Applying the international classification of diseases to perinatal mortality data, South Africa

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the globally reported International Classification of Diseases to Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM)

Introduction

Accurate recording and identification of perinatal mortality causes are crucial to reducing the global burden of perinatal mortality through targeted interventions. However, existing studies on the International Classifications of Diseases to Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM) are limited by inconsistent results and variations by gestational age. Thus, this review aims to synthesize and document updated data on the causes of death using the ICD-PM classification.

Methods

Electronic databases such as the PubMed via MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PROSPERO were searched to retrieve studies published from 2016 to February 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies, and heterogeneity between the studies was assessed using I2 statistics. ICD-PM coded reported data were extracted to Microsoft Excel, and aggregate data of frequencies and percentages were reported.

Results

Out of the 23 included studies, 48,596 perinatal mortalities were reported, and approximately 96% (46,816 deaths) were classified according to the ICD-PM. The pooled rate of stillbirths in high-income countries was 23/1,000 births; in low-income countries, it was found to be approximately twice as in high-income countries. Regarding the category of deaths, 25,563 (54.6%) deaths were recorded in the antepartum period, and more than half, 14,887 (58.2%), were classified under unspecified causes (A6). Moreover, 6,148 (13.7%) and 14,835 (31.7%) deaths were coded with intrapartum and neonatal period causes, respectively. The leading causes of perinatal mortality during the intrapartum were acute intrapartum events (I3) 3,712 (57.8%). Furthermore, neonatal death was caused by low birth weight and prematurity (N9) 4,091 (27.6%), congenital malformations, and chromosomal abnormalities (N1) 2,512(16.9%).

Conclusion

Congenital malformations, and chromosomal abnormalities contribute to 1 in every 10 perinatal deaths and 1 in every 4 neonatal deaths. Other specified antepartum disorders are responsible for over half of antepartum deaths, while acute intrapartum events are the leading cause of intrapartum deaths, with a significant proportion remaining unexplained. Maternal complications related to the placenta, membranes, cord, labor, and delivery play a significant role in antepartum and intrapartum deaths. Targeted interventions and improved monitoring of high-risk pregnancies are crucial to reducing perinatal mortality rates. Further investigation is needed to enhance understanding and address unexplained perinatal deaths.

Systematic review registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD4202452549].

Factors associated with perinatal and neonatal deaths in Sao Tome & Principe: a prospective cohort study

Background

Neonatal mortality reduction is a global goal, but its factors are seldom studied in most resource-constrained settings. This is the first study conducted to identify the factors affecting perinatal and neonatal deaths in Sao Tome & Principe (STP), the smallest Central Africa country.

Methods

Institution-based prospective cohort study conducted at Hospital Dr. Ayres Menezes. Maternal-neonate dyads enrolled were followed up after the 28th day of life (n = 194) for identification of neonatal death-outcome (n = 22) and alive-outcome groups (n = 172). Data were collected from pregnancy cards, hospital records and face-to-face interviews. After the 28th day of birth, a phone call was made to evaluate the newborn's health status. Crude odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were obtained. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean gestational age of the death-outcome and alive-outcome groups was 36 (SD = 4.8) and 39 (SD = 1.4) weeks, respectively. Death-outcome group (n = 22) included sixteen stillbirths, four early and two late neonatal deaths. High-risk pregnancy score [cOR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.18-7.22], meconium-stained fluid [cOR 4.38, 95% CI: 1.74-10.98], prolonged rupture of membranes [cOR 4.84, 95% CI: 1.47-15.93], transfer from another unit [cOR 6.08, 95% CI:1.95-18.90], and instrumental vaginal delivery [cOR 8.90, 95% CI: 1.68-47.21], were factors significantly associated with deaths. The odds of experiencing death were higher for newborns with infectious risk, IUGR, resuscitation maneuvers, fetal distress at birth, birth asphyxia, and unit care admission. Female newborn [cOR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14-1.00] and birth weight of more than 2,500 g [cOR 0.017, 95% CI: 0.002-0.162] were found to be protective factors.

Conclusion

Factors such as having a high-risk pregnancy score, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, prolonged rupture of membranes, being transferred from another unit, and an instrumental-assisted vaginal delivery increased 4- to 9-fold the risk of stillbirth and neonatal deaths. Thus, avoiding delays in prompt intrapartum care is a key strategy to implement in Sao Tome & Principe.

