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Sathiyaselvan A, Harilall M, Blaj I, Eva L, Farquhar C. Beyond the numbers: Classifying contributory factors and potentially avoidable adverse events in the gynaecology service of National Women's Health at Auckland District Health Board. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024. [PMID: 38863173 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse events (AEs) during health care are common and may have long-term consequences for patients. Although there is a tradition of reviewing morbidity and mortality in gynaecology, there is no recommended system for reporting contributory factors and potential avoidability. AIMS To identify factors that contributed to AEs in the gynaecology service at National Women's Health at Auckland District Health Board and to determine potential avoidability, with the use of a multidisciplinary morbidity review. MATERIALS AND METHODS Contributory factors from a review of AEs in gynaecology services were identified and classified as organisational and/or management factors, personnel factors and barriers to patients accessing and engaging with care. Potential avoidability of the AE was also considered. A descriptive analysis of the morbidity review of patients who had an AE from 2019 to 2022 was undertaken. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-three cases of AEs were reviewed and 77 (50.3%) were associated with contributory factors. Of all cases, 45 (29.4%) had organisational factors, 54 (35.3%) had personnel factors and patient factors resulting in barriers to care contributing to 11 (7.2%) cases. Sixty-five cases (42.5%) were classified as potentially avoidable. Of these 65 cases, 38 (58.5%) had organisational factors, 48 (73.8%) had personnel factors and nine (13.9%) had barriers to care. CONCLUSIONS The AE review process reported 50.3% of AEs had contributory factors that were classified as organisational, personnel and barriers to patients accessing care and that 42.5% of the AEs were potentially avoidable. These reviews can be used for making recommendations that potentially lead to improvements in gynaecology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahesh Harilall
- National Women's Health, Te Toka Tumai, Te Whatu Ora, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ines Blaj
- National Women's Health, Te Toka Tumai, Te Whatu Ora, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lois Eva
- National Women's Health, Te Toka Tumai, Te Whatu Ora, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cynthia Farquhar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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2
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Ayala Quintanilla BP, Taft A, McDonald S, Pollock W, Roque Henriquez JC. Social determinants and exposure to intimate partner violence in women with severe acute maternal morbidity in the intensive care unit: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:656. [PMID: 37700244 PMCID: PMC10496274 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05927-5] [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: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying severe acute maternal morbidity in the intensive care unit improves our understanding of potential factors affecting maternal health. AIM To review evidence on maternal exposure to intimate partner violence and social determinants of health in women with severe acute maternal morbidity in the intensive care unit. METHODS The protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42016037492). A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest, LILACS and SciELO using the search terms "intensive care unit", "intensive care", "critical care" and "critically ill" in combination with "intimate partner violence", "social determinants of health", "severe acute maternal morbidity", pregnancy, postpartum and other similar terms. Eligible studies were (i) quantitative, (ii) published in English and Spanish, (iii) from 2000 to 2021, (iv) with data related to intimate partner violence and/or social determinants of health, and (v) investigating severe acute maternal morbidity (maternity patients treated in the intensive care unit during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of pregnancy termination). Of 52,866 studies initially identified, 1087 full texts were assessed and 156 studies included. Studies were independently assessed by two reviewers for screening, revision, quality assessment and abstracted data. Studies were categorised into high/middle/low-income countries and summarised data were presented using a narrative description, due to heterogenic data as: (i) exposure to intimate partner violence and (ii) social determinants of health. RESULTS One study assessed intimate partner violence among mothers with severe acute maternal morbidity in the intensive care unit and found that women exposed to intimate partner violence before and during pregnancy had a nearly four-fold risk of severe acute maternal morbidity requiring ICU admission. Few social determinants of health other than age were reported in most studies. CONCLUSION This review identified a significant gap in knowledge concerning intimate partner violence and social determinants of health in women with severe acute maternal morbidity in the intensive care unit, which is essential to better understand the complete picture of the maternal morbidity spectrum and reduce maternal mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Paulina Ayala Quintanilla
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Level 3, George Singer Building, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Universidad de San Martin de Porres, La Molina, Lima, Peru.
