Helping Babies Breathe and its effects on intrapartum-related stillbirths and neonatal mortality in low-resource settings: a systematic review

Impact of accredited advanced life support course participation on in-hospital cardiac arrest patient outcomes: A systematic review

Aim

Advanced life support courses have a clear educational impact; however, it is important to determine whether participation of one or more members of the resuscitation team in an accredited advanced life support course improves in-hospital cardiac arrest patient survival outcomes.

Methods

We searched EMBASE.com, Medline, Cochrane and CINAHL from inception to 1 November 2022. Included studies were randomised or non-randomised interventional studies assessing the impact of attendance at accredited life support courses on patient outcomes. Accredited life support courses were classified into 3 contexts: Advanced Life Support (ALS), Neonatal Resuscitation Training (NRT), and Helping Babies Breathe (HBB). Existing systematic reviews were identified for each of the contexts and an adolopment process was pursued. Appropriate risk of bias assessment tools were used across all outcomes. When meta-analysis was appropriate a random-effects model was used to produce a summary of effect sizes for each outcome.

Results

Of 2714 citations screened, 19 studies (1 ALS; 7 NRT; 11 HBB) were eligible for inclusion. Three systematic reviews which satisfied AMSTAR-2 criteria for methodological quality, included 16 of the studies we identified in our search. Among adult patients all outcomes including return of spontaneous circulation, survival to discharge and survival to 30 days were consistently better with accredited ALS training. Among neonatal patients there were reductions in stillbirths and early neonatal mortality.

Conclusion

These results support the recommendation that accredited advanced life support courses, specifically Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Training, and Helping Babies Breathe improve patient outcomes.

Scale-Up of a Newborn Resuscitation Capacity-Building and Skill Retention Program Associated With Improved Neonatal Outcomes in Gandaki Province, Nepal

BACKGROUND

Intrapartum events leading to asphyxia at birth are a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in Nepal. In response, the Nepal Ministry of Health and Population adopted the Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) training curriculum in 2015 as a tool to improve neonatal resuscitation and outcomes. Although the effectiveness of HBB training has been well documented, challenges remain in maintaining skills over time. Safa Sunaulo Nepal (SSN) designed an evidence-based intervention for scaling up newborn resuscitation training and skill retention. We report on its implementation and the changes in newborn outcomes during the program period.

METHODS

The program empowered facility-based trainers in newborn resuscitation and skill retention at 12 facilities in Gandaki Province. Seven of 14 level I hospitals and 5 of 6 level II hospitals were selected. A single external mentor coached the facility-based trainers, provided general support, and monitored progress. Program evaluation tracked changes in newborn metrics over 21 Nepali months (March 2018-November 2019). All deliveries occurring in the health facilities during the program period were included in the evaluation. We assessed program effectiveness by analyzing time trends of neonatal mortality, morbidity, and stillbirths.

RESULTS

We gathered data on neonatal health outcomes of 33,417 deliveries, including 23,820 vaginal deliveries and 9,597 cesarean deliveries. During the program, 43 facility-based trainers taught resuscitation skills to 425 medical personnel and supported skill retention. Neonatal deaths within 24 hours of birth (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=0.993, P=.044) and newborn morbidities (IRR=0.996, P<.001) showed a significantly declining trend.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the SSN program had a substantial influence on critical neonatal outcomes. Future neonatal resuscitation capacity-building and skill retention efforts may benefit from incorporating elements of the program.

Effect of repeat refresher courses on neonatal resuscitation skill decay: an experimental comparative study of in-person and video-based simulation training

Neonatal deaths are a major contributor to global under-5-year-old mortality. Training birth attendants can improve perinatal outcomes, but skills may fade over time. In this pilot study, we assessed skill decay of nursing students after remote video versus in-person resuscitation training in a low-resource setting. Filipino nursing students (n = 49) underwent traditional, in-person simulation-based Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) training in Mindanao, Philippines. Participants were then assigned to receive refresher training at 2-month intervals either in-person or via tele-simulation beginning at 2 months, 4 months, or 6 months after initial training. A knowledge examination and practical examination, also known as objective structured clinical examination B in the HBB curriculum, were administered before retraining to assess knowledge and skill retention at time of scheduled follow-up. Time to initiation of bag-mask ventilation (BMV) in seconds during simulated birth asphyxia was the primary outcome. Skill decay was evident at first follow-up, with average time to BMV increasing from 56.9 (range 15-87) s at initial post-training to 83.8 (range 32-128) s at 2 months and 90.2 (range 51-180) s at 4 months. At second follow-up of the 2-month group, students showed improved pre-training time to BMV (average 70.4; range 46-97 s). No statistical difference was observed between in-person and video-trained students in time to BMV. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the 6-month follow-up was not completed. We conclude that remote video refresher training is a reasonable alternative to traditional in-person HBB training. Our study also suggests that refreshers may be needed more frequently than every 2 months to mitigate skill decay. Additional studies are necessary to assess the longitudinal impact of tele-simulation on clinical outcomes.

