Incidence of eclampsia and related complications across 10 low- and middle-resource geographical regions: Secondary analysis of a cluster randomised controlled trial

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) mainly occurs in women of a reproductive age who are overweight or obese. As pregnancy occurs in this age group, it is important to understand whether there are associations between IIH and pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of IIH development during a pregnancy and whether IIH is associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort analysis, electronic health records from a tertiary care center were used to identify patients with IIH. Patients who had a diagnostic code for IIH or papilledema and were seen between June 1, 2012, and September 1, 2023, were included. After meeting the revised Dandy diagnostic criteria, patients were evaluated for a history of pregnancy before, during, or after their IIH diagnosis and hypertensive disorders including preeclampsia/eclampsia, HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome, and hypertension. Incidence and risk ratios (RR) were calculated comparing patients with IIH with controls without IIH. To corroborate these results while controlling for obesity and migraine, the TriNetX platform housing more than 100 million patients was used to design a case-control analysis evaluating the odds of an IIH patient having an HDP.

RESULTS

Two hundred ninety-two IIH patients with a prior pregnancy were identified of which 7% developed new onset IIH during pregnancy. Patients had increased risks of all HDP including eclampsia (RR: 12.92, 95% CI: 5.35, 31.22), preeclampsia (2.39, CI 1.84, 3.10), and HELLP syndrome (6.72, CI 2.16, 20.90) compared with controls. Patients with IIH also had higher risks of ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages (P < 0.05). When controlling for obesity and migraine, patients continued to have increased odds of all HDP and eclampsia (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with IIH had an increased risk of having an HDP, especially eclampsia and HELLP syndrome highlighting a need for increased clinical monitoring of these patients during pregnancy.

Factors Associated with Maternal Morbidity in Patients with Eclampsia in Three Obstetric Intensive Care Units: A Retrospective Study

(1) Introduction. Eclampsia is a rare complication that can occur during pregnancy and has a significant impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with significant maternal morbidity after an eclamptic seizure. (2) Methods. An observational retrospective study was performed in three maternity hospitals in Romania between 2015 and 2023 and included pregnant patients diagnosed with eclampsia. Clinical and paraclinical data were investigated, and the impact of several risk factors was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. The results were reported as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cis). (3) Results. A total of 104 patients with preeclampsia, of whom 23 experienced eclamptic seizures, were included in this study. A total of 82.6% of the patients diagnosed with eclampsia experienced a form of significant morbidity (stroke, PRES syndrome, or any organ failure/dysfunction). Our regression analysis revealed that advanced maternal age (RR: 12.24 95% CI: 4.29-36.61, p = 0.002), the presence of thrombotic disorders (RR: 9.17, 95% CI: 3.41-23.70, p = 0.03), obesity (RR: 4.89, 95% CI: 0.78-18.15, p = 0.036), and smoking status (RR: 2.18, 95% CI: 0.13- 6.51, p = 0.042) significantly increase the risk of maternal comorbidities. (4) Conclusions. Careful monitoring of pregnant patients, adequate weight control during pregnancy, and correct anticoagulation of individual patients could reduce the extent of postpartum comorbidities that can result from an eclamptic seizure.

Prevalence and materno-fetal outcomes of preeclampsia/eclampsia among pregnant women in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E) are hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with significant morbidity and mortality for both mothers and fetuses. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PE/E, associated complications, and mortality rates in pregnant women in Nigeria using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.

METHODS

A search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies published in English from electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, AJOL, DOAJ and Cochrane Library. Studies investigating the prevalence of PE/E, associated complications, and mortality rates in pregnant women in Nigeria were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted using standardized tools. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using random-effects models. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using the Egger test.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed a pooled prevalence of 4.51% (95% CI 3.82-5.29) for preeclampsia and 1.39% (95% CI 1.02-1.84) for eclampsia in Nigerian pregnant women. Significant heterogeneity was observed for both PE (I2 = 99.20%, P < 0.001) and eclampsia (I2 = 97.43%, P < 0.001). The pooled maternal mortality rate associated with PE/E was 6.04% (95% CI 3.67-8.89), and the fetal mortality rate was 16.73% (95% CI 12.04-22.00). Analysis of complications associated with PE/E revealed a prevalence of 6.37% (95% CI 3.34-10.22) for acute kidney injury, 3.00% (95% CI 1.43-5.06) for cerebrovascular accident (stroke), 3.98% (95% CI 0.61-9.68) for puerperal sepsis, and 5.26% (95% CI 2.24-9.31) for aspiration pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

This study identified a significant burden of PE/E and associated complications in Nigerian pregnant women. High maternal and fetal mortality rates highlight the critical need for improved strategies in Nigeria. Future research should focus on identifying Nigerian-specific risk factors and implementing standardized diagnostic criteria.

Pregnancy in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis

Women with chronic kidney disease are less likely to become pregnant and are more susceptible to pregnancy complications when compared to patients with normal kidney function. As a result, these are considered high-risk pregnancies, both maternal and fetal. Over the years, there has been an increase in the incidence of pregnancies in dialysis patients, and an improvement in maternal and fetal outcomes. It is believed that the optimization of obstetric and neonatal care, the adjustment of dialysis treatment (particularly the increase in the number of hours and weekly frequency of dialysis sessions), and the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents have provided better metabolic, volume, blood pressure, electrolyte, and anemia control. This review article aims to analyze pregnancy outcomes in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing dialysis and to review nephrological medical management in this scenario. Due to the growing interest in the subject, clinical recommendations for care practice have become more consistent in both drug and dialysis management, aspects that are addressed in this review.

Clinical decision support systems for maternity care: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The use of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) is increasing throughout healthcare and may be able to improve safety and outcomes in maternity care, but maternity care has key differences to other disciplines that complicate the use of CDSS. We aimed to identify evaluated CDSS and synthesise evidence of their impact on maternity care.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review for articles published before 24th May 2024 that described i) CDSS that ii) investigated the impact of their use iii) in maternity settings. Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL and HMIC were searched for articles relating to evaluations of CDSS in maternity settings, with forward- and backward-citation tracing conducted for included articles. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool, and CDSS were described according to the clinical problem, purpose, design, and technical environment. Quantitative results from articles reporting appropriate data were meta-analysed to estimate odds of a CDSS achieving its desired outcome using a multi-level random effects model, first by individual CDSS and then across all CDSS. PROSPERO ID: CRD42022348157.