| | - Angela Taft
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Level 3, George Singer Building, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susan McDonald
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Level 3, George Singer Building, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wendy Pollock
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Level 3, George Singer Building, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Bovbjerg ML, Leitao S, Corcoran P, O'Regan L, Greene RA, Manning E, Byrne B, Cooley S, Daly D, Fallon A, Higgins M, Jones C, Kinsells I, Murphy C, Murphy J, Ni Bhuinneain M. Critical care in obstetrics: Clinical audit in the Republic of Ireland, 2014–2016. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 279:183-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Dawson P, Auvray B, Jaye C, Gauld R, Hay-Smith J. Social determinants and inequitable maternal and perinatal outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 18:17455065221075913. [PMID: 35109729 PMCID: PMC8819758 DOI: 10.1177/17455065221075913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Aotearoa New Zealand has demonstrable maternal and perinatal health inequity.
We examined the relationships between adverse outcomes in a total population
sample of births and a range of social determinant variables representing
barriers to equity. Methods: Using the Statistics New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure suite of
linked administrative data sets, adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes
(mortality and severe morbidity) were linked to socio-economic and health
variables for 97% of births in New Zealand between 2003 and 2018 (~970,000
births). Variables included housing, economic, health, crime and family
circumstances. Logistic regression examined the relationships between
adverse outcomes and social determinants, adjusting for demographics
(socio-economic deprivation, education, parity, age, rural/urban residence
and ethnicity). Results: Māori (adjusted odds ratio = 1.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.18–1.23) and
Asian women (adjusted odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval = 1.36–1.43)
had poorer maternal or perinatal outcomes compared to New Zealand
European/European women. High use of emergency department (adjusted odds
ratio = 2.68, 95% confidence interval = 2.53–2.84), disability (adjusted
odds ratio = 1.98, 95% confidence interval = 1.83–2.14) and lack of
engagement with maternity care (adjusted odds ratio = 1.89, 95% confidence
interval = 1.84–1.95) had the strongest relationship with poor outcomes. Conclusion: Maternal health inequity was strongly associated with a range of
socio-economic and health determinants. While some of these factors can be
targeted for interventions, the study highlights larger structural and
systemic issues that affect maternal and perinatal health.
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5
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Jayaratnam S, Franklin R, de Costa C. A scoping review of maternal near miss assessment in Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and the South Pacific region: How, what, why and where to? Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 62:198-213. [PMID: 34791649 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe maternal morbidity or maternal near miss (MNM) events can have significant consequences for individuals, their families and society and the study of these events may inform practices to reduce future adverse pregnancy outcomes. AIMS To review the scope of MNM studies undertaken in Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and the South Pacific region. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search of four online databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and CINAHL) and the World Health Organization Library was conducted to identify all relevant studies published between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2020. The studies were reviewed and included if they assessed MNM using a composite outcome or a predefined set of indicators. RESULTS The literature search yielded 143 articles of which 49 are included in this review. There were substantial differences in the monitoring approach to MNM in the Australasian region. Overall rates of MNM in the region ranged from two to 100/1000 births and the most common aetiologies identified were direct obstetric causes such as postpartum haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia and sepsis. Multidisciplinary review indicated a substantial number of MNM cases were preventable or amenable to improved management, mostly from a provider perspective. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of MNM is an important part of the evaluation of maternity care provision. Reaching a consensus on indicators and how best to collect information will allow a more discerning assessment of MNM including longer-term health outcomes, aspects of preventability and financial implications for health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skandarupan Jayaratnam
- Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,JCU College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard Franklin
- College of Public Health, Medical and Vet Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Abstract
Maternal morbidity and mortality are rising due in part to the rising prevalence of chronic illness, socioeconomic and racial disparities, and advanced maternal age. Prevention of maternal adverse outcomes requires prompt escalation of care to facilities with appropriate capabilities including intensive care services. The development of obstetrical-specific risk assessment tools and protocolized care for the most common causes of maternal intensive care unit (ICU) admission has helped to reduce preventable complications. However, significant work remains to address barriers to the escalation of maternal care and minimize delays in appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C Walsh
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 444, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Emily E Naoum
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, GRB 444, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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7
