1
|
Rent S, Gaffur R, Nkini G, Sengoka EG, Mlay P, Moyer CA, Lemmon M, Docherty SL, Mmbaga BT, Staton CA, Shayo A. Perinatal loss in Tanzania: Perspectives of maternal-child healthcare providers. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003227. [PMID: 38768103 PMCID: PMC11104680 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Over 98% of stillbirths and neonatal deaths occur in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, such as Tanzania. Despite the profound burden of perinatal loss in these regions, access to facility or community-based palliative and psychosocial care is poor and understudied. In this study we explore perinatal loss through the lens of front-line healthcare providers, to better understand the knowledge and beliefs that guide their engagement with bereaved families. A Knowledge Attitudes and Practices survey addressing perinatal loss in Tanzania was developed, translated into Swahili, and administered over a 4-month period to healthcare professionals working at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC). Results were entered into REDCap and analyzed in R Studio. 74 providers completed the survey. Pediatric providers saw a yearly average of 5 stillbirths and 32.7 neonatal deaths. Obstetric providers saw an average of 11.5 stillbirths and 13.12 neonatal deaths. Most providers would provide resuscitation beginning at 28 weeks gestational age. Respondents estimated that a 50% chance of survival for a newborn occurred at 28 weeks both nationally and at KCMC. Most providers felt that stillbirth and neonatal mortality were not the mother's fault (78.4% and 81.1%). However, nearly half (44.6%) felt that stillbirth reflects negatively on the woman and 62.2% agreed that women are at higher risk of abuse or abandonment after stillbirth. A majority perceived that women wanted hold their child after stillbirth (63.0%) or neonatal death (70.3%). Overall, this study found that providers at KCMC perceived that women are at greater risk of psychosocial or physical harm following perinatal loss. How women can best be supported by both the health system and their community remains unclear. More research on perinatal loss and bereavement in LMICs is needed to inform patient-level and health-systems interventions addressing care gaps unique to resource-limited or non-western settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharla Rent
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Raziya Gaffur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Getrude Nkini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Enna Geofrey Sengoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Pendo Mlay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Cheryl A. Moyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Monica Lemmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sharron L. Docherty
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Catherine A. Staton
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Aisa Shayo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vasconcelos S, Moustakas I, Branco MR, Guimarães S, Caniçais C, van der Helm T, Ramalho C, Marques CJ, de Sousa Lopes SMC, Dória S. Syncytiotrophoblast Markers Are Downregulated in Placentas from Idiopathic Stillbirths. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5180. [PMID: 38791219 PMCID: PMC11121380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105180] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The trophoblast cells are responsible for the transfer of nutrients between the mother and the foetus and play a major role in placental endocrine function by producing and releasing large amounts of hormones and growth factors. Syncytiotrophoblast cells (STB), formed by the fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts (CTB), constitute the interface between the foetus and the mother and are essential for all of these functions. We performed transcriptome analysis of human placental samples from two control groups-live births (LB), and stillbirths (SB) with a clinically recognised cause-and from our study group, idiopathic stillbirths (iSB). We identified 1172 DEGs in iSB, when comparing with the LB group; however, when we compared iSB with the SB group, only 15 and 12 genes were down- and upregulated in iSB, respectively. An assessment of these DEGs identified 15 commonly downregulated genes in iSB. Among these, several syncytiotrophoblast markers, like genes from the PSG and CSH families, as well as ALPP, KISS1, and CRH, were significantly downregulated in placental samples from iSB. The transcriptome analysis revealed underlying differences at a molecular level involving the syncytiotrophoblast. This suggests that defects in the syncytial layer may underlie unexplained stillbirths, therefore offering insights to improve clinical obstetrics practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vasconcelos
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ioannis Moustakas
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands (T.v.d.H.); (S.M.C.d.S.L.)
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Miguel R. Branco
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Susana Guimarães
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Caniçais
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Talia van der Helm
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands (T.v.d.H.); (S.M.C.d.S.L.)
| | - Carla Ramalho
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Joana Marques
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands (T.v.d.H.); (S.M.C.d.S.L.)