The key role of examining the placenta in establishing a probable cause for stillbirth

INTRODUCTION

Autopsy is regarded as the "gold standard" to determine probable causes of stillbirths. However, autopsy is expensive and not readily available in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, we assessed how the clinical cause of death is modified by adding placental histology and autopsy findings.

METHOD

Data from the Safe Passage Study was used where 7060 pregnant women were followed prospectively. Following a stillbirth, each case was discussed and classified at weekly perinatal mortality meetings. This classification was later adapted to the WHO ICD PM system. Clinical information was presented first, and a possible cause of death decided upon and noted. The placental histology was then presented and, again, a possible cause of death, using the placental and clinical information, was decided upon and noted, followed by autopsy information. Diagnoses were then compared to determine how often the additional information changed the initial clinical findings.

RESULTS

Clinical information, placental histology, and autopsy results were available in 47 stillbirths. There were major amendments from the clinical only diagnoses when placental histology was added. Forty cases were classified as due to M1: complications of placenta, cord, and membranes, when placental histology was added compared to 7 cases with clinical classification only, and M5: No maternal condition identified decreased from 30 cases to 3 cases. Autopsy findings confirmed the clinical and placental histology findings.

DISCUSSION

Clinical information together with examination of the placenta revealed sufficient information to diagnose the most probable cause of death in 40 of 47 cases of stillbirth (85%).

COVID-19 onset reduced the sex ratio at birth in South Africa

Background

The sex ratio at birth (defined as male/(male+female) live births) is anticipated to approximate 0.510 with a slight male excess. This ratio has been observed to decrease transiently around 3-5 months following sudden unexpected stressful events. We hypothesised that stress engendered by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused such a decrease in South Africa 3-5 months after March 2020 since in this month, South Africa reported its first COVID-19 case, death and nationwide lockdown restrictions were instituted.

Methods

We used publicly available, recorded monthly live birth data from Statistics South Africa. The most recent month for which data was available publicly was December 2020. We analysed live births for a 100-month period from September 2012 to December 2020, taking seasonality into account. Chi-squared tests were applied.

Results

Over this 100-month period, there were 8,151,364 live births. The lowest recorded monthly sex ratio at birth of 0.499 was in June 2020, 3 months after March 2020. This June was the only month during this period where the sex ratio inverted i.e., fewer male live births occurred. The predicted June 2020 ratio was 0.504. The observed June 2020 decrease was statistically significant p = 0.045.

Conclusions

The sex ratio at birth decreased and inverted in South Africa in June 2020, for the first time, during the most recent 100-month period. This decline occurred 3 months after the March 2020 onset of COVID-19 in South Africa. As June 2020 is within the critical window when population stressors are known to impact the sex ratio at birth, these findings suggest that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic engendered population stress with notable effects on pregnancy and public health in South Africa. These findings have implications for future pandemic preparedness and social policy.

The global use of the International Classification of Diseases to Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM): A systematic review

Background

The World Health Organization launched the International Classification of Diseases for Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM) in 2016 to uniformly report on the causes of perinatal deaths. In this systematic review, we aim to describe the global use of the ICD-PM by reporting causes of perinatal mortality and summarizing challenges and suggested amendments.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and CINAHL databases using key terms related to perinatal mortality and the classification for causes of death. We included studies that applied the ICD-PM and were published between January 2016 and June 2021. The ICD-PM data were extracted and a qualitative analysis was performed to summarize the challenges of the ICD-PM. We applied the PRISMA guidelines, registered our protocol at PROSPERO [CRD42020203466], and used the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) as a framework to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Results

The search retrieved 6599 reports. Of these, we included 15 studies that applied the ICD-PM to 44 900 perinatal deaths. Most causes varied widely; for example, "antepartum hypoxia" was the cause of stillbirths in 0% to 46% (median = 12%, n = 95) in low-income settings, 0% to 62% (median = 6%, n = 1159) in middle-income settings and 0% to 55% (median = 5%, n = 249) in high-income settings. Five studies reported challenges and suggested amendments to the ICD-PM. The most frequently reported challenges included the high proportion of antepartum deaths of unspecified cause (five studies), the inability to determine the cause of death when the timing of death is unknown (three studies), and the challenge of assigning one cause in case of multiple contributing conditions (three studies).

