Stillbirth: Case definition and guidelines for data collection, analysis, and presentation of maternal immunization safety data

The effect of birth timing manipulation around carnival on birth indicators in Brazil

This paper studies the patterns and consequences of birth timing manipulation around the carnival holiday in Brazil. We document how births are displaced around carnival and estimate the effect of displacement on birth indicators. We show that there is extensive birth timing manipulation in the form of both anticipation and postponement that results in a net increase in gestational length and reductions in neonatal and early neonatal mortality, driven by postponed births that would otherwise happen through scheduled c-sections. We also find a reduction in birthweight for high-risk births at the bottom of the weight distribution, driven by anticipation. Therefore, restrictions on usual delivery procedures due to the carnival holiday can be both beneficial and detrimental, raising a double-sided issue to be addressed by policymakers.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination and Stillbirth in the Vaccine Safety Datalink

OBJECTIVE

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is recommended in pregnancy to reduce the risk of severe morbidity from COVID-19. However, vaccine hesitancy persists among pregnant people, with risk of stillbirth being a primary concern. Our objective was to examine the association between COVID-19 vaccination and stillbirth.

METHODS

We performed a matched case-control study in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). Stillbirths and live births were selected from singleton pregnancies among persons aged 16-49 years with at least one prenatal, delivery, or postpartum visit at eight participating VSD sites. Stillbirths identified through diagnostic codes were adjudicated to confirm the outcome, date, and gestational age at fetal death. Confirmed antepartum stillbirths that occurred between February 14, 2021, and February 27, 2022, then were matched 1:3 to live births by pregnancy start date, VSD site, and maternal age at delivery. Associations among antepartum stillbirth and COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy, vaccine manufacturer, number of vaccine doses received, and vaccination within 6 weeks before stillbirth (or index date in live births) were evaluated using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

In the matched analysis of 276 confirmed antepartum stillbirths and 822 live births, we found no association between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and stillbirth (38.4% stillbirths vs 39.3% live births in vaccinated individuals, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.02, 95% CI, 0.76-1.37). Furthermore, no association between COVID-19 vaccination and stillbirth was detected by vaccine manufacturer (Moderna: aOR 1.00, 95% CI, 0.62-1.62; Pfizer-BioNTech: aOR 1.00, 95% CI, 0.69-1.43), number of vaccine doses received during pregnancy (1 vs 0: aOR 1.17, 95% CI, 0.75-1.83; 2 vs 0: aOR 0.98, 95% CI, 0.81-1.17), or COVID-19 vaccination within the 6 weeks before stillbirth or index date compared with no vaccination (aOR 1.16, 95% CI, 0.74-1.83).

CONCLUSION

No association was found between COVID-19 vaccination and stillbirth. These findings further support recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy.

A Systematic Review of Methods and Practice for Integrating Maternal, Fetal, and Child Health Outcomes, and Family Spillover Effects into Cost-Utility Analyses

BACKGROUND

Maternal-perinatal interventions delivered during pregnancy or childbirth have unique characteristics that impact the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the mother, fetus, and newborn child. However, maternal-perinatal cost-utility analyses (CUAs) often only consider either maternal or child health outcomes. Challenges include, but are not limited to, measuring fetal, newborn, and infant health outcomes, and assessing their impact on maternal HRQoL. It is also important to recognize the impact of maternal-perinatal health on family members' HRQoL (i.e., family spillover effects) and to incorporate these effects in maternal-perinatal CUAs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to systematically review the methods used to include health outcomes of pregnant women, fetuses, and children and to incorporate family spillover effects in maternal-perinatal CUAs.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase, EconLit, Cochrane Collection, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA), and the Pediatric Economic Database Evaluation (PEDE) databases from inception to 2020 to identify maternal-perinatal CUAs that included health outcomes for pregnant women, fetuses, and/or children. The search was updated to December 2022 using PEDE. Data describing how the health outcomes of mothers, fetuses, and children were measured, incorporated, and reported along with the data on family spillover effects were extracted.

RESULTS

Out of 174 maternal-perinatal CUAs identified, 62 considered the health outcomes of pregnant women, and children. Among the 54 quality-adjusted life year (QALY)-based CUAs, 12 included fetal health outcomes, the impact of fetal loss on mothers' HRQoL, and the impact of neonatal demise on mothers' HRQoL. Four studies considered fetal health outcomes and the effects of fetal loss on mothers' HRQoL. One study included fetal health outcomes and the impact of neonatal demise on maternal HRQoL. Furthermore, six studies considered the impact of neonatal demise on maternal HRQoL, while four included fetal health outcomes. One study included the impact of fetal loss on maternal HRQoL. The remaining 26 only included the health outcomes of pregnant women and children. Among the eight disability-adjusted life year (DALY)-based CUAs, two measured fetal health outcomes. Out of 174 studies, only one study included family spillover effects. The most common measurement approach was to measure the health outcomes of pregnant women and children separately. Various approaches were used to assess fetal losses in terms of QALYs or DALYs and their impact on HRQoL of mothers. The most common integration approach was to sum the QALYs or DALYs for pregnant women and children. Most studies reported combined QALYs and incremental QALYs, or DALYs and incremental DALYs, at the family level for pregnant women and children.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one-third of maternal-perinatal CUAs included the health outcomes of pregnant women, fetuses, and/or children. Future CUAs of maternal-perinatal interventions, conducted from a societal perspective, should aim to incorporate health outcomes for mothers, fetuses, and children when appropriate. The various approaches used within these CUAs highlight the need for standardized measurement and integration methods, potentially leading to rigorous and standardized inclusion practices, providing higher-quality evidence to better inform decision-makers about the costs and benefits of maternal-perinatal interventions. Health Technology Assessment agencies may consider providing guidance for interventions affecting future lives in future updates.

First Nations Peoples' perceptions, knowledge and beliefs regarding stillbirth prevention and bereavement practices: A mixed methods systematic review

BACKGROUND

First Nations Peoples endure disproportionate rates of stillbirth compared with non-First Nations Peoples. Previous interventions have aimed at reducing stillbirth in First Nations Peoples and providing better bereavement care without necessarily understanding the perceptions, knowledge and beliefs that could influence the design of the intervention and implementation.

AIM

The aim of this review was to understand the perceptions, knowledge and beliefs about stillbirth prevention and bereavement of First Nations Peoples from the US, Canada, Aotearoa/New Zealand, and Australia.

METHODS

This review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for a convergent integrated mixed method systematic review. This review was overseen by an advisory board of Aboriginal Elders, researchers, and clinicians. A search of eight databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Dissertations and Theses and Indigenous Health InfoNet) and grey literature was conducted. All studies were screened, extracted, and appraised for quality by two reviewers and results were categorised, and narratively summarised.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included within this review. Their findings were summarised into four categories: safeguarding baby, traditional practices of birthing and grieving, bereavement photography and post-mortem examination. The results indicate a diversity of perceptions, knowledge and beliefs primarily around smoking cessation and bereavement practices after stillbirth. However, there was a paucity of research available.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is needed to understand the perceptions, knowledge and beliefs about stillbirth among First Nations Peoples. Without research within this area, interventions to prevent stillbirth and support bereaved parents and their communities after stillbirth may face barriers to implementation.

The placenta in fetal death: molecular evidence of dysregulation of inflammatory, proliferative, and fetal protective pathways

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that over 2 million cases of fetal death occur worldwide every year, but, despite the high incidence, several basic and clinical characteristics of this disorder are still unclear. Placenta is suggested to play a central role in fetal death. Placenta produces hormones, cytokines and growth factors that modulate functions of the placental-maternal unit. Fetal death has been correlated with impaired secretion of some of these regulatory factors.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate, in placentas collected from fetal death, the gene expression of inflammatory, proliferative and protective factors.

STUDY DESIGN

Cases of fetal death in singleton pregnancy were retrospectively selected, excluding pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction and moderate to severe maternal diseases. A group of placentas collected from healthy singleton term pregnancies were used as controls. Groups were compared regarding maternal and gestational age, fetal sex and birthweight. Placental messenger RNA expression of inflammatory (interleukin 6), proliferative (activin A, transforming growth factor β1) and regulatory (vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC) ABCB1 and ABCG2, sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling pathway) markers was conducted using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis and graphical representation of the data were performed using the GraphPad Prism 5 software. For the statistical analysis, Student's t test was used, and P values<.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Placental mRNA expression of interleukin 6 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 resulted significantly higher in the fetal death group compared to controls (P<.01), while activin A, ABCB1, and ABCG2 expression resulted significantly lower (P<.01). A significant alteration in the sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling pathway was found in the fetal death group, with an increased expression of the specific receptor isoforms sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1, 3, and 4 (sphingosine 1-phosphate1, sphingosine 1-phosphate3, sphingosine 1-phosphate4) and of sphingosine kinase 2, 1 of the enzyme isoforms responsible for sphingosine 1-phosphate synthesis (P<.01).

CONCLUSION

The present study confirmed a significantly increased expression of placental interleukin 6 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 mRNA, and for the first time showed an increased expression of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors and sphingosine kinase 2 as well as a decreased expression of activin A and of selected ATP-binding cassette transporters, suggesting that multiple inflammatory and protective factors are deranged in placenta of fetal death.

Multidisciplinary Workup for Stillbirth at a Tertiary-Care Hospital in Northeast Mexico: Findings, Challenges and Perspectives

OBJECTIVES

Stillbirth is an important health problem, and in Mexico, only half of the stillbirths have an explainable cause. The aim of this study was to implement a multidisciplinary workup to identify the etiology and potential risk factors for stillbirth at the Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González".

METHODS

This is a prospective, descriptive, observational study that included stillbirths from the Obstetrics Service from October 1st, 2019 to May 25, 2020. Evaluation strategies included a complete maternal medical history, physical examination of the fetus, and a photographic medical record. For every stillbirth either a prenatal ultrasound, a postnatal x-ray, or a fetal autopsy, were needed. Multiplex Ligation Probe Amplification (MLPA) was performed with an umbilical cord sample.