Incidence and outcomes of intrapartum-related neonatal encephalopathy in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To examine the incidence of intrapartum-related neonatal encephalopathy, and neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with it in low-income and middle-income countries.

METHODS

Reports were included when neonatal encephalopathy diagnosed clinically within 24 hours of birth in term or near-term infants born after intrapartum hypoxia-ischaemia defined as any of the following: (1) pH≤7.1 or base excess ≤-12 or lactate ≥6, (2) Apgar score ≤5 at 5 or 10 min, (3) continuing resuscitation at 5 or 10 min or (4) no cry from baby at 5 or 10 min. Peer-reviewed articles were searched from Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science and WHO Global Index Medicus with date limits 1 November 2009 to 17 November 2021. Risk of bias was assessed using modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Inverse variance of heterogenicity was used for meta-analyses.

RESULTS

There were 53 reports from 51 studies presenting data on 4181 children with intrapartum-related neonatal encephalopathy included in the review. Only five studies had data on incidence, which ranged from 1.5 to 20.3 per 1000 live births. Neonatal mortality was examined in 45 studies and in total 636 of the 3307 (19.2%) infants died. Combined outcome of death or moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disability was reported in 19 studies and occurred in 712 out of 1595 children (44.6%) with follow-up 1 to 3.5 years.

CONCLUSION

Though there has been progress in some regions, incidence, case mortality and morbidity in intrapartum-related neonatal encephalopathy has been static in the last 10 years.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020177928.

2022 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations: Summary From the Basic Life Support; Advanced Life Support; Pediatric Life Support; Neonatal Life Support; Education, Implementation, and Teams; and First Aid Task Forces

This is the sixth annual summary of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations. This summary addresses the most recently published resuscitation evidence reviewed by International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Task Force science experts. Topics covered by systematic reviews include cardiopulmonary resuscitation during transport; approach to resuscitation after drowning; passive ventilation; minimizing pauses during cardiopulmonary resuscitation; temperature management after cardiac arrest; use of diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound during cardiac arrest; use of vasopressin and corticosteroids during cardiac arrest; coronary angiography after cardiac arrest; public-access defibrillation devices for children; pediatric early warning systems; maintaining normal temperature immediately after birth; suctioning of amniotic fluid at birth; tactile stimulation for resuscitation immediately after birth; use of continuous positive airway pressure for respiratory distress at term birth; respiratory and heart rate monitoring in the delivery room; supraglottic airway use in neonates; prearrest prediction of in-hospital cardiac arrest mortality; basic life support training for likely rescuers of high-risk populations; effect of resuscitation team training; blended learning for life support training; training and recertification for resuscitation instructors; and recovery position for maintenance of breathing and prevention of cardiac arrest. Members from 6 task forces have assessed, discussed, and debated the quality of the evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria and generated consensus treatment recommendations. Insights into the deliberations of the task forces are provided in the Justification and Evidence-to-Decision Framework Highlights sections, and priority knowledge gaps for future research are listed.