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Jayaratnam S, Jacob-Rodgers S, de Costa C. Characteristics and preventability of obstetric intensive care unit admissions in Far North Queensland. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2020; 60:871-876. [PMID: 32557552 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rarity of maternal deaths in developed countries has increased interest in auditing cases of severe maternal morbidity or maternal 'near miss'. The assessment and preventability of cases of maternal 'near misses' are important in improving the provision of maternity care. AIMS To describe the epidemiology and determine aspects of preventability in care among women admitted to an obstetric intensive care unit (ICU) in Far North Queensland. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective observational study of pregnant and postpartum patients admitted to the Cairns Hospital ICU between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017 was undertaken. Cases of severe maternal morbidity were identified using the World Health Organization (WHO) 'near miss' criteria and reviewed to determine reasons for admission to ICU and ascertain aspects of preventability in the care provided. RESULTS Sixty-nine out of 12 081 (0.6%) women admitted for obstetric care were transferred to the ICU with 31 cases fulfilling WHO 'near miss' criteria. The most common direct obstetric-related diagnosis for ICU admission was hypertensive disease of pregnancy and obstetric haemorrhage. Indirect obstetric causes contributed to approximately 40% of ICU admissions. Among the 31 cases of WHO 'near miss', ten cases were deemed preventable with the most common reason for preventability related to lack of recognition of high-risk clinical status. CONCLUSION Maternal 'near miss' and rates of obstetric admission to the ICU at Cairns Hospital are reassuringly low. Nevertheless, one-third of women with 'near miss' required improvements in the provision of care, emphasising the need for continued audit and improvement of clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skandarupan Jayaratnam
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Clinical School, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.,Women's Health Unit, Cairns Hospital, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Caroline de Costa
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Clinical School, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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8
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Dawson P, Jaye C, Gauld R, Hay-Smith J. Barriers to equitable maternal health in Aotearoa New Zealand: an integrative review. Int J Equity Health 2019; 18:168. [PMID: 31666134 PMCID: PMC6822457 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-019-1070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this review was to examine the literature for themes of underlying social contributors to inequity in maternal health outcomes and experiences in the high resource setting of Aotearoa New Zealand. These ‘causes of the causes’ were explored and compared with the international context to identify similarities and New Zealand-specific differences. Method A structured integrative review methodology was employed to enable a complex cross disciplinary analysis of data from a variety of published sources. This method enabled incorporation of diverse research methodologies and theoretical approaches found in the literature to form a unified overall of the topic. Results Six integrated factors – Physical Access, Political Context, Maternity Care System, Acceptability, Colonialism, and Cultural factors – were identified as barriers to equitable maternal health in Aotearoa New Zealand. The structure of the maternal health system in New Zealand, which includes free maternity care and a woman centred continuity of care structure, should help to ameliorate inequity in maternal health and yet does not appear to. A complex set of underlying structural and systemic factors, such as institutionalised racism, serve to act as barriers to equitable maternity outcomes and experiences. Initiatives that appear to be working are adapted to the local context and involve self-determination in research, clinical outreach and community programmes. Conclusions The combination of six social determinants identified in this review that contribute to maternal health inequity is specific to New Zealand, although individually these factors can be identified elsewhere; this creates a unique set of challenges in addressing inequity. Due to the specific social determinants in Aotearoa New Zealand, localised solutions have potential to further maternal health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Dawson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Chrys Jaye
- Department of General Practice and Rural Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Robin Gauld
- Otago Business School, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Centre for Health Systems and Technology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jean Hay-Smith
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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9
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Einav S, Leone M. Epidemiology of obstetric critical illness. Int J Obstet Anesth 2019; 40:128-139. [PMID: 31257034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Obstetric intensive care unit (ICU) admissions comprise only a small part of severe maternal morbidity. The incidence rate of both remains relatively unclear due to inconsistent definitions across publications, although this has begun to be addressed. There is a relative paucity of information regarding disease-specific survival following obstetric ICU admission, but outcomes are clearly related to the cause of admission and the quality of care. The ratio between maternal near-miss cases (many of whom are admitted to ICUs) and maternal death may provide insight into the preventability of death. Hemorrhage and pre-eclampsia constitute the leading causes of ICU admission and have relatively low mortality rates, perhaps demonstrating the impact of informed care in managing obstetric critical illness. Obstetric sepsis, heart disease and anesthesia complications should be the focus of future research. The incidence of obstetric sepsis has been increasing in the last decade, with mortality rates remaining relatively high. The incidence of obstetric heart disease is increasing and maternal complications have been attributed to fractionated care of mothers within this category. Anesthesia complications remain a predominant cause of maternal death and likely intensive care admission. Data are lacking regarding the relative proportion of cases per disease that remain treated outside the ICU; and the outcomes of various management strategies. The only study of the health status of survivors of obstetric ICU admission revealed that six months after hospital discharge, one in five women still had a poorer health-related quality of life than those of a reference age- and sex-matched cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Einav
