Maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality: lessons learned from historical changes in high income countries and their potential application to low-income countries

Microevolutionary hypothesis of the obesity epidemic

The obesity epidemic represents potentially the largest phenotypic change in Homo sapiens since the origin of the species. Despite obesity's high heritability, it is generally presumed a change in the gene pool could not have caused the obesity epidemic. Here we advance the hypothesis that a rapid change in the obesogenic gene pool has occurred second to the introduction of modern obstetrics dramatically altering evolutionary pressures on obesity-the microevolutionary hypothesis of the obesity epidemic. Obesity is known to increase childbirth-related mortality several fold. Prior to modern obstetrics, childbirth-related mortality occurred in over 10% of women in their lifetime. After modern obstetrics, this mortality reduced to a fraction of a percent, thereby lifting a strong negative selection pressure. Regression analysis of data for ~ 190 countries was carried out to examine associations between 1990 lifetime maternal death rates (LMDR) and current obesity rates. Multivariate regression showed LMDR correlated more strongly with national obesity rates than GDP, calorie intake and physical inactivity. Analyses controlling for confounders via partial correlation show that LMDR explains approximately 11% of the variability of obesity rate between nations. For nations with LMDR above the median (>0.45%), LMDR explains 33% of obesity variance, while calorie intake, GDP and physical inactivity show no association with obesity in these nations. The microevolutionary hypothesis offers a parsimonious explanation of the global nature of the obesity epidemic.

Simulation training on respectful emergency obstetric and neonatal care in north-western Madagascar: a mixed-methods evaluation of an innovative training program

BACKGROUND

The rates of maternal and neonatal deaths in Madagascar are among the highest in the world. In response to a request for additional training from obstetrical care providers at the Ambanja district hospital in north-eastern Madagascar, a partnership of institutions in Switzerland and Madagascar conducted innovative training on respectful emergency obstetric and newborn care using e-learning and simulation methodologies. The training focused on six topics: pre-eclampsia, physiological childbirth, obstetric maneuvers, postpartum hemorrhage, maternal sepsis, and newborn resuscitation. Cross-cutting themes were interprofessional communication and respectful patient care. Ten experienced trainers participated in an e-training-of-trainers course conducted by the Swiss partners. The newly-trained trainers and Swiss partners then jointly conducted the hybrid remote/in-person training for 11 obstetrical care providers in Ambanja.

METHODS

A mixed methods evaluation was conducted of the impact of the training on participants' knowledge and practices. Trainees' knowledge was tested before, immediately after, and 6 months after the training. Focus group discussions were conducted to elicit participants' opinions about the training, including the content and pedagogical methods.

RESULTS

Trainees' knowledge of the six topics was higher at 6 months (with an average of 71% correct answers) compared to before the training (62%), although it was even higher (83%) immediately after the training. During the focus group discussions, participants highlighted their positive impressions of the training, including its impact on their sense of professional effectiveness. They reported that their interprofessional relationships and focus on respectful care had improved. Simulation, which was a new methodology for the participants native to Madagascar, was appreciated for its engaging and active format, and they enjoyed the hybrid delivery of the training. Participants (including the trainers) expressed a desire for follow-up engagement, including additional training, and improved access to more equipment.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation showed improvements in trainees' knowledge and capacity to provide respectful emergency care to pregnant women and newborns across all training topics. The hybrid simulation-based training method elicited strong enthusiasm. Significant opportunity exists to expand the use of hybrid onsite/remote simulation-based training to improve obstetrical care and health outcomes for women and newborns in Madagascar and elsewhere.

Multilevel analysis of determinants in postnatal care utilisation among mother-newborn pairs in India, 2019-21

Background

Postnatal care (PNC) utilisation within 24 hours of delivery is a critical component of health care services for mothers and newborns. While substantial geographic variations in various health outcomes have been documented in India, there remains a lack of understanding regarding PNC utilisation and underlying factors accounting for these geographic variations. In this study, we aimed to partition and explain the variation in PNC utilisation across multiple geographic levels in India.

Methods

Using India's 5th National Family Health Survey (2019-21), we conducted four-level logistic regression analyses to partition the total geographic variation in PNC utilisation by state, district, and cluster levels, and to quantify how much of theses variations are explained by a set of 12 demographic, socioeconomic, and pregnancy-related factors. We also conducted analyses stratified by selected states/union territories.

Results

Among 149 622 mother-newborn pairs, 82.29% of mothers and 84.92% of newborns were reported to have received PNC within 24 hours of delivery. In the null model, more than half (56.64%) of the total geographic variation in mother's PNC utilisation was attributed to clusters, followed by 26.06% to states/union territories, and 17.30% to districts. Almost 30% of the between-state variation in mother's PNC utilisation was explained by the demographic, socioeconomic, and pregnancy-related factors (i.e. state level variance reduced from 0.486 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.238, 0.735) to 0.320 (95% CI = 0.152, 0.488)). We observed consistent results for newborn's PNC utilisation. State-specific analyses showed substantial geographic variation attributed to clusters across all selected states/union territories.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the consistently large cluster variation in PNC utilisation that remains unexplained by compositional effects. Future studies should explore contextual drivers of cluster variation in PNC utilisation to inform and design interventions aimed to improve maternal and child health.

Midwife-led birthing centres in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Uganda: an economic evaluation of case study sites

INTRODUCTION

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates will require the expansion and strengthening of quality maternal health services. Midwife-led birth centres (MLBCs) are an alternative to hospital-based care for low-risk pregnancies where the lead professional at the time of birth is a trained midwife. These have been used in many countries to improve birth outcomes.

METHODS

The cost analysis used primary data collection from four MLBCs in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Uganda (n=12 MLBC sites). Modelled cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to compare the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), measured as incremental cost per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted, of MLBCs to standard care in each country. Results were presented in 2022 US dollars.

RESULTS

Cost per birth in MLBCs varied greatly within and between countries, from US$21 per birth at site 3, Bangladesh to US$2374 at site 2, Uganda. Midwife salary and facility operation costs were the primary drivers of costs in most MLBCs. Six of the 12 MLBCs produced better health outcomes at a lower cost (dominated) compared with standard care; and three produced better health outcomes at a higher cost compared with standard care, with ICERs ranging from US$571/DALY averted to US$55 942/DALY averted.

CONCLUSION

MLBCs appear to be able to produce better health outcomes at lower cost or be highly cost-effective compared with standard care. Costs do vary across sites and settings, and so further exploration of costs and cost-effectiveness as a part of implementation and establishment activities should be a priority.

