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Welsh G, Ayoub A, Bilodeau-Bertrand M, Lewin A, Auger N. Stillbirth rates following the change in definition of fetal mortality in Quebec. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2024:10.17269/s41997-024-00930-5. [PMID: 39251543 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-024-00930-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In 2019, Quebec changed its stillbirth definition to include fetal deaths at 20 weeks gestation or more. Previously, the criterion was a minimum birth weight of 500 g. We assessed the impact of the new definition on stillbirth rates. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of stillbirth rates between 2010 and 2021 in Quebec. The exposure consisted of the period during the new definition versus the preceding period. We assessed how the new definition affected stillbirth rates using interrupted time series regression, and compared the period during the new definition with the preceding period using prevalence differences and prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We determined the extent to which fetuses at the limit of viability (under 500 g or 20‒23 weeks) accounted for any increase in rates. RESULTS Stillbirth rates went from 4.11 before the new definition to 6.76 per 1000 total births immediately after. Overall, the change in definition led to an absolute increase of 2.58 stillbirths per 1000 total births, for a prevalence ratio of 1.76 (95% CI 1.61‒1.92) compared with the preceding period. Fetal deaths due to congenital anomalies increased by 6.82 per 10,000 (95% CI 4.85‒8.78), while deaths due to pregnancy termination increased by 10.47 per 10,000 (95% CI 8.04‒12.89). Once the definition changed, 37% of stillbirths were under 500 g and 42% were between 20 and 23 weeks, with around half of these caused by congenital anomalies and terminations. CONCLUSION Stillbirth rates increased after the definition changed in Quebec, mainly due to congenital anomalies and pregnancy terminations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golden Welsh
- Department of Demography, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aimina Ayoub
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Antoine Lewin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Auger
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Garabedian C, Sibiude J, Anselem O, Attie-Bittach T, Bertholdt C, Blanc J, Dap M, de Mézerac I, Fischer C, Girault A, Guerby P, Le Gouez A, Madar H, Quibel T, Tardy V, Stirnemann J, Vialard F, Vivanti A, Sananès N, Verspyck E. [Fetal death: Expert consensus from the College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2024:S2468-7189(24)00261-7. [PMID: 39153884 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2024.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Fetal death is defined as the spontaneous cessation of cardiac activity after fourteen weeks of amenorrhea. In France, the prevalence of fetal death after 22 weeks is between 3.2 and 4.4/1000 births. Regarding the prevention of fetal death in the general population, it is not recommended to counsel for rest and not to prescribe vitamin A, vitamin D nor micronutrient supplementation for the sole purpose of reducing the risk of fetal death (Weak recommendations; Low quality of evidence). It is not recommended to prescribe aspirin (Weak recommendation; Very low quality of evidence). It is recommended to offer vaccination against influenza in epidemic periods and against SARS-CoV-2 (Strong recommendations; Low quality of evidence). It is not recommended to systematically look for nuchal cord encirclements during prenatal screening ultrasounds (Strong Recommendation; Low Quality of Evidence) and not to perform systematic antepartum monitoring by cardiotocography (Weak Recommendation; Very Low Quality of Evidence). It is not recommended to ask women to perform an active fetal movement count to reduce the risk of fetal death (Strong Recommendation; High Quality of Evidence). Regarding evaluation in the event of fetal death, it is suggested that an external fetal examination be systematically offered (Expert opinion). It is recommended that a fetopathological and anatomopathological examination of the placenta be carried out to participate in cause identification (Strong Recommendation. Moderate quality of evidence). It is recommended that chromosomal analysis by microarray testing be performed rather than conventional karyotype, in order to be able to identify a potentially causal anomaly more frequently (Strong Recommendation, moderate quality of evidence); to this end, it is suggested that postnatal sampling of the placental fetal surface for genetic purposes be preferred (Expert Opinion). It is suggested to test for antiphospholipid antibodies and systematically perform a Kleihauer test and a test for irregular agglutinins (Expert opinion). It is suggested to offer a summary consultation, with the aim of assessing the physical and psychological status of the parents, reporting the results, discussing the cause and providing information on monitoring for a subsequent pregnancy (Expert opinion). Regarding announcement and support, it is suggested to announce fetal death without ambiguity, using simple words and adapting to each situation, and then to support couples with empathy in the various stages of their care (Expert opinion). Regarding management, it is suggested that, in the absence of a situation at risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation or maternal vitality, the patient's