RESULTS

Thirty-three stillbirths were reported; 21 were included in the analysis. Eleven women (52.3%) had known risk factors for stillbirth, mainly elevated body mass index and diabetes. On physical examination, external birth defects were found in 8 fetuses (38%). X-ray was performed in 14 cases (66%), alterations were detected as a probable etiologic cause just in one. All cases underwent MLPA, which were reported negative. Three cases had criteria for autopsy. Findings were inconclusive to determine etiology.

CONCLUSIONS

The best tools for evaluation of stillbirth were the elaboration of clinical history, physical examination, and prenatal ultrasound. Diabetes and obesity were the most frequent risk factors found in our population. These factors are preventable by implementing strategies that lead to better prenatal care.

Defining and reporting adverse events of special interest in comparative maternal vaccine studies: a systematic review

Introduction

The GAIA (Global Alignment on Immunisation Safety Assessment in Pregnancy) consortium was established in 2014 with the aim of creating a standardised, globally coordinated approach to monitoring the safety of vaccines administered in pregnancy. The consortium developed twenty-six standardised definitions for classifying obstetric and infant adverse events. This systematic review sought to evaluate the current state of adverse event reporting in maternal vaccine trials following the publication of the case definitions by GAIA, and the extent to which these case definitions have been adopted in maternal vaccine safety research.

Methods

A comprehensive search of published literature was undertaken to identify maternal vaccine research studies. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched using a combination of MeSH terms and keyword searches to identify observational or interventional studies that examined vaccine safety in pregnant women with a comparator group. A two-reviewer screening process was undertaken, and a narrative synthesis of the results presented.

Results

14,737 titles were identified from database searches, 435 titles were selected as potentially relevant, 256 were excluded, the remaining 116 papers were included. Influenza vaccine was the most studied (25.0%), followed by TDaP (20.7%) and SARS-CoV-2 (12.9%).Ninety-one studies (78.4%) were conducted in high-income settings. Forty-eight (41.4%) utilised electronic health-records. The majority focused on reporting adverse events of special interest (AESI) in pregnancy (65.0%) alone or in addition to reactogenicity (27.6%). The most frequently reported AESI were preterm birth, small for gestational age and hypertensive disorders. Fewer than 10 studies reported use of GAIA definitions. Gestational age assessment was poorly described; of 39 studies reporting stillbirths 30.8% provided no description of the gestational age threshold.

Conclusions

Low-income settings remain under-represented in comparative maternal vaccine safety research. There has been poor uptake of GAIA case definitions. A lack of harmonisation and standardisation persists limiting comparability of the generated safety data.

Pharmacokinetic and toxicological considerations affecting antiretroviral drug dosing in pregnant women

INTRODUCTION

To prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during pregnancy, the appropriate dosing regimens of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs need to be determined. Reliable data about pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics of ARVs from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are lacking, and post-marketing observational studies may offer valuable, but sometimes insufficient data, especially in pregnant people living with HIV (PLWHIV). This review article is focused PK and toxicological considerations affecting ARV dosing in pregnant PLWHIV.

AREAS COVERED

In our search, we included studies focused on PKs of ARVs in pregnancy available on PubMed, abstracts from recent global conferences and data from modeling studies. There are no significant changes in PKs of nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors throughout pregnancy. In contrast, the PKs of PIs and INSTIs are more variable, especially in the second and third trimesters.

EXPERT OPINION

Pregnant women are left out of RCTs. To the greatest extent possible, future research should include pregnant persons in RCTs, including PK studies, strictly considering maternal and fetal safety. Alternative innovative approaches/models need to be developed to obtain reliable data about rational pharmacotherapy of ARVs in the effective PMTCT of HIV, with maximum safety.

Correlates of adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancy in Sidama region, Ethiopia. An unmatched case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Adolescent pregnancy has received little attention, despite being it is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. Sidama regional state is one of the regions in Ethiopia that has high rates of adolescent pregnancy. This study aimed to identify factors related to adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancy, in the Sidama region, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 120 cases and 240 controls of pregnant adolescents. Structured interviews and patient record reviews were used to examine the potential correlates and adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancy. Using binary logistic analysis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals, were computed to identify factors related to adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancies.

RESULTS

A monthly income below the poverty level (AOR: 3.40; 95% CI, 1.21-9.58), lack of antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 4.22; 95% CI, 1.97-9.04), experiencing gender-based violence (AOR: 2.03; 95% CI, 1.16-3.57), and referral to a specialized health facility (AOR: 2.79; 95% CI,1.39, 5.62) were associated with higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Several socio-economic and health care system-related determinants are associated with adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial to improve free and accessible maternal health care services for adolescents, focusing on education, challenging social norms that condone gender-based violence as well as enhancing the referral system to lessen the burden of adverse outcomes of adolescent pregnancy.

Effect of HIV and substance use disorder comorbidity on the placenta, fetal and maternal health outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BACKGROUND

Substance use disorders and HIV infection have a bidirectional relationship. People who use illicit drugs are at increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, and people living with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of using substances due to disease-related complications like depression and HIV-associated dementia. There is no adequate evidence on the effect of HIV/AIDS and substance use disorder comorbidity-related effects on placental, fetal, maternal and neonatal outcomes globally.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search articles written in the English language until 30 January 2024, from PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Sciences, SUMsearch2, Turning Research Into Practice database and Google Scholar. A systematic search strategy involving AND/OR Boolean Operators will retrieve information from these databases and search engines. Qualitative and quantitative analysis methods will be used to report the effect of HIV/AIDS and substance use disorders on placental, fetal and maternal composite outcomes. Descriptive statistics like pooled prevalence mean and SD will be used for qualitative analysis. However, quantitative analysis outcomes will be done by using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software for studies that are combinable. The individual study effects and the weighted mean difference will be reported in a forest plot. In addition to this, the presence of multiple morbidities like diabetes, chronic kidney disease and maternal haemoglobin level could affect placental growth, fetal growth and development, abortion, stillbirth, HIV transmission and composite maternal outcomes. Therefore, subgroup analysis will be done for pregnant women with multiple morbidities.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Since systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted by using published literature, ethical approval is not required. The results will be presented in conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023478360.

Burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in Eastern Africa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Although global mortality rates in children under 5 years have decreased substantially in the last 30 years, there remain around 2.6 million stillbirths and 2.9 million neonatal deaths each year. The majority of these deaths occur in Africa and South Asia. To reduce perinatal deaths in East Africa, knowledge of the burden, but also the risk factors and causes of perinatal deaths are crucial. To the best of our knowledge, reviews have previously focused on the burden of perinatal deaths; here we aim to synthesize evidence on the burden, causes, and risk factors for perinatal mortality in East Africa.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic literature search in Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Global Health, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, HINARI, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online (AJOL), and WHO African Regional Office (AFRO) Library. The study population includes all fetuses and newborns from ≥22 weeks of gestation (birth weight ≥500gm) to 7 days after birth, with reported causes or/and determinants as exposure, and perinatal mortality (stillbirths and/or early neonatal deaths) as an outcome. We will include studies from 2010 to 2022, and to facilitate the inclusion of up-to-date data, we will request recent data from ongoing surveillance in the region. To assess the quality of included studies, we will use the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for observational and trial studies. We will analyze the data using STATA version 17 statistical software and assess heterogeneity and publication bias by Higgins' I 2 and funnel plot, respectively.

Conclusions

This systematic review will search for published studies, and seek unpublished data, on the burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in East Africa. Findings will be reported, and gaps in the evidence base identified, with recommendations, with the ultimate aim of reducing perinatal deaths.

Protocol registration

PROSPERO-CRD42021291719.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Stillbirth among Pregnant Women with Obesity

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between obesity and risk of stillbirth among pregnant women with obesity in the United States, with a focus on racial and ethnic disparities.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of birth and fetal data from the 2014 to 2019 National Vital Statistics System (N = 14,938,384 total births) to examine associations between maternal body mass index (BMI) and risk of stillbirth. Cox's proportional hazards regression model was used to compute adjusted hazard ratios (HR) as a measure of risk of stillbirth in relation to maternal BMI.

RESULTS

The stillbirth rate was 6.70 per 1,000 births among women with prepregnancy obesity, while the stillbirth rate among women with a normal (nonobese) prepregnancy BMI was 3.85 per 1,000 births. The risk of stillbirth was greater among women with obesity compared with women without obesity (HR: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-1.41). Compared with non-Hispanic (NH) Whites, women identifying as NH-other (HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.61-1.72) and NH-Black (HR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.26-1.35) were at higher risk of stillbirth, while Hispanic women had a decreased likelihood of stillbirth (HR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.37-0.40).

CONCLUSION

Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for stillbirth. Public health awareness campaigns and strategies targeting weight management in women of reproductive age and racial/ethnic populations at highest risk for stillbirth, are needed.

KEY POINTS

· Stillbirth rates differ by race and ethnicity.. · Risk of stillbirth was greatest among women with obesity.. · Stillbirth rates rise with ascending prepregnancy BMI..

Risk of adverse perinatal outcomes among women with clinical and subclinical histopathological chorioamnionitis

Introduction

Histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) is a placental inflammatory condition associated with adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs). This historical cohort study explores the risk of APOs in pregnant women with HCA and compares the impact of clinical chorioamnionitis (CCA) with subclinical chorioamnionitis (SCCA).

Methodology

Placentas were evaluated by a perinatal pathologist tand all women with HCA were included. Two groups were integrated: (1) women with clinical chorioamnionitis (CCA) and (2) women with subclinical chorioamnionitis (SCCA). Additionally, we conducted a secondary analysis to compare the prevalence of APOs among stage 1, 2 and 3 of HCA and the risk of APOs between grades 1 and 2 of HCA. The APOs analyzed were preterm birth, stillbirth, neonatal weight < 1,500 g, neonatal sepsis. Relative risk with 95% confidence interval was calculated.