- Intensive Care Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - M Leone
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Hôpital Nord, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
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Pandya1 ST, Mogal S, Kulkarni AP. Obstetric ICU: Analysing and Understanding the Data is Important. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019; 23:201-202. [PMID: 31160832 PMCID: PMC6535989 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
How to cite this article: Pandya ST, Mogal S, Kulkarni AP. Obstetric ICU: Analysing and Understanding the Data is Important. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(5):201-202.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil T Pandya1
- Department of Surgical and Obstetric Critical Care, Century Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Shwetha Mogal
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Medicine and Obstetric Critical Care, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Atul P Kulkarni
- Department of Surgical and Obstetric Critical Care, Century Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Sadler LC, Masson VL, Belgrave S, Bennett HF, van den Boom J, Miller S, Battin MR. Contributory factors and potentially avoidable neonatal encephalopathy associated with acute peripartum events: An observational study. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 59:699-705. [PMID: 30747459 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 25% of affected babies, neonatal encephalopathy results from acute peripartum events, but rigorous review of these cases for quality improvement is seldom reported. New Zealand has maintained a national database of all babies diagnosed with Sarnat moderate and severe neonatal encephalopathy since 2010 under the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee. AIMS To determine the rate of contributory factors, potentially avoidable mortality or morbidity, and to identify key areas for improvements to maternity and neonatal care among cases of neonatal encephalopathy following an acute peripartum event. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sarnat moderate and severe cases identified from the national collection of neonatal encephalopathy with a history of an acute peripartum event were reviewed using a standardised independent multidisciplinary methodology and a tool for assessing contributory factors and potential avoidability, with the addition of a human factors lens. RESULTS Forty-seven cases from 2013 to 2015 were reviewed. The most common acute peripartum events were placental abruption (12) and shoulder dystocia (11). Contributory factors were identified in 89%, and the severity of outcome was potentially avoidable in 66%. Key modifiable areas included dynamic risk assessment, preparedness for obstetric and neonatal emergencies, best practice for maternal and fetal surveillance in labour, and documentation. CONCLUSIONS There is significant potential to improve quality and safety in acute peripartum care to reduce the risk of neonatal encephalopathy. Human factors were not well captured by the clinical notes or review tool. Attention to human factors by improved methodology can enhance review of neonatal encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn C Sadler
- Women's Health, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vicki L Masson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sue Belgrave
- Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Jutta van den Boom
- Neonatal Services, Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Malcolm R Battin
- Neonatal Paediatrics, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Maternal critical care in resource-limited settings. Narrative review. Int J Obstet Anesth 2018; 37:86-95. [PMID: 30482717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Maternal critical care reflects interdisciplinary care in any hospital area according to the severity of illness of the pregnant woman. The admission rate to intensive care units is below 1% (0.08-0.76%) of deliveries in high-income countries, and ranges from 0.13% to 4.6% in low- and middle-income countries. Mortality in these patients is high and varies from 0% to 4.9% of admissions in high-income countries, and from 2% to 43.6% in low- and middle-income countries. Obstetric haemorrhage, sepsis, preeclampsia, human immunodeficiency virus complications and tropical diseases are the main reasons for intensive care unit admission in low middle-income countries. Bedside assessment tools, such as early warning scores, may help to identify critically ill patients and those at risk of deterioration. There is a lack of uniformity in definitions, identification and treatment of critically ill pregnant patients, especially in resource-limited settings. Our aims were to (i) propose a more practical definition of maternal critical care, (ii) discuss maternal mortality in the setting of limited accessibility of critical care units, (iii) provide some accessible tools to improve identification of obstetric patients who may become critically ill, and (iv) confront challenges in providing maternal critical care in resource-limited settings. To improve maternal critical care, training programmes should embrace modern technological educational aids and incorporate new tools and technologies that assist prediction of critical illness in the pregnant patient. The goal must be improved outcomes following early interventions, early initiation of resuscitation, and early transfer to an appropriate level of care, whenever possible.
