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Vasconcelos S, Moustakas I, Branco MR, Guimarães S, Caniçais C, van der Helm T, Ramalho C, Marques CJ, de Sousa Lopes SMC, Dória S. Syncytiotrophoblast Markers Are Downregulated in Placentas from Idiopathic Stillbirths. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5180. [PMID: 38791219 PMCID: PMC11121380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The trophoblast cells are responsible for the transfer of nutrients between the mother and the foetus and play a major role in placental endocrine function by producing and releasing large amounts of hormones and growth factors. Syncytiotrophoblast cells (STB), formed by the fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts (CTB), constitute the interface between the foetus and the mother and are essential for all of these functions. We performed transcriptome analysis of human placental samples from two control groups-live births (LB), and stillbirths (SB) with a clinically recognised cause-and from our study group, idiopathic stillbirths (iSB). We identified 1172 DEGs in iSB, when comparing with the LB group; however, when we compared iSB with the SB group, only 15 and 12 genes were down- and upregulated in iSB, respectively. An assessment of these DEGs identified 15 commonly downregulated genes in iSB. Among these, several syncytiotrophoblast markers, like genes from the PSG and CSH families, as well as ALPP, KISS1, and CRH, were significantly downregulated in placental samples from iSB. The transcriptome analysis revealed underlying differences at a molecular level involving the syncytiotrophoblast. This suggests that defects in the syncytial layer may underlie unexplained stillbirths, therefore offering insights to improve clinical obstetrics practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vasconcelos
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ioannis Moustakas
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands (T.v.d.H.); (S.M.C.d.S.L.)
- Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Miguel R. Branco
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Susana Guimarães
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Caniçais
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Talia van der Helm
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands (T.v.d.H.); (S.M.C.d.S.L.)
| | - Carla Ramalho
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Joana Marques
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands (T.v.d.H.); (S.M.C.d.S.L.)
| | - Sofia Dória
- Genetics Service, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal (C.J.M.)
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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Feng CS, Li SF, Ju HH. The application of the ICD-10 for antepartum stillbirth patients in a referral centre of Eastern China: a retrospective study from 2015 to 2022. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:164. [PMID: 38408955 PMCID: PMC10895843 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06313-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causes of some stillbirths are unclear, and additional work must be done to investigate the risk factors for stillbirths. OBJECTIVE To apply the International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) for antepartum stillbirth at a referral center in eastern China. METHODS Antepartum stillbirths were grouped according to the cause of death according to the International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) criteria. The main maternal condition at the time of antepartum stillbirth was assigned to each patient. RESULTS Antepartum stillbirths were mostly classified as fetal deaths of unspecified cause, antepartum hypoxia. Although more than half of the mothers were without an identified condition at the time of the antepartum stillbirth, where there was a maternal condition associated with perinatal death, maternal medical and surgical conditions and maternal complications during pregnancy were most common. Of all the stillbirths, 51.2% occurred between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation, the main causes of stillbirth at different gestational ages also differed. Autopsy and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were recommended in all stillbirths, but only 3.6% received autopsy and 10.5% underwent chromosomal microarray analysis. CONCLUSIONS The ICD-10 is helpful in classifying the causes of stillbirths, but more than half of the stillbirths in our study were unexplained; therefore, additional work must be done. And the ICD-10 score may need to be improved, such as by classifying stillbirths according to gestational age. Autopsy and CMA could help determine the cause of stillbirth, but the acceptance of these methods is currently low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Shou Feng
- Obstetrical department, Changzhou Women and Children Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shu-Fen Li
- Obstetrical department, Changzhou Women and Children Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui-Hui Ju
- Obstetrical department, Changzhou Women and Children Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Shi T, Ma H, Li D, Pan L, Wang T, Li R, Ren X. Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter chemical constituents and the risk of stillbirth and the mediating role of pregnancy complications: A cohort study. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140858. [PMID: 38048830 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidence on the association of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure with stillbirth is limited and inconsistent, which is largely attributed to differences in PM2.5 constituents. Studies have found that the hazards of certain PM2.5 constituents to the fetus are comparable to or even higher than total PM2.5 mass. However, few studies have linked PM2.5 constituents to stillbirth. Moreover, the mediating role of pregnancy complications in PM2.5-related stillbirth remains unclear. To our knowledge, this study was the first to explore the individual and mixed associations of PM2.5 and its constituents with stillbirth in China. After matching the concentrations of PM2.5 and its constituents (sulfate [SO42-], nitrate [NO3-], ammonium [NH4+], organic matter [OM], and black carbon [BC]) for participants according to their geographical location, there were 170,507 participants included in this study. We found that stillbirth was associated with exposure to PM2.5 and its constituents in the year before pregnancy and during the entire pregnancy, and the associations in trimester 1 were strongest. The risk of stillbirth increased sharply when PM2.5 and its constituents during pregnancy exceeded the median concentrations. Moreover, stillbirth was associated with exposure to the mixtures of SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, OM, and BC before and during pregnancy (trimesters 1 and 2). Meanwhile, two-pollutant models also suggested stillbirth was associated with PM2.5 and its constituents in the year before and during pregnancy. The associations of PM2.5 and its constituents with stillbirth were stronger in mothers with advanced age and without cesarean delivery history. Additionally, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and placental abruption mediated the association of PM2.5 with stillbirth. Therefore, enhanced protection against PM2.5 for pregnant women before and during pregnancy and targeted interventions for pregnancy complications and anthropogenic sources of PM2.5 constituents are important to reduce stillbirth risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshan Shi
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Hanping Ma
- Lanzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Donghua Li
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Li Pan
- Lanzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Tingrong Wang
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Rui Li
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Xiaowei Ren
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
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Rajiv P, Cade T, Dean J, Jones GD, Brennecke SP. Maternal serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio distinguishes growth-restricted from non-growth-restricted small-for-gestational-age fetuses. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100302. [PMID: 38318268 PMCID: PMC10839529 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal growth restriction secondary to chronic placental insufficiency is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. A significant proportion of fetuses with fetal growth restriction are small for gestational age, defined as a birthweight of ≤10th percentile. However, not all small-for-gestational-age fetuses are growth restricted. Some are constitutionally small and otherwise healthy. It is important to distinguish between small-for-gestational-age fetuses with and without fetal growth restriction to ensure appropriate interventions in small-for-gestational-age fetuses with fetal growth restriction and to minimize unnecessary interventions in healthy small-for-gestational-age fetuses. The maternal serum ratio of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor is an indicator of placental insufficiency in the latter half of pregnancy. As such, the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio may be a clinically useful tool to distinguish between small-for-gestational-age fetuses with and without fetal growth restriction. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio can distinguish between small-for-gestational-age fetuses with and without fetal growth restriction with a birthweight of ≤10th percentile. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective audit of 233 singleton pregnancies delivering an infant with a birthweight of ≤10th percentile corrected for gestational age with an antenatal maternal serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor result was performed. Fetal growth restriction was defined as a birthweight of ≤10th percentile with an umbilical artery pulsatility index of >95th percentile, fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index of <5th percentile, amniotic fluid index of <6 cm, and/or cerebroplacental ratio of <1st percentile. The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratios before delivery between fetuses with and without fetal growth restriction (121 [fetal growth restriction] vs 112 [no fetal growth restriction]) were compared. The Student t test and Fisher exact test were used to compare cases and controls. The Mann-Whitney U test, linear regression analysis, and Spearman correlation coefficient (Rho) were used to examine associations between the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio and fetal outcomes to determine whether the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio served as a prognostic marker of fetal growth restriction severity. RESULTS The mean soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio was increased in fetal growth restriction cases compared with non-fetal growth restriction controls (234.3±25.0 vs 67.4±7.7, respectively; P<.0001). When controlling for preeclampsia, which is associated with placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction cases still demonstrated an independent increase in the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio (effect size, 0.865; 95% confidence interval, 0.509-1.220; P<.001). The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio was negatively correlated with birthweight percentiles in pregnancies delivering an infant with a birthweight of ≤10th percentile (r=-0.3565; P<.0001). This association was maintained for fetuses with fetal growth restriction (r=-0.2309; P<.05), whereas fetuses without fetal growth restriction had no significant correlation between the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio and neonatal birthweight percentiles. CONCLUSION The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio was significantly higher in small-for-gestational-age fetuses with fetal growth restriction than small-for-gestational-age fetuses without fetal growth restriction, independent of preeclampsia. Furthermore, the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-placental growth factor ratio was negatively correlated with fetal growth restriction birthweight percentiles, suggesting that it may be a clinical measure of fetal growth restriction severity. Therefore, the ratio may usefully delineate fetal growth restriction from constitutionally small but otherwise healthy fetuses antenatally, allowing for timely interventions in small-for-gestational-age cases with fetal growth restriction and unnecessary interventions to be minimized in small-for-gestational-age cases without fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithi Rajiv
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (Drs Rajiv, Cade, Dean, Davis Jones, and Brennecke)
| | - Thomas Cade
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (Drs Rajiv, Cade, Dean, Davis Jones, and Brennecke)
| | - Jennifer Dean
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (Drs Rajiv, Cade, Dean, Davis Jones, and Brennecke)
| | - Gabriel Davis Jones
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (Drs Rajiv, Cade, Dean, Davis Jones, and Brennecke)
| | - Shaun P. Brennecke
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (Drs Rajiv, Cade, Dean, Davis Jones, and Brennecke)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia (Dr Brennecke)
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Osborne B, Mitra S, Karol D, Azzi P, Ou K, Alibhai KM, Murphy MSQ, El-Chaâr D. Etiology of stillbirth in a tertiary care center: a retrospective cohort study assessing ultrasound, laboratory, and pathology investigations. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2277131. [PMID: 37926910 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2277131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canadian stillbirth data are limited, and a significant proportion of pregnancies resulting in stillbirth have no attributable cause. The objective of this study was to characterize stillbirth case investigations and management at a tertiary care hospital in Ontario, Canada. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review study of all cases of singleton stillbirth at The Ottawa Hospital between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2017. Terminations and multiples stillbirths were excluded. Chart reviews were conducted to extract maternal sociodemographic, obstetrical, and fetal characteristics, including results from antenatal ultrasounds, autopsy, placenta pathology, and laboratory investigations. RESULTS A total of 155 eligible cases of stillbirth were identified, resulting in a 6-year stillbirth rate of 4.2 per 1000 total births. The median maternal age was 31.0 years (IQR: 29.0, 35.0) and the median gestational age at delivery was 28 weeks (IQR: 24, 35). A total of 9 (5.8%) pregnant individuals had a history of previous stillbirth. Of the 155 stillbirths, 35% underwent the full suite of post-loss laboratory, placental, and fetal autopsy investigations. 63.2% of cases had post-loss laboratory investigations completed. 76% and 71% of cases had fetal autopsy and placenta pathology evaluations completed, respectively. Antenatal characteristics associated with stillbirth included fetal anomalies/genetic markers (27.1%), umbilical cord and placental anomalies (24.5%), fetal growth abnormalities (27.7%), cervical/uterine abnormalities (11.6%), and amniotic fluid abnormalities (25.1%). The most common autopsy findings included evidence of infection (22.7%), fetal anomalies (12.6%), and fetal hypoxia (10%). The most common placental pathology findings included features of placental insufficiency (21.8%), retroplacental abnormalities (16.3%), and umbilical cord accident/infarct (15.4%). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that as many as two-thirds of singleton stillbirth cases at our center did not receive the post-perinatal loss investigations recommended by clinical practice guidelines. More thorough collection of post-stillbirth data at all levels (institutional, provincial, national) is warranted to improve our understanding of stillbirth epidemiology, etiology, and management in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenden Osborne
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sohini Mitra
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Dalia Karol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pierre Azzi
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kelsie Ou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kameela M Alibhai
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Malia S Q Murphy
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Darine El-Chaâr
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Ersak DT, Tanacan A, Laleli Koç B, Sınacı S, Kara Ö, Şahin D. The utility of complete blood parameter indices to predict stillbirths. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2183747. [PMID: 36859825 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2183747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between unexplained stillbirth (SB) cases and the complete blood parameter indices and we compared them with uncomplicated healthy cases. METHODS Patients diagnosed with unexplained SB cases in a tertiary center between 2019-2022 were included in this retrospective case-control study. The gestational age threshold for SBs was accepted as births after the 20th week of pregnancy. Consecutive patients with no adverse obstetric outcomes were accepted as the control group. Patients' complete blood parameter results at the time of the first admission to the hospital until 14 weeks were labeled as "1'' and at the time of delivery were labeled as "2'' and recorded. As inflammatory parameters, neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio, derivated neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and hemoglobin-lymphocyte ratio (HLR) were calculated from complete blood results and recorded. RESULTS There were statistically significant differences between the groups' LMR1 (p = .040). Additionally, whereas HLR1 of the study group was 0.693 (0.38-2.72), it was 0.645 (0.15-1.82) in the control group (p = .026). However, the HLR2 of the study group was significantly lower than the control group (p = .021). CONCLUSION Necessary precautions such as fetal biophysical profile examination can be taken more frequently in the antenatal follow-up in patients considered to be at high risk of SB by using HLR. It is a novel marker that can be easily accessible and calculated from the complete blood parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Tugrul Ersak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atakan Tanacan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bergen Laleli Koç
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selcan Sınacı
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özgür Kara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Şahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Mera León H. Stillbirths, miscarriages and early losses in armed conflict contexts. The modification effect of violence. The Colombian case. Soc Sci Med 2023; 334:116175. [PMID: 37634466 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colombia experienced a prolonged armed conflict that affected differently regions and periods. We explored how this regional violence influenced the well-being of newborns, using data from the National Centre of Historic Memory (NCHM) and the Vital Statistics Survey. The NCHM recorded the number of victims, while the Vital Statistics Survey reported data on births, stillbirths, and early losses. AIM We aimed to assess the impact of regional violence on newborns' well-being and to examine whether mothers' university education mitigated these effects. We focused on comparing two periods: 1998-2002 and 2003-2007, and two group of regions which differed in the intensity and distribution of violence. METHODS We applied a difference-in-differences approach and logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds of stillbirths and miscarriages in regions exposed to violence during the treated regions. We also estimated the interaction effect between treated groups and mothers' university education. FINDINGS We found a significant association between living in the most violent regions and having a higher risk of stillbirths, miscarriages, or early losses (OR: 1.721). Women living in less affected regions had a higher probability of giving birth to live babies and preserving the dyad. However, we observed a negative modifier effect of violence on the likelihood of live births for mothers with university education (OR:1.273). DISCUSSION We observed that the effect modification points to a higher impact of stress on mothers with university education in violent regions and periods compared to those without higher education. These findings unveil the concealed impact of regional violence, which diminishes the protective influence of maternal education, regardless of the level attained. PROBLEM The scarcity of empirical evidence regarding the causa through which violence modify the shield effect of university education in most affected areas. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN When women are able to complete their university education before giving birth, they are better able to have healthier pregnancies and therefore achieve higher levels of well-being for their newborns. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Pregnant women with university education are likely to be experiencing higher levels of stress compared to those mother with no university education within the most violent regions and periods embedded in armed conflict environments/contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold Mera León
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Political and Social Science, Researcher and Lecture Teacher at the DemoSoc Research Group, Spain.