A review of existing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia guidelines in Indonesia

BACKGROUND

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common conditions for neonate inpatients. Indonesia faces a major challenge in which different guidelines regarding the management of this condition were present. This study aimed to compare the existing guidelines regarding prevention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring in order to create the best recommendation for a new hyperbilirubinemia guideline in Indonesia.

METHODS

Through an earlier survey regarding adherence to the neonatal hyperbilirubinemia guideline, we identified that three main guidelines are being used in Indonesia. These were developed by the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IPS), the Ministry of Health (MoH), and World Health Organization (WHO). In this study, we compared factors such as prevention, monitoring, methods for identifying, risk factors in the development of neonatal jaundice, risk factors that increase brain damage, and intervention treatment threshold in the existing guidelines to determine the best recommendations for a new guideline.

RESULTS

The MoH and WHO guidelines allow screening and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia based on visual examination (VE) only. Compared with the MoH and WHO guidelines, risk assessment is comprehensively discussed in the IPS guideline. The MoH guideline recommends further examination of an icteric baby to ensure that the mother has enough milk without measuring the bilirubin level. The MoH guideline recommends referring the baby when it looks yellow on the soles and palms. The WHO and IPS guidelines recommend combining VE with an objective measurement of transcutaneous or serum bilirubin. The threshold to begin phototherapy in the WHO guideline is lower than the IPS guideline while the exchange transfusion threshold in both guidelines are comparably equal.

CONCLUSIONS

The MoH guideline is outdated. MoH and IPS guidelines are causing differences in approaches to the management hyperbilirubinemia. A new, uniform guideline is required.

A review of existing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia guidelines in Indonesia

Background

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common conditions for neonate inpatients. Indonesia faces a major challenge in which different guidelines regarding the management of this condition were present. This study aimed to compare the existing guidelines regarding prevention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring in order to create the best recommendation for a new hyperbilirubinemia guideline in Indonesia.

Methods

Through an earlier survey regarding adherence to the neonatal hyperbilirubinemia guideline, we identified that three main guidelines are being used in Indonesia. These were developed by the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IPS), the Ministry of Health (MoH), and World Health Organization (WHO). In this study, we compared factors such as prevention, monitoring, methods for identifying, risk factors in the development of neonatal jaundice, risk factors that increase brain damage, and intervention treatment threshold in the existing guidelines to determine the best recommendations for a new guideline.

Results

The MoH and WHO guidelines allow screening and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia based on visual examination (VE) only. Compared with the MoH and WHO guidelines, risk assessment is comprehensively discussed in the IPS guideline. The MoH guideline recommends further examination of an icteric baby to ensure that the mother has enough milk without measuring the bilirubin level. The MoH guideline recommends referring the baby when it looks yellow on the soles and palms. The WHO and IPS guidelines recommend combining VE with an objective measurement of transcutaneous or serum bilirubin. The threshold to begin phototherapy in the WHO guideline is lower than the IPS guideline while the exchange transfusion threshold in both guidelines are comparably equal.

Conclusions

The MoH guideline is outdated. MoH and IPS guidelines are causing differences in approaches to the management hyperbilirubinemia. A new, uniform guideline is required.

Completion of the Continuum of Maternity Care in the Emerging Regions of Ethiopia: Analysis of the 2019 Demographic and Health Survey

Maternal mortality in Ethiopia was estimated to be 267 per 100,000 live births in 2020. A significant number of maternal deaths occur in the emerging regions of the country: Afar, Somali, Gambela, and Benishangul-Gumuz. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target requires a dramatic increase in maternal healthcare utilisation during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Yet, there is a paucity of evidence on the continuum of maternity care utilisation in Ethiopia, particularly in the emerging regions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess completion and factors associated with the continuum of maternity care in the emerging regions of Ethiopia. This study used the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data (n = 1431). Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with the completion of the continuum of maternity care. An adjustment was made to the survey design (weight, stratification, and clustering). 9.5% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 7.0-13.0) of women completed the continuum of maternity care (four or more antenatal care, institutional delivery, and postnatal care within 24 h). Living in Somali (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.23, 95%CI: 0.07-0.78) and Benishangul-Gumuz (aOR 3.41, 95%CI: 1.65-7.04) regions, having a secondary and higher educational level (aOR 2.12, 95%CI: 1.13-4.00), and being in the richest wealth quintile (aOR 4.55, 95%CI: 2.04-10.15) were factors associated with completion of the continuum of maternity care. Although nearly half of the women had one antenatal care, fewer than 10% completed the continuum of maternity care. This indicates that women in these regions are not getting the maximum health benefits from maternal healthcare services, and this might contribute to the high maternal death in the regions. Moreover, the completion of the continuum of maternity care was skewed toward women who are more educated (secondary or higher education) and in the richest quintile.

Maternal mortality, stillbirths, and neonatal mortality: a transition model based on analyses of 151 countries

BACKGROUND

Maternal mortality, stillbirths, and neonatal mortality account for almost 5 million deaths a year and are often analysed separately, despite having overlapping causes and interventions. We propose a comprehensive five-phase mortality transition model to improve analyses of progress and inform strategic planning.

METHODS

In this empirical data-driven study to develop a model transition, we used UN estimates for 151 countries to assess changes in maternal mortality, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths. On the basis of ratios of maternal to stillbirth and neonatal mortality, we identified five phases of transition, in which phase 1 has the highest mortality and phase 5 has the lowest. We used global databases to examine phase-specific characteristics during 2000-20 for causes of death, fertility rates, abortion policies, health workforce and financing, and socioeconomic indicators. We analysed 326 national surveys to assess service coverage and inequalities by transition phase.

FINDINGS

Among 116 countries in phases 1 to 4 in 2000, 73 (63%) progressed at least one phase by 2020, six advanced two phases, and three regressed. The ratio of stillbirth and neonatal deaths to maternal deaths increased from less than 10 in phase 1 to well over 50 in phase 4 and phase 5. Progression was associated with a declining proportion of deaths caused by infectious diseases and peripartum complications, declining total and adolescent fertility rates, changes in health-workforce densities and skills mix (ie, ratio of nurses or midwives to physicians) from phase 3 onwards, increasing per-capita health spending, and reducing shares of out-of-pocket health expenditures. From phase 1 to 5, the median coverage of first antenatal care visits increased from 66% to 98%, four or more antenatal care visits from 44% to 94%, institutional births from 36% to 99%, and caesarean section rates from 2% to 25%. The transition out of high-mortality phases involved a major increase in institutional births, primarily in lower-level health facilities, whereas subsequent progress was characterised by rapid increases in hospital births. Wealth-related inequalities reduced strongly for institutional birth coverage from phase 3 onwards.