Conclusions

The ICD-PM is increasingly being used across the globe and gives health care providers insight into the causes of perinatal death in different settings. However, there is wide variation in reported causes of perinatal death across comparable settings, which suggests that the ICD-PM is applied inconsistently. We summarized the suggested amendments and made additional recommendations to improve the use of the ICD-PM and help strengthen its consistency.

Registration

PROSPERO [CRD42020203466].

Classification of stillbirth by the International Classification of Diseases for Perinatal Mortality using a sequential approach: A 20-year retrospective study from Thailand

AIM

The International Classification of Diseases for Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM) is a system for recording causes of perinatal death. In this system, placental pathology is considered a "maternal condition" and this category does not cover the spectrum of placental pathology that can impact on perinatal death. The aim of the study was to apply a wider spectrum of placental pathology as a separate parameter for classifying death in the ICD-PM.

METHODS

All autopsy reports at a single institution over a 20-year period (2001-2020) were reviewed. Causes of stillbirth were analyzed in a sequential manner: step 1, clinical history and laboratory results; step 2, placenta; and step 3, autopsy; and classified at each step according to the ICD-PM.

RESULTS

The review identified 330 cases, including 126 antepartum and 204 intrapartum deaths. Step 1 identified a cause in 176 (86%) intrapartum deaths and 64 (51%) antepartum deaths. The addition of placental pathology (step 2) changed the cause of death in 12% of cases, with causes now identified in 190 (93%) intrapartum and 89 (71%) antepartum deaths. Adding step 3 did not identify any additional causes of death.

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of the ICD-PM classification is dependent on the data available. Placental pathology made a significant difference in assigning causes of death in our series, stressing the importance of placental examination. Determination of the cause of death based on clinical history and laboratory data alone may be inaccurate, and less useful for comparative studies and planning prenatal care.

Application of the international classification of diseases-perinatal mortality (ICD-PM) system to stillbirths: A single center experience in a middle income country

OBJECTIVE

The present study is intended to investigate the causes of stillbirth and its relationship with maternal conditions using the International Classification of Diseases-Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM) system.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All early and late fetal deaths between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed. Time of death, fetal causes, and the maternal conditions involved were identified using the ICD-PM classification system.

RESULTS

During the study period, out of 74,102 births a total of 475 stillbirths were recorded (6.4 per 1000 births), of which 83.6% of the cases were antepartum and 11.8% were intrapartum fetal deaths, and the time of death could not be determined in 4.6% of the cases. Fetal developmental disorder was the most common cause of antepartum fetal death (24.2%). Intrapartum deaths were mostly due to extremely low birth weight (44.6%). The most common maternal conditions involved were complications of placenta, cord, and membranes (19.8%).

CONCLUSION

The applicability of the ICD-PM classification system for stillbirths is easy. It was observed that fetal deaths mostly occurred in the antepartum period and the cause of death could not be identified in over half of these antepartum fetal deaths. In over half of the stillbirths, there is at least one maternal condition involved. The most common maternal conditions involved are complications of placenta, cord, and membranes. The most common maternal medical problem is hypertensive diseases of pregnancy.

Pitfalls of International Classification of Diseases - Perinatal mortality in analysing stillbirths

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the trend of stillbirth from 2009 to 2018. The causes of stillbirth were classified using the International Classification of Diseases - Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 135 stillbirths from 2009 to 2018 in a tertiary university teaching hospital. The annual stillbirth rate was calculated, and the trend was evaluated. The cause of death was reclassified using ICD-PM.

RESULTS

The stillbirth rate was 3.70 per 1000 total births, and it remained stable over the studied period (P = 0.238). Most of the stillbirth (97.8%) were antepartum deaths. The proportion of unexplained stillbirth was reduced from 57% to 18.5% after reclassified by ICD-PM coding. Another major cause of antepartum stillbirths was disorders related to fetal growth, which consisted of mothers with medical and surgical conditions (11%, n = 15, ICD-PM code A5, M4) or mothers with complications of placenta, cord and membranes (8.9%, n = 12, ICD-PM code A5, M1).