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Driscoll AJ, Haidara FC, Tapia MD, Deichsel EL, Samake OS, Bocoum T, Bailey JA, Fitzpatrick MC, Goldenberg RL, Kodio M, Moulton LH, Nasrin D, Onwuchekwa U, Shaffer AM, Sow SO, Kotloff KL. Antenatal, intrapartum and infant azithromycin to prevent stillbirths and infant deaths: study protocol for SANTE, a 2×2 factorial randomised controlled trial in Mali. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067581. [PMID: 37648393 PMCID: PMC10471877 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In high mortality settings, prophylactic azithromycin has been shown to improve birth weight and gestational age at birth when administered antenatally, to reduce the incidence of neonatal infections when administered intrapartum, and to improve survival when administered in infancy. Questions remain regarding whether azithromycin can prevent stillbirths, and regarding the optimal strategy for the delivery of azithromycin to pregnant women and their infants. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Sauver avec l'Azithromycine en Traitant les Femmes Enceintes et les Enfants (SANTE) is a 2×2 factorial, individually randomised, placebo-controlled, double-masked trial in rural Mali. The primary aims are: (1A) to assess the efficacy of antenatal and intrapartum azithromycin on a composite outcome of stillbirths and infant mortality through 6-12 months and (1B) to assess the efficacy of azithromycin administered concurrently with the first and third doses of pentavalent vaccines (Penta-1/3) on infant mortality through 6-12 months. Pregnant participants (n=49 600) and their infants are randomised 1:1:1:1 to one of four treatment arms: (1) mother and infant receive azithromycin, (2) mother and infant receive placebo, (3) mother receives azithromycin and infant receives placebo or (4) mother receives placebo and infant receives azithromycin. Pregnant participants receive three single 2 g doses: two antepartum and one intrapartum. Infants receive a single 20 mg/kg dose at the Penta-1 and 3 visits. An additional cohort of 12 000 infants is recruited at the Penta-1 visit and randomised 1:1 to receive azithromycin or placebo at the same time points. The SANTE trial will inform guidelines and policies regarding the administration of antenatal and infant azithromycin using routine healthcare delivery platforms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Protocol #HP-00084242) and the Faculté de Médecine et d'Odonto-Stomatologie in Mali. The findings of this trial will be published in open access peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03909737.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Driscoll
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Milagritos D Tapia
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emily L Deichsel
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Jason A Bailey
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meagan C Fitzpatrick
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert L Goldenberg
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Lawrence H Moulton
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dilruba Nasrin
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Allison M Shaffer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Samba O Sow
- Centre pour le Développement des Vaccins, Bamako, Mali
| | - Karen L Kotloff
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Mensah Abrampah NA, Okwaraji YB, You D, Hug L, Maswime S, Pule C, Blencowe H, Jackson D. Global Stillbirth Policy Review - Outcomes And Implications Ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal Agenda. Int J Health Policy Manag 2023; 12:7391. [PMID: 38618824 PMCID: PMC10590256 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2023.7391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana A. Mensah Abrampah
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yemisrach B. Okwaraji
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Danzhen You
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, UNICEF, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Lucia Hug
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, UNICEF, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Salome Maswime
- Global Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Caroline Pule
- Global Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hannah Blencowe
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Debra Jackson
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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10
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Clark A, Flouri D, Mufti N, James J, Clements E, Aughwane R, Aertsen M, David A, Melbourne A. Developments in functional imaging of the placenta. Br J Radiol 2023; 96:20211010. [PMID: 35234516 PMCID: PMC10321248 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20211010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is both the literal and metaphorical black box of pregnancy. Measurement of the function of the placenta has the potential to enhance our understanding of this enigmatic organ and serve to support obstetric decision making. Advanced imaging techniques are key to support these measurements. This review summarises emerging imaging technology being used to measure the function of the placenta and new developments in the computational analysis of these data. We address three important examples where functional imaging is supporting our understanding of these conditions: fetal growth restriction, placenta accreta, and twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys Clark
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Joanna James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Eleanor Clements
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Rosalind Aughwane
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Aertsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna David
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK
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11
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Atkins B, Kindinger L, Mahindra MP, Moatti Z, Siassakos D. Stillbirth: prevention and supportive bereavement care. BMJ MEDICINE 2023; 2:e000262. [PMID: 37564829 PMCID: PMC10410959 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2022-000262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Around half of the two million stillbirths occurring worldwide each year are preventable. This review compiles the most up-to-date evidence to inform stillbirth prevention. Many general maternal health interventions also reduce the risk of stillbirth, for example, antenatal care attendance. This review focuses on specific aspects of care: glucose metabolism, targeted aspirin prophylaxis, clotting and immune disorders, sleep positions, fetal movement monitoring, and preconception and interconception health. In the past few years, covid-19 infection during pregnancy has emerged as a risk factor for stillbirth, particularly among women who were not vaccinated. Alongside prevention, efforts to address stillbirth must include provision of high quality, supportive, and compassionate bereavement care to improve parents' wellbeing. A growing body of evidence suggests beneficial effects for parents who received supportive care and were offered choices such as mode of birth and the option to see and hold their baby. Staff need support to be able to care for parents effectively, yet, studies consistently highlight the scarcity of specific bereavement care training for healthcare providers. Action is urgently needed and is possible. Action must be taken with the evidence available now, in healthcare settings with high or low resources, to reduce stillbirths and improve training and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Atkins
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, London, UK
| | - Lindsay Kindinger
- King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women Perth, Perth, WA, Australia
- Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
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12
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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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Skytte TB, Holm-Hansen CC, Ali SM, Ame S, Molenaar J, Greisen G, Poulsen A, Sorensen JL, Lund S. Risk factors of stillbirths in four district hospitals on Pemba Island, Tanzania: a prospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:288. [PMID: 37101264 PMCID: PMC10131471 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05613-6] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 2 million third-trimester stillbirths occur yearly, most of them in low- and middle-income countries. Data on stillbirths in these countries are rarely collected systematically. This study investigated the stillbirth rate and risk factors associated with stillbirth in four district hospitals in Pemba Island, Tanzania. METHODS A prospective cohort study was completed between the 13th of September and the 29th of November 2019. All singleton births were eligible for inclusion. Events and history during pregnancy and indicators for adherence to guidelines were analysed in a logistic regression model that identified odds ratios [OR] with a 95% confidence interval [95% CI]. RESULTS A stillbirth rate of 22 per 1000 total births in the cohort was identified; 35.5% were intrapartum stillbirths (total number of stillbirths in the cohort, n = 31). Risk factors for stillbirth were breech or cephalic malpresentation (OR 17.67, CI 7.5-41.64), decreased or no foetal movements (OR 2.6, CI 1.13-5.98), caesarean section [CS] (OR 5.19, CI 2.32-11.62), previous CS (OR 2.63, CI 1.05-6.59), preeclampsia (OR 21.54, CI 5.28-87.8), premature rupture of membranes or rupture of membranes 18 h before birth (OR 2.5, CI 1.06-5.94) and meconium stained amniotic fluid (OR 12.03, CI 5.23-27.67). Blood pressure was not routinely measured, and 25% of women with stillbirths with no registered foetal heart rate [FHR] at admission underwent CS. CONCLUSIONS The stillbirth rate in this cohort was 22 per 1000 total births and did not fulfil the Every Newborn Action Plan's goal of 12 stillbirths per 1000 total births in 2030. Awareness of risk factors associated with stillbirth, preventive interventions and improved adherence to clinical guidelines during labour, and hence improved quality of care, are needed to decrease the stillbirth rate in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Bruhn Skytte
- Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Charlotte Carina Holm-Hansen
- Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Shaali Ame
- Public Health Laboratory, Ivo de Carneri, Pemba, Tanzania
| | - Jil Molenaar
- Reproductive and Maternal Health Research Group, Public Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gorm Greisen
- Department of Neonatology, Juliane Marie Center, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Poulsen
- Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jette Led Sorensen
- Juliane Marie Centre for Children, Women and Reproduction, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Lund
- Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neonatology, Juliane Marie Center, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Workalemahu T, Page JM, Meeks H, Yu Z, Guinto E, Fraser A, Varner MW, Theilen LH, Quinlan A, Coon H, Enquobahrie DA, Ananth CV, Tekola-Ayele F, Jorde LB, Silver RM. Familial aggregation of stillbirth: A pedigree analysis of a matched case-control study. BJOG 2023; 130:454-462. [PMID: 36161750 PMCID: PMC9991941 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17301] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether stillbirth aggregates in families and quantify its familial risk using extended pedigrees. DESIGN State-wide matched case-control study. SETTING Utah, United States. POPULATION Stillbirth cases (n = 9404) and live birth controls (18 808) between 1978 and 2019. METHODS Using the Utah Population Database, a population-based genealogical resource linked with state fetal death and birth records, we identified high-risk pedigrees with excess familial aggregation of stillbirth using the Familial Standardised Incidence Ratio (FSIR). Stillbirth odds ratio (OR) for first-degree relatives (FDR), second-degree relatives (SDR) and third-degree relatives (TDR) of parents with a stillbirth (affected) and live birth (unaffected) were estimated using logistic regression models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Familial aggregation estimated using FSIR, and stillbirth OR estimated for FDR, SDR and TDR of affected and unaffected parents using logistic regression models. RESULTS We identified 390 high-risk pedigrees with evidence for excess familial aggregation (FSIR ≥2.00; P-value <0.05). FDRs, SDRs and TDRs of affected parents had 1.14-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.26), 1.22-fold (95% CI 1.11-1.33) and 1.15-fold (95% CI 1.08-1.21) higher stillbirth odds compared with FDRs, SDRs and TDRs of unaffected parents, respectively. Parental sex-specific analyses showed male FDRs, SDRs and TDRs of affected fathers had 1.22-fold (95% CI 1.02-1.47), 1.38-fold (95% CI 1.17-1.62) and 1.17-fold (95% CI 1.05-1.30) higher stillbirth odds compared with those of unaffected fathers, respectively. FDRs, SDRs and TDRs of affected mothers had 1.12-fold (95% CI 0.98-1.28), 1.09-fold (95% CI 0.96-1.24) and 1.15-fold (95% CI 1.06-1.24) higher stillbirth odds compared with those of unaffected mothers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence for familial aggregation of stillbirth. Our findings warrant investigation into genes associated with stillbirth and underscore the need to design large-scale studies to determine the genetic architecture of stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica M Page
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Intermountain Healthcare, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Huong Meeks
- Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zhe Yu
- Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Emily Guinto
- Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alison Fraser
- Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael W Varner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Intermountain Healthcare, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lauren H Theilen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Aaron Quinlan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hilary Coon
- Department of Psychiatry and Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Cande V Ananth
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Cardiovascular Institute of New Jersey, and Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Fasil Tekola-Ayele
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lynn B Jorde
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Robert M Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Intermountain Healthcare, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Torre Monmany N, Astete JA, Ramaiah D, Suchitra J, Krauel X, Fillol M, Balasubbaiah Y, Alarcón A, Bassat Q. Extended Perinatal Mortality Audit in a Rural Hospital in India. Am J Perinatol 2023; 40:375-386. [PMID: 33902133 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1727220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to describe the status of perinatal mortality (PM) in an Indian rural hospital. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of data was compiled from PM meetings (April 2017 to December 2018) following "Making Every Baby Count: audit and review of stillbirths and neonatal deaths (ENAP or Every Newborn Action Plan)." RESULTS The study includes 8,801 livebirths, 105 stillbirths (SBs); 74 antepartum stillbirths [ASBs], 22 intrapartum stillbirths [ISBs], and nine unknown timing stillbirths [USBs]), 39 neonatal deaths or NDs (perinatal death or PDs 144). The higher risks for ASBs were maternal age >34 years, previous history of death, and/or SBs. Almost half of the PDs could be related with antepartum complications. More than half of the ASB were related with preeclampsia/eclampsia and abruptio placentae; one-third of the ISB were related with preeclampsia/eclampsia and gestational hypertension, fetal growth restriction, and placental dysfunction. The main maternal conditions differed between PDs (p = 0.005). The main causes of the ND were infections, congenital malformations, complications of prematurity, intrapartum complications, and unknown. The stillbirth rate was 11.8/1,000 births, neonatal mortality rate 4.4/1,000 livebirths, and perinatal mortality rate 15.8/1,000 births. CONCLUSION This is the first study of its kind in Andhra Pradesh being the first step for the analysis and prevention of PM. KEY POINTS · Many conditions that lead to stillbirths are linked to neonatal deaths and PM has been outside of the global parameters from the last decades.. · This is the first study following International Classification of Disease perinatal mortality codes and the audit of ENAP in Andhra Pradesh.. · Extended PM and mortality are mainly caused by similar preventable and treatable conditions..