| | - Sofia Dória
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rekha S, Nalini SJ, Bhuvana S, Kanmani S, Hirst JE, Venugopal V. Heat stress and adverse pregnancy outcome: Prospective cohort study. BJOG 2024; 131:612-622. [PMID: 37814395 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between occupational heat exposure, physiological heat strain indicators and adverse outcomes in pregnant women. DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING Workplaces in Tamil Nadu, India. SAMPLE A cohort of 800 pregnant women engaged in moderate to heavy physical work in 2017-2019 and 2021-2022. METHODS Participants were recruited at between 8 and 14 weeks of gestation. Occupational heat exposure and heat strain indicators were captured each trimester. 'Heat exposed' was defined as heat stress exceeding the threshold limit value (TLV) for safe manual work (with maximum wet-bulb globe temperatures of 27.5°C for a heavy workload and 28.0°C for a moderate workload). Physiological heat strain indicators (HSIs) such as core body temperature (CBT) and urine specific gravity (USG) were measured before and after each shift. Heat-related health symptoms were captured using the modified HOTHAPS questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures included (1) a composite measure of any adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) during pregnancy (including miscarriage, preterm birth, low birthweight, stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction and birth defects), (2) a composite measure of adverse outcomes at birth (3) and miscarriage. RESULTS Of the 800 participants, 47.3% had high occupational heat exposure. A rise in CBT was recorded in 17.4% of exposed workers, and 29.6% of workers experienced moderate dehydration (USG ≥ 1.020). Heat-exposed women had a doubled risk of miscarriage (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.0-5.7). High occupational heat exposure was associated with an increased risk of any adverse pregnancy and foetal outcome (aOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.4-3.8) and adverse outcome at birth (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3). CONCLUSIONS High occupational heat exposure is associated with HSIs and adverse pregnancy outcomes in India.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanmugam Rekha
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | - Sirala Jagadeesh Nalini
- Faculty of Nursing, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | - Srinivasan Bhuvana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | - Sellappa Kanmani
- Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | - Jane Elizabeth Hirst
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health and George Institute for Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Vidhya Venugopal
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shi T, Ma H, Li D, Pan L, Wang T, Li R, Ren X. Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter chemical constituents and the risk of stillbirth and the mediating role of pregnancy complications: A cohort study. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140858. [PMID: 38048830 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidence on the association of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure with stillbirth is limited and inconsistent, which is largely attributed to differences in PM2.5 constituents. Studies have found that the hazards of certain PM2.5 constituents to the fetus are comparable to or even higher than total PM2.5 mass. However, few studies have linked PM2.5 constituents to stillbirth. Moreover, the mediating role of pregnancy complications in PM2.5-related stillbirth remains unclear. To our knowledge, this study was the first to explore the individual and mixed associations of PM2.5 and its constituents with stillbirth in China. After matching the concentrations of PM2.5 and its constituents (sulfate [SO42-], nitrate [NO3-], ammonium [NH4+], organic matter [OM], and black carbon [BC]) for participants according to their geographical location, there were 170,507 participants included in this study. We found that stillbirth was associated with exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents in the year before pregnancy and during the entire pregnancy, and the associations in trimester 1 were strongest. The risk of stillbirth increased sharply when PM2.5 and its constituents during pregnancy exceeded the median concentrations. Moreover, stillbirth was associated with exposure to the mixtures of SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, OM, and BC before and during pregnancy (trimesters 1 and 2). Meanwhile, two-pollutant models also suggested stillbirth was associated with PM2.5 and its constituents in the year before and during pregnancy. The associations of PM2.5 and its constituents with stillbirth were stronger in mothers with advanced age and without cesarean delivery history. Additionally, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and placental abruption mediated the association of PM2.5 with stillbirth. Therefore, enhanced protection against PM2.5 for pregnant women before and during pregnancy and targeted interventions for pregnancy complications and anthropogenic sources of PM2.5 constituents are important to reduce stillbirth risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianshan Shi
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Hanping Ma
- Lanzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Donghua Li
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Li Pan
- Lanzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Tingrong Wang
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Rui Li
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Xiaowei Ren
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
O'Connor E, Leitao S, Fogarty AP, Greene R, O'Donoghue K. A systematic review of standardised tools used in perinatal death review programmes. Women Birth 2024; 37:88-97. [PMID: 37793961 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.09.006] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reducing preventable perinatal deaths is the focus of perinatal death surveillance and response programmes. Standardised review tools can help identify modifiable factors in perinatal deaths. AIM This systematic review aimed to identify, compare, and appraise perinatal mortality review tools (PMRTs) in upper-middle to high-income countries. METHODS Four major scientific databases were searched for publications relating to perinatal death reviews. There were no restrictions on date, study, or publication type. Professional websites for each country were searched for relevant material. The Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation Health Systems (AGREE-HS) checklist was used for quality appraisal of each tool. A narrative synthesis was used to describe and compare tools. FINDINGS Ten PMRTs were included. Five PMRTs were from high-income countries, four from upper-middle income countries and one was designed for use in a global context. The structure, content, and quality of each PMRT varied. Each tool collected information about the antepartum, intrapartum, and neonatal periods and a section to classify perinatal deaths using a standardised classification system. All tools reviewed the care provided. Five tools included recommendation development for changes to clinical care. Four tools mentioned parent involvement in the review process. For quality appraisal, one review tool scored "high quality", six scored "moderate quality" and two scored "poor quality". CONCLUSION There is little standardisation when it comes to PMRTs. Guidance on structuring PMRTs in a standardised way is needed. Recommendation development from a review is important to highlight changes to care required to reduce preventable perinatal deaths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily O'Connor
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 5th Floor, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland.