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13
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Booker WA, Ananth CV, Wright JD, Siddiq Z, D'Alton ME, Cleary KL, Goffman D, Friedman AM. Trends in comorbidity, acuity, and maternal risk associated with preeclampsia across obstetric volume settings. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 32:2680-2687. [PMID: 29478359 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2018.1446077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to characterize morbidity, acuity, and maternal risks associated with preeclampsia across hospitals with varying obstetric volumes. METHODS This retrospective cohort analysis used a large administrative data source, the Perspective database, to characterize the risk for preeclampsia from 2006 to 2015. Hospitals were classified as having either low (≤1000), moderate (1001-2000), or high (≥2000) delivery volume. The primary outcomes included preeclampsia, antihypertensive administration, comorbidity, and related severe maternal morbidity. Severe maternal morbidity was estimated using criteria from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Comorbidity was estimated using an obstetric comorbidity index. Univariable comparisons were made with Chi-squared test. Adjusted log linear regression models were fit to assess factors associated with severe morbidity with risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals as the measures of effect. Population weights were applied to create national estimates. RESULTS Of 36,985,729 deliveries included, 1,414,484 (3.8%) had a diagnosis of preeclampsia. Of these, 779,511 (2.1%) had mild, 171,109 (0.5%) superimposed, and 463,864 (1.3%) severe preeclampsia. The prevalence of mild, superimposed, and severe preeclampsia each increased over the study period with severe and superimposed preeclampsia as opposed to mild preeclampsia increasing the most proportionately (53.2 and 102.5 versus 10.8%, respectively). The use of antihypertensives used to treat severe range hypertension increased with use of intravenous labetalol increasing 31.5%, 43.2%, and 36.1% at low-, medium-, and high-volume hospitals. Comorbid risk also increased across hospital volume settings as did risk for severe maternal morbidity. CONCLUSIONS Preeclampsia is increasing across obstetric care settings with preeclamptic patients demonstrating increasing comorbid risk, increased risk for severe morbidity, and more frequent need for treatment of acute hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney A Booker
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Cande V Ananth
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,b Department of Epidemiology , Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Jason D Wright
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Zainab Siddiq
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Mary E D'Alton
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Kirstin L Cleary
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Dena Goffman
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Alexander M Friedman
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
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14
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Hehir MP, Ananth CV, Wright JD, Siddiq Z, D'Alton ME, Friedman AM. Severe maternal morbidity and comorbid risk in hospitals performing <1000 deliveries per year. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 216:179.e1-179.e12. [PMID: 27789310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While research has demonstrated increasing risk for severe maternal morbidity in the United States, risk at lower volume hospitals remains poorly characterized. More than half of all obstetric units in the United States perform <1000 deliveries per year and improving care at these hospitals may be critical to reducing risk nationwide. OBJECTIVE We sought to characterize maternal risk profiles and severe maternal morbidity at low-volume hospitals in the United States. STUDY DESIGN We used data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to evaluate trends in severe maternal morbidity and comorbid risk during delivery hospitalizations in the United States from 1998 through 2011. Comorbid maternal risk was estimated using a comorbidity index validated for obstetric patients. Severe maternal morbidity was defined as the presence of any 1 of 15 diagnoses representative of acute organ injury and critical illness. RESULTS A total of 2,300,279 deliveries occurred at hospitals with annual delivery volume <1000, representing 20% of delivery hospitalizations overall. There were 7849 cases (0.34%) of severe morbidity in low-volume hospitals and this risk increased over the course of the study from 0.25% in 1998 through 1999 to 0.49% in 2010 through 2011 (P < .01). The risk in hospitals with ≥1000 deliveries increased from 0.35-0.62% during the same time periods. The proportion of patients with the lowest comorbidity decreased, while the proportion of patients with highest comorbidity increased the most. The risk of severe morbidity increased across all women including those with low comorbidity scores. Risk for severe morbidity associated with obstetric hemorrhage, infection, hypertensive diseases of pregnancy, and medical conditions all increased during the study period. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate increasing maternal risk at hospitals performing <1000 deliveries per year broadly distributed over the patient population. Rates of morbidity in centers with ≥1000 deliveries have also increased. These findings suggest that maternal safety improvements are necessary at all centers regardless of volume.