Effect of the Helping Babies Breathe Program on Newborn Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and objectives: In low- and middle-income countries, the leading cause of neonatal mortality is perinatal asphyxia. Training in neonatal resuscitation has been shown to decrease this cause of mortality. The program "Helping Babies Breathe" (HBB) is a program to teach basic neonatal resuscitation focused on countries and areas with limited economic resources. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the implementation of the HBB program on newborn outcomes: mortality and morbidity. Material and Methods: A systematic review was carried out on observational studies and clinical trials that reported the effect of the implementation in low- and middle-income countries of the HBB program on neonatal mortality and morbidity. We carried out a meta-analysis of the extracted data. Random-effect models were used to evaluate heterogeneity, using the Cochrane Q and I2 tests, and stratified analyses were performed by age and type of outcome to determine the sources of heterogeneity. Results: Eleven studies were identified. The implementation of the program includes educational strategies focused on the training of doctors, nurses, midwives, and students of health professions. The poled results showed a decrease in overall mortality (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.57, 0.80), intrapartum stillbirth mortality (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.51, 0.75), and first-day mortality (OR 0.70; 95% IC 0.64, 0.77). High heterogeneity was found, which was partly explained by differences in the gestational age of the participants. Conclusions: The implementation of the program HBB in low- and medium-income countries has a significant impact on reducing early neonatal mortality.

Does hospital variation in intrapartum-related perinatal mortality among caesarean births reflect differences in quality of care? Cross-sectional study in 21 hospitals in Burkina Faso

OBJECTIVES

To examine hospital variation in crude and risk-adjusted rates of intrapartum-related perinatal mortality among caesarean births.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of data from the DECIDE (DECIsion for caesarean DElivery) cluster randomised trial postintervention phase.

SETTING

21 district and regional hospitals in Burkina Faso.

PARTICIPANTS

All 5134 women giving birth by caesarean section in a 6-month period in 2016.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Intrapartum-related perinatal mortality (fresh stillbirth or neonatal death within 24 hours of birth).

RESULTS

Almost 1 in 10 of 5134 women giving birth by caesarean experienced an intrapartum-related perinatal death. Crude mortality rates varied substantially from 21 to 189 per 1000 between hospitals. Variation was markedly reduced after adjusting for case mix differences (the median OR decreased from 1.9 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.5) to 1.3 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.7)). However, higher and more variable adjusted mortality persisted among hospitals performing fewer caesareans per month. Additionally, adjusting for caesarean care components did not further reduce variation (median OR=1.4 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.8)).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high burden of intrapartum-related perinatal deaths among caesarean births in Burkina Faso and sub-Saharan Africa more widely. Variation in adjusted mortality rates indicates likely differences in quality of caesarean care between hospitals, particularly lower volume hospitals. Improving access to and quality of emergency obstetric and newborn care is an important priority for improving survival of babies at birth.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN48510263.

Laryngeal mask ventilation with chest compression during neonatal resuscitation: randomized, non-inferiority trial in lambs

BACKGROUND

Effective positive-pressure ventilation is a critical factor in newborn resuscitation. Neonatal endotracheal intubation (ETT) needs considerable training and experience, which poses a human factor challenge. Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) ventilation can be a secure and viable alternative during the initial stages of newborn resuscitation. However, there is limited evidence for its use during chest compression (CC).

METHODS

Seventeen lambs were randomized into LMA or ETT ventilation post cord occlusion induced cardiac arrest. After 5 min of cardiac arrest, resuscitation was initiated as per NRP recommendations. Ventilation, oxygenation, systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic parameters were recorded till the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or 20 min.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The incidence of ROSC was 75% (6/8) in the LMA group and 56% (5/9) in the ETT group (p = 0.74). The median (IQR) time to achieve ROSC was 6.85 min (6 min-9.1 min) in the LMA group and 7.50 min (5.33 min-18 min) in the ETT group (p = 0.65).

CONCLUSION

LMA ventilation during CC is feasible and non-inferior to ETT in this model.

IMPACT

Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) ventilation with chest compression is feasible and non-inferior to endotracheal tube ventilation in this experimental near-term lamb model of asphyxial cardiac arrest. First translational study to evaluate the use of LMA as an airway device with chest compression. Evidence primer for clinical studies to evaluate and confirm the feasibility and efficacy of LMA ventilation with chest compression are necessary before randomized clinical trials in neonates. LMA use in neonatal cardiopulmonary resusciation (CPR) could have the potential to optimize advanced resuscitation, especially in resource-limited healthcare settings.

Beyond research: improved perinatal care through scale-up of a Moyo fetal heart rate monitor coupled with simulation training in northern Tanzania for helping babies breathe

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this project was to improve perinatal survival by introducing Moyo Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) Monitor coupled with neonatal resuscitation simulation training.