INTERPRETATION

The five-phase maternal mortality, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality transition model can be used to benchmark the current indicators in comparison to typical patterns in the transition at national or sub-national level, identify outliers to better assess drivers of progress, and inform strategic planning and investments towards Sustainable Development Goal targets. It can also facilitate programming for integrated strategies to end preventable maternal mortality and neonatal mortality and stillbirths.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Perinatal mortality in Ireland: inequalities by socio-economic group and country of birth

BACKGROUND

While perinatal mortality rates have decreased in Ireland in recent years, it is not known if this reduction was shared equally among all groups. The aim of this study is to examine inequalities in perinatal mortality by country of birth and socio-economic group in Ireland between 2004 and 2019.

METHODS

Data for the analysis was obtained from the National Perinatal Reporting System dataset, which includes all births (including stillbirths) in Ireland. The rate and risk ratios for perinatal death were calculated for mothers' socio-economic group and country of birth for two time periods (2004-11 and 2012-19). Adjustment was made for mothers' age, marital status, parity and country of birth/socio-economic group. A total of 995 154 births and 5710 perinatal deaths were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

With the exception of African born mothers, the perinatal mortality rate decreased for all groups over time; however, inequalities persisted. Relative to Irish born mothers, the risk for African born mothers increased from 1.63 to 2.00 over time. Adjusting for other variables including socio-economic status reduced but did not eliminate this elevated relative risk. Mothers who were classified as unemployed or engaged in home duties had a higher risk of a perinatal death relative to higher professional mothers, with the relative risk remaining relatively constant over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing inequalities in health is a key objective of the Irish government. Further research is required to identify why perinatal mortality continues to be higher in some groups so that targeted action can be implemented.

Mortality Rate and Predictors Among Women With Obstructed Labor in a Tertiary Academic Medical Center of Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction

Obstructed labor is one of the most common preventable causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia, 36% of maternal mortality was due to obstructed labor with uterine rupture. Thus, this study proposed to measure predictors of maternal mortality among women with obstructed labor in a tertiary academic medical center in Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted at Hawassa University Specialized Hospital from July 25 to September 30, 2018. Women who had obstructed labor from 2015 to 2017 were recruited. A pretested checklist was used to retrieve data from the woman's chart. A multivariable logistic regression model was employed to identify variables associated with maternal mortality, and variables with a p-value <.05 were considered significant at 95% CI.

Results

With a response rate of 96.3%, 156 moms who experienced labor obstruction were included in the study. Obstructed labor caused the deaths of 14 women, resulting in a maternal mortality rate of 8.9% (95% CI: 7.15, 16.4). Maternal mortality from obstructed labor was reduced in women who received antenatal care visits (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.76) and blood transfusions (AOR =  0.49, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.89). Women who experienced uterine rupture (AOR =  6.25, 95% CI: 5.3, 15.6) and antepartum hemorrhage (AOR = 14, 95% CI: 2.45, 70.5) had a greater risk of maternal mortality than women who did not have the corresponding morbidity.

Conclusions

The center had a higher rate of maternal mortality due to obstructed labor. Early screening and improving the care for women at greatest risk of antenatal and postnatal co-morbidities like uterine rupture and shock were the major priorities and fundamental strategies to decreasing maternal mortality. It also showed that antenatal care visits, early referral, and blood transfusion for women with obstructed labor should be amended in order to lower maternal mortality.

Incidence and causes of stillbirth in the only tertiary referral hospital in the Solomon Islands: a hospital-based retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Stillbirth is a major global health issue, which disproportionately affects families living in low-income and middle-income countries. The Solomon Islands is a Pacific nation with poor perinatal outcomes, however research investigating stillbirth is lacking. Thus, we aimed to investigate the incidence and cause of stillbirth occurring at the National Referral Hospital, Solomon Islands.

DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from January 2017 to December 2018.

SETTING

At the only tertiary referral hospital in the Solomon Islands, on the main island of Guadalcanal.

PARTICIPANTS

All births occurring in the hospital during the study period.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Number of, causes and risk factors for stillbirths (fetal deaths before birth at ≥20 estimated gestational weeks, or ≥500 g in birth weight).

RESULTS

Over 2 years 341 stillbirths and 11 056 total births were recorded, giving an institutional incidence of 31 stillbirths per 1000 births. Of the cases with a recorded cause of death, 72% were deemed preventable. Most stillbirths occurred antenatally and 62% at preterm gestations (<37 weeks). 59% had a birth weight below 2500 g and preventable maternal conditions were present in 42% of the cases. 46% of the cases were caused by an acute intrapartum event, and among these 92% did not receive intrapartum monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

Stillbirth affects 31 in every 1000 births at the National Referral Hospital in the Solomon Islands and many cases are preventable. Our findings highlight the urgent need for increased focus on perinatal deaths in the Solomon Islands with universal classification and targeted training, improved quality of obstetrical care and community awareness.

Factors affecting postpartum infection: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Puerperal infection is used to describe any bacterial infection of the reproductive tract after delivery. Identifying the factors affecting postpartum infections can reduce the risk and complications of such factors and postpartum maternal mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This structured study was designed to evaluate factors affecting postpartum infections.

METHODS

In this study, after selecting Scopus, PubMed, SID, and Web of Science electronic databases, all observational studies (cohort and case-control) available and published in Farsi and English to investigate factors affecting postpartum infections were searched. The search was performed using the terms postpartum, infection, wound infection, puerperium, reason, risk factor, and their equivalent Persian words from 2010 to November 2019 regardless of publication status.

RESULTS

Out of the 3227 studies obtained, 19 were reviewed after removing irrelevant articles, duplicates (shared in databases), and animal samples. Age, level of education, delivery method, presence of episiotomy, anemia due to postpartum hemorrhage, interventions and manipulations during childbirth, prenatal hygiene, Povidone Iodine usage before delivery to wash the vagina, antibiotic prevention, increased labor duration, obesity, and the presence of bacteria were common symptoms affecting postpartum infection.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the factors affecting postpartum infection have been identified, some of which are avoidable. Identifying these factors helps reduce postpartum infections and their complications.