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Farr A, Lenz-Gebhart A, Einig S, Ortner C, Holzer I, Elhenicky M, Husslein PW, Lehner R. Outcomes and trends of peripartum maternal admission to the intensive care unit. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2017; 129:605-611. [PMID: 28101669 PMCID: PMC5599431 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-016-1161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background The number of pregnant women with severe comorbidities is increasing. The aim of the present study was to analyze outcomes and determine trends in women who required peripartum admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods In this retrospective study, we identified all women who were admitted to the ICU between the second trimester of pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum. Women with ICU admission between 2011 and 2014 were assigned to the study group, whereas those admitted between 1996 and 2003 were assigned to the historical group. Comorbidities, characteristics, outcomes, and treatment efforts were assessed. Descriptive analysis, Fisher’s exact test, unpaired Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA were performed. Results We identified 238 cases, including 135 (56.7%) in the study group and 103 (43.3%) in the historical group. In 83 (34.9%) women, deterioration of the pre-existing medical condition was causal for ICU admission. Overall, preterm delivery and mean gestational age were 81.5% and 31.6 ± 6.2 weeks, respectively. In comparison to the historical group, women of the study group were older (p = 0.005), more frequently presented with multiple comorbidities (p = 0.003), pre-existing conditions (p < 0.001), and congenital heart disease (p = 0.012). Moreover, they had a shorter length of stay at the ICU than those of the historical group (p = 0.02). Conclusions Peripartum ICU admissions are increasing in frequency. As maternal characteristics are changing, adequate risk stratification with multidisciplinary care are essential, and access to intermediate care units would be preferable for patients with short-term admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Farr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Agnes Lenz-Gebhart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Einig
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Ortner
- Department of Anesthesia, General Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Iris Holzer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie Elhenicky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter W Husslein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Lehner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Feto-maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Friedman AM, Ananth CV, Huang Y, D'Alton ME, Wright JD. Hospital delivery volume, severe obstetrical morbidity, and failure to rescue. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215:795.e1-795.e14. [PMID: 27457112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the setting of persistently high risk for maternal death and severe obstetric morbidity, little is known about the relationship between hospital delivery volume and maternal outcomes. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this analysis were (1) to determine maternal risk for severe morbidity during delivery hospitalizations by hospital delivery volume in the United States and (2) to characterize, by hospital volume, the risk for death in the setting of severe obstetric morbidity, a concept known as failure to rescue. STUDY DESIGN This cohort study evaluated 50,433,539 delivery hospitalizations across the United States from 1998-2010. The main outcome measures were (1) severe morbidity that was defined as a composite of any 1 of 15 diagnoses that are representative of acute organ injury and critical illness and (2) failure to rescue that was defined as death in the setting of severe morbidity. RESULTS The prevalence of severe morbidity rose from 471.2-751.5 cases per 100,000 deliveries from 1998-2010, which was an increase of 59.5%. Failure to rescue was highest in 1998 (1.5%), decreased to 0.6% in 2007, and rose to 0.9% in 2010. In models that were adjusted for comorbid risk and hospital factors, both low and high annualized delivery volume were associated with increased risk for failure to rescue and severe morbidity. However, the relative importance of hospital volume for both outcomes compared with other factors was relatively small. CONCLUSION Although low-and high-delivery volume are associated with increased risk for both failure to rescue and severe maternal morbidity, other factors, in particular characteristics of individual centers, may be more important in the determination of outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Friedman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY.