METHODS

The implementation was done at three district hospitals. We assessed health care workers' (HCW's) skills and perinatal death trends during implementation. Baseline data were collected from the hospitals before implementation. Newborn resuscitation (NR) skills were assessed before and after simulation training. Assessment of perinatal outcomes was done over 2 years of implementation. We used descriptive analysis; a t-test (paired and independent two-sample) and a one-way Anova test to report the findings.

RESULTS

A total of 107 HCW's were trained on FHR monitoring using Moyo and NR knowledge and skills using NeoNatalie simulators. The knowledge increased post-training by 13.6% (p <  0.001). Skills score was increased by 25.5 and 38.2% for OSCE A and B respectively (p <  0.001). The overall fresh stillbirths rate dropped from 9 to 5 deaths per 1000 total births and early neonatal deaths at 7 days from 5 to 3 (p <  0.05) deaths per 1000 live births over 2 years of implementation.

CONCLUSION

There was a significant improvement of newborn resuscitation skills among HCW's and neonatal survival at 2 years. Newborn resuscitation training coupling with Moyo FHR monitor has shown potential for improving perinatal survival. However, further evaluation is needed to explore the full potential of the package.

The Roles of Obstetrics Training Skills and Utilisation of Maternity Unit Protocols in Reducing Perinatal Mortality in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Perinatal mortality has been associated with poor maternal health during pregnancy and intrapartum periods. This study was conducted to determine the effects of obstetrics training programmes and the utilization of maternal unit protocols in the management of obstetric complications in reducing neonatal mortality rate in selected public hospitals in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa. A quantitative, descriptive design was used and a non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select midwives with a minimum of two (2) years of working experience in maternity wards of selected public hospitals. A total of 105 completed questionnaires were analysed using SPSS version 23. Most of the respondents were within the age group of 40–59 years (74.3%) and with professional experience of more than 10 years (76.8%). More than half (63.8%) had qualified as midwives at a diploma level. Only 44.8% indicated that the protocols were always utilised, even though the majority (70.5%) believed that the protocols are helpful in managing obstetrics complications. The obstetric skills are helpful in reducing neonatal mortality, however, utilisation of the protocols is not encouraging in the studied health facilities. We recommend that efforts should be geared towards the enforcement of the protocol’s use, and all midwives should be encouraged to undergo the trainings.

Neonatal Resuscitation Skill-Training Using a New Neonatal Simulator, Facilitated by Local Motivators: Two-Year Prospective Observational Study of 9000 Trainings

Globally, intrapartum-related complications account for approximately 2 million perinatal deaths annually. Adequate skills in neonatal resuscitation are required to reduce perinatal mortality. NeoNatalie Live is a newborn simulator providing immediate feedback, originally designed to accomplish Helping Babies Breathe training in low-resource settings. The objectives of this study were to describe changes in staff participation, skill-training frequency, and simulated ventilation quality before and after the introduction of “local motivators” in a rural Tanzanian hospital with 4000–5000 deliveries annually. Midwives (n = 15–27) were encouraged to perform in situ low-dose high-frequency simulation skill-training using NeoNatalie Live from September 2016 through to August 2018. Frequency and quality of trainings were automatically recorded in the simulator. The number of skill-trainings increased from 688 (12 months) to 8451 (11 months) after the introduction of local motivators in October 2017. Staff participation increased from 43% to 74% of the midwives. The quality of training performance, measured as “well done” feedback, increased from 75% to 91%. We conclude that training frequency, participation, and performance increased after introduction of dedicated motivators. In addition, the immediate constructive feedback features of the simulator may have influenced motivation and training quality performance.

Inadequate Bioavailability of Intramuscular Epinephrine in a Neonatal Asphyxia Model

BACKGROUND

Over half a million newborn deaths are attributed to intrapartum related events annually, the majority of which occur in low resource settings. While progress has been made in reducing the burden of asphyxia, novel approaches may need to be considered to further decrease rates of newborn mortality. Administration of intravenous, intraosseous or endotracheal epinephrine is recommended by the Newborn Resuscitation Program (NRP) with sustained bradycardia at birth. However, delivery by these routes requires both advanced skills and specialized equipment. Intramuscular (IM) epinephrine may represent a simple, low cost and highly accessible alternative for consideration in the care of infants compromised at birth. At present, the bioavailability of IM epinephrine in asphyxia remains unclear.

