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Flis W, Socha MW, Wartęga M, Cudnik R. Unexpected Uterine Rupture-A Case Report, Review of the Literature and Clinical Suggestions. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103532. [PMID: 37240638 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103532] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Women with a history of cesarean section are a high-risk group because they are likely to develop uterine rupture during their next pregnancy. Current evidence suggests that a vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) is associated with lower maternal mortality and morbidity than elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD). Additionally, research suggests that uterine rupture can occur in 0.47% of cases of trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC). CASE DESCRIPTION A healthy 32-year-old woman at 41 weeks of gestation, in her fourth pregnancy, was admitted to the hospital due to a dubious CTG record. Following this, the patient gave birth vaginally, underwent a cesarean section, and successfully underwent a VBAC. Due to her advanced gestational age and favorable cervix, the patient qualified for a trial of vaginal labor (TOL). During labor induction, she displayed a pathological CTG pattern and presented symptoms such as abdominal pain and heavy vaginal bleeding. Suspecting a violent uterine rupture, an emergency cesarean section was performed. The presumed diagnosis was confirmed during the procedure-a full-thickness rupture of the pregnant uterus was found. The fetus was delivered without signs of life and successfully resuscitated after 3 min. The newborn girl of weight 3150 g had an Apgar score of 0/6/8/8 at 1, 3, 5, and 10 min. The uterine wall rupture was closed with two layers of sutures. The patient was discharged 4 days after the cesarean section without significant complications, with a healthy newborn girl. CONCLUSIONS Uterine rupture is a rare but severe obstetric emergency and can be associated with maternal and neonatal fatal outcomes. The risk of uterine rupture during a TOLAC attempt should always be considered, even if it is a subsequent TOLAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Flis
- Department of Perinatology, Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Łukasiewicza 1, 85-821 Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Adalbert's Hospital in Gdańsk, Copernicus Healthcare Entity, Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Maciej W Socha
- Department of Perinatology, Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Łukasiewicza 1, 85-821 Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Adalbert's Hospital in Gdańsk, Copernicus Healthcare Entity, Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wartęga
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Rafał Cudnik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Adalbert's Hospital in Gdańsk, Copernicus Healthcare Entity, Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk, Poland
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Clarke-Deelder E, Opondo K, Oguttu M, Burke T, Cohen JL, McConnell M. Immediate postpartum care in low- and middle-income countries: A gap in healthcare quality research and practice. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100764. [PMID: 36216312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The immediate postpartum period carries significant risks for complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and sepsis. Postpartum monitoring, including taking vital signs and monitoring blood loss, is important for the early identification and management of complications, but many women in low- and middle-income countries receive minimal attention in the period following childbirth to facility discharge. The World Health Organization recently released new guidelines on postnatal care, which include recommendations for immediate postpartum monitoring. In light of the new guidelines, this presented an opportune moment to address the gaps in postpartum monitoring in low- and middle-income countries. In this commentary, we bring attention to the importance of immediate postpartum monitoring. We identified opportunities for strengthening this often overlooked aspect of maternity care through improvements in quality measurement and data availability, research into barriers against high-quality care, and innovations in service delivery design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Clarke-Deelder
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA (Drs Clarke-Deelder, Burke, Cohen, and McConnell); Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland (Dr Clarke-Deelder).