| | - Sara Leitao
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 5th Floor, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland
| | - Amy P Fogarty
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Richard Greene
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 5th Floor, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Qattea I, Quatei A, Farghaly MAA, Abdalla A, Mohamed MA, Aly H. Hospital Factors Associated with the Survival of Infants Born at Periviable Gestation: The USA National Database. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:133. [PMID: 38275443 PMCID: PMC10814032 DOI: 10.3390/children11010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Background: Reports on the survival of infants born at periviable gestation (GA of ≤24 weeks and birth weight of <500 gm) vary significantly. We aimed to determine hospital factors associated with their survival and to assess the trend for the timing of postnatal mortality in these periviable infants. Methods: We utilized the de-identified National Inpatient Sample (NIS) dataset of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). National data were analyzed for the years 2010-2018. Hospitals were categorized according to delivery volume, USA regions, and teaching status. Results: We identified 33,998,014 infants born during the study period; 76,231 infants were ≤24 weeks. Survival at birth and first 2 days of life was greatest in urban teaching hospitals in infants <24 weeks and those who completed 24 weeks, respectively. The Northeast region has the lowest survival rate. There was a significant delay in the postnatal day of mortality in periviable infants. Conclusions: Hospital factors are associated with increased survival rates. Improved survival in large teaching hospitals supports the need for the regionalization of care in infants born at the limits of viability. There was a significant delay in the postnatal mortality day.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Qattea
- Department of Pediatrics, Nassau University Medical Center, New York, NY 11554, USA
- Department of Neonatalogy, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, 9500 Euclid Avenue #M31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.Q.); (A.A.); (M.A.M.); (H.A.)
| | - Amani Quatei
- Department of Neonatalogy, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, 9500 Euclid Avenue #M31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.Q.); (A.A.); (M.A.M.); (H.A.)
| | - Mohsen A. A. Farghaly
- Department of Neonatalogy, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, 9500 Euclid Avenue #M31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.Q.); (A.A.); (M.A.M.); (H.A.)
| | - Alshimaa Abdalla
- Department of Neonatalogy, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, 9500 Euclid Avenue #M31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.Q.); (A.A.); (M.A.M.); (H.A.)
| | - Mohamed A. Mohamed
- Department of Neonatalogy, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, 9500 Euclid Avenue #M31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.Q.); (A.A.); (M.A.M.); (H.A.)
| | - Hany Aly
- Department of Neonatalogy, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, 9500 Euclid Avenue #M31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (A.Q.); (A.A.); (M.A.M.); (H.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yusuf H, Stokes J, Wattar BHA, Petrie A, Whitten SM, Siassakos D. Chance of healthy versus adverse outcome in subsequent pregnancy after previous loss beyond 16 weeks: data from a specialized follow-up clinic. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2165062. [PMID: 36632655 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2165062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Women with a previous fetal demise have a 2-20 fold increased risk of another stillbirth in a subsequent pregnancy when compared to those who have had a live birth. Despite this, there is limited research regarding the management and outcomes of subsequent pregnancies. This study was conducted to accurately quantify the chances of a woman having a healthy subsequent pregnancy after a pregnancy loss. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary-level unit between March 2019 and April 2021. We collected data on all women with a history of previous fetal demise attending a specialized perinatal history clinic and compared the risk of subsequent stillbirth to those with a normal pregnancy outcome. Outcome data included birth outcome, obstetric and medical complications, gestational age and birth weight and mode of delivery. Those who had healthy subsequent pregnancies were compared with those who experienced adverse outcomes. RESULTS A total of 101 cases were reviewed. Ninety-six women with subsequent pregnancies after a history of fetal demise from 16 weeks were included. Seventy-nine percent of women (n = 76) delivered a baby at term, without complications. Overall, 2.1% had repeat pregnancy losses (n = 2) and 2.1% delivered babies with fetal growth restriction (n = 2). There were no cases of abruption in a subsequent pregnancy. Eighteen neonates were delivered prematurely (18.4%), 15 of these (83.3%) were due to iatrogenic causes and three (16.7%) were spontaneous. In univariable logistic regression analyses, those with adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies had greater odds of pre-eclampsia (Odds ratio *(OR) = 3.89, 95% CI = 1.05-14.43, p = .042) and fetal growth restriction (OR = 4.58, 95% CI = 1.41-14.82, p = 0.011) in previous pregnancies compared to those with healthy outcomes. However, in multivariable logistic regression analyses, neither variable had a significant odds ratio (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 0.44-9.39, p = .366 and OR = 3.42, 95% CI = 0.90 - 13.09, p = .072 for pre-eclampsia and FGR, respectively). CONCLUSION Four in five women had a healthy subsequent pregnancy. This is a reassuring figure for women when contemplating another pregnancy, particularly if cared for in a specialist clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Yusuf
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,UCL Medical School, University College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Jenny Stokes
- Division of Women's Health, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Bassel H Al Wattar
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Reproductive Medicine Unit, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Aviva Petrie
- UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Sara M Whitten
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Division of Women's Health, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Dimitrios Siassakos