CONCLUSION

The use of ICD-PM was useful in reducing the proportion of unexplained stillbirths. ICD-PM has the advantages of coding related to the timing of stillbirth and associated maternal conditions. Pitfalls including the unclear use of the code A3-'antepartum hypoxia,' guidance on coding of well-controlled maternal medical conditions and placental pathology and the importance of subcategorisation need to be addressed.

Global, regional, and national estimates and trends in stillbirths from 2000 to 2019: a systematic assessment

BACKGROUND

Stillbirths are a major public health issue and a sensitive marker of the quality of care around pregnancy and birth. The UN Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (2016-30) and the Every Newborn Action Plan (led by UNICEF and WHO) call for an end to preventable stillbirths. A first step to prevent stillbirths is obtaining standardised measurement of stillbirth rates across countries. We estimated stillbirth rates and their trends for 195 countries from 2000 to 2019 and assessed progress over time.

METHODS

For a systematic assessment, we created a dataset of 2833 country-year datapoints from 171 countries relevant to stillbirth rates, including data from registration and health information systems, household-based surveys, and population-based studies. After data quality assessment and exclusions, we used 1531 datapoints to estimate country-specific stillbirth rates for 195 countries from 2000 to 2019 using a Bayesian hierarchical temporal sparse regression model, according to a definition of stillbirth of at least 28 weeks' gestational age. Our model combined covariates with a temporal smoothing process such that estimates were informed by data for country-periods with high quality data, while being based on covariates for country-periods with little or no data on stillbirth rates. Bias and additional uncertainty associated with observations based on alternative stillbirth definitions and source types, and observations that were subject to non-sampling errors, were included in the model. We compared the estimated stillbirth rates and trends to previously reported mortality estimates in children younger than 5 years.

FINDINGS

Globally in 2019, an estimated 2·0 million babies (90% uncertainty interval [UI] 1·9-2·2) were stillborn at 28 weeks or more of gestation, with a global stillbirth rate of 13·9 stillbirths (90% UI 13·5-15·4) per 1000 total births. Stillbirth rates in 2019 varied widely across regions, from 22·8 stillbirths (19·8-27·7) per 1000 total births in west and central Africa to 2·9 (2·7-3·0) in western Europe. After west and central Africa, eastern and southern Africa and south Asia had the second and third highest stillbirth rates in 2019. The global annual rate of reduction in stillbirth rate was estimated at 2·3% (90% UI 1·7-2·7) from 2000 to 2019, which was lower than the 2·9% (2·5-3·2) annual rate of reduction in neonatal mortality rate (for neonates aged <28 days) and the 4·3% (3·8-4·7) annual rate of reduction in mortality rate among children aged 1-59 months during the same period. Based on the lower bound of the 90% UIs, 114 countries had an estimated decrease in stillbirth rate since 2000, with four countries having a decrease of at least 50·0%, 28 having a decrease of 25·0-49·9%, 50 having a decrease of 10·0-24·9%, and 32 having a decrease of less than 10·0%. For the remaining 81 countries, we found no decrease in stillbirth rate since 2000. Of these countries, 34 were in sub-Saharan Africa, 16 were in east Asia and the Pacific, and 15 were in Latin America and the Caribbean.

INTERPRETATION

Progress in reducing the rate of stillbirths has been slow compared with decreases in the mortality rate of children younger than 5 years. Accelerated improvements are most needed in the regions and countries with high stillbirth rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Future prevention of stillbirths needs increased efforts to raise public awareness, improve data collection, assess progress, and understand public health priorities locally, all of which require investment.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The impact of implementing the 2016 WHO Recommendations on Antenatal Care for a Positive Pregnancy Experience on perinatal deaths: an interrupted time-series analysis in Mpumalanga province, South Africa

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if the implementation of the 2016 WHO Recommendations for a Positive Pregnancy Experience reduced perinatal mortality in a South African province. The recommendations were implemented which included increasing the number of contacts and also the content of the contacts.

METHODS

Retrospective interrupted time-series analysis was conducted for all women accessing a minimum of one antenatal care contact from April 2014 to September 2019 in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Retrospective interrupted time-series analysis of province level perinatal mortality and birth data comparing the pre-implementation period (April 2014-March 2017) and post-implementation period (April 2018-September 2019). The main outcome measure was unadjusted prevalence ratio (PR) for perinatal deaths before and after implementation; interrupted time-series analyses for trends in perinatal mortality before and after implementation; stillbirth risk by gestational age; primary cause of deaths (and maternal condition) before and after implementation.

