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Bulletin of the World Health... Oct 2021To describe the incidence and main causes of maternal near-miss events in middle-income countries using the World Health Organization's (WHO) maternal near-miss tool and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To describe the incidence and main causes of maternal near-miss events in middle-income countries using the World Health Organization's (WHO) maternal near-miss tool and to evaluate its applicability in these settings.
METHODS
We did a systematic review of studies on maternal near misses in middle-income countries published over 2009-2020. We extracted data on number of live births, number of maternal near misses, major causes of maternal near miss and most frequent organ dysfunction. We extracted, or calculated, the maternal near-miss ratio, maternal mortality ratio and mortality index. We also noted descriptions of researchers' experiences and modifications of the WHO tool for local use.
FINDINGS
We included 69 studies from 26 countries (12 lower-middle- and 14 upper-middle-income countries). Studies reported a total of 50 552 maternal near misses out of 10 450 482 live births. Median number of cases of maternal near miss per 1000 live births was 15.9 (interquartile range, IQR: 8.9-34.7) in lower-middle- and 7.8 (IQR: 5.0-9.6) in upper-middle-income countries, with considerable variation between and within countries. The most frequent causes of near miss were obstetric haemorrhage in 19/40 studies in lower-middle-income countries and hypertensive disorders in 15/29 studies in upper-middle-income countries. Around half the studies recommended adaptations to the laboratory and management criteria to avoid underestimation of cases of near miss, as well as clearer guidance to avoid different interpretations of the tool.
CONCLUSION
In several countries, adaptations of the WHO near-miss tool to the local context were suggested, possibly hampering international comparisons, but facilitating locally relevant audits to learn lessons.
Topics: Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Live Birth; Maternal Mortality; Near Miss, Healthcare; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 34621087
DOI: 10.2471/BLT.21.285945 -
Reviews on Environmental Health Jun 2018In the year 2000, the World Health Organization launched the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were to be achieved in 2015. Though most of the goals were not... (Review)
Review
In the year 2000, the World Health Organization launched the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were to be achieved in 2015. Though most of the goals were not achieved, a follow-up post 2015 development agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was launched in 2015, which are to be achieved by 2030. Maternal mortality reduction is a focal goal in both the MDGs and SDGs. Achieving the maternal mortality target in the SDGs requires multiple approaches, particularly in developing countries with high maternal mortality. Low-income developing countries rely to a great extent on macro determinants such as public health expenditure, which are spent mostly on curative health and health facilities, to improve population health. To complement the macro determinants, this study employs the systematic review technique to reveal significant micro correlates of maternal mortality. The study searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Science Direct, and Global Index Medicus of the World Health Organization. Our search was time framed from the 1st January, 2000 to the 30th September, 2016. In the overall search result, 6758 articles were identified, out of which 33 were found to be eligible for the review. The outcome of the systematic search for relevant literature revealed a concentration of literature on the micro factors and maternal mortality in developing countries. This shows that maternal mortality and micro factors are a major issue in developing countries. The studies reviewed support the significant relationship between the micro factors and maternal mortality. This study therefore suggests that more effort should be channelled to improving the micro factors in developing countries to pave the way for the timely achievement of the SDGs' maternal mortality ratio (MMR) target.
Topics: Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Maternal Mortality; Public Health; Socioeconomic Factors; World Health Organization
PubMed: 29729149
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2017-0050 -
Timing of maternal mortality and severe morbidity during the postpartum period: a systematic review.JBI Evidence Synthesis Sep 2022The objective of this review was to determine the timing of overall and cause-specific maternal mortality and severe morbidity during the postpartum period.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to determine the timing of overall and cause-specific maternal mortality and severe morbidity during the postpartum period.
INTRODUCTION
Many women continue to die or experience adverse health outcomes in the postpartum period; however, limited work has explored the timing of when women die or present complications during this period globally.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
This review considered studies that reported on women after birth up to 6 weeks postpartum and included data on mortality and/or morbidity on the first day, days 2-7, and days 8-42. Studies that reported solely on high-risk women (eg, those with antenatal or intrapartum complications) were excluded, but mixed population samples were included (eg, low-risk and high-risk women).