Toward Automated Analysis of Fetal Phonocardiograms: Comparing Heartbeat Detection from Fetal Doppler and Digital Stethoscope Signals

Longitudinal fetal health monitoring is essential for high-risk pregnancies. Heart rate and heart rate variability are prime indicators of fetal health. In this work, we implemented two neural network architectures for heartbeat detection on a set of fetal phonocardiogram signals captured using fetal Doppler and a digital stethoscope. We test the efficacy of these networks using the raw signals and the hand-crafted energy from the signal. The results show a Convolutional Neural Network is the most efficient at identifying the S1 waveforms in a heartbeat, and its performance is improved when using the energy of the Doppler signals. We further discuss issues, such as low Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNR), present in the training of a model based on the stethoscope signals. Finally, we show that we can improve the SNR, and subsequently the performance of the stethoscope, by matching the energy from the stethoscope to that of the Doppler signal.

The Effectiveness of Placental Drainage in the Active Management of the Third Stage against the Duration of Three Childbirths in the Independent Practice of Midwives in Banda Aceh City

BACKGROUND: The third stage of active management has become a standard practice in delivery management. Implementation of childbirth care requires accelerated release of the placenta to avoid bleeding. Placental drainage can shorten the duration of the three stages and reduce blood loss during labor. AIM: The aim of the study is to analyzing the effectiveness of placental drainage in the third stage active management of the third stage of delivery at the midwife’s independent practice (PMB) in the city of Banda Aceh. METHODS: This study used a Quasi Experiment design with a post-test control design. This research was carried out for 12 weeks at the PMB in Banda Aceh City, namely mothers who gave birth at the Erni Munir PMB and the Independent Practice Midwife Mutia Yacob. The sampling technique was purposive sampling. The sample in this study amounted to thirty mothers giving birth, divided into two groups, namely, the treatment group with placental drainage as many as 15 mothers and respondents with cord clamping as many as 15 mothers. With the inclusion criteria, the mother is willing to be a respondent, the vital signs of normal mothers, single and live fetuses, term pregnancy, and an interpretation of average fetal weight ≥ 2500 g. Data analysis used the MannWhitney test, with a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: The results showed a difference in effectiveness between the placental drainage group and the umbilical cord clamping group, as evidenced by a statistical test with p = 0.001. The length of three stages required by mothers to give birth with placental drainage has a mean value of 4.47 min with a standard deviation of 0.516. The average length of time required by the mother to give birth with umbilical cord clamping is 5.40 min with a standard deviation value of 0.828. CONCLUSION: Placental drainage was more effective than umbilical cord clamping to shorten the third stage length in the Independent Practice of Midwives in Banda Aceh City.

Sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension in neonates: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To provide an updated review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of sildenafil for treating persistent pulmonary hypertension in neonates (PPHN).

METHODS

PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched from the inception of publication to January 2021. The principal outcomes include oxygenation parameters, hemodynamic metrics and echocardiographic measurements, as well as adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of eight studies were included with 216 term and premature neonates with PPHN. Compelling evidence showed the use of sildenafil could improve the prognosis of PPHN neonates, compared with baseline or placebo in neonates with PPHN, and a time-dependent pattern of the improvements can be observed. After 24 h of treatment, the Oxygenation index suggested a steady decrease (SD: -1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.92, -0.67) and sildenafil exerted peak effects after 72 h of treatment (SD: -4.02, 95% CI: -5.45, -2.59). No clinically significant side effects were identified. Egger's test and funnel plots of the major outcomes were performed, and the publication bias was not significant.

CONCLUSION

Improvements were shown in oxygenation index, pulmonary arterial pressure, and adverse outcomes after using sildenafil for PPHN in neonates. However, future research with robust longitudinal or randomized controlled design is still needed.

Factors affecting pregnancy care and birth weight among pregnant women in Baluchestan, Iran: an application of the social cognitive theory

This study aimed to determine the effects of self-efficacy, social support, and health literacy on prenatal care and birth weight among pregnant women. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 860 primiparous pregnant women who referred to health care centers for prenatal care in Iranshahr, Iran. Participants were selected through a two-stage cluster sampling. The data were collected from November 2016 to the end of January 2017 using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests, chi-square and hierarchical regression analyses in SPSS 20. The findings indicated that health literacy, self-efficacy, income, social support, and education level explained for 7.5%, 4.6%, 2.6%, 1%, and 0.6% of the variances in caring prenatal care, respectively. Moreover, income, prenatal care, insurance, health literacy, and social support were the most effective on birth weight outcome (OR = 2.21, OR = 2.12, OR = 2, OR = 0.66, OR = 0.17). The results of the current study indicated that a combination of health literacy, self-efficacy, and social support are necessary to improve prenatal care and birth weight for Iranian low-income pregnant women.

Converging or diverging trajectories of mortality under one year of age in the Baltic States: a comparison with the European Union

BACKGROUND

Information about trends in perinatal and child health inequalities is scarce, especially in the Eastern Europe. We analyzed how mortality under 1 year of age has been changing in the Baltic States and the European Union (EU) over 25 years, and what associations occurred between changes in macroeconomic factors and mortality.

METHODS

Data on fetal, neonatal, infant mortality, and macroeconomic factors were extracted from WHO database. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to analyze time trajectories of mortality over 1990-2014. We also investigated how the changes in health expenditures and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributed to the changes in mortality.

RESULTS

The reduction of fetal, neonatal and infant mortality in the Baltic countries led to convergence with the EU. In Estonia this process was the fastest, and then the rates tended to diverge. The strongest effect in reduction of neonatal mortality was related to the annual increase in health expenditure and GDP which had occurred in the same year, and a decrease in fetal mortality associated with an increase in health expenditure and GDP in the 4th and 5th year, respectively, following the initial change.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings outlined convergences and divergences in mortality under 1 year of age in the Baltic States compared with the patterns of the EU. Our data highlighted a need to define health policy directions aimed at the implementation of effective intervention modalities addressing reduction of risks in prenatal and early life.

Maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity of uterine rupture and its association with prolonged duration of operation in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Uterine rupture is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and it accounts for 36% of the maternal mortality in Ethiopia. The maternal and perinatal outcomes of uterine rupture were inconclusive for the country. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity of uterine rupture and its association with prolonged duration of operation.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist was used for this systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically used PubMed, Cochrane Library, and African Journals online databases for searching. The Newcastle- Ottawa quality assessment scale was used for critical appraisal. Egger’s test and I² statistic used to assess the check for publication bias and heterogeneity. The random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The pooled maternal mortality and morbidity due to uterine rupture in Ethiopia was 7.75% (95% CI: 4.14, 11.36) and 37.1% (95% CI: 8.44, 65.8), respectively. The highest maternal mortality occurred in Southern region (8.91%) and shock was the commonest maternal morbidity (24.43%) due to uterine rupture. The pooled perinatal death associated with uterine rupture was 86.1% (95% CI: 83.4, 89.9). The highest prevalence of perinatal death was observed in Amhara region (91.36%) and the lowest occurred in Tigray region (78.25%). Prolonged duration of operation was a significant predictor of maternal morbidity (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.81).