Results

The study included 41 cases of CCA and 270 cases of SCCA. The mean gestational age at diagnosis and birth was 30.2 ± 5.4 weeks and 32.5 ± 5.1 weeks, for group 1 and 2, respectively. The study also found that women with HCA stage 3 and grade 2 had a higher prevalence and risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest the importance of placental histological study to excluded SCCA, which represents a significant risk to both maternal and neonatal health, contributing to high morbidity and mortality.

Factors associated with perinatal and neonatal deaths in Sao Tome & Principe: a prospective cohort study

Background

Neonatal mortality reduction is a global goal, but its factors are seldom studied in most resource-constrained settings. This is the first study conducted to identify the factors affecting perinatal and neonatal deaths in Sao Tome & Principe (STP), the smallest Central Africa country.

Methods

Institution-based prospective cohort study conducted at Hospital Dr. Ayres Menezes. Maternal-neonate dyads enrolled were followed up after the 28th day of life (n = 194) for identification of neonatal death-outcome (n = 22) and alive-outcome groups (n = 172). Data were collected from pregnancy cards, hospital records and face-to-face interviews. After the 28th day of birth, a phone call was made to evaluate the newborn's health status. Crude odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were obtained. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean gestational age of the death-outcome and alive-outcome groups was 36 (SD = 4.8) and 39 (SD = 1.4) weeks, respectively. Death-outcome group (n = 22) included sixteen stillbirths, four early and two late neonatal deaths. High-risk pregnancy score [cOR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.18-7.22], meconium-stained fluid [cOR 4.38, 95% CI: 1.74-10.98], prolonged rupture of membranes [cOR 4.84, 95% CI: 1.47-15.93], transfer from another unit [cOR 6.08, 95% CI:1.95-18.90], and instrumental vaginal delivery [cOR 8.90, 95% CI: 1.68-47.21], were factors significantly associated with deaths. The odds of experiencing death were higher for newborns with infectious risk, IUGR, resuscitation maneuvers, fetal distress at birth, birth asphyxia, and unit care admission. Female newborn [cOR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14-1.00] and birth weight of more than 2,500 g [cOR 0.017, 95% CI: 0.002-0.162] were found to be protective factors.

Conclusion

Factors such as having a high-risk pregnancy score, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, prolonged rupture of membranes, being transferred from another unit, and an instrumental-assisted vaginal delivery increased 4- to 9-fold the risk of stillbirth and neonatal deaths. Thus, avoiding delays in prompt intrapartum care is a key strategy to implement in Sao Tome & Principe.

District health management and stillbirth recording and reporting: a qualitative study in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

BACKGROUND

Despite global efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, stillbirths remain a significant public health challenge in many low- and middle-income countries. District health systems, largely seen as the backbone of health systems, are pivotal in addressing the data gaps reported for stillbirths. Available, accurate and complete data is essential for District Health Management Teams (DHMTs) to understand the burden of stillbirths, evaluate interventions and tailor health facility support to address the complex challenges that contribute to stillbirths. This study aims to understand stillbirth recording and reporting in the Ashanti Region of Ghana from the perspective of DHMTs.

METHODS

The study was conducted in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. 15 members of the regional and district health directorates (RHD/DHD) participated in semi-structured interviews. Sampling was purposive, focusing on RHD/DHD members who interact with maternity services or stillbirth data. Thematic analyses were informed by an a priori framework, including theme 1) experiences, perceptions and attitudes; theme 2) stillbirth data use; and theme 3) leadership and support mechanisms, for stillbirth recording and reporting.

RESULTS

Under theme 1, stillbirth definitions varied among respondents, with 20 and 28 weeks commonly used. Fresh and macerated skin appearance was used to classify timing with limited knowledge of antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths. For theme 2, data quality checks, audits, and the district health information management system (DHIMS-2) data entry and review are functions played by the DHD. Midwives were blamed for data quality issues on omissions and misclassifications. Manual entry of data, data transfer from the facility to the DHD, limited knowledge of stillbirth terminology and periodic closure of the DHIMS-2 were seen to proliferate gaps in stillbirth recording and reporting. Under theme 3, perinatal audits were acknowledged as an enabler for stillbirth recording and reporting by the DHD, though audits are mandated for only late-gestational stillbirths (> 28 weeks). Engagement of other sectors, e.g., civil/vital registration and private health facilities, was seen as key in understanding the true population-level burden of stillbirths.

CONCLUSION

Effective district health management ensures that every stillbirth is accurately recorded, reported, and acted upon to drive improvements. A large need exists for capacity building on stillbirth definitions and data use. Recommendations are made, for example, terminology standardization and private sector engagement, aimed at reducing stillbirth rates in high-mortality settings such as Ghana.

Impact of adverse pregnancy outcomes on brain vascular health and cognition

A State of the Art lecture titled "Impact of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes on Brain Vascular Health and Cognition" was presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress in 2023. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, encompassing conditions such as gestational hypertension, eclampsia, preeclampsia, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, and gestational diabetes, may form part of an underrecognized pathway from early adulthood reproductive health factors to later-life vascular cognitive impairment and dementia in women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes are caused by dysregulated vascular and metabolic adaptations during pregnancy, and these pathophysiological changes may persist after delivery. Adverse pregnancy outcomes may contribute to the increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia directly through vascular and metabolic dysregulation and subsequent development of cardiovascular diseases, or other biological processes may be at play, such as shared maternal risk factors. Extensive epidemiologic evidence has shown that many cognitive impairment and dementia cases may be prevented or delayed by strategies targeting midlife cardiovascular health. Despite the recognized importance of adverse pregnancy outcomes for cardiovascular health, the literature on associated long-term health outcomes is limited. In this State of the Art review article, we summarize the current epidemiologic evidence on the relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and cognitive impairment and dementia and provide an overview of the potential pathophysiological mechanisms. Finally, we summarize relevant new data on this topic presented during the 2023 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress.

Maternal exposure to heat and its association with miscarriage in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

We sought to improve the current understanding of how climate change impacts women's reproductive health in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the relationship between maternal heat exposure and miscarriage (pregnancy ending before 20 weeks gestation) in a South African setting.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

METHODS

Our study involved data for pregnancies collected via a health and demographic surveillance system in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa between 2012 and 2016. Data from the South African Weather Service were used to compute maternal exposure to heat during the following time windows for each pregnancy: during the month preceding conception (T1) and during the week preceding the study outcome (either a miscarriage or no miscarriage, T2). Heat exposure was operationalized as a continuous variable and defined as the number of days that a mother was exposed to a mean daily temperature of > 26.6°C (A "hot day," equivalent to a mean daily temperature of > 80°F) during T1 or T2. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between maternal heat exposure and miscarriage.

RESULTS

A total of 105/3477 pregnancies included in our analysis ended in miscarriage (3.0%). Each additional hot day during T1 was associated with a 26% higher odds of miscarriage (odds ratio: 1.26; 95% confidence interval: 1.15-1.38). No significant associations were observed between maternal heat exposure during T2 and the odds of miscarriage (odds ratio: 0.94, 95% confidence interval: 0.73-1.20). The relationship between maternal heat exposure during T1 and the odds of miscarriage was J-shaped.

CONCLUSION

There is a clear relationship between maternal heat exposure during the month preceding conception and miscarriage in our sub-Saharan African setting. Given the lack of feasible strategies to reduce pregnancy loss associated with prevailing high temperatures in sub-Saharan Africa, progressive climate change will likely exacerbate existing challenges for women's reproductive health in this region.

Non-linear associations of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index with risk of stillbirth, infant, and neonatal mortality in over 28 million births in the USA: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Higher maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) has been associated with higher risk of stillbirth, infant and neonatal mortality. Studies exploring underweight have varied in their conclusions. Our aim was to examine the risk of stillbirth, infant and neonatal mortality across the BMI distribution and establish a likely healthy BMI range.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we used publicly available datasets (covering 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2021) from the US National Center for Health Statistics National Vital Statistics System. All births were eligible; analyses included those with non-missing data. Fractional polynomial multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations of maternal pre-pregnant BMI with stillbirth (birth with no signs of life at ≥24 weeks), infant mortality (death of a live born baby aged <365 days) and neonatal mortality (death of a live born baby aged <28 days).

Findings

There were 77,896/28,310,154 (2.8 per 1000 births) stillbirths, 143,620/28,231,807 (5.1 per 1000 live births) infant deaths and 94,246/28,231,807 (3.3 per 1000 live births) neonatal deaths among complete cases. Mean (SD) BMI was 27.1 kg/m2 (6.7 kg/m2). We found non-linear associations between BMI and all three outcomes; risk was elevated at both low and high BMIs although, for stillbirth, the increased risk at low BMI was less marked than for infant/neonatal mortality. The lowest risk was at a BMI of 21 kg/m2 for infant and neonatal mortality and 19 kg/m2 for stillbirth.

Interpretation

Public health messaging for preconception and postnatal care should focus on healthy weight to maximise maternal and child health, and not focus solely on maternal overweight or obesity.

Funding

European Research Council, US National Institute of Health, UK Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Chance of healthy versus adverse outcome in subsequent pregnancy after previous loss beyond 16 weeks: data from a specialized follow-up clinic

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.

Marked variability in institutional deliveries and neonatal outcomes during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the interventions to mitigate its spread impacted access to healthcare, including hospital births and newborn care. This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on newborn service utilization in Nigeria.

METHODS

The records of women who delivered in hospitals and babies admitted to neonatal wards were retrospectively reviewed before (March 2019-February 2020) and during (March 2020-February 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in selected facilities in Nigeria.