Findings

We screened 12,039 papers and included 87 articles describing 47 unique CDSS. 24 articles (28%) described randomised controlled trials, 30 (34%) described non-randomised interventional studies, 10 (11%) described mixed methods studies, 10 (11%) described qualitative studies, 7 (8%) described quantitative descriptive studies, and 7 (8%) described economic evaluations. 49 (56%) were in High-Income Countries and 38 (44%) in Low- and Middle-Income countries, with no CDSS trialled in both income categories. Meta-analysis of 35 included studies found an odds ratio for improved outcomes of 1.69 (95% confidence interval 1.24-2.30). There was substantial variation in effects, aims, CDSS types, context, study designs, and outcomes.

Interpretation

Most CDSS evaluations showed improvements in outcomes, but there was heterogeneity in all aspects of design and evaluation of systems. CDSS are increasingly important in delivering healthcare, and Electronic Health Records and mHealth will increase their availability, but traditional epidemiological methods may be limited in guiding design and demonstrating effectiveness due to rapid CDSS development lifecycles and the complex systems in which they are embedded. Development methods that are attentive to context, such as Human Centred Design, will help to meet this need.

Funding

None.

Remote blood pressure management for postpartum hypertension: a cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Recognizing the importance of close follow-up after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, many centers have initiated programs to support postpartum remote blood pressure management.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of remote blood pressure management to determine the scalability of these programmatic interventions.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cost-effectiveness analysis of using remote blood pressure management vs usual care to manage postpartum hypertension. The modeled remote blood pressure management included provision of a home blood pressure monitor, guidance on warning symptoms, instructions on blood pressure self-monitoring twice daily, and clinical staff to manage population-level blood pressures as appropriate. Usual care was defined as guidance on warning symptoms and recommendations for 1 outpatient visit for blood pressure monitoring within a week after discharge. This study designed a Markov model that ran over fourteen 1-day cycles to reflect the initial 2 weeks after delivery when most emergency department visits and readmissions occur and remote blood pressure management is clinically anticipated to be most impactful. Parameter values for the base-case scenario were derived from both internal data and literature review. Quality-adjusted life-years were calculated over the first year after delivery and reflected the short-term morbidities associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy that, for most birthing people, resolve by 2 weeks after delivery. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the strength and validity of the model. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, which was defined as the cost needed to gain 1 quality-adjusted life-year. The secondary outcome was incremental cost per readmission averted. Analyses were performed from a societal perspective.

RESULTS

In the base-case scenario, remote blood pressure management was the dominant strategy (ie, cost less, higher quality-adjusted life-years). In univariate sensitivity analyses, the most cost-effective strategy shifted to usual care when the cost of readmission fell below $2987.92 and the rate of reported severe range blood pressure with a response in remote blood pressure management was <1%. Assuming a willingness to pay of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year, using remote blood pressure management was cost-effective in 99.28% of simulations in a Monte Carlo analysis. Using readmissions averted as a secondary effectiveness outcome, the incremental cost per readmission averted was $145.00.

CONCLUSION

Remote blood pressure management for postpartum hypertension is cost saving and has better outcomes than usual care. Our data can be used to inform future dissemination of and support funding for remote blood pressure management programs.

Patients and health care workers perceived challenges in managing preeclampsia, in Malawi

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated perceptions of the challenges for patients and health care workers (HCW) in dealing with preeclampsia in Blantyre, Malawi.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional formative study using semi-structured In-Depth Interviews (IDI) was conducted at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Malawi. Data was analyzed using NVIVO™ software. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze and interpret the findings. Emerging themes were then developed inductively and deductively. Patients were interviewed who recently had preeclampsia.

RESULTS

Stress, lack of information, physical symptoms, delay in receiving care were identified challenges to better care among patients as well as the impact of poor pregnancy outcomes. Late diagnosis, staff burn out, inadequate skills and lack of resources were expressed as challenge to provide better management by the interviewed HCWs.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that a diagnosis of preeclampsia is challenging to both patients and HCWs. These challenges need to be addressed carefully at all levels for optimal management of preeclampsia in Malawi, Africa and in order to improve outcomes.

Upregulation of SEMP1 Contributes to Improving the Biological Functions of Trophoblast via the PI3K/AKT Pathway in Preeclampsia

Disturbance of extravillous trophoblast infiltration is associated with preeclampsia (PE), a severe condition of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. Senescence-associated epithelial membrane protein 1 (SEMP1), an integral membrane protein, is a vital component of tight junction strands in epithelial or endothelial cells, with no clear function reported in PE. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets showed that SEMP1 expression was downregulated in the placental tissues of PE patients, which was confirmed by assessing SEMP1 levels in placental samples collected in our hospital. Furthermore, less SEMP1 was detected in cytokeratin 7 positive trophoblast cells in the spiral arteries of rat placentas post L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) treatment. Trophoblast cells acquired robust ability of proliferation, migration, and invasion when SEMP1 was overexpressed. Such capability was weakened in SEMP1-silenced cells. Trophoblast cells overexpressing SEMP1 secreted more vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), which facilitated the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Blockade of PI3K/AKT signaling transduction with LY294002 dampened the effects of SEMP1 on trophoblast cells. Collectively, we firstly indicated that SEMP1 inhibition is a potential driver for PE, which may be associated with the deactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Exploring the Level of Self-Care Behavior, Motivation, and Self-Efficacy among Individuals With Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction

Hypertension is a serious public health issue. It is a significant but controllable factor in the emergence of cardiovascular disease. Controlling hypertension is a main target for individuals to prevent further illness.

Objective

This study aims to explore the level of self-care behaviors, motivation, and self-efficacy among individuals with hypertension.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design was used to recruit (n = 121) participants utilizing the Hypertension Self-Care Profile (HTN-SCP) questionnaire.

Results

The analysis revealed that the mean score of self-care behavior was 49.7 (SD = 10.0) out of 20-80, which indicates that they are likely to have good self-care behavior. The mean score of motivation for self-care was 59.7 (SD = 11.8) out of 20-80, reflecting that individuals with hypertension have a good level of motivation for self-care, and the mean score of self-efficacy was 70.0 (SD = 9.8) out of 20-80, which means that individuals with hypertension have a high level of self-efficacy. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between self-care behavior and motivation for self-care (r = .527, p < .001), between motivation for self-care and self-efficacy (r = .554, p < .001), and between self-efficacy and self-care behavior (r = .572, p < .001).

Conclusion

The study revealed that Jordanian patients with hypertension have good self-care practices, motivation, and high self-efficacy. Patients should therefore be strongly recommended to be compliant with self-care practices. The government should prioritize hypertensive patients by making it easier for them to receive information about self-management practices to improve their quality of care.