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Torre Monmany
- Department of Paediatrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Department of Paediatric Emergency Transport, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Américo Astete
- Department of Paediatrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Department of Paediatrics, Pediatria dels pirineus, la Seu d'Urgell, Spain
| | - Dasarath Ramaiah
- Department of Paediatrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Jyothi Suchitra
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Xavier Krauel
- Department of Paediatrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Department of Neonatology, Sant Joan de déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manolo Fillol
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital de la plana, Castellón, Spain
| | - Yadamala Balasubbaiah
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rural Development Trust Children's Hospital, Bathalapalli, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Ana Alarcón
- Department of Neonatology, Sant Joan de déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Icrea, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Kuforiji O, Mills TA, Lovell K. Women's experiences of care and support following perinatal death in high burden countries: A metasynthesis. Women Birth 2023; 36:e195-e202. [PMID: 35927212 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.07.170] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM The experiences of women in low and middle-income countries following perinatal death remains difficult and challenging, thereby increasing their susceptibility to negative psychological impact particularly with insufficient bereavement care and support. BACKGROUND Perinatal death invariably brings intense grief which significantly impacts women, and requires adequate bereavement care to limit negative outcomes in the short and long-term. AIM To develop deeper understanding of women's experience of care and support following perinatal death in high burden settings. METHODS Six electronic databases were searched with relevant terms established using the SPIDER tool, supplemented by hand search of reference lists. Studies were independently screened for inclusion by all authors. Meta-ethnography (Noblit and Hare,1988) was used to synthesise existing qualitative studies. FINDINGS Eight studies conducted in Sub-Saharan African and South Asian countries namely South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, India and Malawi were included, and three main themes were identified; mothers' reaction to their baby's death, care and support after perinatal death, and coping strategies in the absence of care and support. Perinatal death was not appropriately acknowledged therefore care and support was inadequate and, in some cases, non-existent. Consequently, mothers resorted to adopting coping strategies as they were unable to express their grief. DISCUSSION There is insufficient care and support for women following perinatal death in high burden settings. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required into the care and support being given by healthcare professionals and families in high burden settings, thereby ultimately aiding the development of guidance on perinatal bereavement care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omotewa Kuforiji
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. United Kingdom.
| | - Tracey A Mills
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Karina Lovell
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. United Kingdom.
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D’Ambrosi F, Ruggiero M, Cesano N, Di Maso M, Cetera GE, Tassis B, Carbone IF, Ferrazzi E. Risk of stillbirth in singleton fetuses with advancing gestational age at term: A 10-year experience of late third trimester prenatal screenings of 50,000 deliveries in a referral center in northern Italy. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0277262. [PMID: 36812250 PMCID: PMC9946230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of intrauterine death (IUD) at term varies from less than one to up to three cases per 1,000 ongoing pregnancies. The cause of death is often largely undefined. Protocols and criteria to prevent and define the rates and causes of stillbirth are the subjects of important scientific and clinical debates. We examined the gestational age and rate of stillbirth at term in a 10-year period at our maternity hub to evaluate the possible favorable impact of a surveillance protocol on maternal and fetal well-being and growth. METHODS AND FINDINGS Our cohort included all women with singleton pregnancies resulting in early term to late term birth at our maternity hub between 2010 and 2020, with the exclusion of fetal anomalies. As per our protocol for monitoring term pregnancies, all women underwent near term to early term maternal and fetal well-being and growth surveillance. If risk factors were identified, outpatient monitoring was initiated and early- or full-term induction was indicated. Labor was induced at late term (41+0-41+4 weeks of gestation), if it did not occur spontaneously. We retrospectively collected, verified, and analyzed all cases of stillbirth at term. The incidence of stillbirth at each week of gestation, was calculated by dividing the number of stillbirths observed that week by the number of women with ongoing pregnancies in that same week. The overall rate of stillbirth per 1000 was also calculated for the entire cohort. Fetal and maternal variables were analyzed to assess the possible causes of death. RESULTS A total of 57,561 women were included in our study, of which 28 cases of stillbirth (overall rate, 0.48 per 1000 ongoing pregnancies; 95% CI: 0.30-0.70) were identified. The incidence of stillbirth in the ongoing pregnancies measured at 37, 38, 39, 40, and 41 weeks of gestation was 0.16, 0.30, 0.11, 0.29, and 0.0 per 1000, respectively. Only three cases occurred after 40+0 weeks of gestation. Six patients had an undetected small for gestational age fetus. The identified causes included placental conditions (n = 8), umbilical cord conditions (n = 7), and chorioamnionitis (n = 4). Furthermore, the cases of stillbirth included one undetected fetal abnormality (n = 1). The cause of fetal death remained unknown in eight cases. CONCLUSIONS In a referral center with an active universal screening protocol for maternal and fetal prenatal surveillance at near and early term, the rate of stillbirth was 0.48 per 1000 in singleton pregnancies at term in a large, unselected population. The highest incidence of stillbirth was observed at 38 weeks of gestation. The vast majority of stillbirth cases occurred before 39 weeks of gestation and 6 of 28 cases were SGA, and the median percentile of the remaining case was the 35th.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco D’Ambrosi
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Marta Ruggiero
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Cesano
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Maso
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Branch of Medical Statistics, Biometry and Epidemiology “G.A. Maccacaro”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Emily Cetera
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Tassis
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilma Floriana Carbone
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Ferrazzi
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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18
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Veettil SK, Kategeaw W, Hejazi A, Workalemahu T, Rothwell E, Silver RM, Chaiyakunapruk N. The economic burden associated with stillbirth: A systematic review. Birth 2023; 50:300-309. [PMID: 36774590 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence on the economic burden of stillbirth is limited. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify studies focusing on the economic burden of stillbirth, describe the methods used, and summarize the findings. METHOD We performed a systematic search in Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and EconLit from inception to July 2021. Original studies reporting the cost of illness, economic burden, or health care expenditures related to stillbirth were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated study quality using the Larg and Moss checklist. A narrative synthesis was performed. Costs were presented in US dollars (US$) in 2020. RESULTS From the 602 records identified, a total of four studies were included. Eligible studies were from high-income countries. Only one study estimated both direct and indirect costs. Among three cost-of-illness studies, two studies undertook a prevalence-based approach. The quality of these studies varied and was substantially under-reported. Four studies describing direct costs ranged from $6934 to $9220 per stillbirth. Indirect costs account for around 97% of overall costs. No studies have incorporated intangible cost components. CONCLUSIONS The economic burden of stillbirth has been underestimated and not extensively studied. There are no data on the cost of stillbirth from countries that bear a higher burden of stillbirth. Extensive variation in methodologies and cost components was observed in the studies reviewed. Future research should incorporate all costs, including intangible costs, to provide a comprehensive picture of the true economic impact of stillbirth on society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajesh K Veettil
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Warittakorn Kategeaw
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Andre Hejazi
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Erin Rothwell
- University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Robert M Silver
- University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,IDEAS Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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19
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Hidalgo-Lopezosa P, Cubero-Luna AM, García-Fernández R, Jiménez-Ruz A, Maestre-Luna MI, Liébana-Presa C, Rodríguez-Borrego MA, López-Soto PJ. Prevalence and Mode of Birth in Late Fetal Mortality in Spain, 2016-2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1777. [PMID: 36767143 PMCID: PMC9914757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: The rate of cesarean sections in late fetal mortality remains high. We aimed to determine the prevalence of late fetal mortality in Spain and risk factors for cesarean birth in women with stillbirth ≥ 28 weeks gestation between 2016-2019. (2) Methods: A retrospective observational study with national data between 2016-2019. A total of 3504 births with fetal dead were included. Sociodemographic, obstetrical and neonatal variables were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression (MLR), with cesarean birth with a stillborn ≥ 28 weeks gestation as the dependent variable. (3) Results: The late fetal mortality rate was 2.8 × 1000; 22.7% of births were by cesarean section. Factors associated with cesarean were having a multiple birth (aOR 6.78); stillbirth weight (aOR 2.41); birth taking place in towns with over 50,000 inhabitants (aOR 1.34); and mother's age ≥ 35 (aOR 1.23). (4) Conclusions: The late fetal mortality rate increased during the period. The performance of cesarean sections was associated with the mother's age, obstetric factors and place of birth. Our findings encourage reflection on how to best put into practice national clinical and socio-educational prevention strategies, as well as the approved protocols on how childbirth should be correctly conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Hidalgo-Lopezosa
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Enfermería, Farmacología y Fisioterapia, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ana María Cubero-Luna
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Enfermería, Farmacología y Fisioterapia, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rubén García-Fernández
- SALBIS Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, 24401 León, Spain
| | - Andrea Jiménez-Ruz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Enfermería, Farmacología y Fisioterapia, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Liébana-Presa
- SALBIS Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de Ponferrada, Universidad de León, 24401 León, Spain
| | - María Aurora Rodríguez-Borrego
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Enfermería, Farmacología y Fisioterapia, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pablo Jesús López-Soto
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Enfermería, Farmacología y Fisioterapia, Universidad de Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
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20
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Pons A, Leiva JL, M. ALP. Muerte fetal: avances en el estudio diagnóstico. REVISTA MÉDICA CLÍNICA LAS CONDES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmclc.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
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21
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Chen X, Lou H, Chen L, Muhuza MPU, Chen D, Zhang X. Epidemiology of birth defects in teenage pregnancies: Based on provincial surveillance system in eastern China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1008028. [PMID: 36561870 PMCID: PMC9763884 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1008028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare for adolescents and birth defects (BD) prevention are highlighted public health issues. The epidemiology of birth defects in teenage pregnancies has not been studied extensively. Objectives To investigate the prevalence trend and spectrum of BDs among teenage mothers. Methods This observational study covered all births registered in the BD surveillance system in Zhejiang Province, China, during 2012-2018. The annual change in the prevalence of BDs among adolescent mothers was estimated. Crude relative ratios using the BD categories in teenage pregnancies were calculated and compared with those in women aged 25-29 years. Results Overall, 54,571 BD cases among 1,910,977 births were included in this study, resulting in an overall prevalence of 234.64 to 409.07 per 10,000 births from 2012 to 2018 (P trend < 0.001) in total population. The prevalence of birth defects in teenage pregnancies increased from 247.19 to 387.73 per 10,000 births in 2012-2018 (P trend = 0.024). The risks of neural tube defects (relative risk [RR] = 3.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.56, 3.87), gastroschisis (RR = 7.02, 95% CI 5.09, 9.69), and multiple birth defects (RR=1.27, 95% CI 1.07, 1.52) were higher in teenage pregnancies than those in women aged 25-29 years. Conclusions We found a distinctive spectrum of BDs, with higher proportions of fatal or multiple anomalies in infants born to teenage mothers than in those born to adults aged 25-29 years. These results emphasize the importance of providing adolescents with better access to reproductive and prenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinning Chen
- Department of Obstetric, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haifeng Lou
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lijin Chen
- Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Danqing Chen
- Department of Obstetric, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,Danqing Chen
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Women's Health, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xiaohui Zhang
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22