RESULTS

Overall, there was a 5.8% absolute decrease in stillbirths after implementation of the recommendations, however this was not statistically significant (PR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90% to 1.05%; p=0.073). Fresh stillbirths decreased by 16.6% (PR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77% to 0.95%; p=0.003) while macerated stillbirths (p=0.899) and early neonatal deaths remained unchanged (p=0.499). When stratified by weight fresh stillbirths >2500 g decreased by 17.2% (PR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70% to 0.94%; p=0.007) and early neonatal deaths decreased by 12.8% (PR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77% to 0.99%; p=0.041). The interrupted time-series analysis confirmed a trend for decreasing stillbirths at 0.09/1000 births per month (-0.09, 95% CI -1.18 to 0.01; p=0.059), early neonatal deaths (-0.09, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.04; p=<0.001) and perinatal mortality (-1.18, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.09; p<0.001) in the post-implementation period. A decrease in stillbirths, early neonatal deaths or perinatal mortality was not observed in the pre-implementation period. During the period when additional antenatal care contacts were implemented (34-38 weeks), there was a decrease in stillbirths of 18.4% (risk ratio (RR) 0.82, 95% CI 0.73% to 0.91%, p=0.0003). In hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, the risk of stillbirth decreased in the post-period by 15.1% (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.76% to 0.94%; p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of the 2016 WHO Recommendations for a Positive Pregnancy Experience may be an effective public health strategy to reduce stillbirths in South African provinces.

Investigation of stillbirth causes in Suriname: application of the WHO ICD-PM tool to national-level hospital data

Background

Suriname has one of the highest stillbirth rates in Latin America and the Caribbean. To facilitate data comparison of perinatal deaths, the World Health Organization developed the International Classification of Diseases-10 Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM).

Objective

We aimed to (1) assess characteristics and risk indicators of women with a stillbirth, (2) determine the timing and causes of stillbirths according to the ICD-PM with critical evaluation of its application and (3) propose recommendations for the reduction of stillbirths in Suriname.

Methods

A hospital-based, nation-wide, cross-sectional study was conducted in all hospitals within Suriname during one-year (2017). The medical files of stillbirths (gestation ≥28 weeks/birth weight ≥1000 grams) were reviewed and classified using ICD-PM. We used descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

The stillbirth rate in Suriname was 14.4/1000 births (n=131 stillbirths, n=9089 total births). Medical files were available for 86% (n=113/131) of stillbirths. Women of African descent had the highest stillbirth rate and two times the odds of stillbirth (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.4–3.1) compared to women of other ethnicities. One third (33%, n=37/113) of stillbirths occurred after hospital admission. The timing was antepartum in 85% (n=96/113), intrapartum in 11% (n=12/113) and unknown in 4% (n=5/113). Antepartum stillbirths were caused by hypoxia in 46% (n=44/96). In 41% (n=39/96) the cause was unspecified. Maternal medical and surgical conditions were present in 50% (n=57/113), mostly hypertensive disorders.

Conclusion

Stillbirth reduction strategies in Suriname call for targeting ethnic disparities, improving antenatal services, implementing perinatal death audits and improving diagnostic post-mortem investigations. ICD-PM limited the formulation of recommendations due to many stillbirths of ‘unspecified’ causes. Based on our study findings, we also recommend addressing some challenges with applying the ICD-PM.

Abbreviations

CTG: Cardiotocography; ENAP: Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP); ICD-PM: The WHO application of ICD-10 to deaths during the perinatal period – perinatal mortality; SBR: Stillbirth rate; SGA: Small for gestational age; WHO: World Health Organization; LMIC: Low- and middle-income countries; FHR: foetal heart rate.

The application of WHO ICD-PM: Feasibility for the classification of timing and causes of perinatal deaths in a busy birth centre in a low-income country

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of the application of International Classification of Diseases-10-to perinatal mortality (ICD-PM) in a busy low-income referral hospital and determine the timing and causes of perinatal deaths, and associated maternal conditions.

DESIGN

Prospective application of ICD-PM.