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Division of Women's Health, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Wellcome EPSRC Centre for Interventional & Surgical Sciences (WEISS), London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Martínez-García E, Lara-Rodríguez H, Álvarez-Serrano MA, González-García A, Martín-Salvador A, Gázquez-López M, Pérez-Morente MÁ. Good practices in perinatal bereavement care in public maternity hospitals in Southern Spain. Midwifery 2023; 124:103749. [PMID: 37271065 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103749] [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: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the attitudes and care practices of midwives and nurses in the province of Granada in relation to death care and perinatal bereavement, to determine their degree of adaptation to international standards and to identify possible differences in personal factors among those who best adapt to international recommendations. DESIGN A local survey of 117 nurses and midwives from the five maternity hospitals in the province was conducted using the Lucina questionnaire developed to explore professionals' emotions, opinions, and knowledge during perinatal bereavement care. Adaptation of practices to international recommendations was assessed using the CiaoLapo Stillbirth Support (CLASS) checklist. Socio-demographic data were collected to establish their association with increased compliance with recommendations. FINDINGS The response rate was 75.4%, the majority were women (88.9%), with a mean age of 40.9 (SD=1.4) and 17.4 (SD= 10.58) years of work experience. Midwives were the most represented (67.5%) and reported having attended more cases of perinatal death (p = 0.010) and having more specific training (p<0.001.) Of these, 57.3% would recommend immediate delivery, 26.5% would recommend the use of pharmacological sedation during delivery and 47% would take the baby immediately if the parents expressed their wish not to watch them. On the other hand, only 58% would be in favour of taking photos for the creation of memories, 47% would bathe and dress the baby in all cases, and 33.3% would allow the company of other family members. The percentage that matched each recommendation on memory-making was 58%, 41.9% matched the recommendations on respect for the baby and parents, and 23% and 10.3% matched the appropriate delivery and follow-up options, respectively. The factors associated with 100% of the recommendations, according to the care sector, were being a woman, a midwife, having specific training and having personally experienced the situation. KEY CONCLUSIONS Although the levels of adaptation observed are more favourable than in other nearby contexts, serious deficiencies are identified in the province of Granada with respect to internationally agreed recommendations on perinatal bereavement care. More training and awareness-raising of midwives and nurses is needed, which also considers factors related to better compliance. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE This is the first study to quantify the degree of adaptation to international recommendations in Spain reported by midwives and nurses, as well as the individual factors associated with a higher level of compliance. Areas for improvement and explanatory variables of adaptation are identified, which allow support for possible training and awareness-raising programmes aimed at improving the quality of care provided to bereaved families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Encarnación Martínez-García
- Department of Nursing. University of Granada, Spain; Guadix Hospital (Granada). Andalusian Health Service, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Escañuela Sánchez T, O Donoghue K, Byrne M, Meaney S, Matvienko-Sikar K. A systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention. Women Birth 2023; 36:e495-e508. [PMID: 37179243 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.05.002] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth is one of the most devastating pregnancy outcomes that families can experience. Previous research has associated a wide range of risk factors with stillbirth, including maternal behaviours such as substance use, sleep position and attendance and engagement with antenatal care. Hence, some preventive efforts have been focused on tackling the behavioural risk factors for stillbirth. This study aimed to identify the Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) used in behaviour change interventions tacking behavioural risk factors for stillbirth such as substance use, sleep position, unattendance to antenatal care and weight management. STUDY DESIGN A systematic review of the literature was conducted in June 2021 and updated in November 2022 in five databases: CINHAL, Psyhinfo, SociIndex, PubMed and Web of Science. Studies published in high-income countries describing interventions designed in the context of stillbirth prevention, reporting stillbirth rates and changes in behaviour were eligible for inclusion. BCTs were identified using the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1. RESULTS Nine interventions were included in this review identified in 16 different publications. Of these, 4 interventions focused on more than one behaviour (smoking, monitoring fetal movements, sleep position, care-seeking behaviours), one focused on smoking, three on monitoring fetal movements and one on sleep position. Twenty-seven BCTs were identified across all interventions. The most commonly used was "Information about health consequences" (n = 7/9) followed by "Adding objects to the environment" (n = 6/9). One of the interventions included in this review has not been assessed for efficacy yet, of the remaining eight, three showed results in the reduction of stillbirth rates. and four interventions produced behaviour change (smoking reductions, increased knowledge, reduced supine sleeping time). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that interventions designed to date have limited effects on the rates of stillbirth and utilise a limited number of BCTs which are mostly focused on information provision. Further research is necessary to design evidence base behaviour change interventions with a greater focus to tackle all the other factors influencing behaviour change during pregnancy (e.g.: social influence, environmental barriers).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Escañuela Sánchez
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC), University College Cork. Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Keelin O Donoghue
