The increasing trend in preterm birth in public hospitals in northern Argentina

Adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in Latin America and the Caribbean: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective.

To estimate the point prevalence and likely ranges of pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, low birth weight and preterm delivery in Latin America and the Caribbean, and evaluate the heterogeneity of the estimates.

Methods.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies reporting the prevalence of maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes in populations in Latin American and the Caribbean published between 2000 and 2019 in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. We searched PubMed, Embase, and LILACS. We estimated the point prevalence and evaluated overall heterogeneity and, in sub-group analyses, heterogeneity by study design and level of bias.

Results.

Of 1087 records retrieved, 50 articles were included in the review: two on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, 14 on pre-eclampsia, six on gestational diabetes, nine on low birth weight and 19 on preterm birth. No meta-analysis for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy could be done because of the small number of studies. Point prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, low birth weight, and preterm birth were: 6.6% (95% CI: 4.9%, 8.6%), 8.5% (95% CI: 3.9%, 14.7%), 8.5% (95% CI: 7.2%, 9.8%), and 10.0% (95% CI: 8.0%, 12.0%), respectively. We observed substantial heterogeneity overall and by study design. No major differences in estimates were observed by level of bias.

Conclusions.

The results of this study provide updated estimates of some of the most prevalent adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in Latin America and the Caribbean. They highlight that important heterogeneity exists in prevalence estimates, which may reflect the diversity of populations in the region.

Trends in preterm birth in singleton and multiple gestations in the Netherlands 2008-2015: A population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Preterm birth is the most important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Over the past years several preventive measures have been studied and implemented. Preterm birth percentage in 2015 in the Netherlands was 6.9 %, according to data from the European Peristat project, reporting on perinatal health in Europe. Various preventive measures might have influenced the incidence and outcome of preterm birth. Our aim was to give an overview of the trends in preterm births for both singleton and multiple gestations in the Netherlands in order to guide future research.

STUDY DESIGN

We studied a nationwide cohort including both singleton and multiple gestations without congenital anomalies between 2008 and 2015. Outcomes were total preterm birth (defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation), spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm birth < 37 weeks, spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm birth percentages between 34-36 weeks, 32-34 weeks, 28-31 weeks and ≤ 27 weeks using a moving average technique. Trend analysis was performed using the Cochran Armitage test. Singleton and multiple gestations were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

Our final study population comprised 1,303.786 women with a singleton and 44,951 women with a multiple pregnancy. Preterm birth < 37 weeks in singletons decreased from 5.6 % in 2008 to 5.3 % in 2015 (P < 0.0001), in both spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm birth. Preterm birth ≤ 27 weeks increased from 0.40 % to 0.45 % (P for trend <0.0001). The number of multiple gestations decreased over the years, as well as the percentage of multiples conceived through IVF/ICSI. There was an increase in total and iatrogenic preterm birth < 37 weeks from 36.7-38.2% (P < 0.0001) in multiples. The number of multiples <32 decreased, in both the spontaneous and iatrogenic group.

CONCLUSION

In the Netherlands preterm birth risk in singletons decreased between 2008 and 2015 but an increase was noted in preterm birth ≤ 27 weeks. In multiples the total preterm birth risk increased, due to an increase in indicated preterm birth.

Real-World Evidence in Healthcare Decision Making: Global Trends and Case Studies From Latin America

BACKGROUND

Real-world evidence (RWE) is increasingly used to inform health technology assessments for resource allocation, which are valuable tools for emerging economies such as in America. Nevertheless, the characteristics and uses in South America are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To identify sources, characteristics, and uses of RWE in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, and evaluate the context-specific challenges. The implications for future regulation and responsible management of RWE in the region are also considered.

METHODS

A systematic literature review, database mapping, and targeted gray literature search were conducted to identify the sources and characteristics of RWE. Findings were validated by key opinion leaders attending workshops in 4 South American countries.

RESULTS

A database mapping exercise revealed 407 unique databases. Geographic scope, database type, population, and outcomes captured were reported. Characteristics of national health information systems show efforts to collect interoperable data from service providers, insurers, and government agencies, but that initiatives are hampered by fragmentation, lack of stewardship, and resources. In South America, RWE is mainly used for pharmacovigilance and as pure academic research, but less so for health technology assessment decision making or pricing negotiations and not at all to inform early access schemes.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of real-world data in the case study countries vary and RWE is not consistently used in healthcare decision making. Authors recommend that future studies monitor the impact of digitalization and the potential effects of access to RWE on the quality of patient care.

Risk factors for premature birth in French Guiana: the importance of reducing health inequalities

OBJECTIVES

French Guiana has the highest birth rate in South America. This French territory also has the highest premature birth rate and perinatal mortality rate of all French territories. The objective was to determine the premature birth rate and to identify the prevalence of risk factors of premature birth in French Guiana.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all births in French Guiana was conducted between January 2013 and December 2014 using the computerized registry compiling all live births over 22 weeks of gestation on the territory.

RESULTS

During this period 12 983 live births were reported on the territory. 13.5% of newborns were born before 37 (1755/12 983). The study of the registry revealed that common sociodemographic risk factors of prematurity were present. In addition, past obstetrical history was also important: a scarred uterus increased the risk of prematurity adjusted odds ratio =1.4, 95%CI (1.2-1.6). Similarly, obstetrical surveillance, the absence of preparation for birth or of prenatal interview increased the risk of prematurity by 2.4 and 2.3, the excess fraction in the population was 69% and 72.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Known classical risk factors are important. In the present study excess fractions were calculated in order to prioritize interventions to reduce the prematurity rate.