RESULTS

There was a nationwide reduction in institutional deliveries during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Nigeria, with 14 444 before and 11 723 during the lockdown-a decrease of 18.8%. The number of preterm admissions decreased during the lockdown period (30.6% during lockdown vs 32.6% pre-lockdown), but the percentage of outborn preterm admissions remained unchanged. Newborn admissions varied between zones with no consistent pattern. Although neonatal jaundice and prematurity remained the most common reasons for admission, severe perinatal asphyxia increased by nearly 50%. Neonatal mortality was significantly higher during the COVID-19 lockdown compared with pre-lockdown (110.6/1000 [11.1%] vs 91.4/1000 [9.1%], respectively; p=0.01). The odds of a newborn dying were about four times higher if delivered outside the facility during the lockdown (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 lockdown had markedly deleterious effects on healthcare seeking for deliveries and neonatal care that varied between zones with no consistent pattern.

Fetal death and its association with indicators of social inequality: 20-year analysis in Tacna, Peru

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates of fetal mortality in a Peruvian hospital between 2001 and 2020 and to investigate the association of indicators of social inequality (such as access to prenatal care and education) with fetal mortality.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a retrospective cohort study, including all pregnant women who attended a Peruvian hospital between 2001 and 2020. We collected data from the hospital's perinatal computer system. We used Poisson regression models with robust variance to assess the associations of interest, estimating adjusted relative risks (aRR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 67,908 pregnant women (median age: 26, range: 21 to 31 years). Of these, 58.3% had one or more comorbidities; the most frequent comorbidities were anemia (33.3%) and urinary tract infection (26.3%). The fetal mortality ratio during the study period was 0.96%, with the highest rate in 2003 (13.7 per 1,000 births) and the lowest in 2016 (6.1 per 1,000 births), without showing a marked trend. Having less than six (aRR: 4.87; 95% CI: 3.99-5.93) or no (aRR: 7.79; 6.31-9.61) prenatal care was associated with higher fetal mortality compared to having six or more check-ups. On the other hand, higher levels of education, such as secondary education (aRR: 0.73; 0.59-0.91), technical college (aRR: 0.63; 0.46-0.85), or university education (aRR: 0.38; 0.25-0.57) were associated with a lower risk of fetal death compared to having primary education or no education. In addition, a more recent year of delivery was associated with lower fetal mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our study presents findings of fetal mortality rates that are comparable to those observed in Peru in 2015, but higher than the estimated rates for other Latin American countries. A more recent year of delivery was associated with lower fetal mortality, probably due to reduced illiteracy and increased access to health care between 2000 and 2015. The findings suggest a significant association between indicators of social inequality (such as access to prenatal care and education) with fetal mortality. These results emphasize the critical need to address the social and structural determinants of health, as well as to mitigate health inequities, to effectively reduce fetal mortality.

First Nations populations' perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and myths about prevention and bereavement in stillbirth: a mixed methods systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to investigate First Nations populations' perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and myths about stillbirth.

INTRODUCTION

First Nations populations experience disproportionate rates of stillbirth compared with non-First Nations populations. There has been a surge of interventions aimed at reducing stillbirth and providing better bereavement care, but these are not necessarily appropriate for First Nations populations. As a first step toward developing appropriate interventions for these populations, this review will examine current perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and myths about stillbirth held by First Nations people from the United States, Canada, Aotearoa/New Zealand, and Australia.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

The review will consider studies that include individuals of any age (bereaved or non-bereaved) who identify as belonging to First Nations populations. Eligible studies will include the perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and myths about stillbirth among First Nations populations.

METHODS

This review will follow the JBI methodology for convergent mixed methods systematic reviews. The review is supported by an advisory panel of Aboriginal elders, lived-experience stillbirth researchers, Aboriginal researchers, and clinicians. PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase (Ovid), Emcare (Ovid), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Indigenous Health InfoNet, Trove, Informit, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses will be searched for relevant information. Titles and abstracts of potential studies will be screened and examined for eligibility. After critical appraisal, quantitative and qualitative data will be extracted from included studies, with the former "qualitized" and the data undergoing a convergent integrated approach.

REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42023379627.

Global Stillbirth Policy Review - Outcomes And Implications Ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal Agenda

BACKGROUND

Globally, data on stillbirth is limited. A call to action has been issued to governments to address the data gap by strengthening national policies and strategies to drive urgent action on stillbirth reduction. This study aims to understand the policy environment for stillbirths to advance stillbirth recording and reporting in data systems.

METHODS

A systematic three-step process (survey tool examination, identifying relevant study questions, and reviewing country responses to the survey and national documents) was taken to review country responses to the global 2018-2019 World Health Organization (WHO) Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Policy Survey. Policy Survey responses were reviewed to identify if and how stillbirths were included in national documents. This paper uses descriptive analyses to identify and describe the relationship between multiple variables.

RESULTS

Responses from 155 countries to the survey were analysed, and over 800 national policy documents submitted by countries in English reviewed. Fewer than one-fifth of countries have an established stillbirth rate (SBR) target, with higher percentages reported for under-5 (71.0%) and neonatal mortality (68.5%). Two-thirds (65.8%) of countries reported a national maternal death review panel. Less than half (43.9%) of countries have a national policy that requires stillbirths to be reviewed. Two-thirds of countries have a national policy requiring review of neonatal deaths. WHO websites and national health statistics reports are the common data sources for stillbirth estimates. Countries that are signatories to global initiatives on stillbirth reduction have established national targets. Globally, nearly all countries (94.8%) have a national policy that requires every death to be registered. However, 45.5% of reviewed national policy documents made mention of registering stillbirths. Only 5 countries had national policy documents recommending training of health workers in filling out death certificates using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 for stillbirths.

CONCLUSION

The current policy environment in countries is not supportive for identifying stillbirths and recording causes of death. This is likely to contribute to slow progress in stillbirth reduction. The paper proposes policy recommendations to make every baby count.

Influenza-associated respiratory illness among five cohorts of pregnant women and their young infants (0-6 months), Bangladesh, 2013-2017

Background

Pregnant women with their infants are considered at higher risk for influenza-associated complications, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends influenza vaccination during pregnancy to protect them, including their infants (0-6 months). There are limited data on the influenza burden among pregnant women and their infants (0-6 months), and there are no routine influenza vaccinations in Bangladesh.

Methods

Five annual cohorts (2013-2017) of pregnant women were enrolled from the eight sub-districts of Bangladesh before the influenza season (May-September); they were contacted weekly to identify new onset of influenza-like illness (ILI) (subjective or measured fever and cough) and acute respiratory illness (ARI) (at least two of these symptoms: cough, rhinorrhea, or difficulty in breathing) among their infants from birth to 6 months of age. We collected nasopharyngeal swabs from ILI and ARI cases, tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) for influenza virus (including types and subtypes) and estimated influenza incidence (95% CI)/10000 pregnant women-months or infant-months, respectively.

Results

We enrolled 9020 pregnant women, followed for 26,709 pregnancy-months, and detected 1241 ILI episodes. We also followed 8963 infants for 51,518 infant-months and identified 5116 ARI episodes. Influenza positivity was 23% for ILI and 3% for ARI cases. The overall incidence (2013-2017) of influenza among pregnant women was 158.5/10000 pregnant women-months (95% CI: 141.4-177.6) and that among infants was 21.9/10000 infant-months (95% CI: 18.2-26.5).

Conclusions

Although the data was collected more than 5 years ago, as the only baseline data, our findings illustrate evidence of influenza burden among pregnant women and infants (0-6 months), which may support preventive policy decisions in Bangladesh.

Standardizing case definitions for monitoring the safety of maternal vaccines globally: GAIA definitions, a review of progress to date

In 2014, the Global Alignment on Immunization safety Assessment in pregnancy consortium (GAIA) was formed, with the goal of developing a harmonized, globally-concerted approach to actively monitor the safety of vaccines in pregnancy. A total of 26 standardized definitions for the classification of adverse events have been developed. The aim of this review was to identify and describe studies undertaken to assess the performance of these definitions. A literature search was undertaken to identify published studies assessing the performance of the definitions, and reference lists were snowballed. Data were abstracted by two investigators and a narrative review of the results is presented. Four studies that have evaluated 13 GAIA case definitions (50%) were identified. Five case definitions have been assessed in high-income settings only. Recommendations have been made by the investigators to improve the performance of the definitions. These include ensuring consistency across definitions, removal of the potential for ambiguity or variations in interpretation and ensuring that higher-level criteria are acceptable at lower levels of confidence. Future research should prioritize the key case definitions that have not been assessed in low- and middle-income settings, as well as the 13 that have not undergone any validation.

First-Trimester Screening for Miscarriage or Stillbirth-Prediction Model Based on MicroRNA Biomarkers

We evaluated the potential of cardiovascular-disease-associated microRNAs to predict in the early stages of gestation (from 10 to 13 gestational weeks) the occurrence of a miscarriage or stillbirth. The gene expressions of 29 microRNAs were studied retrospectively in peripheral venous blood samples derived from singleton Caucasian pregnancies diagnosed with miscarriage (n = 77 cases; early onset, n = 43 cases; late onset, n = 34 cases) or stillbirth (n = 24 cases; early onset, n = 13 cases; late onset, n = 8 cases; term onset, n = 3 cases) and 80 selected gestational-age-matched controls (normal term pregnancies) using real-time RT-PCR. Altered expressions of nine microRNAs (upregulation of miR-1-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-26a-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-181a-5p and downregulation of miR-130b-3p, miR-342-3p, and miR-574-3p) were observed in pregnancies with the occurrence of a miscarriage or stillbirth. The screening based on the combination of these nine microRNA biomarkers revealed 99.01% cases at a 10.0% false positive rate (FPR). The predictive model for miscarriage only was based on the altered gene expressions of eight microRNA biomarkers (upregulation of miR-1-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-26a-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-181a-5p and downregulation of miR-130b-3p and miR-195-5p). It was able to identify 80.52% cases at a 10.0% FPR. Highly efficient early identification of later occurrences of stillbirth was achieved via the combination of eleven microRNA biomarkers (upregulation of miR-1-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-181a-5p and downregulation of miR-130b-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-210-3p, miR-342-3p, and miR-574-3p) or, alternatively, by the combination of just two upregulated microRNA biomarkers (miR-1-3p and miR-181a-5p). The predictive power achieved 95.83% cases at a 10.0% FPR and, alternatively, 91.67% cases at a 10.0% FPR. The models based on the combination of selected cardiovascular-disease-associated microRNAs had very high predictive potential for miscarriages or stillbirths and may be implemented in routine first-trimester screening programs.