Decision making among residents in training of obstetrics and gynecology: A qualitative exploration in Pakistani context

Medical decision-making is critical and the decisions are made under uncertain, complex, and dynamic conditions. In this regard, practitioners' experiences and perceptions may provide a bottom-up knowledge of the issues, as well as a corresponding support system that assists them in learning to make decisions in critical situations. The current study aimed to examine these experiences in the Pakistani context. We interviewed 14 trainee residents (aged 26 to 34 years) from tertiary care hospitals. Using inductive thematic analysis, we explored a participant-centered perspective on the support system and decision-making process. Findings reveal that the major challenges to decision-making include uncertain and complex situations, hospital-related constraints, and sociocultural context. Both non-critical and critical case management are used in individual and group decision-making processes. The residents use knowledge-based, emotional, and instrumental support to make decisions. The study gave practitioners and academics a transdisciplinary platform to explore the cognitive, social, and behavioral aspects of decision-making in the healthcare industry.

Challenges to diagnosing and managing preeclampsia in a low-resource setting: A qualitative study of obstetric provider perspectives from Ghana

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of global maternal morbidity and mortality. The greatest burden of disease is in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare providers face significant, understudied, challenges to diagnosing and managing preeclampsia. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the challenges of diagnosing and managing preeclampsia from the perspectives of obstetric doctors. Participants were doctors who provide obstetric care at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, an urban tertiary hospital in Ghana. Purposive sampling identified doctors with meaningful experience in managing patients with preeclampsia. Thematic saturation of data was used to determine sample size. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded using an iteratively-developed codebook, and thematically analyzed. Interviews were conducted with 22 participants, consisting of 4 house officers, 6 junior obstetrics/gynecology residents, 8 senior obstetrics/gynecology residents, and 4 obstetrics/gynecology consultants. Doctors identified critical challenges faced at the patient, provider, and systems levels in detecting and managing preeclampsia, each of which mediates the health outcomes of a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. Challenges centered around three overarching global themes: (1) low education levels and health literacy among women, (2) insufficient number of healthcare providers highly trained in obstetric care, and (3) inadequate health infrastructure to support critically ill patients with preeclampsia. Recognizing and addressing root challenges to preeclampsia care has great potential to improve outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia in low-resource settings.

Understanding challenges as they impact on hospital-level care for pre-eclampsia in rural Ethiopia: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

To explore hospital-level care for pre-eclampsia in Ethiopia, considering the perspectives of those affected and healthcare providers, in order to understand barriers and facilitators to early detection, care escalation and appropriate management.

SETTING

A primary and a general hospital in southern Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

Women with lived experience of pre-eclampsia care in the hospital, families of women deceased due to pre-eclampsia, midwives, doctors, integrated emergency surgical officers and healthcare managers.

RESULTS

This study identified numerous systemic barriers to provision of quality, person-centred care for pre-eclampsia in hospitals. Individual staff efforts to respond to maternal emergencies were undermined by a lack of consistency in availability of resources and support. The ways in which policies were applied exacerbated inequities in care. Staff improvised as a means of managing with limited material or human resources and knowledge. Social hierarchies and punitive cultures challenged adequacy of communication with women, documentation of care given and supportive environments for quality improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Quality care for pre-eclampsia requires organisational change to create a safe space for learning and improvement, alongside efforts to offer patient-centred care and ensure providers are equipped with knowledge, resources and support to adhere to evidence-based practice.

Preeclampsia: Narrative review for clinical use

Aim

Preeclampsia is a very complex multisystem disorder characterized by mild to severe hypertension.

Methods

PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 1, 2002 to March 31, 2022, with the search terms "pre-eclampsia" and "hypertensive disorders in pregnancy". We also look for guidelines from international societies and clinical specialty colleges and we focused on publications made after 2015.

Results

The primary issue associated with this physiopathology is a reduction in utero-placental perfusion and ischemia. Preeclampsia has a multifactorial genesis, its focus in prevention consists of the identification of high and moderate-risk clinical factors. The clinical manifestations of preeclampsia vary from asymptomatic to fatal complications for both the fetus and the mother. In severe cases, the mother may present renal, neurological, hepatic, or vascular disease. The main prevention strategy is the use of aspirin at low doses, started from the beginning to the end of the second trimester and maintained until the end of pregnancy.

Conclusion

Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder; we do not know how to predict it accurately. Acetylsalicylic acid at low doses to prevent a low percentage, especially in patients with far from term preeclampsia. There is evidence that exercising for at least 140 min per week reduces gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Currently, the safest approach is the termination of pregnancy. It is necessary to improve the prediction and prevention of preeclampsia, in addition, better research is needed in the long-term postpartum follow-up.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are a leading cause of global maternal and fetal morbidity. The four hypertensive disorders of pregnancy include chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia-eclampsia, and chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia. A careful history, review of systems, physical examination, and laboratory analysis can help differentiate these disorders and quantify the severity of the disease, which holds important implications for disease management. This article reviews the different types of disorders of hypertension in pregnancy and how to diagnose and manage these patients, with special attention paid to any recent changes made to this management algorithm.

Expression of ABCA1 Transporter and LXRA/LXRB Receptors in Placenta of Women with Late Onset Preeclampsia

Background: Appropriate levels of cholesterol are necessary for the mother and developing fetus, but theirexcess may cause preeclampsia. The ABCA1 transporter mediates the secretion of cholesterol and is highly regulated at the transcriptional level via the nuclear liver X receptors (LXRs). Methods: Sixteen preeclamptic and 39 normotensives healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies were involved in the case-control study. The placental levels of ABCA1, LXRA and LXRB mRNA were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. The concentrations of ABCA1, LXRA and LXRB proteins from the placenta were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay Results: We found in the logistic regression model significantly lower placental expression of LXRB mRNA (crude OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07–0.94, p = 0.040) and LXRA protein level (crude OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.69, p = 0.012) in late-onset preeclamptic women compared to healthy pregnant women. The values remained statistically significant after adjustment for possible confounders. Conclusions: Our results suggest that high placenta LXRA mRNA and LXRA protein expression levels decrease the risk of late-onset preeclampsia. These nuclear receptors could play a role in the development of preeclampsia through disturbances of lipid metabolism.

Practical guide for the management of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, are a worldwide health problem. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect more than 10% of pregnancies and are associated with increased mortality and morbidity for both mother and fetus. Although patients' outcomes and family's experience will always be the primary concern regarding hypertensive complications during pregnancy, the economic aspect of this disease is also worth noting. Compared with normotensive pregnancies, those related with hypertension resulted in an excess increase in hospitalization and healthcare cost. Hence, the focus of this review is to analyze hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and to present practical tips with clear instructions for the clinical management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This overview offers a detailed approach from the diagnosis to treatment and follow-up of a pregnant women with hypertension, evidence based, to support these instructions.

