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Italian Journal of Pediatrics Jul 2022Despite simple and proven cost-effective measures were available to prevent birth asphyxia; studies suggested that there has been limited progress in preventing birth... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Despite simple and proven cost-effective measures were available to prevent birth asphyxia; studies suggested that there has been limited progress in preventing birth asphyxia even in healthy full-term neonates. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Inconsistency of magnitude of birth asphyxia and its association gestational age, Low birth Weight and Parity among different studies has been observed through time.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to estimate the Pooled magnitude of birth asphyxia and its association with gestational age, Low birth Weight and Parity among Neonates in Sub-Saharan Africa.
METHOD
PubMed, Cochrane library and Google scholar databases were searched for relevant literatures. In addition, reference lists of included studies were retrieved to obtain birth asphyxia related articles. Appropriate search term was established and used to retrieve studies from databases. Searching was limited to cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies conducted in Sub-Saharan africa and published in English language. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used for critical appraisal of studies. Heterogeneity across the included studies was evaluated by using the inconsistency index (I) test. Funnel plot and the Egger's regression test were used to test publication bias. A weighted inverse variance random effects- model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of birth asphyxia among neonates in Sub-Saharan Africa. STATA™ version 11softwarewasused to conduct the meta-analysis.
RESULT
A total of 40 studies with 176,334 study participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled magnitude of birth asphyxia in Sub-Saharan Africa was 17.28% (95% CI; (15.5, 19.04). low birth weight (AOR = 2.58(95% CI: 1.36, 4.88)), primigravida (AOR = 1.15 (95% CI: 0.84, 1.46) andMeconium-stained amniotic fluid (AOR = 6(95% CI: 3.69, 9.74)) werevariables significantly associated with the pooled prevalence of birth asphyxia.
CONCLUSION
The pooled magnitude of birth asphyxia was found to be high in Sub-Saharan Africa. Low birthweight and Meconium-stained amniotic fluid were variables significantly associated with birth asphyxia in Sub-Saharan Africa. Hence, it is better to develop early detection and management strategies for the affected neonates with low birth weight and born from mothers intrapartum meconium stained amniotic fluid.
Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Asphyxia; Asphyxia Neonatorum; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prevalence
PubMed: 35841063
DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01307-5 -
Journal of Mother and Child Feb 2024Perinatal asphyxia, a leading cause of neonatal mortality and neurological sequelae, necessitates early detection of pathophysiological neurologic changes during... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Perinatal asphyxia, a leading cause of neonatal mortality and neurological sequelae, necessitates early detection of pathophysiological neurologic changes during hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). This study aimed to review published data on rScO2 monitoring during hypothermia treatment in neonates with perinatal asphyxia to predict short- and long-term neurological injury.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Study identification was performed through a search between November and December 2021 in the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The main outcome was short-term (Changes in brain magnetic resonating imaging) and long-term (In neurodevelopment) neurological injury. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) with CRD42023395438.
RESULTS
380 articles were collected from databases in the initial search. Finally, 15 articles were selected for extraction and analysis of the information. An increase in rScO2 measured by NIRS (Near-infrared spectroscopy) at different moments of treatment predicts neurological injury. However, there exists a wide variability in the methods and outcomes of the studies.
CONCLUSION
High rScO2 values were found to predict negative outcomes, with substantial discord among studies. NIRS is proposed as a real-time bedside tool for predicting brain injury in neonates with moderate to severe HIE.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; Asphyxia; Brain; Hypothermia, Induced; Asphyxia Neonatorum
PubMed: 38639099
DOI: 10.34763/jmotherandchild.20242801.d-24-00010 -
BMC Public Health Apr 2011Of 136 million babies born annually, around 10 million require assistance to breathe. Each year 814,000 neonatal deaths result from intrapartum-related events in term... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Neonatal resuscitation and immediate newborn assessment and stimulation for the prevention of neonatal deaths: a systematic review, meta-analysis and Delphi estimation of mortality effect.