Conclusions

The percentage of maternal and perinatal deaths due to uterine rupture was high in Ethiopia. Uterine rupture was associated with maternal morbidity and prolonged duration of the operation was found to be associated with maternal morbidities. Therefore, birth preparedness and complication readiness plan, early referral and improving the duration of operation are recommended to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes of uterine rupture.

[Assessment of the impact of prenatal, childbirth, and neonatal care on avoidable neonatal deaths in Pernambuco State, Brazil: an adequacy study]

This study aimed to assess the impact of programs for prenatal, childbirth, and neonatal care (Mother Owl and Stork Network) on avoidable neonatal mortality in Pernambuco State, Brazil, using the adequacy approach. We analyzed the trend in avoidable neonatal mortality and the impact of these programs on avoidable neonatal mortality in four health regions in the state from 2000 to 2016. The Mortality Information System (SIM) and the Information System on Live Births (SINASC) and official documents were used as the data sources. Deaths were classified according to the Brazilian List of Avoidable Causes of Deaths Via Interventions by the Unified National Health System. Linear regression and joinpoint methods were used to analyze tendencies and identifying turning points in the neonatal mortality curves. There was a sharp drop in avoidable neonatal mortality in the state, especially in early neonatal mortality. Except for the I-Recife region, where there was a downturn in the mortality curves after implementation of the Stork Network, there was no association between the turning points in the curves and the periods with the programs' implementation in the regions. Other factors appear to have led to the improvement of these indicators, such as the expansion of the high-risk network. Strengthening this network can thus help reduce avoidable neonatal deaths, especially early deaths.

Developmental origins of variability in pelvic dimensions: Evidence from nulliparous South Asian women in the United Kingdom

OBJECTIVES

Pelvic growth may be sensitive to early-life nutrition, with implications for maternal risk of obstructed labor. However, the "developmental origins" of adult pelvic variability require further investigation. We tested whether adult pelvic dimensions are associated with two components of height, indexing different periods of linear growth: tibia length, a proxy for early postnatal growth, and height-residual (height regressed on tibia length), a proxy for later growth. We also tested whether adult pelvic dimensions are associated with birth weight, a marker of nutritional investment in utero.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, data were obtained on 68 nulliparous young women of South Asian ancestry. Pelvic dimensions (bi-iliac and bi-acetabular breadth, anteroposterior pelvic inlet and outlet, interspinous and intertuberous diameter) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Height and tibia length were measured manually. Birth weight and gestational age were obtained by recall. Multivariable regression models were fitted with a given pelvic dimension regressed on height-residual, tibia, and birth weight, with the latter adjusted for gestational age.

RESULTS

Controlling for birth weight, height-residual was predictive of bi-acetabular breadth, bi-iliac breadth, and the pelvic inlet, while tibia length significantly predicted all dimensions except interspinous diameter. Controlling for the linear growth variables, birth weight was predictive of bi-iliac breadth only.

CONCLUSIONS

Markers of linear growth during both early and later development were associated with adult pelvic dimensions, whereas size at birth was poorly predictive. Efforts to reduce stunting in early life may facilitate the attainment of maximum potential growth for both height and the pelvis.

Retrospective review of neonatal morbidity and mortality at public referral hospitals in Greater Accra Region of Ghana:2013-2014

BACKGROUND

Reliable local data for evaluating and planning neonatal interventions in low-resource countries are scarce. To provide data for evaluating neonatal interventions in an administrative region of Ghana, the study examined baseline data for inpatient neonatal services prior to the implementation of a 5-years national action plan to reduce newborn deaths.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of admissions and deaths registry for the years 2013 and 2014 at 3 referral neonatal units representing district, regional and tertiary referral centres in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Perinatal, and neonatal hospitalisation data were extracted. Chi-squared test was used to compare outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 8228 newborn infants hospitalised for special care, over 99% had antenatal care and were delivered at a health facility, 96.7% and 91.7% had birth weight and outcome data, respectively. Low birth weight infants accounted for 48.5% of total admissions and 67% of deaths. Using birth weight criteria, survival to discharge was 25.6% for infants less than 1000grams, 67.9% for 1000-1499grams, 88% for 1500-2499grams and 88.7% for infants 2500grams and higher. Among infants with birth weight of 1000grams and higher, perinatal asphyxia (70.6%) and respiratory distress (16.4%) accounted for most deaths.

CONCLUSION

There was significant burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality in hospitalized newborns prior to the implementation of the national action plan. The report provides a yardstick for assessing the impact of the national action plan and comparative analysis of future interventions on neonatal outcome in the region.

Intact cord resuscitation versus early cord clamping in the treatment of depressed newborn infants during the first 10 minutes of birth (Nepcord III) - a randomized clinical trial

Background

Experiments have shown improved cardiovascular stability in lambs if umbilical cord clamping is postponed until positive pressure ventilation is started. Studies on intact cord resuscitation on human term infants are sparse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in clinical outcomes in non-breathing infants between groups, one where resuscitation is initiated with an intact umbilical cord (intervention group) and one group where cord clamping occurred prior to resuscitation (control group).

Methods

Randomized controlled trial, inclusion period April to August 2016 performed at a tertiary hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Late preterm and term infants born vaginally, non-breathing and in need of resuscitation according to the ‘Helping Babies Breathe’ algorithm were randomized to intact cord resuscitation or early cord clamping before resuscitation. Main outcome measures were saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO₂), heart rate and Apgar at 1, 5 and 10 minutes after birth.

Results

At 10 minutes after birth, SpO₂ (SD) was significantly higher in the intact cord group compared to the early cord clamping group, 90.4 (8.1) vs 85.4 (2.7) %, P < .001). In the intact cord group, 57 (44%) had SpO₂ < 90% after 10 minutes, compared to 93 (100%) in the early cord clamping group, P < 0.001. SpO₂ was also significantly higher in the intervention (intact cord) group at one and five minutes after birth. Heart rate was lower in the intervention (intact cord) group at one and five minutes and slightly higher at ten minutes, all significant findings. Apgar score was significantly higher at one, five and ten minutes. At 5 minutes, 23 (17%) had Apgar score < 7 in the intervention (intact cord) group compared to 26 (27%) in the early cord clamping group, P < .07. Newborn infants in the intervention (intact cord) group started to breathe and establish regular breathing earlier than in the early cord clamping group.