| | - Cande V Ananth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY; Department of Epidemiology, Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Yongmei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Mary E D'Alton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jason D Wright
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Sadler LC, Farquhar CM, Masson VL, Battin MR. Contributory factors and potentially avoidable neonatal encephalopathy associated with perinatal asphyxia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214:747.e1-8. [PMID: 26723195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently published monograph, Neonatal encephalopathy and neurologic outcome, from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists calls for a root cause analysis to identify components of care that contributed to cases of neonatal encephalopathy to design better practices, surveillance mechanisms, and systems. All cases of infants born in New Zealand with moderate and severe neonatal encephalopathy were reported to the New Zealand Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee from 2010. A national clinical review of these individual cases has not previously been undertaken. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to undertake a multidisciplinary structured review of all cases of neonatal encephalopathy that arose following the onset of labor in the absence of acute peripartum events in 2010-2011 to determine the frequency of contributory factors, the proportion of potentially avoidable morbidity and mortality and to identify themes for quality improvement. STUDY DESIGN National identification of, and collection of clinical records on, cases of moderate or severe neonatal encephalopathy occurring after the onset of labor in the absence of an acute peripartum event, excluding those with normal gases and Apgar scores at 1 minute, among all cases of moderate and severe neonatal encephalopathy at term in New Zealand in 2010-2011 was undertaken. Cases were included if they had abnormal gases as defined by any of pH of ≤ 7.2, base excess of ≤ -10, or lactate of ≥ 6 or if there were no cord gases, an Apgar score at 1 minute of ≤ 7. A clinical case review was undertaken by a multidisciplinary team using a structured tool to record contributory factors (organization and/or management, personnel, and barriers to access and/or engagement with care), potentially avoidable morbidity and mortality and to identify themes to guide quality improvement. RESULTS Eighty-three babies fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the review, 56 moderate (67%) and 27 severe (33%), 21 (25%) of whom were deceased prior to hospital discharge. Eighty-four percent of 64 babies with cord gas results had one of pH of ≤ 7.0, base excess of ≤ -12, or lactate of ≥ 6; and 42% (8 of 19) without cord gases had 5 minute Apgar scores < 5. Excluding 5 babies who died within a day of birth, all but 1 baby were admitted to a neonatal unit within 1 day of birth. Contributory factors were identified in 84% of 83 cases, most commonly personnel factors (76%). Fifty-five percent of cases with morbidity or mortality were considered to be potentially avoidable, and 52% of cases were considered potentially avoidable because of personnel factors. The most frequently identified theme related to the use and interpretation of cardiotocography in labor. CONCLUSION A multidisciplinary case review of neonatal encephalopathy following apparently uncomplicated labor identified a high rate of potentially avoidable morbidity and mortality and issues amenable to quality improvement such as multidisciplinary training of staff in fetal surveillance in labor.