wishes should be taken into account when determining the time between the diagnosis of fetal death and induction of birth. Returning home is possible if it's the patient wish (Expert opinion). In all situations excluding maternal life-threatening emergencies, the preferred mode of delivery is vaginal delivery, regardless the history of cesarean section(s) history (Expert opinion). In the event of fetal death, it is recommended that mifepristone 200mg be prescribed at least 24hours before induction, to reduce the delay between induction and delivery (Low recommendation. Low quality of evidence). There are insufficient data in the literature to make a recommendation regarding the route of administration (vaginal or oral) of misoprostol, neither the type of prostaglandin to reduce induction-delivery time or maternal morbidity. It is suggested that perimedullary analgesia be introduced at the start of induction if the patient asks, regardless of gestational age. It is suggested to prescribe cabergoline immediately in the postpartum period in order to avoid lactation, whatever the gestational age, after discussing the side effects of the treatment with the patient (Expert opinion). The risk of recurrence of fetal death after unexplained fetal death does not appear to be increased in subsequent pregnancies, and data from the literature are insufficient to make a recommendation on the prescription of aspirin. In the event of a history of fetal death due to vascular issues, low-dose aspirin is recommended to reduce perinatal morbidity, and should not be combined with heparin therapy (Low recommendation, very low quality of evidence). It is suggested not to recommend an optimal delay before initiating another pregnancy just because of the history of fetal death. It is suggested that the woman and co-parent be informed of the possibility of psychological support. Fetal heart rate monitoring is not indicated solely because of a history of fetal death. It is suggested that delivery not be systematically induced. However, induction can be considered depending on the context and parental request. The gestational age will be discussed, taking into account the benefits and risks, especially before 39 weeks. If a cause of fetal death is identified, management will be adapted on a case-by-case basis (expert opinion). In the event of fetal death occurring in a twin pregnancy, it is suggested that the surviving twin be evaluated as soon as the diagnosis of fetal death is made. In the case of dichorionic pregnancy, it is suggested to offer ultrasound monitoring on a monthly basis. It is suggested not to deliver prematurely following fetal death of a twin. If fetal death occurs in a monochorionic twin pregnancy, it is suggested to contact the referral competence center, in order to urgently look for signs of acute fetal anemia on ultrasound in the surviving twin, and to carry out weekly ultrasound monitoring for the first month. It is suggested not to induce birth immediately.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeanne Sibiude
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Trousseau, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Olivia Anselem
- Maternité Port-Royal, groupe hospitalier Paris Centre, AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
| | | | - Charline Bertholdt
- Pôle de gynécologie-obstétrique, pôle laboratoires, CHRU de Nancy, université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Julie Blanc
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Nord, hôpitaux universitaires de Marseille, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - Matthieu Dap
- Pôle de gynécologie-obstétrique, pôle laboratoires, CHRU de Nancy, université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
| | | | - Catherine Fischer
- Service d'anesthésie, maternité Port-Royal, groupe hospitalier Paris Centre, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Aude Girault
- Maternité Port-Royal, groupe hospitalier Paris Centre, AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Paul Guerby
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Agnès Le Gouez
- Service d'anesthésie, hôpital Antoine-Béclère, AP-HP, université Paris Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Hugo Madar
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CHU de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Thibaud Quibel
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CHI de Poissy Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - Véronique Tardy
- Direction des plateaux médicotechniques, hospices civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Département de biochimie biologie moléculaire, université Claude-Bernard Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Julien Stirnemann
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Necker, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - François Vialard
- Département de génétique, CHI de Poissy Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Poissy, France
| | - Alexandre Vivanti
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, DMU santé des femmes et des nouveau-nés, hôpital Antoine-Béclère, AP-HP, université Paris Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Nicolas Sananès
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital américain, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
| | - Eric Verspyck
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CHU Charles-Nicolle, Rouen, France