Conclusions

This study provides new and important information on the effects of resuscitation with an intact umbilical cord. The findings of improved SpO₂ and higher Apgar score, and the absence of negative consequences encourages further studies with longer follow-up.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02727517, 2016/4/4

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40748-019-0110-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Understanding the determinants of maternal mortality: An observational study using the Indonesian Population Census

BACKGROUND

For countries to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 of reducing the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, identifying the drivers of maternal mortality is critically important. The ability of countries to identify the key drivers is however hampered by the lack of data sources with sufficient observations of maternal death to allow a rigorous analysis of its determinants. This paper overcomes this problem by utilising census data. In the context of Indonesia, we merge individual-level data on pregnancy-related deaths and households' socio-economic status from the 2010 Indonesian population census with detailed data on the availability and quality of local health services from the Village Census. We use these data to test the hypothesis that health service access and quality are important determinants of maternal death and explain the differences between high maternal mortality and low maternal mortality provinces.

METHODS

The 2010 Indonesian Population Census identifies 8075 pregnancy-related deaths and 5,866,791 live births. Multilevel logistic regression is used to analyse the impacts of demographic characteristics and the existence of, distance to and quality of health services on the likelihood of maternal death. Decomposition analysis quantifies the extent to which the difference in maternal mortality ratios between high and low performing provinces can be explained by demographic and health service characteristics.

FINDINGS

Health service access and characteristics account for 23% (CI: 17.2% to 28.5%) of the difference in maternal mortality ratios between high and low-performing provinces. The most important contributors are the number of doctors working at the community health centre (8.6%), the number of doctors in the village (6.9%) and distance to the nearest hospital (5.9%). Distance to health clinics and the number of midwives at community health centres and village health posts are not significant contributors, nor is socio-economic status. If the same level of access to doctors and hospitals in lower maternal mortality Java-Bali was provided to the higher maternal mortality Outer Islands of Indonesia, our model predicts 44 deaths would be averted per 100,000 pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

Indonesia has employed a strategy over the past several decades of increasing the supply of midwives as a way of decreasing maternal mortality. While there is evidence of reductions in maternal mortality continuing to accrue from the provision of midwife services at village health posts, our findings suggest that further reductions in maternal mortality in Indonesia may require a change of focus to increasing the supply of doctors and access to hospitals. If data on maternal death is collected in a subsequent census, future research using two waves of census data would prove a useful validation of the results found here. Similar research using census data from other countries is also likely to be fruitful.

Intraurban differentials of perinatal mortality: modeling for identifying priority areas

Abstract Objective: To analyze the intraurban spatial distribution of perinatal mortality, its avoidability, and relationship with socioeconomic indicators in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, in the period from 2013 to 2015. Method: An ecological study with data from the Information Systems on Mortality and Live Births and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, using neighborhoods as the analysis unit. We elaborated an indicator of social deprivation formed by variables from the demographic census. We estimated the Kernel density of the deaths and calculated the Moran index of the perinatal mortality coefficients in the spatial analysis. We elaborated thematic maps of avoidable perinatal mortality and social deprivation. Results: The global statistical analysis of the mortality distribution indicated evidence of spatial aggregation. Moran's index was 0.18. We found clusters of perinatal mortality in neighborhoods of the Central, North, Northwest, and South Regions. In the North, Northwest, Southwest, and South Regions we identified neighborhoods with greater social deprivation and avoidable mortality coefficients. The primary cause of death was of fetuses and newborns affected by hypertensive maternal disorders. Conclusion: We demonstrated intraurban differentials in perinatal mortality among neighborhoods. The stratification of the urban space according to the social deprivation indicator presented a relation with the perinatal mortality and its avoidability.

Mortalidad materna en Ambato, Ecuador. 2005-2014

Introducción. La mortalidad materna (MM) es uno de los indicadores sanitarios que evidencia con mayor claridad la inequidad de género para la toma de decisiones y la exclusión social, esto toda vez que demanda una intervención médica urgente encaminada a prevenir una muerte.Objetivo. Exponer la magnitud y la tendencia de la MM en el cantón Ambato entre los años 2005 y 2014.Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal de las muertes maternas ocurridas en Ambato entre los años 2005 y 2014. El universo de estudio estuvo conformado por las 46 muertes maternas ocurridas y 51 947 nacidos vivos.Resultados. Se evidenció un ascenso significativo de la natalidad (r=0.652, p=0.041) y en el número de nacidos vivos con asistencia profesional (r=0.894, p=0.000); la razón de MM acumulada en el periodo fue de 88.6, con una tendencia al descenso no significativa (r=0.12 p=0.743). La enfermedad hipertensiva del embarazo fue la primera causa directa de MM (n=17, 41.5%).Conclusiones. La natalidad ha ido en ascenso y la tendencia de la MM a lo largo de 10 años no ha mostrado cambios significativos. La enfermedad hipertensiva del embarazo ha sido la principal causa de MM.

An Asian multicenter retrospective study on persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: incidence, etiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome

Objectives: To explore the incidence, etiologies, diagnostic methods, treatment options and outcomes in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and to identify mortality risk factors in a study from six Asian countries.Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with documented PPHN from seven centers in six Asian countries (Japan, Kuwait, India, Pakistan, Singapore, and Thailand) between 1 January, 2014 and 31 December, 2016, was performed.Results: A total of 369 PPHN infants were identified. The incidence of PPHN ranged from 1.2 to 4.6 per 1000 live births. The all-cause mortality rate was 20.6% (76 of 369). Meconium aspiration syndrome was the primary cause of PPHN (24.1%). In most cases (84.8%) echocardiography was used to establish the diagnosis of PPHN. Sildenafil was the most commonly used pulmonary vasodilator (51.2%). Multivariate multiple regression analysis indicated gestational age <34 weeks (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.27; 95% CI 1.56-6.74), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)/lung hypoplasia (LH) (adjusted OR = 6.13 (95% CI 2.28-16.42)), treatment with high frequency oscillation ventilation (HFOV) with or without inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) (adjusted OR = 3.11 (95% CI 1.52-6.34)), and inotropic agents (adjusted OR = 9.43 (95% CI 2.71-32.83)) were independently associated with increased risk of death.Conclusions: The incidence of PPHN in the current study was higher than in western settings. Birth weight, gestational age, CDH/LH, HFOV/iNO, and inotropic agents were significant mortality risk factors.