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Hedriana HL, Wiesner S, Downs BG, Pelletreau B, Shields LE. Baseline assessment of a hospital-specific early warning trigger system for reducing maternal morbidity. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2015; 132:337-41. [PMID: 26797195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether predefined maternal early warning triggers (MEWTs) can predict pregnancy morbidity. METHODS In a retrospective case-control study, obstetric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between 2012 and 2013 at seven pilot US hospitals were compared with control patients who had a normal delivery outcome. Six MEWTs were assessed. RESULTS The case and control groups each contained 50 patients. Hemorrhage (15/50, 30%), sepsis (12/50, 24%), cardiac dysfunction (8/50, 16%), and pre-eclampsia (6/50, 12%) were the most common reasons for ICU admission. Significant associations were recorded between ICU admission and tachycardia (OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.1-11.7), mean arterial pressure less than 65 mm Hg (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.9-10.8), temperature of at least 38°C (OR 44.1, 95% CI 13.0-839.1), and altered mental state (OR 44.1, 95% CI 13.1-839.0). Two or more triggers were persistent for 30 minutes or more in 36 (72%) ICU patients versus 2 (4%) controls (OR 61.7, 95% CI 13.2-288.0). Earlier medical intervention might have led to a lesser degree of maternal morbidity for 31 (62%) ICU patients with at least one MEWT. CONCLUSION Persistent MEWTs were present in most obstetric ICU cases. Retrospectively, MEWTs in this cohort seemed to separate normal obstetric patients from those for whom ICU admission was indicated; their use might reduce maternal morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman L Hedriana
- Sacramento Maternal Fetal Medicine Medical Group, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Suzanne Wiesner
- Dignity Health Patient Safety and Quality, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brenda G Downs
- Dignity Health Clinical Performance Improvement, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Laurence E Shields
- Dignity Health Patient Safety and Quality, San Francisco, CA, USA; Marian Regional Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santa Maria, CA, USA
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Rathod AT, Malini KV. Study of Obstetric Admissions to the Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2015; 66:12-7. [PMID: 27651571 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-015-0750-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze obstetric admissions to intensive care unit and to identify the risk factors responsible for intensive care admission. METHODS This is a retrospective study of all obstetric cases admitted to the intensive care unit over a period of 3 years. Data were collected from case records. The risk factors responsible for ICU admission were analyzed. RESULTS There were 765 obstetric admissions to ICU accounting for 1.24 % of all deliveries. 56.20 % were in the age group of 20-25 years. 38.43 % were in their first pregnancy. 36.48 % of cases were at 37-40 weeks of gestation. Postpartum admissions were 80.91 %. Major conditions responsible were obstetric hemorrhage in 44.05 %, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in 28.88 %, severe anemia in 14.37 %, heart disease in 12.15 %, and sepsis in 7.97 % of ICU cases. 40.39 % cases required high dependency care. Maternal mortality was seen in 15.55 % of ICU cases. Commonest cause of mortality was hemorrhagic shock (26.89 %) and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (26.05 %). CONCLUSION Commonest risk factors for ICU admissions are obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Other major risk factors are severe anemia, heart disease, sepsis, more than one diagnosis on admission, and the need for cesarean delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashakiran T Rathod
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, No. 620, A4 Block, Krishna Block, National Games Village, Koramangala, Bangalore, Karnataka 560047 India
| | - K V Malini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, No. 620, A4 Block, Krishna Block, National Games Village, Koramangala, Bangalore, Karnataka 560047 India
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Lawton B, MacDonald EJ, Brown SA, Wilson L, Stanley J, Tait JD, Dinsdale RA, Coles CL, Geller SE. Preventability of severe acute maternal morbidity. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2014; 210:557.e1-6. [PMID: 24508582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to assess potential preventability of severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM) cases admitted to intensive-care units (ICUs) or high-dependency units (HDUs). STUDY DESIGN Inclusion criteria were admissions to ICUs or HDUs of women who were pregnant or within 42 days of delivery in 4 District Health Board areas (accounting for a third of annual births in New Zealand) during a 17-month period. Cases were reviewed by external multidisciplinary panels using a validated model for assessing preventability. RESULTS In all, 98 SAMM cases were assessed; 38 (38.8%) cases were deemed potentially preventable, 36 (36.7%) not preventable but improvement in care was needed, and 24 (24.5%) not preventable. The most frequent preventable factors were clinician related: delay or failure in diagnosis or recognition of high-risk status (51%); and delay or inappropriate treatment (70%). The most common causes of preventable severe morbidity were blood loss and septicemia. CONCLUSION The majority of SAMM cases were potentially preventable or required improvement in care. Themes around substandard care related to delay in diagnosis and treatment for postpartum hemorrhage and septicemia. These findings can inform clinical educational programs and policies to improve maternal outcomes. This study has now been expanded to a national New Zealand audit of all SAMM cases admitted to an ICU/HDU.
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