METHODS

Four term fetal lambs were delivered by cesarean section and asphyxiated by umbilical cord occlusion with resuscitation after 5 min of asystole. IM epinephrine (0.1 mg/kg) was administered intradeltoid after 1 min of positive pressure ventilation with 30 s of chest compressions. Serial blood samples were obtained for determination of plasma epinephrine concentrations by ELISA.

RESULTS

Epinephrine concentrations failed to increase following administration via IM injection. Delayed absorption was observed after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in half of the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Inadequate absorption of epinephrine occurs with IM administration during asphyxial cardiac arrest, implying this route would be ineffective in infants who are severely compromised at birth. Late absorption following ROSC raises concerns for risks of side effects. However, the bioavailability and efficacy of intramuscular epinephrine in less profound asphyxia may warrant further evaluation.

Effect of Training Healthcare Providers in Helping Babies Breathe Program on Neonatal Mortality Rates

BACKGROUND

Training in the Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) Program has been associated with a reduction in early neonatal mortality rate (ENMR), the neonatal mortality rate (NMR), and fresh stillbirth rate (FSBR) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This program was implemented in five different healthcare facilities in the Oliver Reginald Tambo (ORT) District, South Africa from September 2015 to December 2020.

OBJECTIVE

To determine and compare the FSBR, ENMR, and NMR between 2015 before initiation of the program (baseline) and subsequent years up to 2020 following the implementation of facility-based training of HBB in five hospitals in ORT District.

METHODS

Records of perinatal statistics from January 2015 to December 2020 were reviewed to calculate FSBR, ENMR, and NMR. Data were collected from the five healthcare facilities which included two district hospitals (Hospital A&B), two regional hospitals (Hospital C&D), and one tertiary hospital (Hospital E). Comparisons were made between pre- (2015) and post- (2016-2020) HBB implementation periods. Differences in changes over time were also assessed using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

There were 19,275 births in 2015, increasing to 22,192 in 2020 with the majority (55.3%) of births occurring in regional hospitals. There were significant reductions in ENMR (OR-0.78, 95% CI 0.70-0.87) and NMR (OR-0.81, 95% CI 0.73-0.90), but not in FSBR, in the five hospitals combined when comparing the two time periods. Significant reduction was also noted in trends over time in ENMR (r ² = 0.45, p = 0.001) and NMR (r ² = 0.23, p = 0.026), but not in FSBR (r ² = 0.0, p = 0.984) with all hospitals combined. In looking at individual hospitals, Hospital A (r ² = 0.61, p < 0.001) and Hospital E (r ² = 0.19, p = 0.048) showed a significant reduction in ENMR over time, but there were no significant changes in all mortality rates for Hospitals B, C, and D, and for the district or regional hospitals combined.

CONCLUSION

There was an overall reduction of 22% and 19% in ENMR and NMR, respectively, from pre- to post-HBB implementation periods, although there were variations from year to year over the 5-year period and, across hospitals. These differences suggest that there were other factors that affected the perinatal/neonatal outcomes in the hospital sites in addition to the implementation of training in HBB.

Respiratory distress syndrome management in resource limited settings-Current evidence and opportunities in 2022

The complications of prematurity are the leading cause of neonatal mortality worldwide, with the highest burden in the low- and middle-income countries of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. A major driver of this prematurity-related neonatal mortality is respiratory distress syndrome due to immature lungs and surfactant deficiency. The World Health Organization's Every Newborn Action Plan target is for 80% of districts to have resources available to care for small and sick newborns, including premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Evidence-based interventions for respiratory distress syndrome management exist for the peripartum, delivery and neonatal intensive care period- however, cost, resources, and infrastructure limit their availability in low- and middle-income countries. Existing research and implementation gaps include the safe use of antenatal corticosteroid in non-tertiary settings, establishing emergency transportation services from low to high level care facilities, optimized delivery room resuscitation, provision of affordable caffeine and surfactant as well as implementing non-traditional methods of surfactant administration. There is also a need to optimize affordable continuous positive airway pressure devices able to blend oxygen, provide humidity and deliver reliable pressure. If the high prematurity-related neonatal mortality experienced in low- and middle-income countries is to be mitigated, a concerted effort by researchers, implementers and policy developers is required to address these key modalities.