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Blencowe H, Hug L, Moller AB, You D, Moran AC. Definitions, terminology and standards for reporting of births and deaths in the perinatal period: International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 39127912 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite efforts to reduce stillbirths and neonatal deaths, inconsistent definitions and reporting practices continue to hamper global progress. Existing data frequently being limited in terms of quality and comparability across countries. This paper addresses this critical issue by outlining the new International Classification of Disease (ICD-11) recommendations for standardized recording and reporting of perinatal deaths to improve data accuracy and international comparison. Key advancements in ICD-11 include using gestational age as the primary threshold to for reporting, clearer guidance on measurement and recording of gestational age, and reporting mortality rates by gestational age subgroups to enable country comparisons to include similar populations (e.g., all births from 154 days [22+0 weeks] or from 196 days [28+0 weeks]). Furthermore, the revised ICD-11 guidance provides further clarification around the exclusion of terminations of pregnancy (induced abortions) from perinatal mortality statistics. Implementing standardized recording and reporting methods laid out in ICD-11 will be crucial for accurate global data on stillbirths and perinatal deaths. Such high-quality data would both allow appropriate regional and international comparisons to be made and serve as a resource to improve clinical practice and epidemiological and health surveillance, enabling focusing of limited programmatic and research funds towards ending preventable deaths and improving outcomes for every woman and every baby, everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Blencowe
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive and Child Health (MARCH) Center, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lucia Hug
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, UNICEF, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ann-Beth Moller
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Danzhen You
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, UNICEF, New York, New York, USA
| | - Allisyn C Moran
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Khalil A, Samara A, Coutinho CM, Ladhani SN. Global efforts needed to address burden of preventable stillbirth. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:441-445. [PMID: 38011583 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
| | - A Samara
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- FUTURE, Center for Functional Tissue Reconstruction, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - C M Coutinho
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S N Ladhani
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, UK Health Security Agency, UK
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5
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Zeitlin J, Philibert M, Estupiñán-Romero F, Loghi M, Sakkeus L, Draušnik Ž, Alcaide AR, Durox M, Cap J, Dimnjakovic J, Misins J, Bernal Delgado E, Thissen M, Gissler M. Developing and testing a protocol using a common data model for federated collection and analysis of national perinatal health indicators in Europe. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2023; 3:54. [PMID: 37830050 PMCID: PMC10565425 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.15701.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Context: International comparisons of the health of mothers and babies provide essential benchmarks for guiding health practice and policy, but statistics are not routinely compiled in a comparable way. These data are especially critical during health emergencies, such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI) project aimed to promote the exchange of population data in Europe and included a Use Case on perinatal health. Objective: To develop and test a protocol for federated analysis of population birth data in Europe. Methods: The Euro-Peristat network with participants from 31 countries developed a Common Data Model (CDM) and R scripts to exchange and analyse aggregated data on perinatal indicators. Building on recommended Euro-Peristat indicators, complemented by a three-round consensus process, the network specified variables for a CDM and common outputs. The protocol was tested using routine birth data for 2015 to 2020; a survey was conducted assessing data provider experiences and opinions. Results: The CDM included 17 core data items for the testing phase and 18 for a future expanded phase. 28 countries and the four UK nations created individual person-level databases and ran R scripts to produce anonymous aggregate tables. Seven had all core items, 17 had 13-16, while eight had ≤12. Limitations were not having all items in the same database, required for this protocol. Infant death and mode of birth were most frequently missing. Countries took from under a day to several weeks to set up the CDM, after which the protocol was easy and quick to use. Conclusion: This open-source protocol enables rapid production and analysis of perinatal indicators and constitutes a roadmap for a sustainable European information system. It also provides minimum standards for improving national data systems and can be used in other countries to facilitate comparison of perinatal indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Zeitlin
- Université Paris Cité, INRAE, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, INSERM, Paris, 75004, France