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Molly Byrne
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sarah Meaney
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC), University College Cork. Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rekha S, Nalini SJ, Bhuvana S, Kanmani S, Vidhya V. A Comprehensive Review on Hot Ambient Temperature and its Impacts on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. JOURNAL OF MOTHER AND CHILD 2023; 27:10-20. [PMID: 37368943 PMCID: PMC10298495 DOI: 10.34763/jmotherandchild.20232701.d-22-00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High workplace/ambient temperatures have been associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (APO). Millions of women working in developing nations suffer due to the rising temperatures caused by climate change. There are few pieces of research linking occupational heat stress to APO, and fresh evidence is required. METHODOLOGY We used databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct to search for research on high ambient/workplace temperatures and their effects. Original articles, newsletters, and book chapters were examined. The literature we analysed was categorised as follows: Heat, strain, and physical activity harming both mother and fetus. After categorising the literature, it was examined to identify the major results. RESULTS We found a definite association between heat stress and APOs such as miscarriages, premature birth, stillbirth, low birthweight, and congenital abnormalities in 23 research articles. Our work provides important information for future research into the biological mechanisms that create APOs and various prevention measures. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that temperature has long-term and short-term effects on maternal and fetal health. Though small in number, this study stressed the need for bigger cohort studies in tropical developing countries to create evidence for coordinated policies to safeguard pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanmugam Rekha
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sirala Jagadeesh Nalini
- Faculty of Nursing, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srinivasan Bhuvana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S. Kanmani
- Centre for Environmental Studies, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Venugopal Vidhya
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vercoutere A, Zina MJ, Benoit K, Costa E, Derisbourg S, Boulvain M, Roelens K, Vandenberghe G, Daelemans C. Late miscarriage and stillbirth in asymptomatic and symptomatic hospitalised pregnant women in Belgium during the first and second waves of COVID-19: a prospective nationwide population-based study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:356. [PMID: 37193958 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05624-3] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth has been recognized as a possible complication of a SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, probably due to destructive placental lesions (SARS-CoV-2 placentitis). The aim of this work is to analyse stillbirth and late miscarriage cases in unvaccinated pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the first two waves (wild-type period) in Belgium. METHODS Stillbirths and late miscarriages in our prospective observational nationwide registry of SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women (n = 982) were classified by three authors using a modified WHO-UMC classification system for standardized case causality assessment. RESULTS Our cohort included 982 hospitalised pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2, with 23 fetal demises (10 late miscarriages from 12 to 22 weeks of gestational age and 13 stillbirths). The stillbirth rate was 9.5‰ for singleton pregnancies and 83.3‰ for multiple pregnancies, which seems higher than for the background population (respectively 5.6‰ and 13.8‰). The agreement between assessors about the causal relationship with SARS-Cov-2 infection was fair (global weighted kappa value of 0.66). Among these demises, 17.4% (4/23) were "certainly" attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, 13.0% (3/23) "probably" and 30.4% (7/23) "possibly". Better agreement in the rating was noticed when pathological examination of the placenta and identification of the virus were available, underlining the importance of a thorough investigation in case of intra-uterine fetal demise. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 causality assessment of late miscarriage and stillbirth cases in our Belgian nationwide case series has shown that half of the fetal losses could be attributable to SARS-CoV-2. We must consider in future epidemic emergencies to rigorously investigate cases of intra-uterine fetal demise and to store placental tissue and other material for future analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An Vercoutere
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Anderlecht, Belgium
| | | | - Karolien Benoit
- Belgian Obstetrical Surveillance System, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elena Costa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Anderlecht, Belgium
| | - Sara Derisbourg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Anderlecht, Belgium
| | - Michel Boulvain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Anderlecht, Belgium
| | - Kristien Roelens
- Belgian Obstetrical Surveillance System, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Griet Vandenberghe
- Belgian Obstetrical Surveillance System, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Daelemans
- Belgian Obstetrical Surveillance System, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Woman, Child and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Silva Rocha ED, de Morais Melo FL, de Mello MEF, Figueiroa B, Sampaio V, Endo PT. On usage of artificial intelligence for predicting mortality during and post-pregnancy: a systematic review of literature. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:334. [PMID: 36536413 PMCID: PMC9764498 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-02082-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care during pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium are fundamental to avoid pathologies for the mother and her baby. However, health issues can occur during this period, causing misfortunes, such as the death of the fetus or neonate. Predictive models of fetal and infant deaths are important technological tools that can help to reduce mortality indexes. The main goal of this work is to present a systematic review of literature focused on computational models to predict mortality, covering stillbirth, perinatal, neonatal, and infant deaths, highlighting their methodology and the description of the proposed computational models. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of literature, limiting the search to the last 10 years of publications considering the five main scientific databases as source. RESULTS From 671 works, 18 of them were selected as primary studies for further analysis. We found that most of works are focused on prediction of neonatal deaths, using machine learning models (more specifically Random Forest). The top five most common features used to train models are birth weight, gestational age, sex of the child, Apgar score and mother's age. Having predictive models for preventing mortality during and post-pregnancy not only improve the mother's quality of life, as well as it can be a powerful and low-cost tool to decrease mortality ratios. CONCLUSION Based on the results of this SRL, we can state that scientific efforts have been done in this area, but there are many open research opportunities to be developed by the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisson da Silva Rocha
- grid.26141.300000 0000 9011 5442Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia da Computação, Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Flavio Leandro de Morais Melo
- grid.26141.300000 0000 9011 5442Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia da Computação, Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Barbara Figueiroa
- Programa Mãe Coruja Pernambucana, Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Patricia Takako Endo
- grid.26141.300000 0000 9011 5442Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia da Computação, Universidade de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Odendaal H, Pattinson R, Schubert P, Mason D, Brink L, Gebhardt S, Groenewald C, Wright C. The key role of examining the placenta in establishing a probable cause for stillbirth. Placenta 2022; 129:77-83. [PMID: 36257090 PMCID: PMC10618053 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autopsy is regarded as the "gold standard" to determine probable causes of stillbirths. However, autopsy is expensive and not readily available in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, we assessed how the clinical cause of death is modified by adding placental histology and autopsy findings. METHOD Data from the Safe Passage Study was used where 7060 pregnant women were followed prospectively. Following a stillbirth, each case was discussed and classified at weekly perinatal mortality meetings. This classification was later adapted to the WHO ICD PM system. Clinical information was presented first, and a possible cause of death decided upon and noted. The placental histology was then presented and, again, a possible cause of death, using the placental and clinical information, was decided upon and noted, followed by autopsy information. Diagnoses were then compared to determine how often the additional information changed the initial clinical findings. RESULTS Clinical information, placental histology, and autopsy results were available in 47 stillbirths. There were major amendments from the clinical only diagnoses when placental histology was added. Forty cases were classified as due to M1: complications of placenta, cord, and membranes, when placental histology was added compared to 7 cases with clinical classification only, and M5: No maternal condition identified decreased from 30 cases to 3 cases. Autopsy findings confirmed the clinical and placental histology findings. DISCUSSION Clinical information together with examination of the placenta revealed sufficient information to diagnose the most probable cause of death in 40 of 47 cases of stillbirth (85%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hein Odendaal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 241, 8000, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Robert Pattinson
- SAMRC/UP Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | - Pawel Schubert
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Deidré Mason
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 241, 8000, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucy Brink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 241, 8000, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan Gebhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 241, 8000, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Coenraad Groenewald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, P O Box 241, 8000, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Colleen Wright
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Tygerberg Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kayode GA, Judge A, Burden C, Winter C, Draycott T, Thilaganathan B, Lenguerrand E. Temporal trends in stillbirth over eight decades in England and Wales: A longitudinal analysis of over 56 million births and lives saved by improvements in maternity care. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04072. [PMID: 36112509 PMCID: PMC9480862 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Considering the public health importance of stillbirth, this study quantified the trends in stillbirths over eight decades in England and Wales. Methods This longitudinal study utilized the publicly available aggregated data from the Office for National Statistics that captured maternity information for babies delivered in England and Wales from 1940 to 2019. We computed the trends in stillbirth with the associated incidence risk difference, incidence risk ratio, and extra lives saved per decade. Results From 1940-2019, 56 906 273 births were reported. The stillbirth rate declined (85%) drastically up to the early 1980s. In the initial five decades, the estimated number of deaths per decade further decreased by 67 765 (9.49/1000 births) in 1940-1949, 2569 (0.08/1000 births) in 1950-1959, 9121 (3.50/1000 births) in 1960-1969, 15 262 (2.31/1000 births) in 1970-1979, and 10 284 (1.57/1000 births) in 1980-1989. However, the stillbirth rate increased by an additional 3850 (0.58/1000 births) stillbirths in 1990-1999 and 693 (0.11/1000 births) stillbirths in 2000-2009. The stillbirth rate declined again during 2010-2019, with 3714 fewer stillbirths (0.54/1000 births). The incidence of maternal age <20 years reduced over time, but pregnancy among older women (>35 years) increased. Conclusions The stillbirth rate declined drastically, but the rate of decline slowed in the last three decades. Though teenage pregnancy (<20 years) had reduced, the prevalence of women with a higher risk of stillbirth may have risen due to an increase in advanced maternal age. Improved, more personalised care is required to reduce the stillbirth rate further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gbenga A Kayode