The effect of antenatal care on use of institutional delivery service and postnatal care in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Although there are many initiatives to improve maternal health services use, utilization of health facility delivery and postnatal care services is low in Ethiopia. Current evidence at global level showed that antenatal care increases delivery and postnatal care services use. But previous studies in Ethiopia indicate contrasting results. Therefore, this meta-analysis was done to identify the effect of antenatal care on institutional delivery and postnatal care services use in Ethiopia.

Methods

Studies were searched from databases using keywords like place of birth, institutional delivery, and delivery by a skilled attendant, health facility delivery, delivery care, antenatal care, prenatal care and postnatal care and Ethiopia as search terms. The Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Tools and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses were used for quality assessment and data extraction. Data analysis was done using STATA 14. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using I² test statistic and Egger’s test of significance. Forest plots were used to present the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Result

A total of 40 articles with a total sample size of 26,350 were included for this review and meta-analysis. Mothers who had attended one or more antenatal care visits were more likely (OR = 4.07: 95% CI 2.75, 6.02) to deliver at health institutions compared to mothers who did not attend antenatal care. Similarly, mothers who reported antenatal care use were about four times more likely to attend postnatal care service (OR 4.11, 95% CI: 3.32, 5.09).

Conclusion

Women who attended antenatal care are more likely to deliver in health institutions and attend postnatal care. Therefore, the Ethiopian government and other stakeholders should design interventions that can increase antenatal care uptake since it has a multiplicative effect on health facility delivery and postnatal care services use. Further qualitative research is recommended to identify why the huge gap exists between antenatal care and institutional delivery and postnatal care services use in Ethiopia.

Improving pregnancy outcomes in low- and middle-income countries

This paper reviews the very large discrepancies in pregnancy outcomes between high, low and middle-income countries and then presents the medical causes of maternal mortality, stillbirth and neonatal mortality in low-and middle-income countries. Next, we explore the medical interventions that were associated with the very rapid and very large declines in maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality rates in the last eight decades in high-income countries. The medical interventions likely to achieve similar declines in pregnancy-related mortality in low-income countries are considered. Finally, the quality of providers and the data to be collected necessary to achieve these reductions are discussed. It is emphasized that single interventions are unlikely to achieve important reductions in pregnancy-related mortality. Instead, improving the overall quality of pregnancy-related care across the health-care system will be necessary. The conditions that cause maternal mortality also cause stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Focusing on all three mortalities together is likely to have a larger impact than focusing on one of the mortalities alone.

[Hospitalizations due to complications of pregnancy and maternal and perinatal outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women in the Brazilian Unified National Health System in São Paulo, Brazil]

Maternal morbidity, fetal mortality, and neonatal mortality are important indicators of maternal and child health. The study aimed to describe maternal and perinatal outcomes (low birth weight, prematurity, fetal and neonatal deaths, postpartum hospitalizations, and readmission of newborns) in a cohort of pregnant women whose deliveries were covered by the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, in the second semester of 2012. We obtained a retrospective cohort of 55,404 pregnant women with deterministic and probabilistic linkage of data from the Hospital Information System of the SUS (SIH/SUS), Information System on Live Births (SINASC), Mortality Information System (SIM), and National Registry of Health Establishments (CNES) databases. Hospitalizations due to obstetric complications occurred in 4.3% of the women. The most frequent diagnoses were infection, hypertensive disease of pregnancy, and diabetes. Hospitalizations prior to childbirth were more common in pregnant women 35 years or older and those with a history of multiple pregnancies and low schooling. Postpartum hospitalizations were three times greater and maternal mortality was nine times greater in pregnant women with a history of previous hospitalization due to obstetric complications. Adverse perinatal outcomes (fetal and neonatal mortality and low birth weight) were twice as frequent in infants of women with previous hospitalization when compared to those without. A similar pattern was seen in hospitalization of newborns soon after birth and in hospital readmission. Adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes were more frequent in pregnant women with a history of previous hospitalization.

Time to change focus? Transitioning from higher neonatal to higher stillbirth mortality in São Paulo State, Brazil

BACKGROUND

Differential trends in mortality suggest that stillbirths may dominate neonatal mortality in the medium to long run. Brazil has made major efforts to improve data collection on health indicators at granular geographic levels, and provides an ideal environment to test this hypothesis. Our goals were to examine levels and trends in stillbirths and neonatal deaths and the extent to which the mortality burden caused by stillbirths dominates neonatal mortality at the municipality- and state-level.

METHODS

We used data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health's repository on births, fetal, and neonatal deaths (2010-2014) to calculate stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates for São Paulo state's 645 municipalities.

RESULTS

At the state level, 7.9 per 1000 pregnancies ended in stillbirth (fetal death >22 weeks gestation or fetal weight >500g), but this varied from 0.0 to 28.4 per 1000 across municipalities. 7.9 per 1000 live births also died within the first 28 days. 42% of municipalities had a higher stillbirth rate than neonatal mortality rate, and in 61% of areas with low neonatal mortality (<8.0 per 1000), stillbirth rates exceeded neonatal mortality rates.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis suggests large variability and inequality in mortality outcomes at the sub-national level. The results also imply that stillbirth mortality may exceed neonatal mortality in Brazil and similar settings in the next few decades, which suggests a need for a shift in policy. This work further underscores the importance of continued research into causes and prevention of stillbirth.

Using routine health data and intermittent community surveys to assess the impact of maternal and neonatal health interventions in low-income countries: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

There is a need to provide increased evidence on effective interventions to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the breadth of knowledge on using routine data (Routine Health Information Systems [RHIS] and Intermittent Community Surveys [ICS]) for well-designed maternal and neonatal health evaluations in LMICs.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched reports and articles published in Embase, Medline, and Google scholar. Selection criteria Studies were considered for inclusion if they were carried out in LMICs, using RHIS or ICS data with experimental or quasi-experimental design.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

A form was used to collect information on indicators used for interventions' impact assessment. Descriptive statistics and multiple correspondence analyses were then performed.

MAIN RESULTS

Of the 1201 publications identified, 46 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of these were using RHIS data (n=40), mainly extracted from health facility registers (n=34), and non-controlled before and after design (n=30). The indicators, which were mostly reported, were related to the use of healthcare services (n=36) and maternal/neonatal health outcomes (n=31). Few studies used ICS data (n=6) or indicators of severity (n=2).

CONCLUSION

RHIS and ICS data should be increasingly used for impact studies on maternal and neonatal health in LMICs.