Atypical Presentation of Antenatal Eclampsia

Most women who develop eclampsia have preceding preeclampsia (proteinuria and hypertension). This is especially true for otherwise healthy nulliparous women. However, recently, there has been a paradigm shift in this philosophy. There is mounting evidence that preeclampsia can develop even in the absence of proteinuria and hypertension and that eclampsia itself may be the initial manifestation of hypertensive disorder during pregnancy. We report a rare case of a 24-year-old primigravida at 30 weeks of gestation who presented with new-onset generalised tonic-clonic seizures without prior hypertension or proteinuria in her antenatal records. A thorough workup revealed this presentation to be the initial feature of atypical eclampsia. She was managed appropriately and discharged with an excellent outcome. This experience highlights some of the difficulties in managing a case of atypical eclampsia, namely, erratic onset and an unpredictable course, all of which interfere with timely diagnosis and treatment and contribute to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Atypical Eclampsia in a Pregnant Woman Infected by COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019, also called (COVID-19), is an infectious disease which is caused by a virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first report was in December 2019, and on March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this disease a pandemic. COVID-19 targets many major organs causing life-threatening systemic complications. It can cause lung damage and respiratory failure in addition to systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Hypercoagulable state and numerous neurological abnormalities also have been reported due to this condition. Going through the literature review, we found some cases of pregnant women with novel coronavirus infection, being mostly mild illnesses, and most of these cases were focused on maternal-fetal transmission and neonatal outcomes. In this case report, we present the case of a COVID-19 positive woman who came to our emergency department at 34 weeks of gestation with tonic-clonic seizures. This case was a challenge for us because we faced a new an unknown manifestation of both COVID and eclampsia.

Blood Pressure and Stroke: A Review of Sex- and Ethnic/Racial-Specific Attributes to the Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Management of Raised Blood Pressure

Raised blood pressure (BP) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and its particular strong association with stroke is well established. Although systolic BP increases with age in both sexes, raised BP is more prevalent in males in early adulthood, overtaken by females at middle age, consistently across all ethnicities/races. However, there are clear regional differences on when females overtake males. Higher BP among males is observed until the seventh decade of life in high-income countries, compared with almost 3 decades earlier in low- and middle-income countries. Females and males tend to have different cardiovascular disease risk profiles, and many lifestyles also influence BP and cardiovascular disease in a sex-specific manner. Although no hypertension guidelines distinguish between sexes in BP thresholds to define or treat hypertension, observational evidence suggests that in terms of stroke risk, females would benefit from lower BP thresholds to the magnitude of 10 to 20 mm Hg. More randomized evidence is needed to determine if females have greater cardiovascular benefits from lowering BP and whether optimal BP is lower in females. Since 1990, the number of people with hypertension worldwide has doubled, with most of the increase occurring in low- and-middle-income countries where the greatest population growth was also seen. Sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania, and South Asia have the lowest detection, treatment, and control rates. High BP has a more significant effect on the burden of stroke among Black and Asian individuals than Whites, possibly attributable to differences in lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and health system resources. Although pharmacological therapy is recommended differently in local guidelines, recommendations on lifestyle modification are often very similar (salt restriction, increased potassium intake, reducing weight and alcohol, smoking cessation). This overall enhanced understanding of the sex- and ethnic/racial-specific attributes to BP motivates further scientific discovery to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies to prevent stroke in high-risk populations.

Association of low birthweight and premature birth with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence suggests that women born preterm or small have an increased risk of experiencing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy; however, a quantitative summary of the evidence on this issue is unavailable.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically review the literature to describe the association between being born preterm, low birthweight (LBW), or small for gestational age (SGA), and future gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia.

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP databases. We included all cohort and case-control studies examining the association between LBW, preterm birth, or SGA and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. We pooled the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. We assessed the certainty of evidence for each outcome using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were identified, totalling 752 316 participants. Being born preterm, LBW, or SGA was associated with gestational hypertension [pooled odds ratio (OR), 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-1.50; moderate certainty of evidence] and preeclampsia (pooled OR, 1.35; 95% CI 1.23-1.48; moderate certainty of evidence). No study measured eclampsia as an outcome.

CONCLUSION

Women born preterm, LBW, or SGA have an increased risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. The course of the mother's own birth might be used to identify women at risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

Eclampsia in the 21st century

The reported incidence of eclampsia is 1.6 to 10 per 10,000 deliveries in developed countries, whereas it is 50 to 151 per 10,000 deliveries in developing countries. In addition, low-resource countries have substantially higher rates of maternal and perinatal mortalities and morbidities. This disparity in incidence and pregnancy outcomes may be related to universal access to prenatal care, early detection of preeclampsia, timely delivery, and availability of healthcare resources in developed countries compared to developing countries. Because of its infrequency in developed countries, many obstetrical providers and maternity units have minimal to no experience in the acute management of eclampsia and its complications. Therefore, clear protocols for prevention of eclampsia in those with severe preeclampsia and acute treatment of eclamptic seizures at all levels of healthcare are required for better maternal and neonatal outcomes. Eclamptic seizure will occur in 2% of women with preeclampsia with severe features who are not receiving magnesium sulfate and in <0.6% in those receiving magnesium sulfate. The pathogenesis of an eclamptic seizure is not well understood; however, the blood-brain barrier disruption with the passage of fluid, ions, and plasma protein into the brain parenchyma remains the leading theory. New data suggest that blood-brain barrier permeability may increase by circulating factors found in preeclamptic women plasma, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor. The management of an eclamptic seizure will include supportive care to prevent serious maternal injury, magnesium sulfate for prevention of recurrent seizures, and promoting delivery. Although routine imagining following an eclamptic seizure is not recommended, the classic finding is referred to as the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Most patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome will show complete resolution of the imaging finding within 1 to 2 weeks, but routine imaging follow-up is unnecessary unless there are findings of intracranial hemorrhage, infraction, or ongoing neurologic deficit. Eclampsia is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity, such as placental abruption, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pulmonary edema, aspiration pneumonia, cardiopulmonary arrest, and acute renal failure. Furthermore, a history of eclamptic seizures may be related to long-term cardiovascular risk and cognitive difficulties related to memory and concentration years after the index pregnancy. Finally, limited data suggest that placental growth factor levels in women with preeclampsia are superior to clinical markers in prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This data may be extrapolated to the prediction of eclampsia in future studies. This summary of available evidence provides data and expert opinion on possible pathogenesis of eclampsia, imaging findings, differential diagnosis, and stepwise approach regarding the management of eclampsia before delivery and after delivery as well as current recommendations for the prevention of eclamptic seizures in women with preeclampsia.

Multidisciplinary Team Managements and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension During the Perinatal Period

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients with pregnancy have high maternal mortality. This study aimed to provide clinical evidence with multidisciplinary team (MDT) management and to evaluate the clinical outcomes in PAH patients during the perinatal period.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of PAH patients pregnant at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between May 2015 and May 2021.