SETTING

Referral hospital of Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.

POPULATION

Stillbirths and neonatal deaths with a birth weight above 1000 grams born between October 16th 2017 to May 31st 2018.

METHODS

Clinical information and an adapted WHO ICD-PM interactive excel-based system were used to capture and classify the deaths according to timing, causes and associated maternal complications. Descriptive analysis was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Timing and causes of perinatal mortality and their associated maternal conditions.

RESULTS

There were 661 perinatal deaths of which 248 (37.5%) were neonatal deaths and 413 (62.5%) stillbirths. Of the stillbirths, 128 (31%) occurred antepartum, 129 (31%) intrapartum and for 156 (38%) the timing was unknown. Half (n = 64/128) of the antepartum stillbirths were unexplained. Two-thirds (67%, n = 87/129) of intrapartum stillbirths followed acute intrapartum events, and 30% (39/129) were unexplained. Of the neonatal deaths, 40% died after complications of intrapartum events.

CONCLUSION

Problems of documentation, lack of perinatal death audits, capacity for investigations, and guidelines for the unambiguous objective assignment of timing and primary causes of death are major threats for accurate determination of timing and specific primary causes of perinatal deaths.

Maternal condition as an underlying cause of perinatal mortality: Prospective cohort study

AIM

To compare the distribution of various causes of perinatal mortality in a public hospital in low-middle-income country setting.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2018 at a large public hospital, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Services Hospital, in Lahore, Pakistan. We applied the World Health Organization's perinatal mortality coding in the International Classification of Diseases. All stillbirths after 28 weeks' gestation weighing more than 1 kg were identified and followed up till delivery. All live births were followed up till discharge or early neonatal death. A multidisciplinary group of obstetricians, pediatricians, midwife and related healthcare professionals was established to assess each case of fatality. The associated maternal conditions were identified for each of the antepartum, intrapartum and neonatal deaths.

RESULTS

Of 11 850 births, there were 690 perinatal deaths, with 240 stillbirths (antepartum 167, intrapartum 73) and 450 early neonatal deaths (perinatal mortality rate 58.2/1000 births). Among antepartum deaths, hypoxia accounted for 70 (42%) cases. Among intrapartum deaths, an acute event was responsible for 50 (68%) cases. Among neonatal deaths (450, 65% of total), low birthweight and prematurity contributed to 152 (34%) cases. A maternal condition was found in 183 (76%) of stillbirths and 355 (79%) patients with neonatal death.

CONCLUSION

In our study, the most important causes of perinatal deaths were maternal in origin. There was an excess in the distribution of neonatal causes of perinatal deaths. These data should inform policy and practice.

Stillbirths in China: a nationwide survey

Objective

To estimate a stillbirth rate at 24 or more gestational weeks in 2015–2016 and to explore potentially preventable causes in China.

Design

A multi‐centre cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Ninety‐six hospitals distributed in 24 (of 34) provinces in China.

Population

A total of 75 132 births at 24 completed weeks of gestation or more.

Methods

COX Proportional Hazard Models were performed to examine risk factors for antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths. Population attributable risk percentage was calculated for major risk factors. Correspondence analysis was used to explore region‐specific risk factors for stillbirths.

Main outcome measures

Stillbirth rate and risk factors for stillbirth.

Results

A total of 75 132 births including 949 stillbirths were used for the final analysis, giving a weighted stillbirth rate of 13.2 per 1000 births (95% CI 7.9–18.5). Small for gestational age (SGA) and pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia increased antepartum stillbirths by 26.2% and 11.7%, respectively. Fetal anomalies increased antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths by 17.9% and 7.4%, respectively. Overall, 31.4% of all stillbirths were potentially preventable. Advanced maternal age, pre‐pregnant obesity, chronic hypertension and diabetes mellitus were important risk factors in East China; low education and SGA were major risk factors in Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and South China; and pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia and intrapartum complications were significant risk factors in Central China.

Conclusions

The prevalence of stillbirth was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016. Nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable. Strategies based on regional characteristics should be considered to reduce further the burden of stillbirths in China.

Tweetable abstract

The stillbirth rate was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016 and nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable.

The stillbirth rate was 13.2 per 1000 births in China in 2015–2016 and nearly one‐third of all stillbirths may be preventable.