The association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and non-viral genital pathogens among women living in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Adverse pregnancy outcomes are the main causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, including long-term physical and psychological sequelae. These events are common in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Sub Saharan Africa, despite national efforts. Maternal infections can cause complications at any stage of pregnancy and contribute to adverse outcomes. Among infections, those of the genital tract are a major public health concern worldwide, due to limited availability of prevention, diagnosis and treatment approaches. This applies even to treatable infections and holds true especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. As late as 2017, the region accounted for 40% of all reported treatable non-viral genital pathogens worldwide, many of which have been independently associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes, and that include Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Treponema pallidum. Two databases (PubMed and Embase) were examined to identify eligible studies published up to October 2022. This study reviewed findings on the association between infections by treatable non-viral genital pathogens during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Articles' title and abstract were screened at first using keywords as "sexually transmitted infections", "non-viral", "adverse pregnancy outcome", "Africa", "sub-Saharan Africa", "pregnant women", "pregnancy", and "pregnancy outcome". Subsequently, according to the eligibility criteria, potential articles were read in full. Results showed that higher risk of preterm birth is associated with Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis and Candida albicans infections. Additionally, rates of stillbirth, neonatal death, low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction are also associated with Treponema pallidum infection. A better insight on the burden of non-viral genital pathogens and their effect on pregnancy is needed to inform antenatal care guidelines and screening programs, to guide the development of innovative diagnostic tools and other strategies to minimize transmission, and to prevent short- and long-term complications for mothers and children.

Facility-based stillbirth review processes used in different countries across the world: a systematic review

Background

Facility-based stillbirth review provides opportunities to estimate incidence, evaluate causes and risk factors for stillbirths, and identify any issues related to the quality of pregnancy and childbirth care which require improvement. Our aim was to systematically review all types and methods of facility-based stillbirth review processes used in different countries across the world, to examine how stillbirth reviews in facility settings are being conducted worldwide and to identify the outcomes of implementing the reviews. Moreover, to identify facilitators and barriers influencing the implementation of the identified facility-based stillbirth reviews processes by conducting subgroup analyses.

Methods

A systematic review of published literature was conducted by searching MEDLINE (OvidSP) [1946-present], EMBASE (OvidSP) [1974-present], WHO Global Index Medicus (globalindexmedicus.net), Global Health (OvidSP) [1973-2022 Week 8] and CINAHL (EBSCOHost) [1982-present] from their inception until 11 January, 2023. For unpublished or grey literature, the WHO databases, Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global were searched, as well as hand searching the reference lists of included studies. MESH terms encompassing "∗Clinical Audit", "∗Perinatal Mortality", "Pregnancy Complications", and "Stillbirth" were used with Boolean operators. Studies that used a facility-based review process or any approach to evaluate care prior to stillbirth, and explained the methods used were included. Reviews and editorials were excluded. Three authors (YYB, UGA, and DBT) independently screened and extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using an adapted JBI's Checklist for Case Series. A logic model was used to inform the narrative synthesis. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022304239.

Findings

A total of 68 studies from 17 high-income (HICs) and 22 low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) met the inclusion criteria from a total of 7258 identified records. These were stillbirth reviews conducted at different levels: district, state, national, and international. Three types were identified: audit, review, and confidential enquiry, but not all desired components were included in most processes, which led to a mismatch between the description of the type and the actual method used. Routine data from hospital records was the most common data source for identifying stillbirths, and case assessment was based on stillbirth definition in 48 out of 68 studies. Hospital notes were the most common source of information about care received and causes/risk factors for stillbirth. Short-term and medium-term outcomes were reported in 14 studies, but impact of the review process on reducing stillbirth, which is more difficult to establish, was not reported in any study. Facilitators and barriers in implementing a successful stillbirth review process identified from 14 studies focused on three main themes: resources, expertise, and commitment.

Interpretation

This systematic review's findings identified that there is a need for clear guidelines on how to measure the impact of implementation of changes based on outputs of stillbirth reviews and methods to enable effective dissemination of learning points in the future and promoting them through training platforms. In addition, there is a need to develop and adopt a universal definition of stillbirth to facilitate meaningful comparison of stillbirth rates between regions. The key limitation of this review is that while using a logic model for narrative synthesis was deemed most appropriate for this study, sequence of implementing a stillbirth review in the real world is not linear, and assumptions are often not met. Therefore, the logic model proposed in this study should be interpreted with flexibility when designing a stillbirth review process. The generated learnings from the stillbirth review processes inform the action plans and allow facilities to consider where the changes should happen to improve the quality of care in the facilities, enabling positive short-term and medium-term outcomes.

Funding

Kellogg College, University of Oxford, Clarendon Fund, University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford and Medical Research Council (MRC).

Maternal vaccination to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes: An underutilized molecular immunological intervention?

Adverse pregnancy outcomes including maternal mortality, stillbirth, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction cause millions of deaths each year. More effective interventions are urgently needed. Maternal immunization could be one such intervention protecting the mother and newborn from infection through its pathogen-specific effects. However, many adverse pregnancy outcomes are not directly linked to the infectious pathogens targeted by existing maternal vaccines but rather are linked to pathological inflammation unfolding during pregnancy. The underlying pathogenesis driving such unfavourable outcomes have only partially been elucidated but appear to relate to altered immune regulation by innate as well as adaptive immune responses, ultimately leading to aberrant maternal immune activation. Maternal immunization, like all immunization, impacts the immune system beyond pathogen-specific immunity. This raises the possibility that maternal vaccination could potentially be utilised as a pathogen-agnostic immune modulatory intervention to redirect abnormal immune trajectories towards a more favourable phenotype providing pregnancy protection. In this review we describe the epidemiological evidence surrounding this hypothesis, along with the mechanistic plausibility and present a possible path forward to accelerate addressing the urgent need of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Maternal Hyperhomocysteinemia as a Predictor of Placenta-Mediated Pregnancy Complications: A Two-Year Novel Study

Background Placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (PMPCs) are a significant contributor to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Though the exact cause of the array of pregnancy-related vascular disorders is still unknown, increased maternal serum homocysteine (Hct) levels have been linked to the pathophysiology. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHct) has been strongly linked with the risk of developing PMPCs such as preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), preterm births and placental abruption. Methodology The present observational study was carried out on 810 low-risk antenatal women in their early second trimester (13-20 weeks gestation age) in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of a tertiary care rural hospital to identify the significance of abnormally raised maternal serum Hct level in developing PMPCs. Results Of the 810 participants studied, 224 (27.65%) had raised Hct levels whereas the rest of the 586 (72.35%) participants had normal Hct levels. The mean Hct level of raised homocysteine group (18.59 ± 2.46 micromol/L) was substantially raised than the normal Hct group (8.64 ± 3.1 micromol/L). It was observed that women with elevated serum Hct levels developed PMPCs significantly more than women with normal serum Hct levels (p-value <0.05). Among HHct subjects, 65.18% developed PE, 34.38% had FGR, 28.13% had a preterm delivery, 4.02% had abruptio placentae and 3.57% had IUFD. Conclusions The focus of the current study is on an easy and quick intervention such as assessing the often-ignored levels of Hct during pregnancy that can help predict and prevent PMPCs. It also highlights the necessity for well-thought-out large-scale studies and trials to further examine the phenomena, as pregnancy may be the only time when rural women will have the opportunity to receive advice and to be tested for HHct.

Fathers' Relational Experiences of Stillbirth: Pre-natal Attachment, Loss and Continuing Bonds Through Use of Objects

This study aimed to investigate fathers' lived experiences of stillbirth through the lens of continuing bonds and use of objects. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six fathers who had experienced stillbirth from 20 weeks gestation. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed five themes: loss and continued bonds in a mother-mediated dynamic, objects as manifestations of relational and meaningful memories, exerting existence and continued connection to others, continued bond through physical presence and evolving expressions of love and fatherhood. Findings offer a novel understanding of the relationship between objects and continued bonds, where objects are seen to facilitate this bond through varying means, including physical manifestation of the deceased and representation of the father-infant relationship. The study places importance on fathers' involvement in creating objects permeated with meaning and memories, and of validating fathers' experiences of loss rather than considering these men merely as partners of a mother who lost their own baby.

The association between history of prenatal loss and maternal psychological state in a subsequent pregnancy: an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study

BACKGROUND

Prenatal loss which occurs in approximately 20% of pregnancies represents a well-established risk factor for anxiety and affective disorders. In the current study, we examined whether a history of prenatal loss is associated with a subsequent pregnancy with maternal psychological state using ecological momentary assessment (EMA)-based measures of pregnancy-specific distress and mood in everyday life.

METHOD

This study was conducted in a cohort of N = 155 healthy pregnant women, of which N = 40 had a history of prenatal loss. An EMA protocol was used in early and late pregnancy to collect repeated measures of maternal stress and mood, on average eight times per day over a consecutive 4-day period. The association between a history of prenatal loss and psychological state was estimated using linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Compared to women who had not experienced a prior prenatal loss, women with a history of prenatal loss reported higher levels of pregnancy-specific distress in early as well as late pregnancy and also were more nervous and tired. Furthermore, in the comparison group pregnancy-specific distress decreased and mood improved from early to late pregnancy, whereas these changes across pregnancy were not evident in women in the prenatal loss group.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that prenatal loss in a prior pregnancy is associated with a subsequent pregnancy with significantly higher stress and impaired mood levels in everyday life across gestation. These findings have important implications for designing EMA-based ambulatory, personalized interventions to reduce stress during pregnancy in this high-risk group.