Results: Twenty-two patients (24 pregnancies) were included in this study and received MDT management, and 21 pregnancies chose to continue pregnancy with cesarean section. Nine (37.5%) were first-time pregnancies at 27.78 ± 6.16 years old, and 15 (62.5%) were multiple pregnancies at 30.73 ± 3.71 years old. The average gestational week at hospitalization and delivery were 29.38 ± 8.63 weeks and 32.37 ± 7.20 weeks, individually. Twenty-one (87.5%) pregnancies received single or combined pulmonary vasodilators. The maternal survival rate of PAH patients reached 91.7%. Fifteen (62.5%) pregnancies were complicated with severe adverse events. Patients with complicated adverse events showed lower percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO₂), lower albumin, lower fibrinogen, higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), higher blood pressure, longer activated partial thromboplastin time, and longer coagulation time. Fourteen (66.7%) pregnancies with cesarean sections were prematurely delivered and 85.7% newborns who survived after the operation remained alive.

Conclusion: The survival rate of parturients with PAH was improved in relation to MDT and pulmonary vasodilator therapy during the perinatal period compared with previous studies. SpO₂, albumin, PASP, blood pressure, and coagulation function should be monitored carefully in PAH patients during pregnancy.

Initial Normotensive Presentation of a Primigravida With Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: A Case Report

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiological entity characterized by variable neurological manifestations, primarily caused by pathophysiological changes related to cerebral autoregulation that result in radiologically evident vasogenic edema. It is usually associated with hypertensive states, but it is not exclusively related to those. 

A healthy 18-year-old primigravid woman with no proteinuria or hypertension on admission presented with normotensive PRES. She had an intense diffuse headache that preceded a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Her neurological status deteriorated, and hypertension was detected afterward. Brain imaging revealed bilateral vasogenic edema in the occipital region. Magnesium sulfate and antihypertensive medications were administered. A cesarean section was performed, and her neurological symptoms subsequently improved, leading to discharge with no complications. 

This case highlights the importance of suspecting PRES in pregnant patients even in the absence of preeclampsia.

Pills and prayers: a comparative qualitative study of community conceptualisations of pre-eclampsia and pluralistic care in Ethiopia, Haiti and Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND

Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of preventable maternal and perinatal deaths globally. While health inequities remain stark, removing financial or structural barriers to care does not necessarily improve uptake of life-saving treatment. Building on existing literature elaborating the sociocultural contexts that shape behaviours around pregnancy and childbirth can identify nuanced influences relating to pre-eclampsia care.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-cultural comparative study exploring lived experiences and understanding of pre-eclampsia in Ethiopia, Haiti and Zimbabwe. Our primary objective was to examine what local understandings of pre-eclampsia might be shared between these three under-resourced settings despite their considerable sociocultural differences. Between August 2018 and January 2020, we conducted 89 in-depth interviews with individuals and 17 focus group discussions (n = 106). We purposively sampled perinatal women, survivors of pre-eclampsia, families of deceased women, partners, older male and female decision-makers, traditional birth attendants, religious and traditional healers, community health workers and facility-based health professionals. Template analysis was conducted to facilitate cross-country comparison drawing on Social Learning Theory and the Health Belief Model.

RESULTS

Survivors of pre-eclampsia spoke of their uncertainty regarding symptoms and diagnosis. A lack of shared language challenged coherence in interpretations of illness related to pre-eclampsia. Across settings, raised blood pressure in pregnancy was often attributed to psychosocial distress and dietary factors, and eclampsia linked to spiritual manifestations. Pluralistic care was driven by attribution of causes, social norms and expectations relating to alternative care and trust in biomedicine across all three settings. Divergence across the contexts centred around nuances in religious or traditional practices relating to maternal health and pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Engaging faith and traditional caregivers and the wider community offers opportunities to move towards coherent conceptualisations of pre-eclampsia, and hence greater access to potentially life-saving care.

Comparison of Fetomaternal Outcome Between Planned Vaginal Delivery and Planned Cesarean Section in Women with Eclampsia: Observational Study

Objective

The route of termination of pregnancy in eclampsia is not clearly established. This study aims to compare the fetomaternal outcome between planned vaginal delivery and planned cesarean section in women with eclampsia after 34 weeks of gestation.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Midnapore Medical College, West Bengal, India. 182 women with eclampsia carrying 34 weeks or more gestation were allocated to either cesarean(CD) or vaginal delivery (VD) group. The primary measure of outcome was severe maternal outcome. Secondary measures of outcome were perinatal mortality and morbidity.

Results

Of the 62 women allocated in vaginal delivery (VD) group, 60 women (32.97%) had vaginal delivery and 122 (67.03%) had undergone cesarean delivery (CD). Severe maternal outcome was more common in VD group in comparison with CD group (72.5% vs 27.5%, P < 0.00001 RR 2.64 OR 6.98). Perinatal outcome in relation to Apgar score at 5 min, still birth was better in CD group than VD group. Perinatal death was higher in VD group when compared with CD group (25.8%; vs. 8.33%; P = 0.002, RR 3.1 OR 3.83).

Conclusion

There is increasing trend of delivering the eclampsia mother at > 34 weeks of gestation by cesarean section instead of inducing labor and delivering vaginally. Cesarean section when chosen as method of delivery does not increase morbidity or mortality.

Factors associated with severe maternal outcomes in patients with eclampsia in an obstetric intensive care unit: A cohort study

To describe the clinical profile, management, maternal outcomes and factors associated with severe maternal outcome (SMO) in patients admitted for eclampsia.A retrospective cohort study was carried out. All women admitted to the Obstetric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Northeast of Brazil, from April 2012 to December 2019 were considered for inclusion and patients with the diagnosis of eclampsia were selected. Patients who, after reviewing their medical records, did not present a diagnosis of eclampsia were excluded from the study. Severe maternal outcome (SMO) was defined as all cases of near miss maternal mortality (MNM) plus all maternal deaths during the study period. The Risk Ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated as a measure of the relative risk. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to control confounding variables. The institute's internal review board and the board waived the need of the informed consent.Among 284 patients with eclampsia admitted during the study period, 67 were classified as SMO (23.6%), 63 of whom had MNM (22.2%) and 5 died (1.8%). In the bivariate analysis, the following factors were associated with SMO: age 19 years or less (RR = 0.57 95% CI 0.37-0.89, P = .012), age 35 years or more (RR = 199 95% CI 1.18-3.34, P = .019), the presence of associated complications such as acute kidney injury (RR = 3.85 95% CI 2.69-5.51, P < .001), HELLP syndrome (RR = 1.81 95% CI 1.20-2.75, P = .005), puerperal hemorrhage (PPH) (RR = 2.15 95% CI 1.36-3.40, P = .003) and acute pulmonary edema (RR = 2.78 95% CI 1.55-4.96, P = .008). After hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis, the factors that persisted associated with SMO were age less than or equal to 19 years (ORa = 0.46) and having had PPH (ORa = 3.33).Younger age was a protective factor for developing SMO, while those with PPH are more likely to have SMO.