| | - Marianne Philibert
- Université Paris Cité, INRAE, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, INSERM, Paris, 75004, France
| | - Francisco Estupiñán-Romero
- Data Sciences for Health Services and Policy Research, Institute for Health Sciences in Aragon (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marzia Loghi
- Directorate for Social Statistics and Welfare, Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT), Rome, Italy
| | - Luule Sakkeus
- Estonian Institute for Population Studies, Tallin University, Tallin, Estonia
| | | | | | - Mélanie Durox
- Université Paris Cité, INRAE, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, INSERM, Paris, 75004, France
| | - Jan Cap
- National Health Information Center, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Janis Misins
- Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Enrique Bernal Delgado
- Data Sciences for Health Services and Policy Research, Institute for Health Sciences in Aragon (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Martin Thissen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mika Gissler
- Department of Knowledge Brokers, THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Euro-Peristat Research Group
- Université Paris Cité, INRAE, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, INSERM, Paris, 75004, France
- Data Sciences for Health Services and Policy Research, Institute for Health Sciences in Aragon (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain
- Directorate for Social Statistics and Welfare, Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT), Rome, Italy
- Estonian Institute for Population Studies, Tallin University, Tallin, Estonia
- Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Alcala, Madrid, Spain
- National Health Information Center, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Knowledge Brokers, THL Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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de Graaff EC, Leisher SH, Blencowe H, Lawford H, Cassidy J, Cassidy PR, Draper ES, Heazell AEP, Kinney M, Quigley P, Ravaldi C, Storey C, Vannacci A, Flenady V. Ending preventable stillbirths and improving bereavement care: a scorecard for high- and upper-middle income countries. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:480. [PMID: 37391688 PMCID: PMC10311809 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05765-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite progress, stillbirth rates in many high- and upper-middle income countries remain high, and the majority of these deaths are preventable. We introduce the Ending Preventable Stillbirths (EPS) Scorecard for High- and Upper Middle-Income Countries, a tool to track progress against the Lancet's 2016 EPS Series Call to Action, fostering transparency, consistency and accountability. METHODS The Scorecard for EPS in High- and Upper-Middle Income Countries was adapted from the Scorecard for EPS in Low-Income Countries, which includes 20 indicators to track progress against the eight Call to Action targets. The Scorecard for High- and Upper-Middle Income Countries includes 23 indicators tracking progress against these same Call to Action targets. For this inaugural version of the Scorecard, 13 high- and upper-middle income countries supplied data. Data were collated and compared between and within countries. RESULTS Data were complete for 15 of 23 indicators (65%). Five key issues were identified: (1) there is wide variation in stillbirth rates and related perinatal outcomes, (2) definitions of stillbirth and related perinatal outcomes vary widely across countries, (3) data on key risk factors for stillbirth are often missing and equity is not consistently tracked, (4) most countries lack guidelines and targets for critical areas for stillbirth prevention and care after stillbirth and have not set a national stillbirth rate target, and (5) most countries do not have mechanisms in place for reduction of stigma or guidelines around bereavement care. CONCLUSIONS This inaugural version of the Scorecard for High- and Upper-Middle Income Countries highlights important gaps in performance indicators for stillbirth both between and within countries. The Scorecard provides a basis for future assessment of progress and can be used to help hold individual countries accountable, especially for reducing stillbirth inequities in disadvantaged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esti Charlotte de Graaff
- Mater Research Institute, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Susannah Hopkins Leisher
- Mater Research Institute, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- International Stillbirth Alliance, Millburn, USA
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Hannah Blencowe
- Centre for Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive and Child Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Harriet Lawford
- Mater Research Institute, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Elizabeth S Draper
- MBRRACE-UK, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mary Kinney
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Belville, South Africa
| | | | - Claudia Ravaldi
- PeaRL Perinatal Research Laboratory, CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Alfredo Vannacci
- PeaRL Perinatal Research Laboratory, CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Vicki Flenady
- Mater Research Institute, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- International Stillbirth Alliance, Millburn, USA.