Helping babies breathe: assessing the effectiveness of simulation-based high-frequency recurring training in a community-based setting of Pakistan

Background

Birth asphyxia is one of the significant causes of neonatal deaths in Pakistan. Poor newborn resuscitation skills of birth attendants are a major cause of neonatal mortality in low resource settings across the globe. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Simulation-Based High-Frequency training of the Helping Babies Breathe for Community Midwives (CMW), in district Gujrat, Pakistan.

Method

A pre-post-test interventional study design was used. The universal sampling technique was employed to recruit 50 deployed CMWs in the entire district of Gujrat. The pre-tested module and tools of Helping Babies Breathe (2nd edition) were used in the intervention. Using the High Frequency training approach, three one-day training sessions were conducted for CMWs at an interval of 2 months. During the 2 months interval, participants were monitored and supported to practice their skills at their birthing centers. Knowledge and skills were assessed before and after each session. The McNemar and Cochran’s Q tests were applied for data analysis. Participants’ feedback was also obtained at the end of each training, which was analyzed through descriptive statistics.

Results

Data from 34 CMWs were analyzed as they completed all three training sessions and assessments. The results were statistically different after each training session for OSCE B (p-value < 0.05). However, for knowledge and OSCE A, significant improvement was observed after training sessions 1 and 2 only. Pairwise comparison showed that pre-assessment at training 1 was significantly different from most of the repeated measures of knowledge, OSCE A, and OSCE B. Moreover, the learners appreciated the overall training in terms of organization, content, material, assessment, and overall competency. Additionally, due to a small sample size of the CMWs, and a short time of the intervention, significant differences in morbidity and mortality outcomes could not be detected.

Conclusion

The study concluded that a series of training and continuous supportive supervision and facilitation enhances Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) knowledge retention and skills. The study recommends, periodic, structured and precise HBB trainings, with ongoing quality monitoring activities through blended learning modalities would help sustain and scale-up the intervention.

Tackling equitable coverage and quality of care for neonates in hospitals: a pre-post assessment on asphyxia interventions in Mesoamerica

BACKGROUND

Intrapartum-related hypoxic events, or birth asphyxia, causes one-fourth of neonatal deaths globally and in Mesoamerica. Multidimensional care for asphyxia must be implemented to ensure timely and effective care of newborns. Salud Mesoamérica Initiative (SMI) is a performance-based program seeking to improve maternal and child health for low-income areas of Central America. Our objective was to assess the impact of SMI on neonatal asphyxia care in health centers and hospitals in the region.

METHODS

A pre-post design. Two hundred forty-eight cases of asphyxia were randomly selected from medical records at baseline (2011-2013) and at second-phase follow-up (2017-2018) in Mexico (state of Chiapas), Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala as part of the SMI Initiative evaluation. A facility survey was conducted to assess quality of health care and the management of asphyxia. The primary outcome was coverage of multidimensional care for the management of asphyxia, consisting of a skilled provider presence at birth, immediate assessment, initial stabilization, and appropriate resuscitation measures of the newborn. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Management of asphyxia improved significantly after SMI. Proper care of asphyxia in intervention areas was better (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.3-4.6) compared to baseline. Additionally, multidimensional care was significantly higher in Honduras (OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.4-12.0) than in Mexico. Of the four multidimensional care components, resuscitation showed the greatest progress by follow-up (65.7%) compared to baseline (38.7%).

CONCLUSION

SMI improved the care for neonatal asphyxia management across all levels of health care in all countries. Our findings show that proper training and adequate supplies can improve health outcomes in low-income communities. SMI provides a model for improving health care in other settings.

Video recording in the delivery room: current status, implications and implementation

Many factors determine the performance and success of delivery room management of newborn babies. Improving the quality of care in this challenging surrounding has an important impact on patient safety and on perinatal morbidity and mortality. Video recording (VR) offers the advantage to record and store work as done rather than work as recalled. It provides information about adherence to algorithms and guidelines, and technical, cognitive and behavioural skills. VR is feasible for education and training, improves team performance and results of research led to changes of international guidelines. However, studies thus far have not provided data regarding whether delivery room video recording affects long-term team performance or clinical outcomes. Privacy is a concern because data can be stored and individuals can be identified. We describe the current state of clinical practice in high- and low-resource settings, discuss ethical and medical-legal issues and give recommendations for implementation with the aim of improving the quality of care and outcome of vulnerable babies. IMPACT: VR improves performance by health caregivers providing neonatal resuscitation, teaching and research related to delivery room management, both in high as well low resource settings. VR enables information about adherence to guidelines, technical, behavioural and communication skills within the resuscitation team. VR has ethical and medical-legal implications for healthcare, especially recommendations for implementation of VR in routine clinical care in the delivery room. VR will increase the awareness that short- and long-term outcomes of babies depend on the quality of care in the delivery room.