Perceptions on preeclampsia and eclampsia among senior, older women, in rural Southwestern Uganda

Background

Eclampsia is among the leading causes of maternal mortality. It is a serious hypertensive complication of pregnancy and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in later life. Pregnancy-related hypertension complications predispose to chronic hypertension and premature heart attacks. A significant proportion of women with preeclampsia/eclampsia does not reach the formal healthcare system or arrive too late because of certain traditional or cultural beliefs about the condition. The older, senior women in the community are knowledgeable and play a significant role in decision making regarding where mothers should seek maternal health care. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of older and senior women regarding the manifestation of, risk factors and possible causes of preeclampsia/eclampsia.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study in rural Southwestern Uganda. The key informants were senior, older women including community elders, village health team members and traditional birth attendants who were believed to hold local knowledge and influence on birth and delivery. We purposively selected key informants and data were collected till we reached saturation point. We analyzed data using an inductive thematic approach to identify themes.

Results

We interviewed 20 key informants with four themes identified. The 'causes' theme emerged from the subthemes of confusion with other conditions, spiritual beliefs and high blood pressure. The 'risk factors' theme emerged from the subthemes of oedema-related illnesses, poverty-induced malnutrition, and strained relationships. The 'remedies' theme emerged from the consistent mention of traditional herbal treatment, seek medical help, spiritual healing, emotional healing and corrective nutrition as potential solutions. The theme 'effects of preeclampsia/eclampsia' emerged from the mention of pregnancy complications like premature delivery, child loss, operative delivery like caesarian section delivery as well as death. There was no identifiable local name from the interviews. Women carried several myths regarding the cause and these included little blood, witchcraft, ghost attacks and stress from strained relationships including marital tension. Women were generally aware of the outcomes of eclampsia, mainly that it kills.

Conclusions

Eclampsia is associated with significant myths and misconceptions in this rural community. We recommend interventions to increase awareness and dispel these myths and misconceptions, increase access to antenatal preeclampsia surveillance, and facilitate timely referral for basic maternity care as means for early detection and management of preeclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a multisystem pregnancy disorder characterised by variable degrees of placental malperfusion, with release of soluble factors into the circulation. These factors cause maternal vascular endothelial injury, which leads to hypertension and multi-organ injury. The placental disease can cause fetal growth restriction and stillbirth. Pre-eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. Prophylactic low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of preterm pre-eclampsia, but once pre-eclampsia has been diagnosed there are no curative treatments except for delivery, and no drugs have been shown to influence disease progression. Timing of delivery is planned to optimise fetal and maternal outcomes. Clinical trials have reported diagnostic and prognostic strategies that could improve fetal and maternal outcomes and have evaluated the optimal timing of birth in women with late preterm pre-eclampsia. Ongoing studies are evaluating the efficacy, dose, and timing of aspirin and calcium to prevent pre-eclampsia and are evaluating other drugs to control hypertension or ameliorate disease progression.

Detection of Unknown Pregnancy With Complications Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Eclampsia, a condition diagnosed in pre-eclamptic patients who experience seizures, can lead to maternal and fetal death if not treated early. The present case discusses the clinical management of an 18-year-old female who presented to the emergency department (ED) after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. A physical examination revealed that she was also hypertensive. Based on these symptoms which required urgency due to the patient's instability, and the suspicion that the patient could be pregnant, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was performed. In this case, a POCUS was a faster more accessible modality than a urine or serum human chorionic gonadotropin test. Although the patient denied that she was pregnant, POCUS identified that she was approximately 22-24 weeks pregnant. The patient was promptly diagnosed with eclampsia and given medication to control her blood pressure and seizures. This case highlights the benefits of using POCUS in the ED to expedite clinical decisions by identifying the etiology of a patient's condition and lends itself to the discussion of its utility in a critically ill pregnant woman. It also serves to reinforce the importance of keeping eclampsia as part of an emergency physician's differential when confronted with a potentially pregnant patient with relevant symptoms.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with eclampsia by mode of delivery at Riley mother baby hospital: a longitudinal case-series study

Background

Eclampsia, considered as serious complication of preeclampsia, remains a life-threatening condition among pregnant women. It accounts for 12% of maternal deaths and 16–31% of perinatal deaths worldwide. Most deaths from eclampsia occurred in resource-limited settings of sub-Saharan Africa. This study was performed to determine the optimum mode of delivery, as well as factors associated with the mode of delivery, in women admitted with eclampsia at Riley Mother and Baby Hospital.

Methods

This was a hospital-based longitudinal case-series study conducted at the largest and busiest obstetric unit of the tertiary hospital of western Kenya. Maternal and perinatal variables, such as age, parity, medications, initiation of labour, mode of delivery, admission to the intensive care unit, admission to the newborn care unit, organ injuries, and mortality, were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20.0. Quantitative data were described using frequencies and percentages. The significance of the obtained results was judged at the 5% level. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables, and Fisher’s exact test or the Monte Carlo correction was used for correction of the chi-square test when more than 20% of the cells had an expected count of less than 5.

Results

During the study period, 53 patients diagnosed with eclampsia were treated and followed up to 6 weeks postpartum. There was zero maternal mortality; however, perinatal mortality was reported in 9.4%. Parity was statistically associated with an increased odds of adverse perinatal outcomes (p = 0.004, OR = 9.1, 95% CI = 2.0–40.8) and caesarean delivery (p = 0.020, OR = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.3–17.1). In addition, the induction of labour decreased the risk of adverse outcomes (p = 0.232, OR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.1–2.0).

Conclusion

There is no benefit of emergency caesarean section for women with eclampsia. This study showed that induction of labour and vaginal delivery can be successfully achieved in pregnant women with eclampsia. Maternal and perinatal mortality from eclampsia can be prevented through prompt and effective care.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03875-6.

Risk factors for preeclampsia and eclampsia at a main referral maternity hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

In the African region, 5.6% of pregnancies are estimated to be complicated by preeclampsia and 2.9% by eclampsia, with almost one in ten maternal deaths being associated with hypertensive disorders. In Sierra Leone, representing one of the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, 16% of maternal deaths were caused by pregnancy-induced hypertension in 2016. In the light of the high burden of preeclampsia and eclampsia (PrE/E) in Sierra Leone, we aimed at assessing population-based risk factors for PrE/E to offer improved management for women at risk.