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7
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Vercoutere A, Zina MJ, Benoit K, Costa E, Derisbourg S, Boulvain M, Roelens K, Vandenberghe G, Daelemans C. Late miscarriage and stillbirth in asymptomatic and symptomatic hospitalised pregnant women in Belgium during the first and second waves of COVID-19: a prospective nationwide population-based study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:356. [PMID: 37193958 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05624-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth has been recognized as a possible complication of a SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, probably due to destructive placental lesions (SARS-CoV-2 placentitis). The aim of this work is to analyse stillbirth and late miscarriage cases in unvaccinated pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the first two waves (wild-type period) in Belgium. METHODS Stillbirths and late miscarriages in our prospective observational nationwide registry of SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women (n = 982) were classified by three authors using a modified WHO-UMC classification system for standardized case causality assessment. RESULTS Our cohort included 982 hospitalised pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2, with 23 fetal demises (10 late miscarriages from 12 to 22 weeks of gestational age and 13 stillbirths). The stillbirth rate was 9.5‰ for singleton pregnancies and 83.3‰ for multiple pregnancies, which seems higher than for the background population (respectively 5.6‰ and 13.8‰). The agreement between assessors about the causal relationship with SARS-Cov-2 infection was fair (global weighted kappa value of 0.66). Among these demises, 17.4% (4/23) were "certainly" attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, 13.0% (3/23) "probably" and 30.4% (7/23) "possibly". Better agreement in the rating was noticed when pathological examination of the placenta and identification of the virus were available, underlining the importance of a thorough investigation in case of intra-uterine fetal demise. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 causality assessment of late miscarriage and stillbirth cases in our Belgian nationwide case series has shown that half of the fetal losses could be attributable to SARS-CoV-2. We must consider in future epidemic emergencies to rigorously investigate cases of intra-uterine fetal demise and to store placental tissue and other material for future analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Vercoutere
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Anderlecht, Belgium
| | | | - Karolien Benoit
- Belgian Obstetrical Surveillance System, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elena Costa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Anderlecht, Belgium
| | - Sara Derisbourg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Anderlecht, Belgium
| | - Michel Boulvain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Anderlecht, Belgium
| | - Kristien Roelens
- Belgian Obstetrical Surveillance System, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Griet Vandenberghe
- Belgian Obstetrical Surveillance System, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Daelemans
- Belgian Obstetrical Surveillance System, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Woman, Child and Adolescent Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
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8
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Vlachadis N, Vrachnis D, Antonakopoulos N, Tigka M, Loukas N, Parthenis C, Metallinou D, Nanou C, Stavros S, Vrachnis N. Temporal Trends in Stillbirth in Greece: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e37154. [PMID: 37034145 PMCID: PMC10081855 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stillbirths are a major public health issue and a key population health indicator. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate and present time trends in stillbirth in Greece. METHODS Data on all live births and stillbirths were derived from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, covering a 65-year period from 1957 to 2021 and the annual stillbirth rate (SBR) was calculated, defined as the number of stillbirths per 1,000 live births and stillbirths (total births). Trends in the SBR were assessed using joinpoint regression analysis with calculation of the annual percent change (APC) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and level of statistical significance p<0.05. RESULTS The SBR in Greece, after an initial increasing trend (1957-1965: APC=2.6, 95% CI: 0.5 to 4.7, p=0.016), and an all-time high of 15.8 per 1,000 births in 1966, recorded a four decades period of continuous improvement (1965-2003: APC=3.0, 95% CI: -3.2 to -2.8, p<0.001) and reached a historic low in 2008 (3.3 per 1,000 births) (a decrease by 79%). However, the SBR stagnated at an elevated level during the decade 2006-2016 and showed a steeply upward trend during the most recent period 2016-2021 (APC=7.4, 95% CI: 3.0 to 12.1, p=0.001). In 2021, the SBR was 5.3 per 1,000 births, 60% up from 2008. It was estimated that the SBR improvement for the 1967-2021 period resulted in 50,914 stillbirths averted (7.9 per 1,000 births), but the recent increase in the SBR has led to 1,200 additional fetal deaths (1.0 per 1,000 births) during 2009-2021. CONCLUSION After an impressive decline for almost four decades the SBR gradually deteriorated during the economic crisis and finally showed an alarming rising trend after 2015, resulting in an increasing burden of fetal deaths in Greece. Further public health interventions are needed to address preventable risk factors and ensure access to optimized antenatal monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dionysios Vrachnis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, GRC
| | - Nikolaos Antonakopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Patras, Rio University Hospital, Patras, GRC
| | - Maria Tigka
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Athens, GRC
| | - Nikolaos Loukas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzaneio Hospital, Piraeus, GRC
| | - Christos Parthenis
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Elena Venizelou Hospital, Athens, GRC
| | | | - Christina Nanou
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Athens, GRC
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attiko Hospital, Athens, GRC
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attiko Hospital, Athens, GRC
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Sewberath Misser VH, Hindori-Mohangoo AD, Shankar A, Wickliffe JK, Lichtveld MY, Mans DRA. Prenatal Exposure to Mercury, Manganese, and Lead and Adverse Birth Outcomes in Suriname: A Population-Based Birth Cohort Study. TOXICS 2022; 10:464. [PMID: 36006143 PMCID: PMC9414742 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10080464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinoj H. Sewberath Misser
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Kernkampweg 5-7, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Ashna D. Hindori-Mohangoo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Foundation for Perinatal Interventions and Research in Suriname (Perisur), Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Arti Shankar
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jeffrey K. Wickliffe
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | | | - Dennis R. A. Mans
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Kernkampweg 5-7, Paramaribo, Suriname
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Risk Measurement of Perinatal and Neonatal Morbidity Characteristics and Applicability of GAIA Case Definitions: Results and Lessons Learnt of a Hospital-Based Prospective Cohort Study in the Valencia Region (2019-2020). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127132. [PMID: 35742384 PMCID: PMC9223180 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Post-marketing safety surveillance of new vaccines aimed to be administered during pregnancy is crucial to orchestrate efficient adverse events evaluation. This is of special relevance in the current landscape of new vaccines being introduced in the pregnant women population, and particularly due to the recent administration of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women. This multi-center prospective cohort study, nested within the WHO-Global Vaccine Safety-MCC study, involved two hospitals in the Valencia region. Hereby, the incidence rates of seven perinatal and neonatal outcomes in the Valencia region are presented. The pooled data analysis of the two Valencian hospitals allowed the estimation of incidence rates in the Valencia Region (per 1000 live births): 86.7 for low birth weight, 78.2 for preterm birth, 58.8 for small for gestational age, 13 for congenital microcephaly, 0.4 for stillbirth, 1.2 for neonatal death and 6.5 for neonatal infection. These figures are in line with what is expected from a high-income country and the previously reported rates for Spain and Europe, except for the significantly increased rate for congenital microcephaly. Regarding the data for maternal immunization, the vaccination status was collected for 94.4% of the screened pregnant women, highlighting the high quality of the Valencian Vaccine Registry. The study also assessed the Valencian hospitals’ capacity for identifying and collecting data on maternal immunization status, as well as the applicability of the GAIA definitions to the identified outcomes.
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