| | - Kennedy Opondo
- Kisumu Medical and Education Trust, Kisumu, Kenya (Mr Opondo and Dr Oguttu); Vayu Global Health Foundation, Boston, MA (Mr Opondo and Dr Burke)
| | - Monica Oguttu
- Kisumu Medical and Education Trust, Kisumu, Kenya (Mr Opondo and Dr Oguttu)
| | - Thomas Burke
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA (Drs Clarke-Deelder, Burke, Cohen, and McConnell); Vayu Global Health Foundation, Boston, MA (Mr Opondo and Dr Burke); Global Health Innovation Laboratory, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Dr Burke); Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Dr Burke)
| | - Jessica L Cohen
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA (Drs Clarke-Deelder, Burke, Cohen, and McConnell)
| | - Margaret McConnell
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA (Drs Clarke-Deelder, Burke, Cohen, and McConnell)
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Nantume A, Oketch BA, Otiangala D, Shah S, Cauvel T, Nyumbile B, Olayo B. Feasibility, performance and acceptability of an innovative vital signs monitor for sick newborns in Western Kenya: A mixed-methods study. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231182799. [PMID: 37434726 PMCID: PMC10331074 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231182799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for 99% of the global neonatal mortality. Limited access to advanced technology, such as bedside patient monitors contributes to disproportionately poor outcomes for critically ill newborns in LMICs. We designed a study to assess the feasibility, performance, and acceptability of a low-cost wireless wearable technology for continuous monitoring of sick newborns in resource-limited settings. Methods This was a mixed-methods implementation study conducted between March and April 2021 at two health facilities in Western Kenya. Inclusion criteria for newborns monitored included: age 0 to 28 days, birthweight ≥2.0 kg, low-to-moderate severity of illness at admission and the guardian's willingness to provide informed consent. Medical staff who participated in monitoring the newborns were surveyed about their experience with the technology. We used descriptive statistics to summarize our quantitative findings and qualitative data was coded and analyzed as an iterative process to summarize quotes on user acceptability. Results The results of the study demonstrated that adoption of neoGuard was feasible and acceptable in this setting. Medical staff described the technology as safe, user-friendly and efficient, after successfully monitoring 134 newborns. Despite the positive user experience, we did observe some notable technology performance issues such as a high percentage of missing vital signs data. Conclusion The results of this study were critical in informing the iterative process of refining and validating an innovative vital signs monitor for patients in resource-limited settings. Further research and development are underway to optimize neoGuard's performance and to examine its clinical impact and cost effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bernard Olayo
- Center for Public Health and Development, Nairobi, Kenya
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Filetici N, Van de Velde M, Roofthooft E, Devroe S. Maternal sepsis. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2022; 36:165-177. [PMID: 35659952 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpa.2022.03.003] [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: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition defined as organ dysfunction resulting from infection that can arise during pregnancy, childbirth, postabortion, or in the postpartum period. Validated diagnostic criteria of maternal sepsis and septic shock may reduce the impact of this condition on maternal health worldwide, but the lack of consensus on adequate tools due to the overlap between physiological adaptations that occur during pregnancy and signs and symptoms of infection and sepsis can delay both diagnosis and treatment. In the absence of evidence-based guidelines for obstetric populations, the WHO recommends the use of the "Surviving Sepsis Campaign" sepsis protocols for maternal care adapted to the local obstetric population. Interventions within the first hour from diagnosis have been proposed in 2021 to emphasize the state of emergency of a maternal sepsis. This review will highlight the utility of standardized diagnostic criteria, the implemented approaches for the prevention and treatment of maternal infections, and the strategies for early management of critically ill parturients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Filetici
- IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Via della Pineta Sacchetti 217, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Marc Van de Velde
- UZ Leuven Department of Anesthesiology, KULeuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Eva Roofthooft
- Department of Anesthesiology, GZA Ziekenhuizen, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Sarah Devroe
- UZ Leuven Department of Anesthesiology, KULeuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Haddad SM, Souza RT, Cecatti JG. Management of maternal pulse and blood pressure abnormalities during labour and childbirth: evidence-based algorithms for intrapartum care decision support. BJOG 2022. [PMID: 35411679 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To develop evidence-based clinical algorithms for assessment and management of abnormal maternal pulse and blood pressure during the intrapartum period. POPULATION Low risk singleton, term, pregnant women in labour. SETTING Institutional births in low- and middle-income countries. SEARCH STRATEGY A review of the literature was performed to retrieve evidence-based guidelines, systematic reviews, and papers on maternal pulse and blood pressure during labour. We searched a number of international clinical guidelines and PubMed using the corresponding key terms in November 2018 and updated the search in May 2020. CASE SCENARIOS Four common intrapartum case scenarios of abnormal pulse and blood pressure were identified for which algorithms were developed: hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia and bradycardia. Algorithms were constructed after reviewing guidelines and relevant papers, with input from a panel of experts. Thresholds for upper and lower limits of normal maternal pulse and blood pressure measurements are defined, evidence-based interventions for the initial management of abnormal parameters are described (resuscitation and monitoring) and guidance is provided on exploration of the potential causes for each case scenario, with links to pathways for their management. CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based algorithms to support the identification, and management of deviations in pulse and blood pressure during intrapartum care have been developed for hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia and bradycardia. The algorithms focus on initial resuscitation and monitoring, with an exploration of causes and early identification of underlying maternal conditions. These algorithms will help provide a standardised approach to investigation and management of these abnormal parameters to guide clinical practice. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Algorithms for abnormal maternal pulse and blood pressure during labour allow standardised approach to early identification and management of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Haddad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - R T Souza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - J G Cecatti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Dese K, Ayana G, Lamesgin Simegn G. Low cost, non-invasive, and continuous vital signs monitoring device for pregnant women in low resource settings (Lvital device). HARDWAREX 2022; 11:e00276. [PMID: 35509911 PMCID: PMC9058728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Around 800 women die each day from complications of pregnancy and childbirth in the world. Vital Signs monitoring (such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature) are among fundamental parameters of ensuring the health and safety of women and newborns during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Approximately, 10% of women experience hypertension (greater than140/90) during pregnancy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause extra stress on the heart and kidneys and can increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, early recognition of abnormal vital signs, which are induced due to pregnancy can allow for timely identification of clinical deterioration. Currently used technologies are expensive and complex design with implementation challenges in low-resource settings where maternal morbidity and mortality is higher. Thus, considering the above need, here a hardware device has been designed and developed, which is a low cost, and portable for pregnant women's vital signs (with cuff-less blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature) monitoring device. The developed device would have a remarkable benefit of monitoring the maternal vital signs especially for those in low resource settings, where there is a high paucity of vital signs monitoring devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kokeb Dese
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma University-378, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gelan Ayana
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma University-378, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Medical IT Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi- 39253, Korea
| | - Gizeaddis Lamesgin Simegn
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma University-378, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Hurrell A, Webster L, Chappell LC, Shennan AH. The assessment of blood pressure in pregnant women: pitfalls and novel approaches. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S804-S818. [PMID: 33514455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Accurate assessment of blood pressure is fundamental to the provision of safe obstetrical care. It is simple, cost effective, and life-saving. Treatments for preeclampsia, including antihypertensive drugs, magnesium sulfate, and delivery, are available in many settings. However, the instigation of appropriate treatment relies on prompt and accurate recognition of hypertension. There are a number of different techniques for blood pressure assessment, including the auscultatory method, automated oscillometric devices, home blood pressure monitoring, ambulatory monitoring, and invasive monitoring. The auscultatory method with a mercury sphygmomanometer and the use of Korotkoff sounds was previously recommended as the gold standard technique. Mercury sphygmomanometers have been withdrawn owing to safety concerns and replaced with aneroid devices, but these are particularly prone to calibration errors and regular calibration is imperative to ensure accuracy. Automated oscillometric devices are straightforward to use, but the physiological changes in healthy pregnancy and pathologic changes in preeclampsia may affect the accuracy of a device and monitors must be validated. Validation protocols classify pregnant women as a "special population," and protocols must include 15 women in each category of normotensive pregnancy, hypertensive pregnancy, and preeclampsia. In addition to a scarcity of devices validated for pregnancy and preeclampsia, other pitfalls that cause inaccuracy include the lack of training and poor technique. Blood pressure assessment can be affected by maternal position, inappropriate cuff size, conversation, caffeine, smoking, and irregular heart rate. For home blood pressure monitoring, appropriate instruction should be given on how to use the device. The classification of hypertension and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy has recently been revised. These are classified as preeclampsia, transient gestational hypertension, gestational hypertension, white-coat hypertension, masked hypertension, chronic hypertension, and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia. Blood pressure varies across gestation and by ethnicity, but gestation-specific thresholds have not been adopted. Hypertension is defined as a sustained systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg or a sustained diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mm Hg. In some guidelines, the threshold of diagnosis depends on the setting in which blood pressure measurement is taken, with a threshold of 140/90 mm Hg in a healthcare setting, 135/85 mm Hg at home, or a 24-hour average blood pressure on ambulatory monitoring of >126/76 mm Hg. Some differences exist among organizations with respect to the criteria for the diagnosis of preeclampsia and the correct threshold for intervention and target blood pressure once treatment has been instigated. Home blood pressure monitoring is currently a focus for research. Novel technologies, including early warning devices (such as the CRADLE Vital Signs Alert device) and telemedicine, may provide strategies that prompt earlier recognition of abnormal blood pressure and therefore improve management. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on methods to assess blood pressure in pregnancy and appropriate technique to optimize accuracy. The importance of accurate blood pressure assessment is emphasized with a discussion of preeclampsia prediction and treatment of severe hypertension. Classification of hypertensive disorders and thresholds for treatment will be discussed, including novel developments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Hurrell
