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Zampoli M, Booth J, Gray DM, Vanker A. Home ventilation in low resource settings: Learning to do more, with less. Pediatr Pulmonol 2024; 59:2180-2189. [PMID: 38050799 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Long-term ventilation (LTV) in children at home, especially invasive ventilation, is not widely available nor practised in low-resource settings (LRS). Barriers to providing LTV include underdeveloped pediatric critical care services, limited expertise in pediatric LTV, limited capacity to screen for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and high cost of LTV equipment and consumables. Additional challenges encountered in LRS may be unreliable electricity supply and difficult socioeconomic conditions. Where LTV at home has been successfully implemented, caregivers and families in LRS must often take full responsibility for their child's care as professional home-based nursing care is scarce. Selecting suitable children and families to offer LTV in LRS may therefore face difficult ethical decisions when families are disempowered or incapable of providing 24-h care at home. Early caregiver participation and hands-on training in tracheostomy care and LTV equipment is key to success, irrespective of the caregiver's level of education. The use of overnight oximetry, mobile phone technology, spirometry, and clinical evaluation are simple tools that can aid recognition and monitoring of children needing LTV. As children survive longer supported by LTV, engaging with adult services at an early stage is important to ensure suitable pathways for transition to adult care are in place. Building capacity and expertise in pediatric LTV in LRS requires targeted training of health professionals in related disciplines and advocacy to policymakers and funders that LTV in appropriately selected circumstances is worthwhile, life-changing, and cost-saving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zampoli
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jane Booth
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Harry Crossley Children's Nursing Development Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Diane M Gray
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aneesa Vanker
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Wu Q, Zang R, Zhang Y. Predictive values of cervix length measurement based on transvaginal ultrasonography. Technol Health Care 2024:THC230079. [PMID: 39058457 DOI: 10.3233/thc-240079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy is an important process in women's life, which is widely concerned by women. In recent years, the incidence of premature delivery (PTD) becomes more and more higher due to the development of auxiliary reproduction and ovulation induction technologies and the changes of pregnant women's lifestyle and physical quality. PTD not only affects postpartum recovery and causes great physical pains, but it also has adverse effects on the birth state of neonates and even leads to neonatal death. OBJECTIVE The predictive values of cervix length (CL) measurement based on transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and pathological examination of placenta for premature delivery (PTD) were investigated and the correlation between PTD and infection was analyzed. METHODS 120 pregnant women with PTD or high-risk factors for PTD admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University between February 2020 and March 2022 were included as the subjects and underwent pathological examination of placenta and TVUS for CL measurement. The final gestational age was set as the standard for the evaluation on the predictive values of pathological examination of placenta and TVUS. What's more, 36 subjects in PTD group and 84 in normal delivery group (control group) underwent pathological examination of placenta for the analysis of the correlation between PTD and infection. RESULTS The joint inspection method showed significantly better sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV compared to single CL or pathological examination of the placenta (P< 0.05). Among pregnant women, those with CL ⩽ 30 mm and positive placental pathology had a higher proportion compared to those with CL > 30 mm and negative placental pathology (P< 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of Ureaplasma Urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT), and Chorioamnionitis (CA) in vaginal discharge of the preterm delivery (PTD) group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of CL ⩽ 30 mm and positive placental pathology could effectively predict PTD and placental infection was notably correlated with the occurrence of PTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Jinxin Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiqi Zang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Jinxin Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Applegate JA, Islam MS, Khanam R, Roy AD, Chowdhury NH, Ahmed S, Mitra DK, Mahmud A, Islam MS, Saha SK, Baqui AH. Young Infant Mortality Associated with Preterm and Small-for-Gestational-Age Births in Rural Bangladesh: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Pediatr 2024; 269:114001. [PMID: 38432296 PMCID: PMC11155441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the relative risk of mortality in infants born preterm and small for gestational age (SGA) during the first and second months of life in rural Bangladesh. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed data from a cohort of pregnant women and their babies in Sylhet, Bangladesh, assembled between 2011 and 2014. Community health workers visited enrolled babies up to 10 times from birth to age 59 days. Survival status was recorded at each visit. Gestational age was estimated from mother's reported last menstrual period. Birth weights were measured within 72 hours of delivery. SGA was defined using the INTERGROWTH-21st standard. We estimated unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% CIs for babies born preterm and SGA separately for the first and second month of life using bivariate and multivariable weighted Cox regression models. RESULTS The analysis included 17 643 singleton live birth babies. Compared with infants born at term-appropriate for gestational age, in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, infants born preterm-SGA had the greatest risk of death in the first (HR 13.25, 95% CI 8.65-20.31; adjusted HR 12.05, 95% CI 7.82-18.57) and second month of life (HR 4.65, 95% CI 1.93-11.23; adjusted HR 4.1, 95% CI 1.66-10.15), followed by infants born preterm-appropriate for gestational age and term-SGA. CONCLUSIONS The risk of mortality in infants born preterm and/or SGA is increased and extends through the second month of life. Appropriate interventions to prevent and manage complications caused by prematurity and SGA could improve survival during and beyond the neonatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Applegate
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
| | | | - Rasheda Khanam
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Arunangshu Dutta Roy
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | - Dipak K Mitra
- Department of Public Health, School of Health and Life Sciences, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Arif Mahmud
- Projahnmo Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Samir K Saha
- Child Health Research Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah H Baqui
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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Enyew HD, Hailu AB, Mereta ST. Effect of a chimney-fitted improved stove on pregnancy outcomes in Northwest Ethiopia: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:192. [PMID: 38475748 PMCID: PMC10936082 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to household air pollution during pregnancy has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Improved stove was implemented in Ethiopia to reduce this exposure and related health problems. However, the effects of improved stove interventions on pregnancy outcomes remains uncertain. METHOD Individually randomized stove replacement trial was conducted among 422 households in six low-income rural kebeles of Northwestern Ethiopia. Pregnant women without known health conditions were recruited at ≤ 24 weeks gestation and randomized to an intervention or control group with a 1:1 ratio. A baseline survey was collected and a balance test was done. Two-sided independent samples t-test for continuous outcomes and chi-square for categorical variables were used to compare the effect of the intervention between the groups. Mean differences with 95% CIs were calculated and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT In this study, the mean birth weight was 3065 g (SD = 453) among the intervention group and not statistically different from 2995 g (SD = 541) of control group. After adjusting for covariates, infants born from intervention group weighed 55 g more [95% CI: - 43 to 170) than infants born from the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.274). The respective percentages for low birth weight were 8% and 10.3% for intervention and control groups respectively (P = 0.346). However, the average gestational age at delivery was higher among improved stove users (38 weeks (SD = 8.2) compared to control groups 36.5 weeks (SD = 9.6) with statistically significant difference at 0.91 weeks (95% CI: 0.52 to 1.30 weeks, p < 0.001). The corresponding difference in risk ratio for preterm birth is 0.94 (95% CI:0.92 to 0.97; p < 0.001). The percentages for maternal complications, stillbirth, and miscarriage in the intervention group were not statistically different from the control group. CONCLUSIONS While the increase in average birth weight among babies born to mothers using improved stoves was not statistically significant, babies had a longer gestational age on average, offering valuable health benefits. However, the study didn't find a significant impact on other pregnancy outcomes like stillbirth, miscarriage, or maternal complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry website under the code PACTR202111534227089, ( https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/ (Identifier). The first trial registration date was (11/11/2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Habtamu Demelash Enyew