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched for published studies on December 20, 2019, and searches were updated on May 11, 2021. Critical appraisal was undertaken by 2 independent reviewers using standardized critical appraisal instruments from JBI. Quantitative data were extracted from included studies independently by at least 2 reviewers using a study-specific data extraction form. Quantitative data were pooled, where possible. Identified studies were used to obtain the summary estimate (proportion) for each time point. Maternal mortality was calculated as the maternal deaths during a given period over the total number of maternal deaths known during the postpartum period. For cause-specific analysis, number of deaths due to a specific cause was the numerator, while the total number of women who died due to the same cause in that period was the denominator. Random effects models were run to pool incidence proportion for relative risk of overall maternal deaths. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to country income classification and by date (ie, data collection before or after 2010). Where statistical pooling was not possible, the findings were reported narratively.
RESULTS
A total of 32 studies reported on maternal outcomes from 17 reports, all reporting on mixed populations. Most maternal deaths occurred on the first day (48.9%), with 24.5% of deaths occurring between days 2 and 7, and 24.9% occurring between days 8 and 42. Maternal mortality due to postpartum hemorrhage and embolism occurred predominantly on the first day (79.1% and 58.2%, respectively). Most deaths due to postpartum eclampsia and hypertensive disorders occurred within the first week (44.3% on day 1 and 37.1% on days 2-7). Most deaths due to infection occurred between days 8 and 42 (61.3%). Due to heterogeneity, maternal morbidity data are described narratively, with morbidity predominantly occurring within the first 2 weeks. The mean critical appraisal score across all included studies was 85.9% (standard deviation = 13.6%).
CONCLUSION
Women experience mortality throughout the entire postpartum period, with the highest mortality rate on the first day. Access to high-quality care during the postpartum period, including enhanced frequency and quality of postpartum assessments during the first 42 days after birth, is essential to improving maternal outcomes and to continue reducing maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO CRD42020187341.
Topics: Female; Humans; Maternal Death; Maternal Mortality; Morbidity; Parturition; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35916004
DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-20-00578 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2022Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are two types of chronic cholestatic liver disease (CCLD). Little is known regarding the... (Review)
Review
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are two types of chronic cholestatic liver disease (CCLD). Little is known regarding the relationship between these conditions and pregnancy. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the maternal and fetal outcomes amongst patients with a known diagnosis of PBC and PSC undergoing pregnancy. Our analysis shows that patients with PBC and PSC who undergo pregnancy are at an increased risk of pre-term delivery, as well as the development of new or worsening pruritus during pregnancy. Additionally, patients with PBC are at higher risk of undergoing a biochemical disease flare during the postpartum period compared to during pregnancy. However, there were no documented cases of maternal mortality or development of decompensated cirrhosis during pregnancy or the postpartum period.
PubMed: 35207342
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041068 -
European Journal of Midwifery 2022This study explored maternal and infant outcomes in the periods of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum, in women with COVID-19. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
This study explored maternal and infant outcomes in the periods of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum, in women with COVID-19.
METHODS
After PROSPERO registration (CRD42020191106), scanning for the studies was carried out over the period 5-15 May 2020 in the PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO and Web of Science databases with the search string: ['COVID-19' AND ('pregnancy' OR 'pregnant' OR 'maternal outcomes' OR 'infant outcomes' OR 'fetal outcomes' OR 'birth')]. Studies reporting maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 were included. Data were extracted independently by two researchers and combined with meta-analysis and pooled analysis.
RESULTS
The 54 studies included in this analysis contained data on 517 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 and 385 infants. Of the pregnant women, 18% had gone into preterm labor and 77% had given birth by caesarean. Of the newborns, 19% had low birth weight, 14% had fetal distress, and 24% were admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit. Nine maternal and eight baby mortalities were reported in the studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The study revealed that COVID-19 in pregnant women appeared to be negative maternal and infant outcomes, with mortalities as well.