BACKGROUND
Of 136 million babies born annually, around 10 million require assistance to breathe. Each year 814,000 neonatal deaths result from intrapartum-related events in term babies (previously "birth asphyxia") and 1.03 million from complications of prematurity. No systematic assessment of mortality reduction from tactile stimulation or resuscitation has been published.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the mortality effect of immediate newborn assessment and stimulation, and basic resuscitation on neonatal deaths due to term intrapartum-related events or preterm birth, for facility and home births.
METHODS
We conducted systematic reviews for studies reporting relevant mortality or morbidity outcomes. Evidence was assessed using GRADE criteria adapted to provide a systematic approach to mortality effect estimates for the Lives Saved Tool (LiST). Meta-analysis was performed if appropriate. For interventions with low quality evidence but strong recommendation for implementation, a Delphi panel was convened to estimate effect size.
RESULTS
We identified 24 studies of neonatal resuscitation reporting mortality outcomes (20 observational, 2 quasi-experimental, 2 cluster randomized controlled trials), but none of immediate newborn assessment and stimulation alone. A meta-analysis of three facility-based studies examined the effect of resuscitation training on intrapartum-related neonatal deaths (RR= 0.70, 95%CI 0.59-0.84); this estimate was used for the effect of facility-based basic neonatal resuscitation (additional to stimulation). The evidence for preterm mortality effect was low quality and thus expert opinion was sought. In community-based studies, resuscitation training was part of packages with multiple concurrent interventions, and/or studies did not distinguish term intrapartum-related from preterm deaths, hence no meta-analysis was conducted. Our Delphi panel of 18 experts estimated that immediate newborn assessment and stimulation would reduce both intrapartum-related and preterm deaths by 10%, facility-based resuscitation would prevent a further 10% of preterm deaths, and community-based resuscitation would prevent further 20% of intrapartum-related and 5% of preterm deaths.
CONCLUSION
Neonatal resuscitation training in facilities reduces term intrapartum-related deaths by 30%. Yet, coverage of this intervention remains low in countries where most neonatal deaths occur and is a missed opportunity to save lives. Expert opinion supports smaller effects of neonatal resuscitation on preterm mortality in facilities and of basic resuscitation and newborn assessment and stimulation at community level. Further evaluation is required for impact, cost and implementation strategies in various contexts.
FUNDING
This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through a grant to the US Fund for UNICEF, and to the Saving Newborn Lives program of Save the Children, through Save the Children US.
Topics: Asphyxia Neonatorum; Delphi Technique; Home Childbirth; Humans; Infant Mortality; Infant, Newborn; Neonatal Screening; Physical Stimulation; Premature Birth; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Resuscitation; Time Factors
PubMed: 21501429
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-S3-S12 -
BMC Public Health Apr 2011Our objective was to estimate the effect of various childbirth care packages on neonatal mortality due to intrapartum-related events ("birth asphyxia") in term babies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Our objective was to estimate the effect of various childbirth care packages on neonatal mortality due to intrapartum-related events ("birth asphyxia") in term babies for use in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST).
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies or reviews of childbirth care packages as defined by United Nations norms (basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care, skilled care at birth). We also reviewed Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) training. Data were abstracted into standard tables and quality assessed by adapted GRADE criteria. For interventions with low quality evidence, but strong GRADE recommendation for implementation, an expert Delphi consensus process was conducted to estimate cause-specific mortality effects.
RESULTS
We identified evidence for the effect on perinatal/neonatal mortality of emergency obstetric care packages: 9 studies (8 observational, 1 quasi-experimental), and for skilled childbirth care: 10 studies (8 observational, 2 quasi-experimental). Studies were of low quality, but the GRADE recommendation for implementation is strong. Our Delphi process included 21 experts representing all WHO regions and achieved consensus on the reduction of intrapartum-related neonatal deaths by comprehensive emergency obstetric care (85%), basic emergency obstetric care (40%), and skilled birth care (25%). For TBA training we identified 2 meta-analyses and 9 studies reporting mortality effects (3 cRCT, 1 quasi-experimental, 5 observational). There was substantial between-study heterogeneity and the overall quality of evidence was low. Because the GRADE recommendation for TBA training is conditional on the context and region, the effect was not estimated through a Delphi or included in the LiST tool.