Clinical risk factors of adverse outcomes among women with COVID-19 in the pregnancy and postpartum period: a sequential, prospective meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This sequential, prospective meta-analysis sought to identify risk factors among pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 for adverse outcomes related to disease severity, maternal morbidities, neonatal mortality and morbidity, and adverse birth outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

We prospectively invited study investigators to join the sequential, prospective meta-analysis via professional research networks beginning in March 2020.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Eligible studies included those recruiting at least 25 consecutive cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy within a defined catchment area.

METHODS

We included individual patient data from 21 participating studies. Data quality was assessed, and harmonized variables for risk factors and outcomes were constructed. Duplicate cases were removed. Pooled estimates for the absolute and relative risk of adverse outcomes comparing those with and without each risk factor were generated using a 2-stage meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We collected data from 33 countries and territories, including 21,977 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy or postpartum. We found that women with comorbidities (preexisting diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease) vs those without were at higher risk for COVID-19 severity and adverse pregnancy outcomes (fetal death, preterm birth, low birthweight). Participants with COVID-19 and HIV were 1.74 times (95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.71) more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit. Pregnant women who were underweight before pregnancy were at higher risk of intensive care unit admission (relative risk, 5.53; 95% confidence interval, 2.27-13.44), ventilation (relative risk, 9.36; 95% confidence interval, 3.87-22.63), and pregnancy-related death (relative risk, 14.10; 95% confidence interval, 2.83-70.36). Prepregnancy obesity was also a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes including intensive care unit admission (relative risk, 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.60), ventilation (relative risk, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-3.51), any critical care (relative risk, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-2.77), and pneumonia (relative risk, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-2.33). Anemic pregnant women with COVID-19 also had increased risk of intensive care unit admission (relative risk, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-2.11) and death (relative risk, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-4.81).

CONCLUSION

We found that pregnant women with comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were at increased risk for severe COVID-19-related outcomes, maternal morbidities, and adverse birth outcomes. We also identified several less commonly known risk factors, including HIV infection, prepregnancy underweight, and anemia. Although pregnant women are already considered a high-risk population, special priority for prevention and treatment should be given to pregnant women with these additional risk factors.

Comparison of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes using archival medical records before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a facility-based, retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Little research has been conducted on the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on either birth outcomes or the ability of archival medical records to accurately capture these outcomes. Our study objective is thus to compare the prevalence of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), congenital microcephaly, and neonatal bloodstream infection (NBSI) before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

METHODS

We conducted a facility-based retrospective cohort study in which identified cases of birth outcomes were tabulated at initial screening and subcategorized according to level of diagnostic certainty using Global Alignment of Immunization Safety Assessment in pregnancy (GAIA) definitions. Documentation of any birth complications, delivery type, and maternal vaccination history were also evaluated. The prevalence of each birth outcome was compared in the pre-COVID-19 (i.e., July 2019 to February 2020) and intra-COVID-19 (i.e., March to August 2020) periods via two-sample z-test for equality of proportions.

RESULTS

In total, 14,300 birth records were abstracted. Adverse birth outcomes were identified among 22.0% and 14.3% of pregnancies in the pre-COVID-19 and intra-COVID-19 periods, respectively. For stillbirth, LBW, SGA, microcephaly, and NBSI, prevalence estimates were similar across study periods. However, the prevalence of preterm birth in the intra-COVID-19 period was significantly lower than that reported during the pre-COVID-19 period (8.6% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the level of diagnostic certainty declined slightly across all outcomes investigated from the pre-COVID-19 to the intra-COVID-19 period. Nonetheless, diagnostic certainty was especially low for certain outcomes (i.e., stillbirth and NBSI) regardless of period; still, other outcomes, such as preterm birth and LBW, had moderate to high levels of diagnostic certainty. Results were mostly consistent when the analysis was focused on the facilities designated for COVID-19 care.

CONCLUSION

This study succeeded in providing prevalence estimates for key adverse birth outcomes using GAIA criteria during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, DRC. Furthermore, our study adds crucial real-world data to the literature surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and neonatal services and outcomes in Africa.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Intimacy Problems, Stress Levels, and Couple Satisfaction among Women with Thrombophilia Affected by Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is one of the most challenging and difficult areas of reproductive treatment due to the immense emotional suffering inflicted on families and couples affected by RPL. As a result, it is predicted that couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss would have an increase in marital problems, stress levels, and anxiety, preventing them from achieving their family goals. The current cross-sectional study aimed to target pregnant women with thrombophilia with a history of RPL to observe their intimacy problems, stress levels, and couple satisfaction by completing a series of digital questionnaires. These patients were considered as the reference group, while the control group was formed by other women with thrombophilia and a history of RPL who eventually achieved pregnancy and gave birth. A total of 238 complete questionnaires were recorded (157 in the reference group and 81 in the control group). It was observed that women in the reference group who did not give birth had a significantly higher proportion of three or more pregnancy attempts (54.1% vs. 39.5%) and a significantly higher proportion of three more pregnancy losses (68.8% vs. 55.6%). It was observed that patients in the reference group were more likely to be emotion-oriented (42.7% vs. 27.2%). Also, women in the reference group had higher levels of dissatisfaction and lower levels of self-acceptance, pleasure, and marital quality scores. The total SII and DSCS scores were significantly lower than women with thrombophilia with a history of RPL who eventually gave birth. Women from the reference group had significantly greater intimacy problems and stress levels while having lower openness scores and self-esteem scores than women in the control group. It is possible that women with thrombophilia and recurrent pregnancy loss are more dissatisfied with their marriages than those who subsequently had one child. Since the financial status of those who achieved pregnancy was observed to be higher, it is likely that they achieved pregnancy by ART interventions, as they reported in questionnaires. It is important to target families afflicted by thrombophilia and other reasons for infertility to ease their access to ART therapies. By achieving their objectives, affected families will minimize dissatisfaction, divorce rates, and stress.

Case report: Umbilical vessel aneurysm thrombosis and factor V Leiden mutation leading to fetal demise

Complicated pregnancies are nowadays a major public health concern, with possible lethality or sequelae both for the mother and the fetus. Blood coagulation disorders (including antiphospholipid syndrome, factor V Leiden mutation and antithrombin deficiency) and hypertensive gestational disorders are very well-known contributors of complicated pregnancies with poor fetal outcome, such as intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and fetal demise. Less commonly, vascular malformations of the placenta can also potentially lead to serious complications such as IUGR and fetal death. These malformations include hypercoiled umbilical cord, umbilical cord knot, umbilical cord varix, umbilical cord arterial or venous aneurysm, and velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord potentially leading to Benckiser's hemorrhage. Here, we report the case of a 29-year-old Gravida 2 Para 0 mother with previous history of stillbirth and smoking, admitted to the obstetrics department for the absence of fetal movement at 38 weeks of amenorrhea (WA). First-trimester and second-trimester routine ultrasounds were otherwise normal. Ultrasound performed at 38 WA revealed a 83 × 66 × 54 mm cystic heterogenous mass at the umbilical cord insertion. After delivery, fetal and placental pathology as well as maternal blood testing were performed. Fetal pathology was otherwise normal, except for diffuse congestion and meconial overload suggesting acute fetal distress. Fetal karyotype was normal (46 XX). Placental pathology revealed an umbilical artery aneurysm (UAA) at the base of the insertion of the umbilical cord, lined with a CD34⁺ CD31⁺ endothelium. After dissection, the aneurysm was filled with hemorrhagic debris, indicating aneurysm thrombosis. Histopathology revealed associated maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) and increased peri-villous fibrin (IPF). Maternal blood tests revealed heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation, without other associated auto-immune conditions (such as antiphospholipid syndrome). Umbilical artery aneurysms remain extremely rare findings in the placenta, with <20 reported cases. Umbilical artery aneurysms have tendency to be located at the base of the insertion of the placenta, and lead to fetal demise in more than 60% of cases, mainly due to aneurysmal thrombosis, hematoma, possible vascular compression and/or rupture. Umbilical vessel aneurysms can be associated with trisomy 18 or 13. In our case, the association of factor V Leiden mutation, a hypercoagulable state, with UAA could explain massive thrombosis of the aneurysmal lumen and sudden fetal demise. Further consideration of current guidelines for surveillance and management of UAA would allow appropriate planned delivery in maternal care settings.

Adverse maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes among pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection: an individual participant data meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Despite a growing body of research on the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, there is continued controversy given heterogeneity in the quality and design of published studies.

METHODS

We screened ongoing studies in our sequential, prospective meta-analysis. We pooled individual participant data to estimate the absolute and relative risk (RR) of adverse outcomes among pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared with confirmed negative pregnancies. We evaluated the risk of bias using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

We screened 137 studies and included 12 studies in 12 countries involving 13 136 pregnant women.Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection-as compared with uninfected pregnant women-were at significantly increased risk of maternal mortality (10 studies; n=1490; RR 7.68, 95% CI 1.70 to 34.61); admission to intensive care unit (8 studies; n=6660; RR 3.81, 95% CI 2.03 to 7.17); receiving mechanical ventilation (7 studies; n=4887; RR 15.23, 95% CI 4.32 to 53.71); receiving any critical care (7 studies; n=4735; RR 5.48, 95% CI 2.57 to 11.72); and being diagnosed with pneumonia (6 studies; n=4573; RR 23.46, 95% CI 3.03 to 181.39) and thromboembolic disease (8 studies; n=5146; RR 5.50, 95% CI 1.12 to 27.12).Neonates born to women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to be admitted to a neonatal care unit after birth (7 studies; n=7637; RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.08); be born preterm (7 studies; n=6233; RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.29) or moderately preterm (7 studies; n=6071; RR 2.92, 95% CI 1.88 to 4.54); and to be born low birth weight (12 studies; n=11 930; RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.40). Infection was not linked to stillbirth. Studies were generally at low or moderate risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection at any time during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal death, severe maternal morbidities and neonatal morbidity, but not stillbirth or intrauterine growth restriction. As more data become available, we will update these findings per the published protocol.

Does quality of antenatal care influence antepartum stillbirth in Hossana City, South Ethiopia?