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
- Institution of Health, Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Abebe Beyene Hailu
- Institution of Health, Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Seid Tiku Mereta
- Institution of Health, Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Dande A, Pajai S, Gupta A, Dande S, Sethi N. Unraveling the Role of Maternal Serum Ferritin Levels in Preterm Delivery: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e54515. [PMID: 38516441 PMCID: PMC10955505 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Preterm delivery remains a critical global health concern, with numerous adverse consequences for both neonate and healthcare systems. Understanding the relationship between maternal ferritin levels, as a marker of iron status, and the risk of preterm birth is the focal point of this comprehensive review. We provide insights into the multifaceted nature of this connection, highlighting factors that influence maternal ferritin levels, including dietary intake, genetic and physiological variations, comorbidities, and iron supplementation. While evidence suggests an association between low maternal ferritin levels and preterm birth, causality remains elusive, necessitating further research with robust study designs. The potential mechanisms linking maternal iron status to preterm birth, such as inflammation, infection, and oxidative stress, are explored, underscoring the need for in-depth investigations. This comprehensive review emphasizes the clinical importance of assessing and monitoring maternal ferritin levels in prenatal care and advocates for public health initiatives to raise awareness and provide targeted interventions, particularly in high-risk populations. As we strive to address these unanswered questions and embark on innovative research directions, the aim is to ultimately enhance our understanding of the complex relationship between maternal iron status and preterm birth, leading to improved maternal and child health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubha Dande
- Obstetrics and Genecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sandhya Pajai
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Aishwarya Gupta
- Obstetrics and Genecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Seema Dande
- Obstetrics and Genecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Neha Sethi
- Obstetrics and Genecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, Wardha, IND
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Panigrahi P. The neonatal gut microbiome and global health. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2352175. [PMID: 38743045 PMCID: PMC11095572 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2352175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of gut microbiome in health, a century-old concept, has been on the center stage of medical research recently. While different body sites, disease conditions, and populations have been targeted, neonatal and early infancy appear to be the most suitable period for such interventions. It is intriguing to note that, unlike traditional use in diarrhea and maintenance of gastrointestinal health, microbiome-mediating therapies have now addressed the most serious medical conditions in young infants such as necrotizing enterocolitis and neonatal sepsis. Unfortunately, almost all new endeavors in this space have been carried out in the Western world leaving behind millions of neonates that can benefit from such manipulations while serving as a large resource for further learning. In this review, an attempt has been made to quantify the global burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality, examples presented on interventions that have failed as a result of drawing from studies conducted in the West, and a case made for manipulating the neonatal gut microbiome to address the biggest killers in early life. A brief comparative analysis has been made to demonstrate the differences in the gut microbiota of North and South and a large clinical trial of synbiotics conducted by our group in a South Asian setting has been presented. Although challenging, the value of conducting such global health research is introduced with an intent to invite medical scientists to engage in well-planned, scientifically robust research endeavors. This can bring about innovation while saving and serving the most vulnerable citizens now and protecting them from the negative health consequences in the later part of their lives, ultimately shaping a resilient and equitable world as pledged by 193 United Nations member countries in 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinaki Panigrahi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal Perinatal Medicine, International Microbiome Research, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown, WA, USA