CONCLUSION
Evidence quality is rated low, partly because of challenges in undertaking RCTs for obstetric interventions, which are considered standard of care. Additional challenges for evidence interpretation include varying definitions of obstetric packages and inconsistent measurement of mortality outcomes. Thus, the LiST effect estimates for skilled birth and emergency obstetric care were based on expert opinion. Using LiST modelling, universal coverage of comprehensive obstetric care could avert 591,000 intrapartum-related neonatal deaths each year. Investment in childbirth care packages should be a priority and accompanied by implementation research and further evaluation of intervention impact and cost.
FUNDING
This work was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through a grant to the US Fund for UNICEF, and to Saving Newborn Lives Save the Children, through Save the Children US.
Topics: Asphyxia Neonatorum; Delivery, Obstetric; Delphi Technique; Female; Humans; Infant Mortality; Infant, Newborn; Perinatal Care; Pregnancy
PubMed: 21501427
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-S3-S10 -
China CDC Weekly Sep 2022Neonatal asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal death that is largely preventable with neonatal resuscitation techniques. In July 2004, China launched a 15-year,...
Neonatal asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal death that is largely preventable with neonatal resuscitation techniques. In July 2004, China launched a 15-year, three-stage Neonatal Resuscitation Programme (NRP) with stages in 2004-2009, 2011-2016, and 2017-2021 ( 1). The objective of China's NRP was to ensure the presence of at least one trained attendant proficient in neonatal resuscitation at every delivery. With consistent effort, both incidence and mortality from neonatal asphyxia decreased remarkably during 2003-2020: incidence decreased from 6.32% to 1.42% and mortality decreased from 0.76‰ to 0.19‰ ( 1- 2). China's empirical experience shows that widespread promotion of high-quality neonatal resuscitation techniques can reduce preventable neonatal deaths and provide important insight into "ending preventable deaths in newborns by 2030," as proposed in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal's third target ( 3).
PubMed: 36285280
DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2022.168 -
JBI Evidence Synthesis Jan 2023The objective of this review was to determine the timing of overall and cause-specific neonatal mortality and severe morbidity during the postnatal period (1-28 days). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to determine the timing of overall and cause-specific neonatal mortality and severe morbidity during the postnatal period (1-28 days).
INTRODUCTION
Despite significant focus on improving neonatal outcomes, many newborns continue to die or experience adverse health outcomes. While evidence on neonatal mortality and severe morbidity rates and causes are regularly updated, less is known on the specific timing of when they occur in the neonatal period.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
This review considered studies that reported on neonatal mortality daily in the first week; weekly in the first month; or day 1, days 2-7, and days 8-28. It also considered studies that reported on timing of severe neonatal morbidity. Studies that reported solely on preterm or high-risk infants were excluded, as these infants require specialized care. Due to the available evidence, mixed samples were included (eg, both preterm and full-term infants), reflecting a neonatal population that may include both low-risk and high-risk infants.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched for published studies on December 20, 2019, and updated on May 10, 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 2 reviewers using a study-specific data extraction form. All conflicts were resolved through consensus or discussion with a third reviewer. Where possible, quantitative data were pooled in statistical meta-analysis. Where statistical pooling was not possible, findings were reported narratively.