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Stock SJ, Moore E, Calvert C, Carruthers J, Denny C, Donaghy J, Hillman S, Hopcroft LEM, Hopkins L, Goulding A, Lindsay L, McLaughlin T, Taylor B, Auyeung B, Katikireddi SV, McCowan C, Ritchie LD, Rudan I, Simpson CR, Robertson C, Sheikh A, Wood R. Pregnancy outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection in periods dominated by delta and omicron variants in Scotland: a population-based cohort study. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2022; 10:1129-1136. [PMID: 36216011 PMCID: PMC9708088 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(22)00360-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 omicron (B.1·1.529) is associated with lower risks of adverse outcomes than the delta (B.1.617.2) variant among the general population. However, little is known about outcomes after omicron infection in pregnancy. We aimed to assess and compare short-term pregnancy outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron infection in pregnancy. METHODS We did a national population-based cohort study of women who had SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy between May 17, 2021, and Jan 31, 2022. The primary maternal outcome was admission to critical care within 21 days of infection or death within 28 days of date of infection. Pregnancy outcomes were preterm birth and stillbirth within 28 days of infection. Neonatal outcomes were death within 28 days of birth, and low Apgar score (<7 of 10, for babies born at term) or neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection in births occurring within 28 days of maternal infection. We used periods when variants were dominant in the general Scottish population, based on 50% or more of cases being S-gene positive (delta variant, from May 17 to Dec 14, 2021) or S-gene negative (omicron variant, from Dec 15, 2021, to Jan 31, 2022) as surrogates for variant infections. Analyses used logistic regression, adjusting for maternal age, deprivation quintile, ethnicity, weeks of gestation, and vaccination status. Sensitivity analyses included restricting the analysis to those with first confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and using periods when delta or omicron had 90% or more predominance. FINDINGS Between May 17, 2021, and Jan 31, 2022, there were 9923 SARS-CoV-2 infections in 9823 pregnancies, in 9817 women in Scotland. Compared with infections in the delta-dominant period, SARS-CoV-2 infections in pregnancy in the omicron-dominant period were associated with lower maternal critical care admission risk (0·3% [13 of 4968] vs 1·8% [89 of 4955]; adjusted odds ratio 0·25, 95% CI 0·14-0·44) and lower preterm birth within 28 days of infection (1·8% [37 of 2048] vs 4·2% [98 of 2338]; 0·57, 95% CI 0·38-0·87). There were no maternal deaths within 28 days of infection. Estimates of low Apgar scores were imprecise due to low numbers (5 [1·2%] of 423 with omicron vs 11 [2·1%] of 528 with delta, adjusted odds ratio 0·72, 0·23-2·32). There were fewer stillbirths in the omicron-dominant period than in the delta-dominant period (4·3 [2 of 462] per 1000 births vs 20·3 [13 of 639] per 1000) and no neonatal deaths during the omicron-dominant period (0 [0 of 460] per 1000 births vs 6·3 [4 of 626] per 1000 births), thus numbers were too small to support adjusted analyses. Rates of neonatal infection were low in births within 28 days of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, with 11 cases of neonatal SARS-CoV-2 in the delta-dominant period, and 1 case in the omicron-dominant period. Of the 15 stillbirths, 12 occurred in women who had not received two or more doses of COVID-19 vaccination at the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy. All 12 cases of neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in women who had not received two or more doses of vaccine at the time of maternal infection. Findings in sensitivity analyses were similar to those in the main analyses. INTERPRETATION Pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 were substantially less likely to have a preterm birth or maternal critical care admission during the omicron-dominant period than during the delta-dominant period. FUNDING Wellcome Trust, Tommy's charity, Medical Research Council, UK Research and Innovation, Health Data Research UK, National Core Studies-Data and Connectivity, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Government Health and Social Care, Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office, National Research Scotland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Stock
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh.
| | | | - Clara Calvert
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh; Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sam Hillman
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
| | - Lisa E M Hopcroft
- Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK; Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bonnie Auyeung
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
| | - Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi
- Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK; MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Colin McCowan
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | | | - Igor Rudan
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
| | - Colin R Simpson
- Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK; School of Health, Wellington Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Chris Robertson
- Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
| | - Rachael Wood
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh; Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
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23
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Caillault L, Garlantézec R, Le Lous M, Le Bouar G, Loget P, Cauchois A, Quelin C, Plesse C, Lescoat A, Beranger R, Belhomme N. Rôle de l’interniste dans la démarche diagnostique et la prise en charge des morts fœtales in utero : l’expérience d’un registre multicentrique de MFIU entre 2010 et 2019. Rev Med Interne 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2022.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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24
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Souza RT, Brasileiro M, Ong M, Delaney L, Vieira MC, Dias MAB, Pasupathy D, Cecatti JG. Investigation of stillbirths in Brazil: A systematic scoping review of the causes and related reporting processes in the past decade. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 161:711-725. [PMID: 36373189 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14573] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognizing the causes of stillbirths and their associated conditions is essential to reduce its occurrence. OBJECTIVE To describe information on stillbirths in Brazil during the past decade. SEARCH STRATEGY A literature search was performed from January 2010 to December 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA Original observational studies and clinical trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were manually extracted to a spreadsheet and descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 55 studies were included; 40 studies (72.2%) used the official data stored by national public health systems. Most articles aimed to estimate the rate and trends of stillbirth (60%) or their causes (55.4%). Among the 16 articles addressing the causes of death, 10 (62.5%) used the International Classification of Diseases; most of the articles only specified the main cause of death. Intrauterine hypoxia was the main cause reported (ranging from 14.3% to 54.9%). CONCLUSION Having a national system based on compulsory notification of stillbirths may not be sufficient to provide quality information on occurrence and, especially, causes of death. Further improvements of the attribution and registration of causes of deaths and the implementation of educational actions for improving reporting systems are advisable. Finally, expanding the investigation of contributing factors associated with stillbirths would create an opportunity for further development of prevention strategies in low- and middle-income countries such as Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato T Souza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Medical Sciences, Cidade Universitaria, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Mariana Brasileiro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Medical Sciences, Cidade Universitaria, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Melissa Ong
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre KHP, London, UK
| | - Louisa Delaney
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre KHP, London, UK
| | - Matias C Vieira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Medical Sciences, Cidade Universitaria, Campinas, Brazil.,Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre KHP, London, UK
| | - Marcos A B Dias
- Fernandes Figueira Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dharmintra Pasupathy
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre KHP, London, UK.,Westmead Reproduction and Perinatal Medicine Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - José G Cecatti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Medical Sciences, Cidade Universitaria, Campinas, Brazil
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25
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Nardi E, Seravalli V, Serena C, Mecacci F, Massi D, Bertaccini B, Di Tommaso M, Castiglione F. A study on the placenta in stillbirth: an evaluation of molecular alterations through next generation sequencing. Placenta 2022; 129:7-11. [PMID: 36179485 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental dysfunction is one of the most common causes of Intrauterine Fetal Demise (IUFD). Due to its characteristics, the placenta may be the target of molecular research aimed to investigate potential causes of IUFD. In the literature, there are no studies on human placentas that have investigated possible associations between somatic mutations and the occurrence of IUFD. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of gene mutations in placental tissues in a series of cases of IUFD and to evaluate potential correlations with placental microscopic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-seven samples of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded placental tissues were retrospectively selected from pregnancies ending in IUFD between 23rd to 40th week. Six control placentas of physiological pregnancies were included as controls. After sampling, made according to standardized protocol and conventional histopathological examination, placental tissues were subjected to DNA extraction and sequencing by means of Next Generation Sequencing with a 56-gene panel. RESULTS The most frequent mutation observed in 32/37 IUFD cases (86.5%) and absent in any of the 6 control placentas was in c-KIT gene, which is implicated in placental tissue differentiation. However, no significant correlation was found between the presence of individual gene mutations and placental histopatological findings. DISCUSSION As the present study found an elevated frequency of c-KIT mutation in IUFD, it further supports the hypothesis that c-KIT is involved in abnormal tissue differentiation leading to altered placental vascularization and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Nardi
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Viola Seravalli
- Department of Health Science, Division of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Serena
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Federico Mecacci
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Massi
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Bruno Bertaccini
- Department of Statistics, Informatics, and Application "G. Parenti,", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Di Tommaso
- Department of Health Science, Division of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Castiglione
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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26
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Öcal DF, Öztürk FH, Şenel SA, Sinaci S, Yetişkin FDY, Keven C, Dinç B, Turgut E, Oluklu D, Tekin ÖM, Şahin D. The influence of COVID-19 pandemic on intrauterine fetal demise and possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 61:1021-1026. [PMID: 36427967 PMCID: PMC9482846 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The impact of COVID-19 on intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 from the mother to the fetus are crucial issues of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the current study, we aimed to detect the pandemic's influence on the IUFD and evaluate the vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 through analysis of placental tissues collected from PCR positive women with IUFD above 20 weeks of gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The pregnant women above 20 weeks of gestation and had a fetus intrauterine demised during pandemic were included in the study. The pregnant women screened for COVID-19. Vertical transmission searched from placental tissues of COVID-19 positive women by RT-PCR tests for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The number of IUFD before the pandemic and during the pandemic compared to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the IUFD ratio. RESULTS Among 138 pregnant women with IUFD, 100 of them could screen for COVID-19 status. RT-PCR test results of 6 of the screened pregnant women were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Placental tissues of these six women were analyzed, and one test result was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The IUFD ratio was significantly increased during the pandemic. CONCLUSION It is clear that COVID-19 increases the IUFD ratio. Previous data for vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the second trimester is limited. We present the third case of literature that has positive placental results for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the second trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doğa Fatma Öcal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey,Corresponding author. Akşemsettin Mah., 2308 Sk., No: 1/C-77, Mamak, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Filiz Halıcı Öztürk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selvi Aydın Şenel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selcan Sinaci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatma Didem Yücel Yetişkin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Can Keven
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bedia Dinç
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey,University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Turgut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Oluklu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özlem Moraloğlu Tekin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey,University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Şahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey,University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
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Prüst ZD, Kodan LR, van den Akker T, Bloemenkamp KWM, Rijken MJ, Verschueren KJC. The global use of the International Classification of Diseases to Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM): A systematic review. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04069. [PMID: 35972943 PMCID: PMC9380964 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization launched the International Classification of Diseases for Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM) in 2016 to uniformly report on the causes of perinatal deaths. In this systematic review, we aim to describe the global use of the ICD-PM by reporting causes of perinatal mortality and summarizing challenges and suggested amendments. Methods We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and CINAHL databases using key terms related to perinatal mortality and the classification for causes of death. We included studies that applied the ICD-PM and were published between January 2016 and June 2021. The ICD-PM data were extracted and a qualitative analysis was performed to summarize the challenges of the ICD-PM. We applied the PRISMA guidelines, registered our protocol at PROSPERO [CRD42020203466], and used the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) as a framework to evaluate the quality of evidence. Results The search retrieved 6599 reports. Of these, we included 15 studies that applied the ICD-PM to 44 900 perinatal deaths. Most causes varied widely; for example, "antepartum hypoxia" was the cause of stillbirths in 0% to 46% (median = 12%, n = 95) in low-income settings, 0% to 62% (median = 6%, n = 1159) in middle-income settings and 0% to 55% (median = 5%, n = 249) in high-income settings. Five studies reported challenges and suggested amendments to the ICD-PM. The most frequently reported challenges included the high proportion of antepartum deaths of unspecified cause (five studies), the inability to determine the cause of death when the timing of death is unknown (three studies), and the challenge of assigning one cause in case of multiple contributing conditions (three studies). Conclusions The ICD-PM is increasingly being used across the globe and gives health care providers insight into the causes of perinatal death in different settings. However, there is wide variation in reported causes of perinatal death across comparable settings, which suggests that the ICD-PM is applied inconsistently. We summarized the suggested amendments and made additional recommendations to improve the use of the ICD-PM and help strengthen its consistency. Registration PROSPERO [CRD42020203466].