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Costa S, Menzella N, Vento G, Barnea ER. FIGO good practice recommendations: Bundle of care to reduce neonatal mortality and improve outcomes after preterm and term delivery. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 163 Suppl 2:68-73. [PMID: 37807586 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
An integrated approach is lacking for the management of childbirth and newborn care, even though their codependence is critical for improving maternal and newborn outcomes. FIGO's Prep-for-Labor rapid triage methods for women arriving at a clinical facility are addressed in earlier papers in this Supplement, but do not include newborn care. Immediate postpartum rapid triage using established Apgar score helps determine whether standard of care can be followed on site with available staff/tools. If not, newborn transfer alone or with the mother to a higher-level center as soon as feasible may be required. Updated newborn management tools with special emphasis on pragmatic steps that are applicable for any clinical setting including low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are presented in this article. Given that more than 80% of newborn care can be managed at the birthing facility, transfer to a higher-level center for care is required only in selected cases. Management steps for healthy newborns are described and the actions needed for those requiring resuscitation are summarized. The simple noninvasive kangaroo mother care approach-universally applicable for both term and preterm newborns-is associated with a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality. Kangaroo mother care involves continuous maternal skin-to skin contact from birth, exclusive breastfeeding, and home support after discharge. Hence, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and acquired infections are frequently prevented. It is anticipated that implementing simple noninvasive management steps will have a substantial positive impact on improving maternal and newborn outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Costa
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Menzella
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vento
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eytan R Barnea
- Society for the Investigation of Early Pregnancy (SIEP), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Torres-Muñoz J, Alberto Cedeño D, Murillo J, Torres-Figueroa S, Torres-Figueroa J. Sociodemographic determinants and mortality of premature newborns in a medium and low-income population in Colombia, 2017-2019. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2023; 43:385-.95. [PMID: 37871568 PMCID: PMC10624478 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The birth of premature babies is a public health problem with a high impact on infant morbidity and mortality. About 40% of mortality in children under five years occurs in the first month of life. Objective To identify the association between maternal sociodemographic factors, premature birth, and mortality in newborns under 37 weeks in Santiago de Cali, 2017-2019. Materials and methods We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study. We evaluated the records of Cali's Municipal Public Health Office. We calculated the crude and adjusted odd ratios and confidence intervals (95%) using the logistic regression model, data processing in Stata 16, and georeferencing the cases in the QGIS software. Results From 2017 to 2019, premature babies in Cali corresponded to 11% of births. Poor prenatal care increased 3.13 times the risk of being born before 32 weeks (adjusted OR = 3.13; 95% CI = 2.75 - 3.56) and 1.27 times among mothers from outside the city (adjusted OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.15-1.41). Mortality was 4.29 per 1,000 live births. The mortality risk in newborns weighing less than 1,000 g increased 3.42 times (OR = 3.42; 95% CI = 2.85-4.12), delivery by cesarean section in 1.46 (OR = 1.46; CI 95% = 1.14-1.87) and an Apgar score - five minutes after birth- lower than seven in 1.55 times (OR = 1.55; CI 95% = 1.23-1.96). Conclusions We found that less than three prenatal controls, mothers living outside Cali, afro-ethnicity, and cesarean birth were associated with prematurity of less than 32 weeks. We obtained higher mortality in newborns weighing less than 1,000 g.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Torres-Muñoz
- INSIDE Research Group, Departmento de Pediatría, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia,.
| | | | - Jennifer Murillo
- INSIDE Research Group, Departmento de Pediatría, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia,.
| | - Sofía Torres-Figueroa
- INSIDE Research Group, Departmento de Pediatría, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad ICESI, Cali, Colombia.
| | - Julián Torres-Figueroa
- INSIDE Research Group, Departmento de Pediatría, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad ICESI, Cali, Colombia.