METHODS

A facility-based, unmatched observational case-control study was conducted in Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH). PCMH is situated in Freetown and is the only health care facility providing 'Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care services' throughout the entire country. Cases were defined as pregnant or postpartum women diagnosed with PrE/E, and controls as normotensive postpartum women. Data collection was performed with a questionnaire assessing a wide spectrum of factors influencing pregnant women's health. Statistical analysis was performed by estimating a binary logistic regression model.

RESULTS

We analyzed data of 672 women, 214 cases and 458 controls. The analysis yielded several independent predictors for PrE/E, including family predisposition for PrE/E (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.46-5.07), preexisting hypertension (AOR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.32-10.06), a high mid-upper arm circumflex (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.83-5.22), presence of urinary tract infection during pregnancy (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.28-3.19), presence of prolonged diarrhoea during pregnancy (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.63-4.86), low maternal assets (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.63-4.02), inadequate fruit intake (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.64-4.06), well or borehole water as the main source of drinking water (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.31-3.23) and living close to a waste deposit (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.15-3.25).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that systematic assessment of identified PrE/E risk factors, including a family predisposition for PrE/E, preexisting hypertension, or obesity, should be performed early on in ANC, followed by continued close monitoring of first signs and symptoms of PrE/E. Additionally, counseling on nutrition, exercise, and water safety is needed throughout pregnancy as well as education on improved hygiene behavior. Further research on sources of environmental pollution in Freetown is urgently required.

Acid Sensing Ion Channel 2a Is Reduced in the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure Mouse Model and Increases Seizure Susceptibility in Pregnant Mice

Eclampsia is diagnosed in pregnant women who develop novel seizures. Our laboratory showed that the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of preeclampsia displays reduced latency to drug-induced seizures. While acid sensing ion channels (ASIC1a and 3) are important for reducing seizure longevity and severity, the role of ASIC2a in mediating seizure sensitivity in pregnancy has not been investigated. We hypothesized that 1) RUPP reduces hippocampal ASIC2a, and 2) pregnant mice with reduced ASIC2a (ASIC2a+/-) have increased seizure sensitivity. On gestational day 18.5, hippocampi from sham and RUPP C57BL/6 mice were harvested, and ASIC2a was assessed using Western blot. Pregnant wild-type and ASIC2a+/- mice received 40 mg/kg of pentylenetetrazol (i.p.) and were video recorded for 30 min. Behaviors were scored using a modified Racine scale (0-7: 0 = no seizure; 7 = respiratory arrest/death). Seizure severity was classified as mild (score = 1-3) or severe (score = 4-7). RUPP mice had reduced hippocampal and placental ASIC2a protein. ASIC2a+/- mice had reduced latency to seizures, increased seizure duration, increased severe seizure duration, and higher maximum seizure scores. Reduced hippocampal ASIC2a in RUPP mice and increased seizure activity in pregnant ASIC2a+/- mice support the hypothesis that reduced ASIC2a increases seizure sensitivity associated with the RUPP.

A five-year trend in pre-eclampsia admission and factors associated with inpatient eclampsia: a retrospective study from a resource-limited hospital in northeast Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the 5-year trend of pre-eclampsia admission, magnitude and factor associated with inpatient eclampsia among deliveries involving pre-eclampsia which have been attended at one of the resource-limited public hospitals in northeast Ethiopia.

DESIGN

Retrospective medical record review study.

SETTING

Woldia General Hospital Medical archive, Woldia town, Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

All antenatal admission and deliveries involving pre-eclampsia attended from 2011 to 2016 at the hospital were included in the review.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Trend of pre-eclampsia admission was determined using non-parametric Mann-Kendall correlation. Case management, clinical and patient-related factors were tested for possible association with the development of inpatient eclampsia using binary logistic regression. P value less than 0.05 considered significant.

RESULT

Across the 5-year period, there were 8764 deliveries attended at the hospital's labour and delivery ward, of them 241 (2.76%) were co-diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. The trend showed marginal decrement through years (tau-b correlation coefficient (Tb)=-0.4, p=0.035) with the highest caseload (4.4%) observed on year 2013/2014. The rate of inpatient eclampsia was 19.6 per 10 000 births and the likelihood of its occurrence among pre-eclamptic women was 7.1% (95% CI 2.7% to 11.5%). In multivariate analysis, being multigravida (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.154, 95% CI 0.029 to 0.831) and spontaneous onset of labour (AOR 5.628, 95% CI 1.1247 to 9.401) were associated with inpatient eclampsia.

CONCLUSION

In the study setting, the overall magnitude of pre-eclampsia admission was comparable with the global average, but its yearly trend showed marginal decrement from 2011 to 2016. High rate of inpatient eclampsia might indicate undertreatment which alarms further study and/or corrective measures. Waiting for spontaneous onset of labour could increase the risk of developing inpatient eclampsia whereas neither type of anticonvulsant nor duration of its usage has made significant association.

Don't forget eclampsia in the efforts to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality

Hypertensive disorders are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in prevention and clinical management, women in low-resource countries continue to bear the burden of the sequelae of severe pre-eclampsia-eclampsia. Sustainable strategies to improve the care of women with hypertensive disease, to identify those at risk for hypertensive disease, and to reduce the risk of eclampsia will require partnerships between clinicians and health policy makers. Resources are needed to scale up healthcare access and infrastructure, establish evidence-based protocols for care, and ensure an adequate supply of equipment and drugs. Additionally, efforts for a sustained workforce of perinatal clinicians and staff trained in the assessment and management of hypertensive disease are needed. Effective postpartum care and monitoring are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease. Culturally appropriate strategies are needed to educate women and their families on the symptoms of pre-eclampsia to address delays in seeking care during pregnancy and postpartum. With targeted, sustained efforts and resources, eclampsia and its associated co-morbidities can be preventable.

Health facility readiness and provider knowledge as correlates of adequate diagnosis and management of pre-eclampsia in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are the second most common cause of maternal mortality in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accounting for 23% of maternal deaths. This study aimed to assess facility readiness, and providers' knowledge to prevent, diagnose, and treat pre-eclampsia.

METHODS

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 primary health centres (PHCs) and 28 referral facilities (hospitals) randomly selected in Kinshasa, DRC. In each facility, all midwives and physicians involved in maternal care provision (n = 197) were included. Data on facility infrastructure and providers' knowledge about pre-eclampsia were collected using facility checklists and a knowledge questionnaire. Facility readiness score was defined as the sum of 13 health commodities needed to manage pre-eclampsia. A knowledge score was defined as the sum of 24 items about the diagnosis, management, and prevention of pre-eclampsia. The score ranges from 0 to 24, with higher values reflecting a better knowledge. The Mann-Witney U test was used to compare median readiness scores by facility type and ownership; and median knowledge scores between midwives in hospitals and in PHCs, and between physicians in hospitals and in PHCs.