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Affiliation(s)
- Zita D Prüst
- Department of Obstetrics, Division Women and Baby, Birth Centre Wilhelmina’s Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP), Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Lachmi R Kodan
- Department of Obstetrics, Division Women and Baby, Birth Centre Wilhelmina’s Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP), Paramaribo, Suriname
- Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Thomas van den Akker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Kitty WM Bloemenkamp
- Department of Obstetrics, Division Women and Baby, Birth Centre Wilhelmina’s Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marcus J Rijken
- Department of Obstetrics, Division Women and Baby, Birth Centre Wilhelmina’s Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Julius Global Health, The Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kim JC Verschueren
- Department of Obstetrics, Division Women and Baby, Birth Centre Wilhelmina’s Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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28
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Darouich S, Masmoudi A. Value of Placental Examination in the Diagnostic Evaluation of Stillbirth. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2022; 41:535-550. [PMID: 33263451 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2020.1850952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim was to assess the contribution of placental examination in the etiologic investigation of stillbirth. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of stillbirths that occurred after 14 weeks gestation was conducted for a one-year period. Twin pregnancies and fetuses without placentas were excluded. According to the fetoplacental examination, stillbirths were classified into etiologic groups. Results: A total of 147 stillbirths were selected. They were associated with placental, materno-fetal, fetal and multiple causes in 89 cases (61%), 23 cases (16%), 14 cases (9%) and 13 cases (9%), respectively. Unexplained stillbirths were observed in 8 cases (5%). Placental abnormalities were identified in 132/147 cases (90%). They were consistent with vascular, inflammatory and developmental lesions in 82/132 cases (61%), 28/132 cases (21%) and 18/132 cases (13%), respectively. Conclusion: Placental lesions were the main causes of stillbirth and were predominantly of vascular type including chronic villous hypoxia-ischemia and funicular anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihem Darouich
- LR99ES10 Laboratory of Human genetics, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Fetopathology Unit, Hospital Habib Bougatfa, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Aida Masmoudi
- Department of Embryo-Fetopathology, Maternity and Neonatology Center, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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29
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Lupariello F, Di Vella G, Botta G. Stillbirth diagnosis and classification: comparison of ReCoDe and ICD-PM systems. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:713-721. [PMID: 35607751 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The identification of causes of stillbirth (SB) can be a challenge due to several different classification systems of SB causes. In the scientific literature there is a continuous emergence of SB classification systems, not allowing uniform data collection and comparisons between populations from different geographical areas. For these reasons, this study compared two of the most used SB classifications, aiming to identify which of them should be preferable. METHODS A total of 191 SBs were retrospectively classified by a panel composed by three experienced-physicians throughout the ReCoDe and ICD-PM systems to evaluate which classification minimizes unclassified/unspecified cases. In addition, intra and inter-rater agreements were calculated. RESULTS ReCoDe defined: the 23.6% of cases as unexplained, placental insufficiency in the 14.1%, lethal congenital anomalies in the 12%, infection in the 9.4%, abruptio in the 7.3%, and chorioamnionitis in the 7.3%. ICD-PM defined: the 20.9% of cases as unspecified, antepartum hypoxia in the 44%, congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities in the 11.5%, and infection in the 11.5%. For ReCoDe, inter-rater was agreement of 0.58; intra-rater agreements were 0.78 and 0.79. For ICD-PM, inter-rater agreement was 0.54; intra-rater agreements were of 0.76 and 0.71. CONCLUSIONS There is no significant difference between ReCoDe and ICD-PM classifications in minimizing unexplained/unspecified cases. Inter and intra-rater agreements were largely suboptimal for both ReCoDe and ICD-PM due to their lack of specific guidelines which can facilitate the interpretation. Thus, the authors suggest correctives strategies: the implementation of specific guidelines and illustrative case reports to easily solve interpretation issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lupariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche - Sezione di Medicina Legale, "Università degli Studi di Torino" Torino, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Di Vella
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche - Sezione di Medicina Legale, "Università degli Studi di Torino" Torino, Italy
| | - Giovanni Botta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche - Anatomia Patologica, Unità Materno Fetal, "Università degli Studi di Torino" Torino, Italy
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30
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Gutman A, Harty T, O'Donoghue K, Greene R, Leitao S. Perinatal mortality audits and reporting of perinatal deaths: systematic review of outcomes and barriers. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:684-712. [PMID: 35086187 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal deaths are a devastating experience for all families and healthcare professionals involved. Audit of perinatal mortality (PNM) is essential to better understand the factors associated with perinatal death, to identify key deficiencies in healthcare provision and should be utilised to improve the quality of perinatal care. However, barriers exist to successful audit implementation and few countries have implemented national perinatal audit programs. CONTENT We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and EBSCO host, including Medline, Academic Search Complete and CINAHL Plus databases for articles that were published from 1st January 2000. Articles evaluating perinatal mortality audits or audit implementation, identifying risk or care factors of perinatal mortality through audits, in middle and/or high-income countries were considered for inclusion in this review. Twenty articles met inclusion criteria. Incomplete datasets, nonstandard audit methods and classifications, and inadequate staff training were highlighted as barriers to PNM reporting and audit implementation. Failure in timely detection and management of antenatal maternal and fetal conditions and late presentation or failure to escalate care were the most common substandard care factors identified through audit. Overall, recommendations for perinatal audit focused on standardised audit tools and training of staff. Overall, the implementation of audit recommendations remains unclear. SUMMARY This review highlights barriers to audit practices and emphasises the need for adequately trained staff to participate in regular audit that is standardised and thorough. To achieve the goal of reducing PNM, it is crucial that the audit cycle is completed with continuous re-evaluation of recommended changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlene Gutman
- School of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Tommy Harty
- School of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland.,The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Richard Greene
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland.,National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sara Leitao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Pregnancy Loss Research Group (PLRG), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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31
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Silva MO, Macedo VC, Canuto IMB, Silva MC, da Costa HVV, do Bonfim CV. Spatial dynamics of fetal mortality and the relationship with social vulnerability. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:645-652. [PMID: 34883002 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the spatial-temporal patterns of fetal mortality according to its relationship with social vulnerability, identifying priority areas for intervention. METHODS Ecological study conducted in the state of Pernambuco, Northeast region of Brazil, from 2011 to 2018. The mean fetal mortality rate per city was calculated for the studied period. A cluster analysis was performed to select cities with homogeneous characteristics regarding fetal mortality and social vulnerability, then the Attribute Weighting Algorithm and Pearson correlation techniques were employed. In the spatial analysis it was used the local empirical Bayesian modeling and global and local Moran statistics. RESULTS Twelve thousand nine hundred and twelve thousand fetal deaths were registered. The fetal mortality rate for the period was 11.44 fetal deaths per 1,000 births. The number of groups formed was 7, in which correlation was identified between fetal mortality and dimensions, highlighting the correlations between fetal mortality rate and the Index of Social Vulnerability urban infrastructure for the municipalities in group 1 and 5, the values of the correlations found were 0.478 and 0.674 respectively. The spatial analysis identified areas of higher risk for fetal mortality distributed in regions of medium, high and very high social vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS The study allowed observing the existing correlations between fetal mortality and social vulnerability and identifying priority areas for intervention, with a view to reducing fetal mortality in the state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myllena O Silva
- Social Research Department, Joaquim Nabuco Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Vilma C Macedo
- Department of Nursing, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Indianara M B Canuto
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Mayara C Silva
- Social Research Department, Joaquim Nabuco Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Heitor V V da Costa
- Computer Science Center, Graduate Program in Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Cristine V do Bonfim
- Social Research Department, Joaquim Nabuco Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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32
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Herrera-Salazar A, Flores-Hernández LA, Valdespino-Vázquez MY, Fonseca-Coronado S, Moreno-Verduzco ER. Viral infections in stillbirth: a contribution underestimated in Mexico? J Perinat Med 2022; 50:786-795. [PMID: 35377975 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the role of viral infections as etiology of stillbirths in Mexico and their epidemiological impact in the context of the global Every Newborn Initiative. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed in electronic databases related to stillbirth and viral infections published prior to January 19th 2021. Stillbirths records and causes from National Mexican databases, during 2008-2019 period were also computed. RESULTS Only two articles with a direct relationship between viral infection and stillbirth were found, and one article with an indirect serological association was identified. During the analyzed period there were 198,076 stillbirths, with a National stillbirth rate (SBR) ranging from 6.9 to 6.5 between 2008 and 2014, with a subsequent increase to reach 7.7 in 2019. Only 19 cases were attributed to viral causes and a specific virus was identified in 11. The main causes of early stillbirth were a fetus with premature rupture of membranes and light for gestational age, and for late stillbirth these were fetus affected by oligohydramnios and slow fetal growth. The percentage classified as unspecified deaths varied from 34.4-41.9%. CONCLUSIONS In Mexico, there has been an increase in SBR during last years, but the goals of the Every Newborn Initiative is met. More than 14,500 stillbirths with at least 5,100 unspecified cases have been reported per year, and only 11 cases were attributable to a specific virus, highlighting the serious underestimation of cases and the need of implementation of routine viral diagnosis methods to improve the care of this global health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Herrera-Salazar
- Unidad de Investigación Multidisciplinaria, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, UNAM, Cuautitlán Izcalli, México
| | - Laura A Flores-Hernández
- Unidad de Investigación Multidisciplinaria, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, UNAM, Cuautitlán Izcalli, México
| | - M Y Valdespino-Vázquez
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Salvador Fonseca-Coronado
- Unidad de Investigación Multidisciplinaria, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, UNAM, Cuautitlán Izcalli, México
| | - Elsa Romelia Moreno-Verduzco
- Subdirección de Servicios Auxiliares de Diagnóstico, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, México
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McClure EM, Saleem S, Goudar SS, Tikmani SS, Dhaded SM, Hwang K, Guruprasad G, Shobha D, Sarvamangala B, Yogeshkumar S, Somannavar MS, Roujani S, Reza S, Raza J, Yasmin H, Aceituno A, Parlberg L, Kim J, Bann CM, Silver RM, Goldenberg RL. The causes of stillbirths in south Asia: results from a prospective study in India and Pakistan (PURPOSe). Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e970-e977. [PMID: 35714647 PMCID: PMC9210259 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00180-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Saleem
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shivaprasad S Goudar
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, J N Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Sangappa M Dhaded
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, J N Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Kay Hwang
- Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gowdar Guruprasad
- Department of Neonatology, Bapuji Educational Association's JJM Medical College, Davangere, India
| | - Dhananjaya Shobha
- Department of Obstetrics, Bapuji Educational Association's JJM Medical College, Davangere, India
| | - B Sarvamangala
- Department of Obstetrics, Bapuji Educational Association's JJM Medical College, Davangere, India
| | - S Yogeshkumar
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, J N Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Manjunath S Somannavar
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, J N Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Sana Roujani
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sayyeda Reza
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jamal Raza
- National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Haleema Yasmin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Anna Aceituno
- Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Jean Kim
- Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carla M Bann
- Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Robert M Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Robert L Goldenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Feucht U, Hlongwane T, Vannevel V, Mulol H, Botha T, Pattinson R. Identifying the High-Risk Fetus in the Low-Risk Mother Using Fetal Doppler Screening. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022; 10:GHSP-D-21-00692. [PMID: 36332066 PMCID: PMC9242613 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical artery offers an inexpensive and scalable method of detecting undiagnosed fetal growth restriction. Using Doppler to screen low-risk pregnancies in low- and middle-income countries identifies fetuses at risk of stillbirth and, when managed appropriately, results in a step change reduction in the stillbirth rate. Identifying the high-risk fetus in the low-risk pregnant mother (LRM) is a neglected area of research. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of stillbirths, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). FGR is very poorly detected particularly in healthy pregnant women classified as low risk. Umbiflow is an inexpensive continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound (CWDU) apparatus that is suitable for use by low-level health care providers for screening low-risk pregnant populations. It can easily detect umbilical artery blood flow in the cord, which correlates well with placental function, and poor placental function correlates well with FGR. Use of CWDU to screen an LMIC population of more than 7,000 LRMs has demonstrated a high prevalence of abnormal umbilical artery flow of 13%, and absent end-diastolic flow, which is associated with end-stage placental disease, was found in 1.2%. This is 10 times higher than previously reported in high-income countries. Screening with CWDU together with a standard protocol managing those pregnancies with abnormal placental blood flow resulted in a 43% reduction in stillbirths (risk ratio: 0.57; 95% confidence interval=0.29, 0.85) in this LRM population. Further, follow-up of infants who had abnormal umbilical artery blood flow showed that these infants had significantly less fat-free mass at ages 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and 6 months, than those with normal umbilical artery blood flow (P<.015), confirming that CWDU was able to detect true FGR. Thus, screening with CWDU can detect the fetus at risk of stillbirth, and infants likely to have suboptimal growth and development postnatally. Screening with CWDU in LRMs opens the door to a step change in preventing stillbirths in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Feucht
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
- South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tsakane Hlongwane
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Valerie Vannevel
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Helen Mulol
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tanita Botha
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert Pattinson
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
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35
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Matthews RJ, Draper ES, Manktelow BN, Kurinczuk JJ, Fenton AC, Dunkley-Bent J, Gallimore I, Smith LK. Understanding ethnic inequalities in stillbirth rates: a UK population-based cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057412. [PMID: 35264402 PMCID: PMC8968514 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate inequalities in stillbirth rates by ethnicity to facilitate development of initiatives to target those at highest risk. DESIGN Population-based perinatal mortality surveillance linked to national birth and death registration (Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK). SETTING UK. PARTICIPANTS 4 391 569 singleton births at ≥24+0 weeks gestation between 2014 and 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Stillbirth rate difference per 1000 total births by ethnicity. RESULTS Adjusted absolute differences in stillbirth rates were higher for babies of black African (3.83, 95% CI 3.35 to 4.32), black Caribbean (3.60, 95% CI 2.65 to 4.55) and Pakistani (2.99, 95% CI 2.58 to 3.40) ethnicities compared with white ethnicities. Higher proportions of babies of Bangladeshi (42%), black African (39%), other black (39%) and black Caribbean (37%) ethnicities were from most deprived areas, which were associated with an additional risk of 1.50 stillbirths per 1000 births (95% CI 1.32 to 1.67). Exploring primary cause of death, higher stillbirth rates due to congenital anomalies were observed in babies of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and black African ethnicities (range 0.63-1.05 per 1000 births) and more placental causes in black ethnicities (range 1.97 to 2.24 per 1000 births). For the whole population, over 40% of stillbirths were of unknown cause; however, this was particularly high for babies of other Asian (60%), Bangladeshi (58%) and Indian (52%) ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS Stillbirth rates declined in the UK, but substantial excess risk of stillbirth persists among babies of black and Asian ethnicities. The combined disadvantage for black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi ethnicities who are more likely to live in most deprived areas is associated with considerably higher rates. Key causes of death were congenital anomalies and placental causes. Improved strategies for investigation of stillbirth causes are needed to reduce unexplained deaths so that interventions can be targeted to reduce stillbirths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth J Matthews
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Elizabeth S Draper
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Bradley N Manktelow
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jennifer J Kurinczuk
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Alan C Fenton
- Newcastle Neonatal Service, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ian Gallimore
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Lucy K Smith
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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36
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Ma R, Zou L. Stillbirth trends by maternal sociodemographic characteristics among a large internal migrant population in Shenzhen, China, over a 10-year period: a retrospective study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:325. [PMID: 35172785 PMCID: PMC8848954 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12734-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cities such as Shenzhen in southern China have large immigrant populations, and the reproductive health issues of pregnant women in these populations have not received sufficient attention. Stillbirth seriously threatens their health and is becoming a social issue worthy of attention. We conducted this study to estimate the trend in stillbirths at 28 or more gestational weeks and the related sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant women among a large internal migrant population in South China. METHODS A stillbirth is defined as a baby born with no signs of life after a given threshold, and are restricted to births of 28 weeks of gestation or longer, with a birth weight of at least 1000 g for international comparison. A population-based retrospective cohort of all births from January 2010 to December 2019 in Baoan, Shenzhen, was conducted using the Shenzhen Birth Registry Database. The overall stillbirth rate and year-specific stillbirth rate were calculated as the number of foetal deaths ≥28 gestational weeks or a birth weight ≥ 1000 g divided by the number of births over the last decade or in each year, respectively. The associations between the risk of stillbirth and maternal sociodemographic status were assessed using logistic regression. Spearman's rank correlation was calculated to evaluate the correlation between the economic status of the maternal birthplace and the stillbirth. RESULTS An overall stillbirth rate of 4.5 per 1000 births was estimated in a total of 492,184 births in our final analysis. Migrant women accounted for 87% of the total population but had a higher stillbirth rate (4.8 per 1000 births) than the permanent population (2.8 per 1000 births). The stillbirth rate varied by region of maternal birthplace, from 4.1 per 1000 births in women from East China to 5.7 per 1000 births in women from West China. The GDP per capita of the maternal birthplace was strongly correlated with the stillbirth rate. CONCLUSIONS Large disparities in the stillbirth rate exist between migrant and permanent populations and among regions of maternal birthplace in China. Strategies targeting migrant women based on their maternal birthplace are needed to further reduce the burden of stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Institute of Women's and Children's Health Care, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lingyun Zou
- Institute of Women's and Children's Health Care, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China.
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Bazirete O, Nzayirambaho M, Umubyeyi A, Karangwa I, Evans M. Risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage in the Northern Province of Rwanda: A case control study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263731. [PMID: 35167600 PMCID: PMC8846539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains a major global burden contributing to high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Assessment of PPH risk factors should be undertaken during antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum periods for timely prevention of maternal morbidity and mortality associated with PPH. The aim of this study is to investigate and model risk factors for primary PPH in Rwanda. Methods We conducted an observational case-control study of 430 (108 cases: 322 controls) pregnant women with gestational age of 32 weeks and above who gave birth in five selected health facilities of Rwanda between January and June 2020. By visual estimation of blood loss, cases of Primary PPH were women who changed the blood-soaked vaginal pads 2 times or more within the first hour after birth, or women requiring a blood transfusion for excessive bleeding after birth. Controls were randomly selected from all deliveries without primary PPH from the same source population. Poisson regression, a generalized linear model with a log link and a Poisson distribution was used to estimate the risk ratio of factors associated with PPH. Results The overall prevalence of primary PPH was 25.2%. Our findings for the following risk factors were: antepartum haemorrhage (RR 3.36, 95% CI 1.80–6.26, P<0.001); multiple pregnancy (RR 1.83; 95% CI 1.11–3.01, P = 0.02) and haemoglobin level <11 gr/dL (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.00–2.30, P = 0.05). During the intrapartum and immediate postpartum period, the main causes of primary PPH were: uterine atony (RR 6.70, 95% CI 4.78–9.38, P<0.001), retained tissues (RR 4.32, 95% CI 2.87–6.51, P<0.001); and lacerations of genital organs after birth (RR 2.14, 95% CI 1.49–3.09, P<0.001). Coagulopathy was not prevalent in primary PPH. Conclusion Based on our findings, uterine atony remains the foremost cause of primary PPH. As well as other established risk factors for PPH, antepartum haemorrhage and intra uterine fetal death should be included as risk factors in the development and validation of prediction models for PPH. Large scale studies are needed to investigate further potential PPH risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliva Bazirete
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Aline Umubyeyi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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Marques LJP, da Silva ZP, Moura BLA, Francisco RPV, de Almeida MF. Intra-urban differentials of fetal mortality in clusters of social vulnerability in São Paulo Municipality, Brazil. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24256. [PMID: 34930961 PMCID: PMC8688466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03646-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the distribution of stillbirths by birth weight, type of death, the trend of Stillbirth Rate (SBR), and avoidable causes of death, according to social vulnerability clusters in São Paulo Municipality, 2007-2017. Social vulnerability clusters were created with the k-means method. The Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression was used in the trend of SBR by < 2500 g, ≥ 2500 g, and total deaths analysis. The Brazilian list of avoidable causes of death was adapted for stillbirths. There was a predominance of antepartum stillbirths (70%). There was an increase in SBR with the growth of social vulnerability from the center to the outskirts of the city. The cluster with the highest vulnerability presented SBR 69% higher than the cluster with the lowest vulnerability. SBR ≥ 2500 g was decreasing in the clusters with the high vulnerability. There was an increase in SBR of avoidable causes of death of the cluster from the lowest to the highest vulnerability. Ill-defined causes of death accounted for 75% of deaths in the highest vulnerability area. Rates of fetal mortality and avoidable causes of death increased with social vulnerability. The trend of reduction of SBR ≥ 2500 g may suggest improvement in prenatal care in areas of higher vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lays Janaina Prazeres Marques
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health of the University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, 01246-904, Brazil.
| | - Zilda Pereira da Silva
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health of the University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Laisa Alves Moura
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health of the University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, 01246-904, Brazil
| | | | - Marcia Furquim de Almeida
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health of the University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, 01246-904, Brazil
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Ambient temperature and stillbirth risks in northern Sweden, 1880-1950. Environ Epidemiol 2021; 5:e176. [PMID: 34909556 PMCID: PMC8663868 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Climate vulnerability of the unborn can contribute to adverse birth outcomes, in particular, but it is still not well understood. We investigated the association between ambient temperature and stillbirth risk among a historical population in northern Sweden (1880-1950). Methods We used digitized parish records and daily temperature data from the study region covering coastal and inland communities some 600 km north of Stockholm, Sweden. The data included 141,880 births, and 3,217 stillbirths, corresponding to a stillbirth rate of 22.7 (1880-1950). The association between lagged temperature (0-7 days before birth) and stillbirths was estimated using a time-stratified case-crossover design. Incidence risk ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals were computed, and stratified by season and sex. Results We observed that the stillbirth risk increased both at low and high temperatures during the extended summer season (April to September), at -10°C, and the IRR was 2.3 (CI 1.28, 4.00) compared to the minimum mortality temperature of +15°C. No clear effect of temperature during the extended winter season (October to March) was found. Climate vulnerability was greater among the male fetus compared to the female counterparts. Conclusion In this subarctic setting before and during industrialization, both heat and cold during the warmer season increased the stillbirth risk. Urbanization and socio-economic development might have contributed to an uneven decline in climate vulnerability of the unborn.