- Translational Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Judge
- Translational Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Christy Burden
- Translational Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Cathy Winter
- Royal College of Midwives, London, United Kingdom
- The PROMPT Maternity Foundation, Department of Women's Health, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Draycott
- Translational Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
- The PROMPT Maternity Foundation, Department of Women's Health, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
| | - Basky Thilaganathan
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, United Kingdom
- St. George’s University Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Lenguerrand
- Translational Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Escañuela Sánchez T, Byrne M, Meaney S, O'Donoghue K, Matvienko-Sikar K. A protocol for a systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention. HRB Open Res 2022; 4:92. [PMID: 36743684 PMCID: PMC9874168 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13375.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stillbirth is a devastating pregnancy outcome that affects approximately 3.5 per 1000 births in high-income countries. Previous research has highlighted the importance of focusing prevention efforts on targeting risk factors and vulnerable groups. A wide range of risk factors has been associated with stillbirth before, including maternal behaviours such as back sleep position, smoking, alcohol intake, illicit drug use, and inadequate attendance at antenatal care. Given the modifiable nature of these risk factors, there has been an increase in the design of behaviour change interventions targeting such behaviours to reduce the risk of stillbirth. Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify all behavioural interventions with a behavioural component designed and trialled for the prevention of stillbirth in high-income countries, and to identify the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in such interventions using the Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy V1 (BCTTv1). Inclusion criteria: Interventions will be included in this review if they (1) have the objective of reducing stillbirth rates with a focus on behavioural risk factors; (2) are implemented in high-income countries; (3) target pregnant women or women of childbearing age; and (4) are published in research articles. Methods: A systematic search of the literature will be conducted. The results of the search will be screened against our inclusion criteria by two authors. The following data items will be extracted from the selected papers: general information, study characteristics, participant and intervention/approach details. The Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) risk of bias criteria will be used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Intervention content will be coded for BCTs as present (+) or absent (-) by two authors using the BCTTv1, discrepancies will be discussed with a third author. A narrative synthesis approach will be used to present the results of this systematic review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Escañuela Sánchez
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,
| | - Molly Byrne
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sarah Meaney
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Escañuela Sánchez T, Byrne M, Meaney S, O'Donoghue K, Matvienko-Sikar K. A protocol for a systematic review of behaviour change techniques used in the context of stillbirth prevention. HRB Open Res 2022; 4:92. [PMID: 36743684 PMCID: PMC9874168 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13375.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stillbirth is a devastating pregnancy outcome that affects approximately 3.5 per 1000 births in high-income countries. Previous research has highlighted the importance of focusing prevention efforts on targeting risk factors and vulnerable groups. A wide range of risk factors has been associated with stillbirth before, including maternal behaviours such as back sleep position, smoking, alcohol intake, illicit drug use, and inadequate attendance at antenatal care. Given the modifiable nature of these risk factors, there has been an increase in the design of behaviour change interventions targeting such behaviours to reduce the risk of stillbirth. Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify all behavioural interventions with a behavioural component designed and trialled for the prevention of stillbirth in high-income countries, and to identify the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in such interventions using the Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy V1 (BCTTv1). Inclusion criteria: Interventions will be included in this review if they (1) have the objective of reducing stillbirth rates with a focus on behavioural risk factors; (2) are implemented in high-income countries; (3) target pregnant women or women of childbearing age; and (4) are published in research articles. Methods: A systematic search of the literature will be conducted. The results of the search will be screened against our inclusion criteria by two authors. The following data items will be extracted from the selected papers: general information, study characteristics, participant and intervention/approach details. The Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) risk of bias criteria will be used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Intervention content will be coded for BCTs as present (+) or absent (-) by two authors using the BCTTv1, discrepancies will be discussed with a third author. A narrative synthesis approach will be used to present the results of this systematic review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Escañuela Sánchez
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,
| | - Molly Byrne
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sarah Meaney