RESULTS

Overall, health facilities had 7 of the 13 commodities, yielding a median readiness score of 53.8%(IQR: 46.2 to 69.2%). Although all provider groups had significant knowledge gaps about pre-eclampsia, providers in hospitals demonstrated slightly more knowledge than those in PHCs. Midwives in public facilities scored higher than those in private facilities (median(IQR): 8(5 to 12) vs 7(4 to 8), p = 0.03). Of the 197 providers, 91.4% correctly diagnosed severe pre-eclampsia. However, 43.9 and 82.2% would administer magnesium sulfate and anti-hypertensive drugs to manage severe pre-eclampsia, respectively. Merely 14.2 and 7.1% of providers were aware of prophylactic use of aspirin and calcium to prevent pre-eclampsia, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed poor availability of supplies to diagnose, prevent and treat pre-eclampsia in Kinshasa. While providers demonstrated good knowledge regarding the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, they have poor knowledge regarding its prevention and management. The study highlights the need for strengthening knowledge of providers toward the prevention and management of pre-eclampsia, and enhancing the availability of supplies needed to address this disease.

Implementing a community-level intervention to control hypertensive disorders in pregnancy using village health workers: lessons learned

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.

Setting and techniques for monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Regular blood pressure (BP) measurement is crucial for the diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia. BP can be measured in various settings, such as conventional clinics or self-measurement at home, and with different techniques, such as using auscultatory or automated BP devices. It is important to understand the impact of different settings and techniques of BP measurement on important outcomes for pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of setting and technique of BP measurement for diagnosing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy on subsequent maternal and perinatal outcomes, women's quality of life, or use of health service resources.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) on 22 April 2020, and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving pregnant women, using validated BP devices in different settings or using different techniques.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

Of the 21 identified studies, we included three, and excluded 11; seven were ongoing. Of the three included RCTs (536,607 women), one was a cluster-RCT, with a substantially higher number of participants (536,233 deliveries) than the other two trials, but did not provide data for most of our outcomes. We generally judged the included studies at low risk of bias, however, the certainty of the evidence was low, due to indirectness and imprecision. Meta-analysis was not possible because each study investigated a different comparison. None of the included studies reported our primary outcome of systolic BP greater than or equal to 150 mmHg. None of the studies reported any of these important secondary outcomes: antenatal hospital admissions, neonatal unit length of stay, or neonatal endotracheal intubation and use of mechanical ventilation. Setting of BP measurement: self-measurement versus conventional clinic measurement (one study, 154 women) There were no maternal deaths in either the self-monitoring group or the usual care group. The study did not report perinatal mortality. Self-monitoring may lead to slightly more diagnoses of pre-eclampsia compared with usual care (risk ratio (RR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87 to 2.54; 154 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence) but the wide 95% CI is consistent with possible benefit and possible harm. Self-monitoring may have little to no effect on the likelihood of induction of labour compared with usual care (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.45; 154 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain if self-monitoring BP has any effect on maternal admission to intensive care (RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.06 to 37.25; 154 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence), stillbirth (RR 2.57, 95% CI 0.13 to 52.63; 154 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence), neonatal death (RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.06 to 37.25; 154 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence) or preterm birth (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.37 to 3.55; 154 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence), compared with usual care because the certainty of evidence is low and the 95% CI is consistent with appreciable harms and appreciable benefits. Self-monitoring may lead to slightly more neonatal unit admissions compared with usual care (RR 1.53, 95% CI 0.65 to 3.62; 154 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence) but the wide 95% CI includes the possibility of slightly fewer admissions with self-monitoring. Technique of BP measurement: Korotkoff phase IV (K4, muffling sound) versus Korotkoff phase V (K5, disappearance of sound) to represent diastolic BP (one study, 220 women) There were no maternal deaths in either the K4 or K5 group. There may be little to no difference in the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia between using K4 or K5 for diastolic BP (RR 1.16; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.49; 1 study; 220 women; low-certainty evidence), since the wide 95% CI includes the possibility of more diagnoses with K4. We are uncertain if there is a difference in perinatal mortality between the groups because the quality of evidence is low and the 95% CI is consistent with appreciable harm and appreciable benefit (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.16 to 7.92; 1 study, 220 women; low-certainty evidence). The trial did not report data on maternal admission to intensive care, induction of labour, stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm birth, or neonatal unit admissions. Technique of BP measurement: CRADLE intervention (CRADLE device, a semi-automated BP monitor with additional features, and an education package) versus usual care (one study, 536,233 deliveries) There may be little to no difference between the use of the CRADLE device and usual care in the number of maternal deaths (adjusted RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.30 to 2.11; 536,233 women; 1 study; low-certainty evidence), but the 95% CI is consistent with appreciable harm and appreciable benefit. The trial did not report pre-eclampsia, induction of labour, perinatal mortality, preterm birth, or neonatal unit admissions. Maternal admission to intensive care and perinatal outcomes (stillbirths and neonatal deaths) were only collected for a small proportion of the women, identified by an outcome not by baseline characteristics, thereby breaking the random allocation. Therefore, any differences between the groups could not be attributed to the intervention, and we did not extract data for these outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The benefit, if any, of self-monitoring BP in hypertensive pregnancies remains uncertain, as the evidence is limited to one feasibility study. Current practice of using K5 to measure diastolic BP is supported for women with pregnancy hypertension. The benefit, if any, of using the CRADLE device to measure BP in pregnancy remains uncertain, due to the limitations and instability of the trial study design.

Perception of Midwives Towards Magnesium Sulfate Use at Chatinkha Maternity Wing in Blantyre, Malawi: A Qualitative Study

Introduction

Globally, magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) has been recognized as the drug of choice for preventing and controlling fits among women with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, respectively. Improper use of magnesium sulfate has been reported globally. Therefore, actionable findings for improving magnesium sulfate use are needed. This study aims at understanding the views of midwives towards MgSO₄ use to inform an intervention whose objective is to improve MgSO₄ use among the midwives.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted from July to September 2018. We conducted 10 in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion with midwives. All the interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were managed by NVivo version 10.0 and analyzed thematically.

Results

We identified one overarching theme: “Inadequate governing approaches on management of clients on MgSO₄” with corresponding subthemes; in adequate preparation on magnesium sulfate administration; inconsistent formula, regimen and guidelines/protocols on magnesium sulfate use and lack of resources.

Conclusion

Midwives perceived MgSO₄ use as a demanding activity due to inadequate training, inconsistent tools, and lack of resources. While periodic in-service training should be intensified to improve MgSO₄ use, necessary resources should be provided, such as blood pressure machines, more midwives, and protocols.