eHBB: a randomised controlled trial of virtual reality or video for neonatal resuscitation refresher training in healthcare workers in resource-scarce settings

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of mobile virtual reality (VR) simulations using electronic Helping Babies Breathe (eHBB) or video for the maintenance of neonatal resuscitation skills in healthcare workers in resource-scarce settings.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial with 6-month follow-up (2018-2020).

SETTING

Secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

274 nurses and midwives assigned to labour and delivery, operating room and newborn care units were recruited from 20 healthcare facilities in Nigeria and Kenya and randomised to one of three groups: VR (eHBB+digital guide), video (video+digital guide) or control (digital guide only) groups before an in-person HBB course.

INTERVENTIONS

eHBB VR simulation or neonatal resuscitation video.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Healthcare worker neonatal resuscitation skills using standardised checklists in a simulated setting at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.

RESULTS

Neonatal resuscitation skills pass rates were similar among the groups at 6-month follow-up for bag-and-mask ventilation (BMV) skills check (VR 28%, video 25%, control 22%, p=0.71), objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) A (VR 76%, video 76%, control 72%, p=0.78) and OSCE B (VR 62%, video 60%, control 49%, p=0.18). Relative to the immediate postcourse assessments, there was greater retention of BMV skills at 6 months in the VR group (-15% VR, p=0.10; -21% video, p<0.01, -27% control, p=0.001). OSCE B pass rates in the VR group were numerically higher at 3 months (+4%, p=0.64) and 6 months (+3%, p=0.74) and lower in the video (-21% at 3 months, p<0.001; -14% at 6 months, p=0.066) and control groups (-7% at 3 months, p=0.43; -14% at 6 months, p=0.10). On follow-up survey, 95% (n=65) of respondents in the VR group and 98% (n=82) in the video group would use their assigned intervention again.

CONCLUSION

eHBB VR training was highly acceptable to healthcare workers in low-income to middle-income countries and may provide additional support for neonatal resuscitation skills retention compared with other digital interventions.

Evidence-based interventions to reduce mortality among preterm and low-birthweight neonates in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Preterm birth is the leading cause of under-five-mortality worldwide, with the highest burden in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to synthesise evidence-based interventions for preterm and low birthweight (LBW) neonates in LMICs, their associated neonatal mortality rate (NMR), and barriers and facilitators to their implementation. This study updates all existing evidence on this topic and reviews evidence on interventions that have not been previously considered in current WHO recommendations.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched until 3 March 2020 for randomised controlled trials reporting NMR of preterm and/or LBW newborns following any intervention in LMICs. Risk ratios for mortality outcomes were pooled where appropriate using a random effects model (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019139267).

Results

1236 studies were identified, of which 49 were narratively synthesised and 9 contributed to the meta-analysis. The studies included 39 interventions in 21 countries with 46 993 participants. High-quality evidence suggested significant reduction of NMR following antenatal corticosteroids (Pakistan risk ratio (RR) 0.89; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.99|Guatemala 0.74; 0.68 to 0.81), single cord (0.65; 0.50 to 0.86) and skin cleansing with chlorhexidine (0.72; 0.55 to 0.95), early BCG vaccine (0.64; 0.48 to 0.86; I² 0%), community kangaroo mother care (OR 0.73; 0.55 to 0.97; I² 0%) and home-based newborn care (preterm 0.25; 0.14 to 0.48|LBW 0.42; 0.27 to 0.65). No effects on perinatal (essential newborn care 1.02; 0.91 to 1.14|neonatal resuscitation 0.95; 0.84 to 1.07) or 7-day NMR (essential newborn care 1.03; 0.83 to 1.27|neonatal resuscitation 0.92; 0.77 to 1.09) were observed after training birth attendants.

Conclusion

The findings of this study encourage the implementation of additional, evidence-based interventions in the current (WHO) guidelines and to be selective in usage of antenatal corticosteroids, to reduce mortality among preterm and LBW neonates in LMICs. Given the global commitment to end all preventable neonatal deaths by 2030, continuous evaluation and improvement of the current guidelines should be a priority on the agenda.