BACKGROUND

Antepartum stillbirth is a public health problem in a low-income country like Ethiopia. Quality antenatal care (ANC) is supposed to reduce the risk of many bad outcomes. Thus the main objective of this study was to identify the effect of quality antenatal care on antepartum stillbirth in Public health facilities of Hossana town Hadiya zone south Ethiopia.

METHOD

About 1123 mothers with a gestational age of less than 16 weeks were identified and followed using an observational longitudinal study to determine whether the quality of ANC influences antepartum stillbirth or not. Standardized and pretested observation checklists and participants' interview questionnaires were employed to obtain the necessary information after getting both written and verbal consent from the concerned bodies and study participants. In this study, quality was measured by the process attributes of quality to measure the acceptable standard of quality of antenatal care. Women who received ≥75% of essential ANC services (from 1st-4th visit) were categorized under received good quality antenatal care. General estimating equation analysis was done to determine the effect of quality antenatal care on antepartum stillbirth.

RESULT

A total of 121 (12.3%) 95% CI (10.3%, 14.5%) mothers who were observed during delivery had encountered antepartum stillbirth. In this study, the overall quality of antenatal care service that was provided in the whole visit (1st -4th) was 1230 (31.38%). Higher quality ANC decreases the odds of antepartum stillbirth by almost 81%, after controlling other factors (0.19 (AOR 0.19 at 95% CI; 0.088 to 0.435). There is a change in the odds of developing antepartum stillbirth as the level of education of mothers increases. Moreover, mothers with a history of preexisting hypertension were more like to have antepartum stillbirth AOR = 3.1, 95%CI (1.44, 6.77)].

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Therefore, having a good quality of ANC significantly reduces antepartum stillbirth. Strategies need to be developed on the problems identified to improve the quality of ANC and reduce antepartum stillbirth significantly.

A Retrospective Assessment of Thrombophilia in Pregnant Women with First and Second Trimester Pregnancy Loss

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) affects between 1% to 5% of women of reproductive age. It is widely believed that RPL is a complex disorder that is influenced by chromosomal abnormalities, genetic mutations, uterine anatomic deformity, endocrine dysfunction, immunologic factors, infections, and the environment. Thrombotic disorders are a frequent cause of RPL, accounting for almost half of all cases; however, in the rest of the cases, the cause of RPL remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, it was planned to determine the genetic mutations involved in RPL during the first and second trimester of pregnancy. An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted in 2021, collecting data from 157 first trimester miscarriages and 54 s trimester pregnancies. All patients with a panel of laboratory and genetic analysis for thrombophilia were included for data analysis. It was observed that four factors were significantly more prevalent in one of the groups. Factor V Leiden (FVL) homozygosity and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) antibodies were statistically significantly more common in pregnant women who suffered first trimester pregnancy losses. On the other hand, Protein C deficiency and Glycoprotein Ia polymorphism were statistically significantly more frequent in the second trimester group. The strongest independent risk factors for first trimester pregnancy loss were FVL and prothrombin (PT) compound mutations (OR = 3.11), followed by FVL homozygous mutation (OR = 3.66), and APS antibodies (OR = 4.47). Regarding second trimester pregnancy loss risk factors, the strongest were FVL and PT compound (OR = 3.24), followed by Glycoprotein Ia polymorphism (OR = 3.61), and respectively, APS antibodies (OR = 3.85). Numerous thrombophilic risk factors for early and late pregnancy loss have been found, including several mutations that seem to occur more often either during the first or the second trimester. Even though we are aware of risk-free and efficient diagnostics for thrombophilia abnormalities, no intervention has been proved to be clearly successful after the detection of these variables.

Prevalence of adverse birth outcomes and associated factors in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to measure the prevalence of adverse birth outcomes and associated factors among mothers from the Jazan region in Saudi, Arabia. This was a cross-sectional investigation where data was collected via a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was completed during interviews to assess data regarding the participants' demographics, morbidity, the reported adverse birth outcomes, and maternal complications during pregnancy. Chi-squared and Fisher's Exact tests were both used to compare the distribution of demographic and obstetric risk factors according to the historical presence of adverse birth outcomes. A total of 1315 women with a combined history of 4950 pregnancies were involved in the current investigation. The mean age of the participants was 33.1 years. The total number of adverse birth outcomes was 1009. The most frequently reported adverse birth outcome was miscarriage (12.1%), followed by premature birth (2.3%) and underweight birth (1.9%). Reports of a minimum of 1 adverse birth outcome were higher among women who reported family incomes of more than 10,000 Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR), women who were first-degree cousins of their husbands, and women with less than a secondary level education (P values <.05). This study found a relatively high prevalence of miscarriage. Further investigations are needed to assess factors associated with this high frequency level of miscarriage. Furthermore, these findings have preventive and clinical implications concerning pregnant women with a history of obesity, anemia, consanguinity, and hypertension. The goal is to target them with a better range of antenatal care services to reduce the incidence of potential adverse birth outcomes.

Effects of HIV Infection on Pregnancy Outcomes Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Referral Hospitals of the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has remained to be a significant public health problem worldwide mainly affecting women. Despite a 2 to 3 times higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, around 2 million HIV positive women give birth each year globally. However, there is a dearth of evidences in Ethiopia about the effect of maternal HIV infection on pregnancy outcomes where adverse birth outcomes are still a significant health problem. This study is, therefore, aimed to examine the effect of HIV on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among 704 pregnant women (352 women with HIV and 352 women without HIV infection). Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data on socio-demographic, obstetric, clinical, as well as behavioral and psychosocial characteristics were collected using a validated tool. Data on the outcome variables were also collected following delivery. Modified Poisson regression was employed to estimate the relative risk (RR) of HIV on low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, and still birth at 95% confidence level. Attributable fraction (AF) was used to report the impact of HIV infection on pregnancy outcomes.

Results

Of the total 704 pregnant women enrolled for the study, 96.3% (678) completed the study. The mean age of the study participants was 30.8 (SD ± 5.4) for HIV positive and 27 (SD ± 5.4) for HIV negative women. The cumulative incidence of low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth were 21.4%, 9.4%, and 4.1%, respectively. The incidence of LBW was 24.7% among HIV positive and 17.8% among HIV negative women. The incidence of preterm birth was 10.7% among HIV positive and 7.9% among HIV negative women. And the incidence of stillbirth was 3.7% and 4.6% among HIV positive and those HIV negative women. New-borns from women with HIV infection had a higher risk of low birth weight and preterm birth than those HIV negative women (Adjusted Relative Risk (ARR) = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.06–2.03) and (ARR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.08–2.79), respectively. The attributable risk of HIV on low birth weight was 32% (Attributable Fraction (AF) = 32%, 95% CI: 23–46%), and 43% (AF = 43%, 95% CI: 23–46%) for preterm birth.

Conclusion

Maternal HIV infection increased the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth. This implies due attention is required while providing maternal health services primarily antenatal care and delivery services. These services should be aimed at reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes with more attention given to women with HIV infection. Moreover, reinforcement of HIV prevention intervention strategies should be considered at all levels.

Effect of a family planning program on documented emotional support and reproductive goals counseling after previable pregnancy loss

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of the Ryan Program for family planning training on patient counseling surrounding previable pregnancy loss.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with first- and second-trimester miscarriages, therapeutic abortions, ectopic and molar pregnancies, from years before and after establishing a Ryan Program. We compared documentation of coping and future reproductive goals by patient factors, using chi square testing and logistic regression.

RESULTS

We included 285 pregnancies: 138 pre-Ryan, 147 post-Ryan. Documentation of coping and future goals was greater post-Ryan than pre-Ryan (57.8% vs. 26.8% for coping, 72.8% vs. 50.7% for goals; both p < 0.001). Coping was less likely to be documented for adolescents (aOR 0.02), patients of Asian race (aOR 0.08), those diagnosed in the emergency department (aOR 0.22), and those with ectopic or molar pregnancy (aOR 0.14) (all p < 0.005). Coping documentation increased with second-trimester loss (aOR 6.19) and outpatient follow-up (aOR 3.41) (all p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Establishment of a Ryan Program was associated with greater attention to patient coping and goals after previable pregnancy loss. Patients experiencing medically-dangerous pregnancy losses receive less attention to their coping.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Comprehensive family planning training and outpatient access may improve patient-centeredness of care for previable pregnancy loss.

Evaluating the impact of maternal health care policy on stillbirth and perinatal mortality in Ghana; a mixed method approach using two rounds of Ghana demographic and health survey data sets and qualitative design technique

BACKGROUND

Stillbirth and perinatal mortality issues continue to receive inadequate policy attention in Ghana despite government efforts maternal health care policy intervention over the years. The development has raised concerns as to whether Ghana can achieve the World Health Organization target of 12 per 1000 live births by the year 2030.

PURPOSE

In this study, we compared stillbirth and perinatal mortality between two groups of women who registered and benefitted from Ghana's 'free' maternal health care policy and those who did not. We further explored the contextual factors of utilization of maternal health care under the 'free' policy to find explanation to the quantitative findings.

METHODS

The study adopted a mixed method approach, first using two rounds of Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data sets, 2008 and 2014 as baseline and end line respectively. We constructed outcome variables of stillbirth and perinatal mortality from the under 5 mortality variables (n = 487). We then analyzed for association using multiple logistics regression and checked for sensitivity and over dispersion using Poisson and negative binomial regression models, while adjusting for confounding. We also conducted 23 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions for doctors, midwives and pregnant women and analyzed the contents of the transcripts thematically with verbatim quotes.

RESULTS

Stillbirth rate increased in 2014 by 2 per 1000 live births. On the other hand, perinatal mortality rate declined within the same period by 4 per 1000 live births. Newborns were 1.64 times more likely to be stillborn; aOR: 1.64; 95% [CI: 1.02, 2.65] and 2.04 times more likely to die before their 6th day of life; aOR: 2.04; 95% [CI: 1.28, 3.25] among the 'free' maternal health care policy group, compared to the no 'free' maternal health care policy group, and the differences were statistically significant, p< 0.041; p< 0.003, respectively. Routine medicines such as folic acid and multi-vitamins were intermittently in short supply forcing private purchase by pregnant women to augment their routine requirement. Also, pregnant women in labor took in local concoction as oxytocin, ostensibly to fast track the labor process and inadvertently leading to complications of uterine rapture thus, increasing the risk of stillbirths.