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Dagdeviren G, Uysal NS, Dilbaz K, Celen S, Caglar AT. Application of the international classification of diseases-perinatal mortality (ICD-PM) system to stillbirths: A single center experience in a middle income country. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2021; 51:102285. [PMID: 34890860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study is intended to investigate the causes of stillbirth and its relationship with maternal conditions using the International Classification of Diseases-Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM) system. MATERIAL AND METHODS All early and late fetal deaths between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed. Time of death, fetal causes, and the maternal conditions involved were identified using the ICD-PM classification system. RESULTS During the study period, out of 74,102 births a total of 475 stillbirths were recorded (6.4 per 1000 births), of which 83.6% of the cases were antepartum and 11.8% were intrapartum fetal deaths, and the time of death could not be determined in 4.6% of the cases. Fetal developmental disorder was the most common cause of antepartum fetal death (24.2%). Intrapartum deaths were mostly due to extremely low birth weight (44.6%). The most common maternal conditions involved were complications of placenta, cord, and membranes (19.8%). CONCLUSION The applicability of the ICD-PM classification system for stillbirths is easy. It was observed that fetal deaths mostly occurred in the antepartum period and the cause of death could not be identified in over half of these antepartum fetal deaths. In over half of the stillbirths, there is at least one maternal condition involved. The most common maternal conditions involved are complications of placenta, cord, and membranes. The most common maternal medical problem is hypertensive diseases of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulsah Dagdeviren
- Department of Perinatology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Nihal Sahin Uysal
- Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kubra Dilbaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sevki Celen
- Department of Perinatology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Turhan Caglar
- Department of Perinatology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Care, Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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Ali S, Heuving S, Kawooya MG, Byamugisha J, Grobbee DE, Papageorghiou AT, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Rijken MJ. Prognostic accuracy of antenatal Doppler ultrasound for adverse perinatal outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049799. [PMID: 34857564 PMCID: PMC8640672 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review examined available literature on the prognostic accuracy of Doppler ultrasound for adverse perinatal outcomes in low/middle-income countries (LMIC). DESIGN We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus from inception to April 2020. SETTING Observational or interventional studies from LMICs. PARTICIPANTS Singleton pregnancies of any risk profile. INTERVENTIONS Umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), uterine artery (UtA), fetal descending aorta (FDA), ductus venosus, umbilical vein and inferior vena cava. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Perinatal death, stillbirth, neonatal death, expedited delivery for fetal distress, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal acidosis, Apgar scores, preterm birth, fetal anaemia, respiratory distress syndrome, length of hospital stay, birth asphyxia and composite adverse perinatal outcomes (CAPO). RESULTS We identified 2825 records, and 30 (including 4977 women) from Africa (40.0%, n=12), Asia (56.7%, n=17) and South America (3.3%, n=01) were included. Many individual studies reported associations and promising predictive values of UA Doppler for various adverse perinatal outcomes mostly in high-risk pregnancies, and moderate to high predictive values of MCA, CPR and UtA Dopplers for CAPO. A few studies suggested that the MCA and FDA may be potent predictors of fetal anaemia. No randomised clinical trial (RCT) was found. Most studies were of suboptimal quality, poorly powered and characterised by wide variations in outcome classifications, the timing for the Doppler tests and study populations. CONCLUSION Local evidence to guide how antenatal Doppler ultrasound should be used in LMIC is lacking. Well-designed studies, preferably RCTs, are required. Standardisation of practice and classification of perinatal outcomes across countries, following the international standards, is imperative. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019128546.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Ali
- Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI), Kampala, Uganda
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Simelina Heuving
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael G Kawooya
- Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Diederick E Grobbee
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aris T Papageorghiou
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
| | - Marcus J Rijken
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Bhat S, Birdus N, Bhat SM. Ethnic variation in causes of stillbirth in high income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 158:270-277. [PMID: 34767262 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inequities in stillbirth rate according to ethnicity persist in high income nations. The objective of the present study is to investigate whether causes of stillbirth differ by ethnicity in high-income nations. METHODS The following databases were searched since their inception to 1 February 2021: Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Global Health. Cohort, cross-sectional, and retrospective studies were included. Causes of stillbirth were aligned to the International Classification of Disease 10 for Perinatal Mortality (ICD10-PM) and pooled estimates were derived by meta-analysis. RESULTS Fifteen reports from three countries (72 555 stillbirths) were included. Seven ethnic groups - "Caucasian" (n = 11 studies), "African" (n = 11 studies), "Hispanic" (n = 7 studies), "Indigenous Australian" (n = 4 studies), "Asian" (n = 2 studies), "South Asian" (n = 2 studies), and "American Indian" (n = 1 study) - were identified. There was an overall paucity of recent, high-quality data for many ethnicities. For those with the greatest amount of data - Caucasian, African, and Hispanic - no major differences in the causes of stillbirth were identified. CONCLUSION There is a paucity of high-quality information on causes of stillbirth for many ethnicities. Improving investigation and standardizing classification of stillbirths is needed to assess whether causes of stillbirth differ across more diverse ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiuj Bhat
- Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nadya Birdus
- Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
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Pradhan NA, Ali A, Roujani S, Ali SA, Rizwan S, Saleem S, Siddiqi S. Quality of inpatient care of small and sick newborns in Pakistan: perceptions of key stakeholders. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:396. [PMID: 34507530 PMCID: PMC8429883 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02850-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In LMICs including Pakistan, neonatal health and survival is a critical challenge, and therefore improving the quality of facility-based newborn care services is instrumental in averting newborn mortality. This paper presents the perceptions of the key stakeholders in the public sector to explore factors influencing the care of small and sick newborns and young infants in inpatient care settings across Pakistan. METHODS This exploratory study was part of a larger study assessing the situation of newborn and young infant in-patient care provided across all four provinces and administrative regions of Pakistan. We conducted 43 interviews. Thirty interviews were conducted with the public sector health care providers involved in newborn and young infant care and 13 interviews were carried out with health planners and managers working at the provincial level. A semi-structured interview guide was used to explore participants' perspectives on enablers and barriers to the quality of care provided to small and sick newborns at the facility level. The interviews were manually analyzed using thematic content analysis. FINDINGS The study respondents identified multiple barriers contributing to the poor quality of small and sick newborn care at inpatient care settings. This includes an absence of neonatal care standards, inadequate infrastructure and equipment for the care of small and sick newborns, deficient workforce for neonatal case management, inadequate thermal care management for newborns, inadequate referral system, absence of multidisciplinary approach in neonatal case management and need to institute strong monitoring system to prevent neonatal deaths and stillbirths. The only potential enabling factor was the improved federal and provincial oversight for reproductive, maternal, and newborn care. CONCLUSION This qualitative study was insightful in identifying the challenges that influence the quality of inpatient care for small and sick newborns and the resources needed to fix these. There is a need to equip Sick Newborn Care Units with needed supplies, equipment and medicines, deployment of specialist staff, strengthening of in-service training and staff supervision, liaison with the neonatal experts in customizing neonatal care guidelines for inpatient care settings and to inculcate the culture for inter-disciplinary team meetings at inpatient care settings across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ammarah Ali
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sana Roujani
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sumera Aziz Ali
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Samia Rizwan
- United Nations International for Children's Education Fund, Country Office, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sarah Saleem
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sameen Siddiqi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Hug L, You D, Blencowe H, Mishra A, Wang Z, Fix MJ, Wakefield J, Moran AC, Gaigbe-Togbe V, Suzuki E, Blau DM, Cousens S, Creanga A, Croft T, Hill K, Joseph KS, Maswime S, McClure EM, Pattinson R, Pedersen J, Smith LK, Zeitlin J, Alkema L. Global, regional, and national estimates and trends in stillbirths from 2000 to 2019: a systematic assessment. Lancet 2021; 398:772-785. [PMID: 34454675 PMCID: PMC8417352 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)01112-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirths are a major public health issue and a sensitive marker of the quality of care around pregnancy and birth. The UN Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (2016-30) and the Every Newborn Action Plan (led by UNICEF and WHO) call for an end to preventable stillbirths. A first step to prevent stillbirths is obtaining standardised measurement of stillbirth rates across countries. We estimated stillbirth rates and their trends for 195 countries from 2000 to 2019 and assessed progress over time. METHODS For a systematic assessment, we created a dataset of 2833 country-year datapoints from 171 countries relevant to stillbirth rates, including data from registration and health information systems, household-based surveys, and population-based studies. After data quality assessment and exclusions, we used 1531 datapoints to estimate country-specific stillbirth rates for 195 countries from 2000 to 2019 using a Bayesian hierarchical temporal sparse regression model, according to a definition of stillbirth of at least 28 weeks' gestational age. Our model combined covariates with a temporal smoothing process such that estimates were informed by data for country-periods with high quality data, while being based on covariates for country-periods with little or no data on stillbirth rates. Bias and additional uncertainty associated with observations based on alternative stillbirth definitions and source types, and observations that were subject to non-sampling errors, were included in the model. We compared the estimated stillbirth rates and trends to previously reported mortality estimates in children younger than 5 years. FINDINGS Globally in 2019, an estimated 2·0 million babies (90% uncertainty interval [UI] 1·9-2·2) were stillborn at 28 weeks or more of gestation, with a global stillbirth rate of 13·9 stillbirths (90% UI 13·5-15·4) per 1000 total births. Stillbirth rates in 2019 varied widely across regions, from 22·8 stillbirths (19·8-27·7) per 1000 total births in west and central Africa to 2·9 (2·7-3·0) in western Europe. After west and central Africa, eastern and southern Africa and south Asia had the second and third highest stillbirth rates in 2019. The global annual rate of reduction in stillbirth rate was estimated at 2·3% (90% UI 1·7-2·7) from 2000 to 2019, which was lower than the 2·9% (2·5-3·2) annual rate of reduction in neonatal mortality rate (for neonates aged <28 days) and the 4·3% (3·8-4·7) annual rate of reduction in mortality rate among children aged 1-59 months during the same period. Based on the lower bound of the 90% UIs, 114 countries had an estimated decrease in stillbirth rate since 2000, with four countries having a decrease of at least 50·0%, 28 having a decrease of 25·0-49·9%, 50 having a decrease of 10·0-24·9%, and 32 having a decrease of less than 10·0%. For the remaining 81 countries, we found no decrease in stillbirth rate since 2000. Of these countries, 34 were in sub-Saharan Africa, 16 were in east Asia and the Pacific, and 15 were in Latin America and the Caribbean. INTERPRETATION Progress in reducing the rate of stillbirths has been slow compared with decreases in the mortality rate of children younger than 5 years. Accelerated improvements are most needed in the regions and countries with high stillbirth rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Future prevention of stillbirths needs increased efforts to raise public awareness, improve data collection, assess progress, and understand public health priorities locally, all of which require investment. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Hug
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, UNICEF, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Danzhen You
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, UNICEF, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Blencowe
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anu Mishra
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, UNICEF, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhengfan Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Allisyn C Moran
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Emi Suzuki
- Development Data Group, World Bank, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dianna M Blau
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Simon Cousens
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Trevor Croft
- The Demographic and Health Surveys Program, ICF, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - K S Joseph
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Children's and Women's Hospital and Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Robert Pattinson
- SAMRC/UP Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Lucy K Smith
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jennifer Zeitlin
- Inserm UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, Center for Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité, DHU Risks in Pregnancy, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Leontine Alkema
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