Risk factors for mortality among neonates admitted to a special care unit in a low-resource setting

Background

Although under-5 mortality has decreased in the last two decades, neonatal mortality remains a global health challenge. Despite achieving notable progress, Ethiopia has still one of the highest neonatal mortality rates worldwide. We aimed to assess the risk factors for mortality among neonates admitted to a special care unit in a referral hospital in rural Ethiopia.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study including all 4182 neonates admitted to the special care unit of the St. Luke Wolisso Hospital (Ethiopia) from January 2014 to December 2017. Data were retrieved from hospital charts and entered in an anonymized dataset. A logistic regression model was applied to identify predictors of mortality and effect sizes were expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Proportion of deaths was 17% (709/4182 neonates). Neonates referred from other health facilities or home (odds ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.21 to 1.91), moderate hypothermia at admission (odds ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 2.15) and diagnosis of late-onset sepsis (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 2.36), low birthweight (odds ratio 2.48, 95% confidence interval 2.00 to 3.09), very low birthweight (odds ratio 11.71, 95% confidence interval 8.63 to 15.94), extremely low birthweight (odds ratio 76.04, 95% confidence interval 28.54 to 263.82), intrapartum-related complications (odds ratio 4.69, 95% confidence interval 3.55 to 6.20), meconium aspiration syndrome (odds ratio 2.34, 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 4.43), respiratory distress (odds ratio 2.25, 95% confidence interval 1.72 to 2.95), other infections (odds ratio 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.31 to 2.81) or malformations (odds ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval 1.49 to 3.57) were associated with increased mortality. Being admitted in 2017 vs. 2014 (odds ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.52 to 0.97), and older age at admission (odds ratio 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 0.97) were associated with decreased likelihood of mortality.

Conclusions

The majority of neonatal deaths was associated with preventable and treatable conditions. Education on neonatal resuscitation and postnatal management, and the introduction of an on-call doctor for high-risk deliveries might have contributed to the reduction in neonatal mortality over time.

Increased perinatal survival and improved ventilation skills over a five-year period: An observational study

Background and aim

The Helping Babies Breathe program gave major reductions in perinatal mortality in Tanzania from 2009 to 2012. We aimed to study whether this effect was sustained, and whether resuscitation skills changed with continued frequent training.

Methods

We analysed prospective data covering all births (n = 19,571) at Haydom Lutheran Hospital in Tanzania from July 2013 –June 2018. Resuscitation training was continued during this period. All deliveries were monitored by an observer recording the timing of events and resuscitation interventions. Heart rate was recorded by dry-electrode ECG and bag-mask-ventilation by sensors attached to the resuscitator device. We analyzed changes over time in outcomes, use of resuscitation interventions and performance of resuscitation using binary regression models with the log-link function to obtain adjusted relative risks.

Results

With introduction of user fees for deliveries since 2014, the number of deliveries decreased by 30% from start to the end of the five-year period. An increase in low heart rate at birth and need for bag-mask-ventilation indicate a gradual selection of more vulnerable newborns delivered in the hospital over time.

Despite this selection, newborn deaths <24 hours did not change significantly and was maintained at an average of 8.8/1000 live births. The annual reductions in relative risk for perinatal death adjusted for vulnerability factors was 0.84 (95%CI 0.76–0.94).

During the five-year period, longer duration of bag-mask ventilation sequences without interruption was observed. Delivered tidal volumes were increased and mask leak was decreased during ventilation. The time to initiation or total duration of ventilation did not change significantly.

Conclusion

The reduction in 24-hour newborn mortality after introduction of Helping Babies Breathe was maintained, and a further decrease over the five-year period was evident when analyses were adjusted for vulnerability of the newborns. Perinatal survival and performance of ventilation were significantly improved.

Review of the evidence for interventions to reduce perinatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries

Low- and middle-income countries contribute to the overwhelming majority of the global perinatal and neonatal mortality. There is a growing amount of literature focused on interventions aimed at reducing the healthcare gaps and thereby reducing perinatal and neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries. The current review synthesizes available evidence for interventions that have shown to improve perinatal and neonatal outcomes. Reduction in important gaps in the availability and utilization of perinatal care practices is needed to end preventable deaths of newborns.