PubMed: 35860720
DOI: 10.18332/ejm/149485 -
International Journal of Health Sciences 2022Although teenage pregnancy has declined in the last decade, it remains a major public health issue in Africa. Maternal mortality is common among teenagers due to their... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Although teenage pregnancy has declined in the last decade, it remains a major public health issue in Africa. Maternal mortality is common among teenagers due to their increased risk of obstetric and medical complications. In Africa, there is a lack of robust and comprehensive data on the prevalence and predictors of teenage pregnancy. As a result, this systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to summarize evidence that will assist concerned entities in identifying existing gaps and proposing strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy in Africa.
METHODS
The review is registered by the international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42021275013). This search included all published and unpublished observational studies written in English between August 23, 2016, and August 23, 2021. The articles were searched using databases (PubMed, CINHAL [EBSCO], EMBASE, POPLINE, Google Scholar, DOAJ, Web of Sciences, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS). Data synthesis and statistical analysis were conducted using STATA version 14 software. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence and odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of meta-analysis using the random effect model.
RESULTS
A total of 43,758 teenagers (aged 13-19) were included in 23 studies. In Africa, the overall pooled prevalence of teenage pregnancy was 30% (95% CI: 17-43). Western Africa had the highest prevalence of teenage pregnancy 33% (95% CI: 10-55). Age (18-19) (OR = 2.99 [95% CI = 1.124-7.927]), wealth index (OR = 1.84 [95% CI = 1.384-2.433]), and marital status (OR = 6.02 [95% CI = 2.348-15.43]) were predictors of teenage pregnancy in Africa.
CONCLUSION
In Africa, nearly one-third of teenagers become pregnant. Teenage pregnancy was predicted by age (18-19), wealth index, and marital status. Strengthening interventions aimed at increasing teenagers' economic independence, reducing child marriage, and increasing contraceptive use among married teenagers can help to prevent teenage pregnancy.
PubMed: 36475034
DOI: No ID Found -
Global Health Action Oct 2021The COVID-19 pandemic is having significant direct and associated effects on many health outcomes, including maternal mortality. As a useful marker of healthcare system... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic is having significant direct and associated effects on many health outcomes, including maternal mortality. As a useful marker of healthcare system functionality, trends in maternal mortality provide a lens to gauge impact and inform mitigation strategies.
OBJECTIVE
To report the findings of a rapid systematic review of studies on levels of maternal mortality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
We systematically searched for studies on the 1st March 2021 in MEDLINE and Embase, with additional studies identified through MedRxiv and searches of key websites. We included studies that reported levels of mortality in pregnant and postpartum women in time-periods pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The maternal mortality ratio was calculated for each study as well as the excess mortality.
RESULTS
The search yielded 3411 references, of which five studies were included in the review alongside two studies identified from grey literature searches. Five studies used data from national health information systems or death registries (Mexico, Peru, Uganda, South Africa, and Kenya), and two studies from India were record reviews from health facilities. There were increased levels of maternal mortality documented in all studies; however, there was only statistical evidence for a difference in maternal mortality in the COVID-19 era for four of these. Excess maternal mortality ranged from 8.5% in Kenya to 61.5% in Uganda.
CONCLUSIONS
Measuring maternal mortality in pandemics presents many challenges, but also essential opportunities to understand and ameliorate adverse impact both for women and their newborns. Our systematic review shows a dearth of studies giving reliable information on levels of maternal mortality, and we call for increased and more systematic reporting of this largely preventable outcome. The findings help to highlight four measurement-related issues which are priorities for continuing research and development.
Topics: COVID-19; Family; Female; Health Facilities; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Mortality; Pandemics; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35377289
DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.1974677 -
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal =... May 2023Maternal mortality is an indication of the health status of women in the society. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Maternal mortality is an indication of the health status of women in the society.
AIMS
To investigate the maternal mortality ratio, causes of maternal mortality, and related risk factors among Iranian women.