Improving Diagnostic Classification of Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Using ICD-PM (International Classification of Diseases for Perinatal Mortality) Codes: Validation Study

BACKGROUND

Stillbirths and neonatal deaths have long been imperfectly classified and recorded worldwide. In Hong Kong, the current code system is deficient (>90% cases with unknown causes) in providing the diagnoses of perinatal mortality cases.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to apply the International Classification of Diseases for Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM) system to existing perinatal death data. Further, the aim was to assess whether there was any change in the classifications of perinatal deaths compared with the existing classification system and identify any areas in which future interventions can be made.

METHODS

We applied the ICD-PM (with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision) code system to existing perinatal death data in Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, to improve diagnostic classification. The study included stillbirths (after 24 weeks gestation) and neonatal deaths (from birth to 28 days). The retrospective data (5 years) from May 1, 2012, to April 30, 2017, were recoded by the principal investigator (HML) applying the ICD-PM, then validated by an overseas expert (EA) after she reviewed the detailed case summaries. The prospective application of ICD-PM from May 1, 2017, to April 30, 2019, was performed during the monthly multidisciplinary perinatal meetings and then also validated by EA for agreement.

RESULTS

We analyzed the data of 34,920 deliveries, and 119 cases were included for analysis (92 stillbirths and 27 neonatal deaths). The overall agreement with EA of our codes using the ICD-PM was 93.2% (111/119); 92% (78/85) for the 5 years of retrospective codes and 97% (33/34) for the 2 years of prospective codes (P=.44). After the application of the ICD-PM, the overall proportion of unknown causes of perinatal mortality dropped from 34.5% (41/119) to 10.1% (12/119) of cases (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Using the ICD-PM would lead to a better classification of perinatal deaths, reduce the proportion of unknown diagnoses, and clearly link the maternal conditions with these perinatal deaths.

Applying the WHO ICD-PM classification system to stillbirths in a major referral Centre in Northeast Nigeria: a retrospective analysis from 2010-2018

Background

Lack of a unified and comparable classification system to unravel the underlying causes of stillbirth hampers the development and implementation of targeted interventions to reduce the unacceptably high stillbirth rates (SBR) in sub-Saharan Africa. Our aim was to track the SBR and the predominant maternal and fetal causes of stillbirths using the WHO ICD-PM Classification system.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study in a major referral centre in northeast Nigeria between 2010 and 2018. Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists assigned causes of stillbirths after an extensive audit of available stillbirths’ records. Cause of death was assigned via consensus using the ICD-PM classification system.

Results

There were 21,462 births between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2018 in our study setting; of these, 1177 culminated in stillbirths with a total hospital SBR of 55 per 1000 births (95% CI: 52, 58). There were two peaks of stillbirths in 2012 [62 per 1000 births (95% CI: 53, 71)], and 2015 [65 per 1000 births (95% CI, 55, 76)]. Antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths were almost equally prevalent (48% vs 52%). Maternal medical and surgical conditions (M4) were the commonest (69.3%) cause of antepartum stillbirths while complications of placenta, cord and membranes (M3) accounted for the majority (45.8%) of intrapartum stillbirths and the trends were similar between 2010 and 2018. Antepartum and intrapartum fetal causes of stillbirths were mainly due to prematurity which is a disorder of fetal growth (A5 and I6).

Conclusions

Most causes of stillbirths in our setting are due to preventable causes and the trends have remained unabated between 2010 and 2018. Progress toward global SBR targets are off-track, requiring more interventions to halt and reduce the high SBR.

The PRECISE (PREgnancy Care Integrating translational Science, Everywhere) database: open-access data collection in maternal and newborn health

In less-resourced settings, adverse pregnancy outcome rates are unacceptably high. To effect improvement, we need accurate epidemiological data about rates of death and morbidity, as well as social determinants of health and processes of care, and from each country (or region) to contextualise strategies. The PRECISE database is a unique core infrastructure of a generic, unified data collection platform. It is built on previous work in data harmonisation, outcome and data field standardisation, open-access software (District Health Information System 2 and the Baobab Laboratory Information Management System), and clinical research networks. The database contains globally-recommended indicators included in Health Management Information System recording and reporting forms. It comprises key outcomes (maternal and perinatal death), life-saving interventions (Human Immunodeficiency Virus testing, blood pressure measurement, iron therapy, uterotonic use after delivery, postpartum maternal assessment within 48 h of birth, and newborn resuscitation, immediate skin-to-skin contact, and immediate drying), and an additional 17 core administrative variables for the mother and babies. In addition, the database has a suite of additional modules for 'deep phenotyping' based on established tools. These include social determinants of health (including socioeconomic status, nutrition and the environment), maternal co-morbidities, mental health, violence against women and health systems. The database has the potential to enable future high-quality epidemiological research integrated with clinical care and discovery bioscience.