Agile Development of a Smartphone App for Perinatal Monitoring in a Resource-Constrained Setting

Technology provides the potential to empower frontline healthcare workers with low levels of training and literacy, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. An obvious platform for achieving this aim is the smartphone, a low cost, almost ubiquitous device with good supply chain infrastructure and a general cultural acceptance for its use. In particular, the smartphone offers the opportunity to provide augmented or procedural information through active audiovisual aids to illiterate or untrained users, as described in this article. In this article, the process of refinement and iterative design of a smartphone application prototype to support perinatal surveillance in rural Guatemala for indigenous Maya lay midwives with low levels of literacy and technology exposure is described. Following on from a pilot to investigate the feasibility of this system, a two-year project to develop a robust in-field system was initiated, culminating in a randomized controlled trial of the system, which is ongoing. The development required an agile approach, with the development team working both remotely and in country to identify and solve key technical and cultural issues in close collaboration with the midwife end-users. This article describes this process and intermediate results. The application prototype was refined in two phases, with expanding numbers of end-users. Some of the key weaknesses identified in the system during the development cycles were user error when inserting and assembling cables and interacting with the 1-D ultrasound-recording interface, as well as unexpectedly poor bandwidth for data uploads in the central healthcare facility. Safety nets for these issues were developed and the resultant system was well accepted and highly utilized by the end-users. To evaluate the effectiveness of the system after full field deployment, data quality, and corruption over time, as well as general usage of the system and the volume of application support for end-users required by the in-country team was analyzed. Through iterative review of data quality and consistent use of user feedback, the volume and percentage of high quality recordings was increased monthly. Final analysis of the impact of the system on obstetrical referral volume and maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes is pending conclusion of the ongoing clinical trial.

An mHealth monitoring system for traditional birth attendant-led antenatal risk assessment in rural Guatemala

Limited funding for medical technology, low levels of education and poor infrastructure for delivering and maintaining technology severely limit medical decision support in low- and middle-income countries. Perinatal and maternal mortality is of particular concern with millions dying every year from potentially treatable conditions. Guatemala has one of the worst maternal mortality ratios, the highest incidence of intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), and one of the lowest gross national incomes per capita within Latin America. To address the lack of decision support in rural Guatemala, a smartphone-based system is proposed including peripheral sensors, such as a handheld Doppler for the identification of foetal compromise. Designed for use by illiterate birth attendants, the system uses pictograms, audio guidance, local and cloud processing, SMS alerts and voice calling. The initial prototype was evaluated on 22 women in highland Guatemala. Results were fed back into the refinement of the system, currently undergoing RCT evaluation.

Weight-Gain Velocity in Newborn Infants Managed with the Kangaroo Method and Associated Variables

Objectives The Kangaroo method helps promote maternal breastfeeding and adequate growth of low birthweight preterm infants. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between weight-gain velocity during use of the Kangaroo method and maternal and infant variables. Methods A nested cross-sectional study in a cohort of newborn infants managed using the Kangaroo method was carried out at a reference center for the method in Brazil. Data on low birthweight and preterm infants managed using the Kangaroo Method (n = 78) and on their respective mothers (n = 70) was collected between January and July 2014. Maternal and infant variables were associated and correlated with weight-gain velocity (g/kg/day) at each phase of the method (p < 0.05). Results Mean weight-gain velocity increased from 0.12 ± 11.11 g/kg/day in the first phase to 13.47 ± 4.84 g/kg/day in the third phase (p < 0.001), and percentage of adequate weight increased at phase 3 (p < 0.001). Birthweight was inversely correlated with weight-gain velocity at phases 1 and 2 of the Kangaroo method. Birthweight of under 1500 g was associated with a lower likelihood of inadequate weight-gain velocity of the newborn at phase 1 (OR = 0.1; 95 % CI 0.01-0.78; p = 0.012). In phase 3, maternal age was directly correlated with weight-gain velocity. Conclusions Weight-gain velocity was associated with maternal (age) and infant (gestational age at birth, birthweight, weight for gestational age at birth, length of hospital stay and five-minute Apgar score) variables. Knowledge of the factors influencing weight-gain velocity and its behavior at each phase of the method can help guide conduct toward potentializing factors that promote adequate weight-gain.

Ischemic placental syndrome--prediction and new disease monitoring

The last decade has seen an improved understanding of the cause of the development of pathologies such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine fetal death or placental abruption. Nowadays, we know that most conditions within this group share the same pathogenesis, the cause of which is placental ischemia. The following review is an attempt to propose a new method for prediction, diagnosis and--above all--appropriate monitoring of pregnant women and fetuses developing the ischemic placental syndrome with the use of tests that are new but yet widely available in clinical diagnosis. They are closely related to the condition's pathogenesis, therefore their elevated levels may predate clinical symptoms, and--most importantly--they correlate with syndrome aggravation and the occurrence of complications. Perhaps, the new look will allow us to improve perinatal results by reducing mortality and severe complications in pregnant women and fetal deaths resulting from sudden intrauterine fetal death or placental abruption.

Trends in perinatal deaths from 2010 to 2013 in the Guatemalan Western Highlands

Background

While progress has been made in reducing neonatal mortality in Guatemala, stillbirth and maternal mortality rates remain high, especially among the indigenous populations, which have among the highest adverse pregnancy-related mortality rates in Guatemala.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study in the Western Highlands of Guatemala from 2010 through 2013, enrolling women during pregnancy with follow-up through 42-days postpartum. All pregnant women were identified and enrolled by study staff in the clusters in the Chimaltenango region for which we had 4 years of data. Enrolment usually occurred during the antenatal period; women were also visited following delivery and 42-days postpartum to collect outcomes. Measures of antenatal and delivery care were also obtained.

Results

Approximately four thousand women were enrolled annually (3,869 in 2010 to 4,570 in 2013). The stillbirth rate decreased significantly, from 22.0 per 1000 births (95% CI 16.6, 29.0) in 2010 to 16.7 (95% CI 13.5, 20.6) in 2013 (p-value 0.0223). The perinatal mortality rate decreased from 43.9 per 1,000 births (95% CI 36.0, 53.6) to 31.6 (95% CI 27.2, 36.7) (p-value 0.0003). The 28-day neonatal mortality rate decreased from 28.9 per 1000 live births (95% CI 25.2, 33.2) to 21.7 (95% CI 17.5, 26.9), p-value 0.0004. The maternal mortality rate was 134 per 100,000 in 2010 vs. 113 per 100,000 in 2013. Over the same period, hospital birth rates increased from 30.0 to 50.3%.

Conclusions

In a relatively short time period, significant improvements in neonatal, fetal and perinatal mortality were noted in an area of Guatemala with a history of poor pregnancy outcomes. These changes were temporally related to major increases in hospital-based delivery with skilled birth attendants, as well as improvements in the quality of delivery care, neonatal care, and prenatal care.