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Wright JL, Achieng F, Tindi L, Patil M, Boga M, Kimani M, Barsosio HC, Juma D, Kiige L, Manu A, Kariuki S, Mathai M, Nabwera HM. Design and implementation of a community-based mother-to-mother peer support programme for the follow-up of low birthweight infants in rural western Kenya. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1173238. [PMID: 37465422 PMCID: PMC10352086 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1173238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, low birthweight (LBW) infants (<2,500 g) have the highest risk of mortality during the first year of life. Those who survive often have adverse health outcomes. Post-discharge outcomes of LBW infants in impoverished communities in Africa are largely unknown. This paper describes the design and implementation of a mother-to-mother peer training and mentoring programme for the follow-up of LBW infants in rural Kenya. Methods Key informant interviews were conducted with 10 mothers of neonates (infants <28 days) from two rural communities in western Kenya. These data informed the identification of key characteristics required for mother-to-mother peer supporters (peer mothers) following up LBW infants post discharge. Forty potential peer mothers were invited to attend a 5-day training programme that focused on three main themes: supportive care using appropriate communication, identification of severe illness, and recommended care strategies for LBW infants. Sixteen peer mothers were mentored to conduct seven community follow-up visits to each mother-LBW infant pair with fifteen completing all the visits over a 6-month period. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the implementation of the programme. Quantitative data of peer mother socio-demographic characteristics, recruitment, and retention was collected. Two post-training focus group discussions were conducted with the peer mothers to explore their experiences of the programme. Descriptive statistics were generated from the quantitative data and the qualitative data was analysed using a thematic framework. Results The median age of the peer mothers was 26 years (range 21-43). From March-August 2019, each peer mother conducted a median of 28 visits (range 7-77) with fourteen (88%) completing all their assigned follow-up visits. Post training, our interviews suggest that peer mothers felt empowered to promote appropriate infant feeding practices. They gave multiple examples of improved health seeking behaviours as a result of the peer mother training programme. Conclusion Our peer mother training programme equipped peer mothers with the knowledge and skills for the post-discharge follow-up of LBW infants in this rural community in Kenya. Community-based interventions for LBW infants, delivered by appropriately trained peer mothers, have the potential to address the current gaps in post-discharge care for these infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemma L. Wright
- Department of Community Paediatrics, Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Linda Tindi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Manasi Patil
- Department of Education, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Mwanamvua Boga
- Department of Clinical Research, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mary Kimani
- Department of Nutrition, Action Against Hunger, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hellen C. Barsosio
- Department of Community Paediatrics, Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester, United Kingdom
- Department of Education, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dan Juma
- KEMRI-Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Laura Kiige
- Nutrition Unit, UNICEF-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alexander Manu
- Department of Education, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Kariuki
- KEMRI-Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Matthews Mathai
- Department of Education, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Helen M. Nabwera
- Department of Education, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Centre of Excellence for Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Skytte TB, Holm-Hansen CC, Ali SM, Ame S, Molenaar J, Greisen G, Poulsen A, Sorensen JL, Lund S. Risk factors of stillbirths in four district hospitals on Pemba Island, Tanzania: a prospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:288. [PMID: 37101264 PMCID: PMC10131471 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05613-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 2 million third-trimester stillbirths occur yearly, most of them in low- and middle-income countries. Data on stillbirths in these countries are rarely collected systematically. This study investigated the stillbirth rate and risk factors associated with stillbirth in four district hospitals in Pemba Island, Tanzania. METHODS A prospective cohort study was completed between the 13th of September and the 29th of November 2019. All singleton births were eligible for inclusion. Events and history during pregnancy and indicators for adherence to guidelines were analysed in a logistic regression model that identified odds ratios [OR] with a 95% confidence interval [95% CI]. RESULTS A stillbirth rate of 22 per 1000 total births in the cohort was identified; 35.5% were intrapartum stillbirths (total number of stillbirths in the cohort, n = 31). Risk factors for stillbirth were breech or cephalic malpresentation (OR 17.67, CI 7.5-41.64), decreased or no foetal movements (OR 2.6, CI 1.13-5.98), caesarean section [CS] (OR 5.19, CI 2.32-11.62), previous CS (OR 2.63, CI 1.05-6.59), preeclampsia (OR 21.54, CI 5.28-87.8), premature rupture of membranes or rupture of membranes 18 h before birth (OR 2.5, CI 1.06-5.94) and meconium stained amniotic fluid (OR 12.03, CI 5.23-27.67). Blood pressure was not routinely measured, and 25% of women with stillbirths with no registered foetal heart rate [FHR] at admission underwent CS. CONCLUSIONS The stillbirth rate in this cohort was 22 per 1000 total births and did not fulfil the Every Newborn Action Plan's goal of 12 stillbirths per 1000 total births in 2030. Awareness of risk factors associated with stillbirth, preventive interventions and improved adherence to clinical guidelines during labour, and hence improved quality of care, are needed to decrease the stillbirth rate in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine Bruhn Skytte
- Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Charlotte Carina Holm-Hansen
- Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Shaali Ame
- Public Health Laboratory, Ivo de Carneri, Pemba, Tanzania
| | - Jil Molenaar
- Reproductive and Maternal Health Research Group, Public Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gorm Greisen
- Department of Neonatology, Juliane Marie Center, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Poulsen
- Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jette Led Sorensen
- Juliane Marie Centre for Children, Women and Reproduction, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Lund
- Global Health Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neonatology, Juliane Marie Center, University Hospital Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Njunge JM, Walson JL. Microbiota and growth among infants and children in low-income and middle-income settings. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2023; 26:245-252. [PMID: 36930056 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Adequate nutrition is essential but insufficient for optimal childhood growth and development. Increasingly, it is clear that the gut microbiota modulates childhood growth and may be particularly important in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC), where growth faltering, undernutrition, environmental contamination and enteric pathogens are more common. We summarize recent evidence demonstrating the role of the gut microbiota in impacting childhood growth and interventions targeting the gut microbiota to impact growth in children in LMIC settings. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies show that maturation of the infant microbiota is linked with the development of the immune system, which is key to host-microbe symbiosis. Infants lacking Bifidobacterium longum subsp. Infantis, which predominates breastfed microbiome, display immune activation while supplementation is linked to increased immune tolerance and among undernourished children, promotes growth. Microbiome-directed complimentary foods (MDCF) containing local ingredients is a novel strategy to promote gut microbiota development, especially among undernourished children and improve growth. Dietary patterns during pregnancy may drive selection of gut microbial species that impact infant health and growth. SUMMARY Growth patterns among children in LMIC settings are closely associated with the diversity and maturity of the infant microbiome. Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics targeting microbiota dysbiosis may impact birth outcomes, infant immune development and infections, and childhood growth in LMIC settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Njunge
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Judd L Walson
- The Childhood Acute Illness & Nutrition Network, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health
- Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Tesfay N, Hailu G, Woldeyohannes F. Effect of optimal antenatal care on maternal and perinatal health in Ethiopia. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1120979. [PMID: 36824654 PMCID: PMC9941639 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1120979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Receiving at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits have paramount importance on the health of mothers and perinates. In Ethiopia, several studies were conducted on ANC service utilization; however, limited studies quantified the effect of care on maternal and perinate health. In response to this gap, this study is conducted to quantify the effect of optimal ANC care (≥4 visits) on maternal and perinatal health among women who received optimal care in comparison to women who did not receive optimal care. METHODS The study utilized the Ethiopian perinatal death surveillance and response (PDSR) system dataset. A total of 3,814 reviewed perinatal deaths were included in the study. Considering the nature of the data, preferential within propensity score matching (PWPSM) was performed to determine the effect of optimal ANC care on maternal and perinatal health. The effect of optimal care was reported using average treatment effects of the treated [ATT]. RESULT The result revealed that optimal ANC care had a positive effect on reducing perinatal death, due to respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, [ATT = -0.015, 95%CI (-0.029 to -0.001)] and extending intrauterine life by one week [ATT = 1.277, 95%CI: (0.563-1.991)]. While it's effect on maternal health includes, avoiding the risk of having uterine rupture [ATT = -0.012, 95%CI: (-0.018 to -0.005)], improving the utilization of operative vaginal delivery (OVD) [ATT = 0.032, 95%CI: (0.001-0.062)] and avoiding delay to decide to seek care [ATT = -0.187, 95%CI: (-0.354 to -0.021)]. CONCLUSION Obtaining optimal ANC care has a positive effect on both maternal and perinatal health. Therefore, policies and interventions geared towards improving the coverage and quality of ANC services should be the top priority to maximize the benefit of the care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neamin Tesfay
- Center of Public Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Girmay Hailu
- Center of Public Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fitsum Woldeyohannes
- Health Financing Department, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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