Application of the International Classification of Diseases for Perinatal Mortality (ICD-PM) to vital statistics records for the purpose of classifying perinatal deaths in Antioquia, Colombia

Objective

To describe perinatal mortality in the Department of Antioquia based on the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-PM) and determine the feasibility of applying this classification system to the official records on vital statistics.

Materials and methods

Descriptive study of the causes of perinatal death according to the time of death in relation to the time of delivery and associated maternal conditions. The primary source was the official database of vital statistics for the period between 2013 and 2016. The variables measured were maternal age, gestational age and weight at the time of birth, area of residence, type of delivery, and causes of death, including direct and associated causes, and other pathological conditions. A descriptive analysis is performed, causes are presented in terms of absolute numbers and percentages, and distributed according to the timing of death in relation to childbirth and birthweight.

Results

Of 3901 perinatal deaths occurring in fetuses 22 weeks or more of gestational age or a minimum weight of 500 g, and up to 28 days of life, 1404 (36.0%) occurred before delivery, 378 (9.7%) during the intrapartum period, 1760 (45.1%) during the neonatal period, and 359 (9.2%) cases had no information regarding the time of death in relation to the time of delivery. The main causes of death of the neonates weighing 1000 g or more were congenital malformations, deformities and chromosomal abnormalities (30.2%), antepartum and intrapartum hypoxia (29.3%), and infection (12.3%). In 69.5% of cases, no associated maternal causes were identified and in those in which there were related causes, the most frequent was placenta, cord and membrane complications (16.8%).

Conclusion

The ICD-PM is a system globally applicable to records of vital statistics, enabling the characterization of perinatal mortality in the Department.

Application of the ICD-PM classification system to stillbirth in four sub-Saharan African countries

OBJECTIVE

To identify the causes and categories of stillbirth using the Application of ICD-10 to Deaths during the Perinatal Period (ICD-PM).

METHODS

Prospective, observational study in 12 hospitals across Kenya, Malawi, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. Healthcare providers (HCPs) assigned cause of stillbirth following perinatal death audit. Cause of death was classified using the ICD-PM classification system.

FINDINGS

1267 stillbirths met the inclusion criteria. The stillbirth rate (per 1000 births) was 20.3 in Malawi (95% CI: 15.0-42.8), 34.7 in Zimbabwe (95% CI: 31.8-39.2), 38.8 in Kenya (95% CI: 33.9-43.3) and 118.1 in Sierra Leone (95% CI: 115.0-121.2). Of the included cases, 532 (42.0%) were antepartum deaths, 643 (50.7%) were intrapartum deaths and 92 cases (7.3%) could not be categorised by time of death. Overall, only 16% of stillbirths could be classified by fetal cause of death. Infection (A2 category) was the most commonly identified cause for antepartum stillbirths (8.6%). Acute intrapartum events (I3) accounted for the largest proportion of intrapartum deaths (31.3%). In contrast, for 76% of stillbirths, an associated maternal condition could be identified. The M1 category (complications of placenta, cord and membranes) was the most common category assigned for antepartum deaths (31.1%), while complications of labour and delivery (M3) accounted for the highest proportion of intrapartum deaths (38.4%). Overall, the proportion of cases for which no fetal or maternal cause could be identified was 32.6% for antepartum deaths, 8.1% for intrapartum deaths and 17.4% for cases with unknown time of death.

CONCLUSION

Clinical care and documentation of this care require strengthening. Diagnostic protocols and guidelines should be introduced more widely to obtain better data on cause of death, especially antepartum stillbirths. Revision of ICD-PM should consider an additional category to help accommodate stillbirths with unknown time of death.