METHODS
Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist and the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS) guideline, we systematically searched electronic databases, and the grey literature, for publications in Farsi and English from 1970 to January 2022 for studies that reported the number of maternal deaths and/or maternal mortality ratio and their related factors. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 16 and 2-sided P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant, if not otherwise specified.
RESULTS
A subgroup meta-analysis of studies conducted since 2000 estimated the maternal mortality ratio as 45.03 per 100 000 births during 2000-2004, 36.05 during 2005-2009, and 23.71 after 2010. The most frequent risk factors for maternal mortality were caesarean section, poor antenatal and delivery care, unskilled birth attendance, age, low maternal education level, lower human development index, and residence in rural or remote areas.
CONCLUSION
There has been a significant decrease in maternal mortality in the Islamic Republic of Iran during the last few decades. Mothers in the country need to be monitored more carefully by trained healthcare workers during the pregnancy, delivery and postpartum periods so they can effectively handle postpartum complications, such as haemorrhage and infection, thereby further reducing maternal mortality.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Maternal Mortality; Iran; Cesarean Section; Checklist; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37306175
DOI: 10.26719/emhj.23.063 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Oct 2020Traditionally, pulmonary hypertension during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The aim of this study to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Traditionally, pulmonary hypertension during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The aim of this study to systematically analyze the published literature mentioning pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension in recent decades.
STUDY METHODS
A Comprehensive electronic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library was done to find studies published in English literature from 1 Jan 1990 to 31 May 2018. Prospective and retrospective observational studies describing pregnancy outcomes in at least 4 women with pulmonary hypertension were included in this study. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The primary outcomes included maternal mortality and any pregnancy loss. The analysis included absolute risks and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for adverse outcomes using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I statistic and visual plot.
RESULTS
Twenty studies captured data from 589 parturient describing 610 pregnancies. The pooled unadjusted data yielded maternal mortality of 11.5 (95% CI; 7.6-17.2) and the total pregnancy loss was 22.8 (95% CI; 16.2-31.1). Prematurity and IUGR/SGA were reported by 7 and 8 studies and had pooled estimates of 51.7 (95% CI; 37.6-65.7) and 29.3 (95% CI; 20.9-39.5), respectively. The pooled estimates of cesarean delivery and general anesthesia were 72.1 (95% CI; 60.6-81.93) and 40.1 (95% CI; 26.4-55.5), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Fetomaternal outcomes have improved in recent decades in parturient with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension. These findings have implications for preconceptional counselling and risk stratifications.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32862030
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.08.028 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Feb 2023Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) constitutes up to 70% of all... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) constitutes up to 70% of all HF in pregnancy. Cardiac angiogenic imbalance caused by cleaved 16kDa prolactin has been hypothesized to contribute to the development of PPCM, fueling investigation of prolactin inhibitors for the management of PPCM. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of prolactin inhibition on left ventricular (LV) function and mortality in patients with PPCM. We included English language articles from PubMed and EMBASE published upto March 2022. We pooled the mean difference (MD) for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at follow-up, odds ratio (OR) for LV recovery and risk ratio (RR) for all-cause mortality using random-effects meta-analysis. Among 548 studies screened, 10 studies (3 randomized control trials (RCTs), 2 retrospective and 5 prospective cohorts) were included in the systematic review. Patients in the Bromocriptine + standard guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) group had higher LVEF% (pMD 12.56 (95% CI 5.84-19.28, I2=0%) from two cohorts and pMD 14.25 (95% CI 0.61-27.89, I2=88%) from two RCTs) at follow-up compared to standard GDMT alone group. Bromocriptine group also had higher odds of LV recovery (pOR 3.55 (95% CI 1.39-9.1, I2=62)). We did not find any difference in all-cause mortality between the groups. Our analysis demonstrates that the addition of Bromocriptine to standard GDMT was associated with a significant improvement in LVEF% and greater odds of LV recovery, without significant reduction in all-cause mortality.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Bromocriptine; Prolactin; Peripartum Period; Cardiomyopathies; Ventricular Function, Left; Heart Failure; Stroke Volume; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular
PubMed: 36261102
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2022.101461