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gissler M, Durox M, Smith L, Blondel B, Broeders L, Hindori-Mohangoo A, Kearns K, Kolarova R, Loghi M, Rodin U, Szamotulska K, Velebil P, Weber G, Zurriaga O, Zeitlin J. Clarity and consistency in stillbirth reporting in Europe: why is it so hard to get this right? Eur J Public Health 2022; 32:200-206. [PMID: 35157046 PMCID: PMC8975542 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stillbirth is a major public health problem, but measurement remains a challenge even in high-income countries. We compared routine stillbirth statistics in Europe reported by Eurostat with data from the Euro-Peristat research network. Methods We used data on stillbirths in 2015 from both sources for 31 European countries. Stillbirth rates per 1000 total births were analyzed by gestational age (GA) and birthweight groups. Information on termination of pregnancy at ≥22 weeks’ GA was analyzed separately. Results Routinely collected stillbirth rates were higher than those reported by the research network. For stillbirths with a birthweight ≥500 g, the difference between the mean rates of the countries for Eurostat and Euro-Peristat data was 22% [4.4/1000, versus 3.5/1000, mean difference 0.9 with 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8–1.0]. When using a birthweight threshold of 1000 g, this difference was smaller, 12% (2.9/1000, versus 2.5/1000, mean difference 0.4 with 95% CI 0.3–0.5), but substantial differences remained for individual countries. In Euro-Peristat, missing data on birthweight ranged from 0% to 29% (average 5.0%) and were higher than missing data for GA (0–23%, average 1.8%). Conclusions Routine stillbirth data for European countries in international databases are not comparable and should not be used for benchmarking or surveillance without careful verification with other sources. Recommendations for improvement include using a cut-off based on GA, excluding late terminations of pregnancy and linking multiple sources to improve the quality of national databases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mika Gissler
- THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mélanie Durox
- Université de Paris, CRESS, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), INSERM, INRA, Paris, F-75004, France
| | - Lucy Smith
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Béatrice Blondel
- THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Broeders
- The Netherlands Perinatal Registry (Perined), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ashna Hindori-Mohangoo
- Foundation for Perinatal Interventions and Research in Suriname (PeriSur), Paramaribo, Suriname.,Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Karen Kearns
- National Finance Division, Healthcare Pricing Office, HSE, Dublin
| | | | - Marzia Loghi
- Directorate for Social Statistics and Welfare, Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT), Rome, Italy
| | - Urelija Rodin
- Croatian Institute of Public Health, School of Public Health 'Andrija Štampar', School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Katarzyna Szamotulska
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Research Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Petr Velebil
- Institute for the Care of Mother and Child, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Guy Weber
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Directorate of Health, Luxembourg
| | - Oscar Zurriaga
- Public Health General Directorate, Valencia Regional Public Health Authority, Spain.,Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department, University of Valencia, Spain.,Centre for Network Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jennifer Zeitlin
- Université de Paris, CRESS, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), INSERM, INRA, Paris, F-75004, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yang C, Yang S, Zheng W, Zu R, Ran S, Wu H, Ren B, Lv N, Kuang Y, Li M, Du J, Guan Y. Effect of a 60-day weight reduction intervention prior to IVF/ICSI on perinatal outcomes in overweight or obese infertile women. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1062790. [PMID: 36531452 PMCID: PMC9755661 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1062790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine whether a 60-day weight reduction intervention prior to in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) and a higher weight loss ratio effectively improved perinatal outcomes for infertile overweight or obese women. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a university-affiliated fertility center. Two thousand three hundred and eighty-one overweight or obese infertile women who underwent or did not undergo a 60-day weight reduction intervention prior to IVF/ICSI between February 27, 2017 and November 11, 2020 were included in this study. All of these women achieved clinical pregnancy and delivered a single child after assisted reproductive technology (ART). Primary outcomes included neonatal birth weight and the incidence of pregnancy complications, premature delivery, and low birth weight. RESULTS The body mass index (BMI), blood glucose concentration, serum insulin level, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of the intervention group decreased significantly after the weight reduction intervention. Neonatal birth weight was significantly higher in the intervention group (3519.6 g ±484.8 g) than the control group (3406.8 g ± 554.2 g; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of pregnancy complications between the two groups. Linear regression analysis found that the weight reduction intervention prior to IVF/ICSI and lower HOMA-IR at ovulation induction were associated with increased birth weight. As the weight loss ratio increased, the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, premature membrane rupture, premature delivery, stillbirth, and low birth weight showed a downward trend. CONCLUSIONS A 60-day weight reduction intervention prior to IVF/ICSI may increase neonatal birth weight, reduce maternal blood glucose concentration, and improve maternal insulin resistance in infertile overweight or obese women. This results require to be further verified by prospective randomized controlled trials with a larger sample size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuheng Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ruowen Zu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shiyu Ran
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bingnan Ren
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ning Lv
- Department of Nutrition, Zhejiang Nutriease Health Technology Company Limited, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yihui Kuang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengna Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jiangbo Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Henan Centre), the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Henan Centre), the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Yichun Guan,
| |
Collapse
|