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Webster
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy C Chappell
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew H Shennan
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Providing education and tools increases nurses’ and midwives’ assessment for puerperal sepsis in a regional referral hospital in South Western Uganda. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AFRICA NURSING SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2022.100487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Comprehensive pregnancy monitoring with a network of wireless, soft, and flexible sensors in high- and low-resource health settings. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2100466118. [PMID: 33972445 PMCID: PMC8157941 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2100466118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Monitoring vital signs for laboring women and their fetuses is foundational to the delivery of obstetrical care; however, monitoring platforms for pregnancy have undergone little innovation over the last several decades with many low-income settings lacking basic access. We report a new time-synchronized, flexible, and wireless sensor system applicable across the entire continuum of antepartum and postpartum care that provides continuous, comprehensive, and noninvasive monitoring (heart rate, respiratory rate, and pulse oxygenation) compatible with a wide range of mobile devices. This system offers advanced features such as continuous blood pressure, uterine electrohysterography, and automated body position classification. We further demonstrate the performance of this new system among pregnant individuals (n = 576) in both high-resource settings and low-resource care settings. Vital signs monitoring is a fundamental component of ensuring the health and safety of women and newborns during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. This monitoring is often the first step in early detection of pregnancy abnormalities, providing an opportunity for prompt, effective intervention to prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Contemporary pregnancy monitoring systems require numerous devices wired to large base units; at least five separate devices with distinct user interfaces are commonly used to detect uterine contractility, maternal blood oxygenation, temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and fetal heart rate. Current monitoring technologies are expensive and complex with implementation challenges in low-resource settings where maternal morbidity and mortality is the greatest. We present an integrated monitoring platform leveraging advanced flexible electronics, wireless connectivity, and compatibility with a wide range of low-cost mobile devices. Three flexible, soft, and low-profile sensors offer comprehensive vital signs monitoring for both women and fetuses with time-synchronized operation, including advanced parameters such as continuous cuffless blood pressure, electrohysterography-derived uterine monitoring, and automated body position classification. Successful field trials of pregnant women between 25 and 41 wk of gestation in both high-resource settings (n = 91) and low-resource settings (n = 485) demonstrate the system’s performance, usability, and safety.
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von Dadelszen P, Vidler M, Tsigas E, Magee LA. Management of Preeclampsia in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Lessons to Date, and Questions Arising, from the PRE-EMPT and Related Initiatives. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Shobo OG, Okoro A, Okolo M, Longtoe P, Omale I, Ofiemu E, Anyanti J. Implementing a community-level intervention to control hypertensive disorders in pregnancy using village health workers: lessons learned. Implement Sci Commun 2020; 1:84. [PMID: 33024958 PMCID: PMC7531128 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-020-00076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy result in about 76,000 maternal deaths per year worldwide. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia cause the most deaths. Interventions for managing these disorders are available in health facilities. We assess the effect of monitoring pregnant women’s blood pressure (BP) in their homes using village health workers (VHWs) equipped with a BP-measuring device on hypertension in pregnancy, in a resource-poor setting. Also, we assess the VHWs’ competence with the BP device, acceptability and appropriateness of the intervention, and factors that affect the implementation of the intervention. Method This is a mixed method study comprising quantitative and qualitative data collection. We implemented the intervention over 6 months across three local government areas in Gombe state, northeast Nigeria. The Replicating Effective Program (REP) framework guided the development of the implementation strategy. The quantitative data include routine measurement of pregnant women’s blood pressure and observation of 118 VHW-client interactions. The routine data collection occurred between February and June 2019, and the observation occurred in January and June 2019. The qualitative data collection occurred via six focus group discussions with VHWs and ten in-depth interviews with community health extension workers in June 2019. We analyzed the data from the quantitative arm with SPSS version 23. For the qualitative arm, we transcribed the audio files, coded the texts, and categorized them using thematic analysis. Result Nine thousand pregnant women were recruited into the program. We observed a significant reduction in the prevalence of hypertension in pregnancy from 1.5 to 0.8% (Z = 4.04; p < 0.00001) after starting the program. Also, we found that VHWs can assess pregnant women’s BP using a semi-automatic BP-measuring device. The intervention is acceptable and appropriate in resource-poor settings. Poor payment of VHW stipend and cooperation of local health staff are barriers to sustaining the intervention. Conclusion In resource-poor settings, health systems can train and equip non-technical people to identify and refer cases of high blood pressure in pregnancy to local health facilities on time. This may contribute to reducing maternal mortality and morbidity in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anselm Okoro