CONCLUSION

Even though perinatal mortality rate declined overall in 2014, the proportion of stillbirth and perinatal death is declining slowly despite the 'free' policy intervention. Shortage of medicine commodities, inadequate monitoring of labor process coupled with pregnant women intake of traditional herbs, perhaps explains the current rate of stillbirth and perinatal death.

Burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in Eastern Africa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Although global mortality rates in children under 5 years have decreased substantially in the last 30 years, there remain around 2.6 million stillbirths and 2.9 million neonatal deaths each year. The majority of these deaths occur in Africa and South Asia. To reduce perinatal deaths in East Africa, knowledge of the burden, but also the risk factors and causes of perinatal deaths are crucial. To the best of our knowledge, reviews have previously focused on the burden of perinatal deaths; here we aim to synthesize evidence on the burden, causes, and risk factors for perinatal mortality in East Africa. Methods: We will conduct a systematic literature search in Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Global Health, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, HINARI, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online (AJOL), and WHO African Regional Office (AFRO) Library. We will include studies from 2010 to 2022, and to facilitate the inclusion of up-to-date data, we will request recent data from ongoing surveillance in the region, such as the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network and Health and Demographic Surveillance sites (HDSS sites). To assess the quality of included studies we will use the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for observational and trial studies. We will analyze the data using STATA version 17 statistical software and assess heterogeneity and publication bias by Higgins’ I2 and funnel plot, respectively. Conclusions: This systematic review protocol will search for published studies, and seek unpublished data, on the burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in East Africa. Findings will be reported and gaps in the evidence base identified, with recommendations, with the ultimate aim of reducing perinatal deaths.

Incidence and sociodemographic, living environment and maternal health associations with stillbirth in a tertiary healthcare setting in Kano, Northern Nigeria

Background

Almost two million stillbirths occur annually, most occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Nigeria is reported to have one of the highest stillbirth rates on the African continent. The aim was to identify sociodemographic, living environment, and health status factors associated with stillbirth and determine the associations between pregnancy and birth factors and stillbirth in the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.

Methods

A three-month single-site prospective observational feasibility study. Demographic and clinical data were collected. We fitted bivariable and multivariable models for stillbirth (yes/no) and three-category livebirth/macerated stillbirth/non-macerated stillbirth outcomes to explore their association with demographic and clinical factors.

Findings

1,998 neonates and 1,926 mothers were enrolled. Higher odds of stillbirth were associated with low-levels of maternal education, a further distance to travel to the hospital, living in a shack, maternal hypertension, previous stillbirth, birthing complications, increased duration of labour, antepartum haemorrhage, prolonged or obstructed labour, vaginal breech delivery, emergency caesarean-section, and signs of trauma to the neonate following birth.

Interpretation

This work has obtained data on some factors influencing stillbirth. This in turn will facilitate the development of improved public health interventions to reduce preventable deaths and to progress maternal health within this site.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04971-x.

Protocol for a pregnancy registry of maternal and infant outcomes in Uganda –The PREPARE Study

Background: Pregnancy is associated with complications which must be differentiated from adverse events associated with the administration of vaccines during pregnancy both in clinical trials and post licensure surveillance. The frequency of pregnancy related complications varies significantly by geographical location and the prevalence of pregnancy and neonatal outcomes are poorly documented in most low-resource settings. In preparation for Group B Streptococcus maternal vaccination trials, we describe a protocol for a pregnancy register at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda to describe pregnancy maternal and infant outcomes. Methods: The study has two components. Firstly, an active, prospective surveillance cohort consisting of pregnant women in their first or second trimester recruited and followed up through their hospital scheduled antenatal visits, delivery and their infants through their extended programme of immunisation visits until 14 weeks of age. Data on obstetric and neonatal outcomes defined by the Brighton Collaboration Global Alliance of Immunisation Safety Assessment in Pregnancy criteria will be collected. Secondly, a passive surveillance cohort collecting data through routine electronic health records on all women and infants attending care at KNRH.  Data will be collected on vaccinations and medications including antiretroviral therapy received in antenatal clinic and prior to hospital discharge. Discussion:  Conducting vaccine research in resource-limited settings is essential for equity and to answer priority safety questions specific to these settings. It requires improved vaccine safety monitoring, which is especially pertinent in maternal vaccine research. During a trial, understanding the epidemiology and background rates of adverse events in the study population is essential to establish thresholds which indicate a safety signal. These data need to be systematically and reliably collected. This study will describe rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of 4,000 women and infants and any associated medications or vaccines received at a new vaccine trial site in Uganda.

Prenatal Exposure to Mercury, Manganese, and Lead and Adverse Birth Outcomes in Suriname: A Population-Based Birth Cohort Study

Globally, adverse birth outcomes are increasingly linked to prenatal exposure to environmental contaminants, such as mercury, manganese, and lead. This study aims to assess an association between prenatal exposure to mercury, manganese, and lead and the occurrence of adverse birth outcomes in 380 pregnant women in Suriname. The numbers of stillbirths, preterm births, low birth weights, and low Apgar scores were determined, as well as blood levels of mercury, manganese, lead, and relevant covariates. Descriptive statistics were calculated using frequency distributions. The associations between mercury, manganese, and lead blood levels, on the one hand, and adverse birth outcomes, on the other hand, were explored using contingency tables, tested with the χ²-test (Fisher's exact test), and expressed with a p value. Multivariate logistic regression models were computed to explore independent associations and expressed as (adjusted) odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The findings of this study indicate no statistically significant relationship between blood mercury, manganese, or lead levels and stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and low Apgar score. However, the covariate diabetes mellitus (aOR 5.58, 95% CI (1.38-22.53)) was independently associated with preterm birth and the covariate hypertension (aOR 2.72, 95% CI (1.081-6.86)) with low birth weight. Nevertheless, the observed high proportions of pregnant women with blood levels of mercury, manganese, and lead above the reference levels values of public health concern warrants environmental health research on risk factors for adverse birth outcomes to develop public health policy interventions to protect pregnant Surinamese women and their newborns from potential long-term effects.

Lifetime adverse pregnancy outcomes and associated factors among antenatal care booked women in Central Gondar zone and Gondar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

In developing countries, adverse pregnancy outcomes are major public health issues. It is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the fact that ending prenatal mortality and morbidity is one of the third Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the burden of the problem continues to be a huge concern in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of lifetime adverse pregnancy outcomes among antenatal care (ANC) booked women in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Northwest Ethiopia, between March 2021 and June 2021. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. An interviewer-administered and checklist questionnaire were used to collect the data. The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 software and exported to Stata version 16 for analysis. The binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify an association between associated factors and the outcome variable. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model were declared as statistically significant.

Results

In this study, the lifetime prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcome among study participants was 14.53% (95%CI: 11.61, 18.04). Road access to the health facilities (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.14, 6.02) and husband-supported pregnancy (AOR = 2.63; 95 CI: 1.46, 4.72) were significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions

More than one in 10 reproductive age women had adverse pregnancy outcome throughout their life. Road access to health facilities and husband-supported pregnancy were statistically significant factors for adverse events in pregnancy. Therefore, it is better to give more attention to expanding infrastructure like road accessibility and increasing husband-supported pregnancy to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Socioeconomic inequality and stillbirth rate disparities among native and foreign mothers: evidence from Greece

We study, for the first time, stillbirth differentials among native and migrant populations in Greece using national vital registration microdata for the period of 2010–2014. We employ conventional demographic measures and propose a standardization procedure to delineate the effect of selected distributions of livebirths on the observed stillbirth rates. The stillbirth rate among immigrant mothers is 40% higher than among natives, an excess which persists throughout gestational intervals and age groups. Our findings also show a clear gradient of stillbirth rates by maternal education, favoring more educated women, and this finding applies to both native and immigrant mothers. Our standardization methodology shows that the distribution of births by maternal educational level and age play a role; this finding implies that elevated immigrant stillbirth rates may be attributed to a certain extent to the specific characteristics of this group, since immigrant women have, on average, a younger age structure and lower educational attainment.

Insights on the differentiation of stillbirths and early neonatal deaths: A study from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network

Introduction

The high burden of stillbirths and neonatal deaths is driving global initiatives to improve birth outcomes. Discerning stillbirths from neonatal deaths can be difficult in some settings, yet this distinction is critical for understanding causes of perinatal deaths and improving resuscitation practices for live born babies.

Methods

We evaluated data from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network to compare the accuracy of determining stillbirths versus neonatal deaths from different data sources and to evaluate evidence of resuscitation at delivery in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. CHAMPS works to identify causes of stillbirth and death in children <5 years of age in Bangladesh and 6 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Using CHAMPS data, we compared the final classification of a case as a stillbirth or neonatal death as certified by the CHAMPS Determining Cause of Death (DeCoDe) panel to both the initial report of the case by the family member or healthcare worker at CHAMPS enrollment and the birth outcome as stillbirth or livebirth documented in the maternal health record.

Results

Of 1967 deaths ultimately classified as stillbirth, only 28 (1.4%) were initially reported as livebirths. Of 845 cases classified as very early neonatal death, 33 (4%) were initially reported as stillbirth. Of 367 cases with post-mortem examination showing delivery weight >1000g and no maceration, the maternal clinical record documented that resuscitation was not performed in 161 cases (44%), performed in 14 (3%), and unknown or data missing for 192 (52%).

Conclusion

This analysis found that CHAMPS cases assigned as stillbirth or neonatal death after DeCoDe expert panel review were generally consistent with the initial report of the case as a stillbirth or neonatal death. Our findings suggest that more frequent use of resuscitation at delivery and improvements in documentation around events at birth could help improve perinatal outcomes.