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Annan RA, Gyimah LA, Apprey C, Asamoah-Boakye O, Aduku LNE, Azanu W, Luterodt HE, Edusei AK. Predictors of adverse birth outcomes among pregnant adolescents in Ashanti Region, Ghana. J Nutr Sci 2021; 10:e67. [PMID: 34527225 PMCID: PMC8411264 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2021.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes. However, the determinants of these outcomes are understudied. The present study sought to identify the predictors of adverse birth outcomes among pregnant adolescents in Ghana. In this prospective health centre-based study, 416 pregnant adolescents, aged 13-19 years old, were followed, and 270 birth outcomes were evaluated. We collected data on socio-demographic variables, eating behaviour, household hunger scale (HHS), lived poverty index (LPI) and compliance to antenatal interventions. The prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm births (PTB) were 15⋅2 and 12⋅5 %, respectively. Pregnant adolescents with no formal education (AOR 9⋅0; P = 0⋅004; 95 % CI 2⋅1, 39⋅8), those who experienced illness (AOR 3⋅0; P = 0⋅011; 95 % CI 1⋅3, 7⋅0), those who experienced hunger (OR 2⋅9; P = 0⋅010; 95 % CI 1⋅3, 6⋅5) and those with high LPI (OR 2⋅5; P = 0⋅014; 95 % CI 1⋅2, 5⋅3) presented increased odds of delivering preterm babies compared with those who have had secondary education, did not experience any illness, were not hungry or having low LPI, respectively. Pregnant adolescents who used insecticide-treated net (ITN) (AOR 0⋅4; P = 0⋅013; 95 % CI 0⋅2, 0⋅9) presented reduced odds LBW children; while those who experienced illness (AOR 2⋅7; P = 0⋅020; 95 % CI 1⋅2, 6⋅0), poorer pregnant adolescents (OR 2⋅5; P = 0⋅014; 95 % CI 1⋅1, 4⋅8) and those who experienced hunger (AOR 3⋅0; P = 0⋅028; 95 % CI 1⋅1, 8⋅1) presented increased odds of LBW children compared with those who used ITN, were not ill, were not poor or did not experience hunger. Adverse birth outcomes were associated with ANC compliance and socioeconomic factors of the pregnant adolescents. Hence, strengthening antenatal uptake and compliance by pregnant adolescents, promoting their livelihood and socioeconomic status, and interventions to prevent teenage pregnancies are strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginald Adjetey Annan
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Linda Afriyie Gyimah
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Charles Apprey
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Odeafo Asamoah-Boakye
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Linda Nana Esi Aduku
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Wisdom Azanu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Allied Health Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Herman E. Luterodt
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Anthony K. Edusei
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Sharma B, Bhattarai S, Shrestha S, Joshi R, Tamrakar R, Singh P, Chaudhary J, Pandit U. Maternal and fetal characteristics and causes of stillbirth in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal: secondary analysis of registry-based surveillance data. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045012. [PMID: 34373292 PMCID: PMC8354277 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Stillbirth is one of the vital indicators of quality care. This study aimed to determine maternal-fetal characteristics and causes of stillbirth in Nepal. DESIGN Secondary analysis of single-centred registry-based surveillance data. SETTING The study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, a tertiary care hospital located in Bharatpur, Nepal. PARTICIPANTS All deliveries of intrauterine fetal death, at or beyond 22 weeks' period of gestation and/or birth weight of 500 g or more, conducted between 16 July 2017 and 15 July 2019 were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure of this study was stillbirth, and the secondary outcome measures were maternal and fetal characteristics and cause of stillbirth. RESULTS Out of 5282 institutional deliveries conducted over 2 years, 79 (1.5%) were stillbirths, which gives the stillbirth rate of 15 per 1000 births. Of them, the majority (75; 94.9%) were vaginal delivery and only four (5.1%) were caesarean section (p<0.0001). The proportion of the macerated type of stillbirth was more than that of the fresh type (58.2% vs 41.8%; p=0.13). Only half of the mothers who experienced stillbirth had received antenatal care. While the cause of fetal death was unknown in one-third of cases (31.6%; 25/79), among likely causes, the most common was maternal hypertension (29.1%), followed by intrauterine infection (8.9%) and fetal malpresentation (7.6%). Four out of 79 stillbirths (5%) had a birth defect. CONCLUSION High rate of stillbirths in Nepal could be due to the lack of quality antenatal care. The country's health systems should be strengthened so that pregnancy-related risks such as maternal hypertension and infections are identified early on. Upgrading mothers' hygiene and health awareness is equally crucial in reducing fetal deaths in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basant Sharma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Suraj Bhattarai
- Global Health, Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sabita Shrestha
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Rakshya Joshi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Renuka Tamrakar
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Prekshya Singh
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Jully Chaudhary
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Upendra Pandit
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
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Purdue-Smithe AC, Männistö T, Reische E, Kannan K, Kim UJ, Suvanto E, Surcel HM, Gissler M, Mills JL. Iodine and thyroid status during pregnancy and risk of stillbirth: A population-based nested case-control study. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2021; 18:e13252. [PMID: 34350728 PMCID: PMC8710109 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Prior research suggests that severe iodine deficiency in pregnancy may be associated with stillbirth. However, the relationship between mild to moderate iodine insufficiency, which is prevalent even in developed countries, and risk of stillbirth is unclear. We thus examined associations of iodine status and risk of stillbirth in a prospective population‐based nested case–control study in Finland, a mild to moderately iodine insufficient population. Stillbirth cases (n = 199) and unaffected controls (n = 249) were randomly selected from among all singleton births in Finland from 2012 to 2013. Serum samples were collected between 10 and 14 weeks gestation and analysed for iodide, thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for stillbirth were estimated using logistic regression. After adjusting for maternal age, prepregnancy body mass index, socio‐economic status and other factors, neither high nor low serum iodide was associated with risk of stillbirth (Q1 vs. Q2–Q3 OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.78–1.09; Q4 vs. Q2–Q3 OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.45–1.33). Tg and TSH were also not associated with risk of stillbirth in adjusted models. Maternal iodine status was not associated with stillbirth risk in this mildly to moderately iodine‐deficient population. Tg and TSH, which reflect functional iodine status, were also not associated with stillbirth risk. The lack of associations observed between serum iodide, TSH and Tg and risk of stillbirth is reassuring, given that iodine deficiency in pregnancy is prevalent in developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Purdue-Smithe
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tuija Männistö
- Northern Finland Laboratory Center NordLab, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Elijah Reische
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Un-Jung Kim
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
| | - Eila Suvanto
- Oulu University Hospital, Department of Children and Women and Oulu University Medical Faculty PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heljä-Marja Surcel
- Biobank Borealis of Northern Finland, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mika Gissler
- Information Services Department, Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Neurobiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James L Mills
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Fedrigo M, Visentin S, Veronese P, Barison I, Giarraputo A, Cosmi E, Thiene G, Gervasi MT, Basso C, Angelini A. Isolated Dissection of the Ductus Arteriosus Associated with Sudden Unexpected Intrauterine Death. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8080091. [PMID: 34436233 PMCID: PMC8396886 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8080091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We report five cases of sudden intrauterine death due to premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. In four cases, this was caused by dissecting the hematoma of the ductus arteriosus with intimal flap and obliteration of the lumen. In one case, the ductus arteriosus was aneurysmatic, with lumen occlusion caused by thrombus stratification. No drug therapy or free medication consumption were reported during pregnancy. The time of stillbirth ranged between 26 and 33 gestational weeks. We performed TUNEL analysis for apoptosis quantification. The dissecting features were intimal tears with flap formation in four of the cases, just above the origin of the ductus arteriosus from the pulmonary artery. The dissecting hematoma of the ductus arteriosus extended downward to the descending aorta and backward to the aortic arch with involvement of the left carotid and left subclavian arteries. TUNEL analysis showed a high number of apoptotic smooth muscle cells in the media in two cases. Abnormal ductal remodeling with absence of subintimal cushions, lacunar spaces rich in glycosaminoglycans (cystic medial necrosis), and smooth muscle cell apoptosis were the pathological substrates accounting for failure of remodeling process and dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marny Fedrigo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.F.); (I.B.); (A.G.); (G.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Silvia Visentin
- Department of Woman and Children Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (P.V.); (E.C.); (M.T.G.)
| | - Paola Veronese
- Department of Woman and Children Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (P.V.); (E.C.); (M.T.G.)
| | - Ilaria Barison
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.F.); (I.B.); (A.G.); (G.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Alessia Giarraputo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.F.); (I.B.); (A.G.); (G.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Erich Cosmi
- Department of Woman and Children Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (P.V.); (E.C.); (M.T.G.)
| | - Gaetano Thiene
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.F.); (I.B.); (A.G.); (G.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Maria Teresa Gervasi
- Department of Woman and Children Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (S.V.); (P.V.); (E.C.); (M.T.G.)
| | - Cristina Basso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.F.); (I.B.); (A.G.); (G.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Annalisa Angelini
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.F.); (I.B.); (A.G.); (G.T.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8272260
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Aguinaga M, Valdespino Y, Medina D, Espino Y Sosa S, Sevilla R, Miranda O, Acevedo S, Monroy IE, Helguera AC, Pérez J, Mariscal LF, Murillo MR, Lara RM, Armijos JC, Rogel G, Cardona JA. Causal analysis of fetal death in high-risk pregnancies. J Perinat Med 2021; 49:740-747. [PMID: 33735952 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the causes of fetal death among the stillbirths using two classification systems from 22 weeks of gestation in a period of three years in high-risk pregnancies. This is a retrospective observational study. METHODS The National Institute of Perinatal Health in Mexico City is a Level 3 care referral center attending high-risk pregnancies from throughout the country. The population consisted of patients with fetal death during a three-year period. Between January 2016 and December 2018, all stillbirths were examined in the Pathology Department by a pathologist and a medical geneticist. Stillbirth was defined as a fetal death occurring after 22 weeks of gestation. RESULTS Main outcome measures: Causal analysis of fetal death using the International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems-Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM) and initial causes of fetal death (INCODE) classification systems. A total of 297 stillborn neonates were studied. The distribution of gestational age in antepartum stillbirths (55.2%) showed a bimodal curve, 36% occurred between 24 and 27 weeks and 32% between 32 and 36 weeks. In comparison, the majority (86%) of intrapartum deaths (44.8%) were less than 28 weeks of gestation. Of the 273 women enrolled, 93 (34%) consented to a complete fetal autopsy. The INCODE system showed a present cause in 42%, a possible cause in 54% and a probable cause in 93% of patients. CONCLUSIONS The principal causes of antepartum death were fetal abnormalities and pathologic placental conditions and the principal causes of intrapartum death were complications of pregnancy which caused a premature labor and infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Aguinaga
- Human Genetics and Genomics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yolotzin Valdespino
- Pathology Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniela Medina
- Human Genetics and Genomics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Salvador Espino Y Sosa
- Subdirection of Clinical Research, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosalba Sevilla
- Human Genetics and Genomics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Osvaldo Miranda
- Obstetrics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sandra Acevedo
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Irma E Monroy
- Human Genetics and Genomics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Addy C Helguera
- Immunobiochemistry Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Javier Pérez
- Human Genetics and Genomics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luisa F Mariscal
- Human Genetics and Genomics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mauricio R Murillo
- Human Genetics and Genomics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosa M Lara
- Human Genetics and Genomics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jessica C Armijos
- Human Genetics and Genomics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Rogel
- Human Genetics and Genomics Department, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
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Association of Stillbirths with Maternal and Fetal Risk Factors in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India. Obstet Gynecol Int 2021; 2021:8033248. [PMID: 34335785 PMCID: PMC8324385 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8033248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Birth of a fetus with no signs of life after a predefined age of viability is a nightmare for the obstetrician. Stillbirth is a sensitive indicator of maternal care during the antepartum and intrapartum period. Though there has been a renewed global focus on stillbirth as a public health concern, the decline in stillbirth rate (SBR) has not been satisfactory across the nations, with a large number of stillbirths occurring in the low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). Hence, the study was carried out to analyze maternal and fetal risk factors and their association with stillbirths in a tertiary care center in South India. Methods This observational prospective study included pregnant women with stillbirth beyond 20 weeks of gestation or fetal weight more than 500 grams. Stillbirths were classified according to the simplified causes of death and associated conditions (CODAC) classification. Association between the risk factor and stillbirths was calculated with chi-square test and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Results There were 171 stillbirths (2.97%) among total 5755 births. The SBR was 29.71/1000 births. Risk factors such as preterm delivery (OR: 22.33, 95% CI: 15.35–32.50), anemia (OR: 21.87, 95% CI: 15.69–30.48), congenital malformation (OR: 11.24, 95% CI: 6.99–18.06), abruption (OR: 10.14, 95% CI: 6.43–15.97), oligohydramnios (OR: 4.88, 95% CI: 3.23–7.39), and hypertensive disorder (OR: 3.01, 95% CI: 2.03–4.46) were significantly associated with stillbirths. The proportion of intrapartum stillbirths was found to be 5 (3%) among the study population. Conclusion Highest prevalent risk factors associated with stillbirth are anemia and prematurity. Intrapartum stillbirths can be reduced significantly through evidence-based clinical interventions and practices in resource-poor settings. There is a need to provide and assure access to specialized quality antenatal care to pregnant women to control the risk factors associated with stillbirths.
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