20% of the 24 questions were answered in 333 questionnaires, which were included in this analysis. Oral misoprostol was the most common induction method for primipara and for women with a previous vaginal birth and an unfavourable cervix. Apart from alternative methods for induction of labour like castor oil and complementary/alternative methods, oral misoprostol was the preferred method of induction of labour by midwives. Midwives described a wide range of dosage schedules concerning application intervals, starting doses, and the maximum daily dose of misoprostol. Approximately 50% of the participants of this study described prescriptions of more than 200 µg misoprostol daily for induction of labour. CONCLUSION Misoprostol is widely used in Germany and was one of the three preferred methods of induction of labour among midwives in our study next to castor oil and complementary/alternative methods. The preparation and dosage of misoprostol vary significantly among hospitals and do not adhere to international guidelines. Midwives voiced their concerns about inconsistent indications and heterogenous use of different methods and dosages of induction. They wished for more patience with late-term pregnancies and individualized shared decision-making between pregnant women and obstetricians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Bossung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany.
| | - Werner Rath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Achim Rody
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Christiane Schwarz
- Department of Midwifery Science, C/O BMO, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
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Kniffka MS, Nitsche N, Rau R, Kühn M. Stillbirths in Germany: On the rise, but no additional increases during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 155:483-489. [PMID: 34287881 PMCID: PMC9087793 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine possible changes in the rate of stillbirths in Germany during the first COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS Population-level data of live births and stillbirths occurring between January 1995 and July 2020 were used and negative binomial regression was applied to estimate the rate of stillbirths in this period. The actual rate was compared to the expected figure for 2020. RESULTS A steady increase in stillbirths was detected in Germany since 2013. The stillbirth rate for January to July 2020 (4.148) was slightly lower than that of the same period in 2019 (4.242). Furthermore, all monthly rates of stillbirths during the first half of 2020 lie inside the 95% prediction interval of expected stillbirth rates for this period. CONCLUSION A growing body of studies on the indirect effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on stillbirths shows mixed and context-dependent evidence. In contrast to other European countries, stillbirth rates have been on the rise in Germany in the last decade. However, stillbirth rates during the first half of 2020 were not higher than expected. The results suggest that stillbirth rates have not changed during the first-wave COVID-19 lockdown in this high-income setting. However, further studies on the causes of the increasing trend in stillbirths in Germany are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxi S. Kniffka
- Laboratory of Fertility and Well‐BeingMax Planck Institute for Demographic ResearchRostockGermany
- Department of Sociology and DemographyUniversity of RostockRostockGermany
| | - Natalie Nitsche
- Laboratory of Fertility and Well‐BeingMax Planck Institute for Demographic ResearchRostockGermany
| | - Roland Rau
- Department of Sociology and DemographyChair of DemographyUniversity of RostockRostockGermany
- Laboratory of Statistical DemographyMax Planck Institute for Demographic ResearchRostockGermany
| | - Mine Kühn
- Laboratory of Population HealthMax Planck Institute for Demographic ResearchRostockGermany
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Kagwisage J, Balandya BS, Pembe AB, Mujinja PGM. Health Related Quality of Life Post Labour Induction with Misoprostol Versus Dinoprostone At Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: A cross Sectional Study. East Afr Health Res J 2020; 4:58-64. [PMID: 34308221 PMCID: PMC8279179 DOI: 10.24248/eahrj.v4i1.622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Labour induction using Misoprostol or Dinoprostone results to similar maternal and foetal clinical outcomes. However, the clinical outcome measures have rarely been combined with effects of interventions on patients' health related quality of life. This study aimed to assess postpartum health related quality of life of parturient after labour induction with vaginal administration of misoprostol versus dinoprostone. METHODS This was a comparative cross sectional study in which pregnant women who underwent labour induction with misoprostol and dinoprostone during the study period were included. Data were collected within 24 hours post-delivery using the 36 item short form health survey questionnaire which consists of 24 attributes distributed in five domains including bodily pains and physical performance three attributes each, mental health seven attributes, general health two attributes, social functioning six attributes and three attributes for labour induction satisfaction. We first estimated scores of all attributes in each domain using Likert scales and then the domain scores were converted into a 0 to 100 scales to express in percentage of total scores. Quality of life was compared in the two study groups using the independent samples T Test. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to control for marital status, gravidity, parity, baseline cervical status, time interval from induction to delivery and mode of delivery. RESULTS Women who received misoprostol reported better health related quality of life compared to those who received dinoprostone (mean score 92.89 vs. 87.25;P<.00). Misoprostol group had significantly higher scores in all domains of health related quality of life; reduced bodily pain (93.76 vs. 84.19;P<.00), physical performance (83.64 vs. 73.58;P<.00), mental health (96.40 vs. 93.55; P<.00), general health (93.78 vs. 90.23;P=.01), social functioning (94.81 vs. 91.25;P<.00) and satisfaction perceptions (94.96 vs. 90.71;P<.00). CONCLUSION Health related quality of life information is of particular value in routine care of natal and postnatal mothers. Current and updated guidelines should address the impacts of labour induction interventions on maternal health related quality of life, and encourage the use of quality of life information in provision of holistic natal and postnatal care services. Clinical trials are recommended to determine the effectiveness of labour induction with either of the two methods and address the historical adverse outcomes associated to the use of misoprostol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Kagwisage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Belinda S Balandya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Andrea B Pembe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Phares GM Mujinja
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Nippita TA, Porter M, Seeho SK, Morris JM, Roberts CL. Variation in clinical decision-making for induction of labour: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2017; 17:317. [PMID: 28938878 PMCID: PMC5610463 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-017-1518-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unexplained variation in induction of labour (IOL) rates exist between hospitals, even after accounting for casemix and hospital differences. We aimed to explore factors that influence clinical decision-making for IOL that may be contributing to the variation in IOL rates between hospitals. Methods We undertook a qualitative study involving semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews with obstetricians and midwives. Using purposive sampling, participants known to have diverse opinions on IOL were selected from ten Australian maternity hospitals (based on differences in hospital IOL rate, size, location and case-mix complexities). Transcripts were indexed, coded, and analysed using the Framework Approach to identify main themes and subthemes. Results Forty-five participants were interviewed (21 midwives, 24 obstetric medical staff). Variations in decision-making for IOL were based on the obstetrician’s perception of medical risk in the pregnancy (influenced by the obstetrician’s personality and knowledge), their care relationship with the woman, how they involved the woman in decision-making, and resource availability. The role of a ‘gatekeeper’ in the procedural aspects of arranging an IOL also influenced decision-making. There was wide variation in the clinical decision-making practices of obstetricians and less accountability for decision-making in hospitals with a high IOL rate, with the converse occurring in hospitals with low IOL rates. Conclusion Improved communication, standardised risk assessment and accountability for IOL offer potential for reducing variation in hospital IOL rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya A Nippita
- Clinical and Population Perinatal Health Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Level 5, Douglas Building, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia. .,Sydney Medical School-Northern, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia.
| | - Maree Porter
- Clinical and Population Perinatal Health Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Level 5, Douglas Building, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Sean K Seeho
- Clinical and Population Perinatal Health Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Level 5, Douglas Building, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia.,Sydney Medical School-Northern, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Morris
- Clinical and Population Perinatal Health Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Level 5, Douglas Building, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia.,Sydney Medical School-Northern, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Christine L Roberts
- Clinical and Population Perinatal Health Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Level 5, Douglas Building, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia.,Sydney Medical School-Northern, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia
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Zenzmaier C, Leitner H, Brezinka C, Oberaigner W, König-Bachmann M. Maternal and neonatal outcomes after induction of labor: a population-based study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2017; 295:1175-1183. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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