- Society for Family Health, 8 Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Magdalene Okolo
- Society for Family Health, 8 Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Peter Longtoe
- Society for Family Health, 8 Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Isaac Omale
- Society for Family Health, 8 Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Endurance Ofiemu
- Society for Family Health, 8 Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Jennifer Anyanti
- Society for Family Health, 8 Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
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Escobar MF, Echavarría MP, Zambrano MA, Ramos I, Kusanovic JP. Maternal sepsis. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2020; 2:100149. [PMID: 33345880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2020.100149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Maternal sepsis is "a life-threatening condition defined as an organ dysfunction caused by an infection during pregnancy, delivery, puerperium, or after an abortion," with the potential to save millions of lives if a proper approximation is made. Undetected or poorly managed maternal infections can lead to sepsis, death, or disability for the mother, and an increased likelihood of early neonatal infection and other adverse outcomes. Physiological, immunologic, and mechanical changes that occur in pregnancy make pregnant women more susceptible to infections than nonpregnant women and may obscure signs and symptoms of infection and sepsis, resulting in a delay in the recognition and treatment of sepsis. Prioritization of the creation and validation of tools that allow the development of clear and standardized diagnostic criteria of maternal sepsis and septic shock, according to the changes inherent to pregnancy, correspond to highly effective strategies to reduce the impact of these conditions on maternal health worldwide. After an adequate diagnostic approach, the next goal is achieving stabilization, trying to stop the progression from sepsis to septic shock, and improving tissue perfusion to limit cell dysfunction. Management protocol implementation during the first hour of treatment will be the most important determinant for the reduction of maternal mortality associated with sepsis and septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernanda Escobar
- High Complexity Obstetric Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia.
| | - María Paula Echavarría
- High Complexity Obstetric Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
| | - María Andrea Zambrano
- Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia; Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Isabella Ramos
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Juan Pedro Kusanovic
- Center for Research and Innovation in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (CIMAF), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Goldenberg RL, McClure EM, Belizán JM. Translating research evidence into practice: a report from the 2 nd International Conference on Maternal and Newborn Health from KLE University - Belagavi, India. Reprod Health 2018; 15:99. [PMID: 29945629 PMCID: PMC6019996 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-018-0523-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) Women's and Children's Health Research Unit (WCHRU) of the Karnataka Lingayat Education (KLE) Academy of Higher Education and Research Deemed-to-be-University and its collaborators convened the '2nd International Conference on Maternal and Newborn Health -Translating Research Evidence to Practice' to address the common theme of improving maternal and newborn health in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC). This supplement, including 16 manuscripts, reflects much of the research presented at the conference, including analyses of the state of knowledge, as well as completed, ongoing and planned research in these areas conducted by the WCHRU in India together with many collaborators across high-income and LMIC. The first paper reviews maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality in low-income countries, considers their causes, as well as evidence for potential interventions to reduce mortality. A second paper addresses near miss maternal mortality. Several manuscripts address the research conducted by WCHRU and their colleagues in a multi-center research network. One study examines rates of miscarriage and medically terminated pregnancy in India and the risk factors for these occurrences. Another paper addresses stillbirth and its risk factors, both in India as well as in other LMIC. Haemorrhage and preeclampsia/eclampsia, important causes of maternal mortality, stillbirth and neonatal morbidity in LMIC, are addressed in a series of papers summarizing trials of interventions to reduce improve outcomes associated with these conditions. Poor maternal and infant nutritional status, which contribute to adverse outcomes, are addressed through papers which describe a number of important studies that the WCHRU and their colleagues have conducted to attempt to improve nutritional status. Another paper describes a study to investigate causes of stillbirth and deaths among preterm births, which will utilize new techniques to investigate the infectious causes of these deaths. Finally, the supplement addresses the process for dissemination of research results to inform public policy. Together these manuscripts represent a body of research to inform interventions to reduce maternal, fetal and newborn mortality and illustrates what a dedicated research group together with institutional support can accomplish.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth M McClure
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Health Sciences, RTI International, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - José M Belizán
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness (IECS-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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