RESULTS
A total of 51 studies from 36 articles reported on relevant outcomes. Of the 48 studies that reported on timing of mortality, there were 6,760,731 live births and 47,551 neonatal deaths with timing known. Of the 34 studies that reported daily deaths in the first week, the highest proportion of deaths occurred on the first day (first 24 hours, 38.8%), followed by day 2 (24-48 hours, 12.3%). Considering weekly mortality within the first month (n = 16 studies), the first week had the highest mortality (71.7%). Based on data from 46 studies, the highest proportion of deaths occurred on day 1 (39.5%), followed closely by days 2-7 (36.8%), with the remainder occurring between days 8 and 28 (23.0%). In terms of causes, birth asphyxia accounted for the highest proportion of deaths on day 1 (68.1%), severe infection between days 2 and 7 (48.1%), and diarrhea between days 8 and 28 (62.7%). Due to heterogeneity, neonatal morbidity data were described narratively. The mean critical appraisal score of all studies was 84% (SD = 16%).
CONCLUSION
Newborns experience high mortality throughout the entire postnatal period, with the highest mortality rate in the first week, particularly on the first day. Ensuring regular high-quality postnatal visits, particularly within the first week after birth, is paramount to reduce neonatal mortality and severe morbidity.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant Mortality; Postpartum Period; Time Factors; Morbidity; Asphyxia Neonatorum; Infections; Diarrhea
PubMed: 36300916
DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-21-00479 -
Journal of Perinatology : Official... May 2016About 99% of neonatal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. There is a paucity of information on the exact timing of neonatal deaths in these settings. The... (Review)
Review
About 99% of neonatal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. There is a paucity of information on the exact timing of neonatal deaths in these settings. The objective of this review was to determine the timing of overall and cause-specific neonatal deaths in developing country settings. We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, WHOLIS and CABI using sensitive search strategies. Searches were limited to studies involving humans published in the last 10 years. A total of 22 studies were included in the review. Pooled results indicate that about 62% of the total neonatal deaths occurred during the first 3 days of life; the first day alone accounted for two-thirds. Almost all asphyxia-related and the majority of prematurity- and malformation-related deaths occurred in the first week of life (98%, 83% and 78%, respectively). Only one-half of sepsis-related deaths occurred in the first week while one-quarter occurred in each of the second and third to fourth weeks of life. The distribution of both overall and cause-specific mortality did not differ greatly between Asia and Africa. The first 3 days after birth account for about 30% of under-five child deaths. The first week of life accounts for most of asphyxia-, prematurity- and malformation-related mortality and one-half of sepsis-related deaths.
Topics: Asphyxia Neonatorum; Cause of Death; Developing Countries; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Perinatal Death; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sepsis; Time Factors
PubMed: 27109087
DOI: 10.1038/jp.2016.27 -
International Journal of Reproductive... May 2019Biochemical markers including interleukins (ILs) has been proposed for early diagnosis of asphyxia.
BACKGROUND
Biochemical markers including interleukins (ILs) has been proposed for early diagnosis of asphyxia.
OBJECTIVE
This study has aimed to systematically review the significance of IL measurements in the diagnosis of perinatal asphyxia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases before 2017 were searched for the following keywords: asphyxia, neonatal, interleukin, and diagnosis. A total of 13 out of 300 searched papers were finally selected for evaluation. Interleukins under study were IL6 and interleukin 1 (IL-1 ). Interleukins had been measured in 10 studies by serum samples, 2 studies by samples of Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF), and 1 study by sample of umbilical cord blood. The inclusion criteria were: studies on neonates, with adequate information from the test results and studies using markers other than ILs to detect asphyxia; however, studies with only abstracts available were excluded.
RESULTS
Research on the issue suggests that IL6 > 41 Pg/dl has the sensitivity of 84.88% and the specificity of 85.43%, whereas IL-1 > 4.7 Pg/dl has the sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 83% in the diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia. Among diagnostic ILs for neonatal asphyxia, combination of IL6 and IL-1 had the highest sensitivity, that is, 92.9%.
CONCLUSION
IL6 and IL-1 of serum samples were used in the early diagnosis of perinatal asphyxia and are useful predictors for the outcomes of perinatal asphyxia and its intensity. In addition, simultaneous evaluation of IL-1 and IL6 can improve the sensitivity of the early diagnosis of perinatal asphyxia.
PubMed: 31435616
DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v17i5.4598 -
PloS One 2021Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is a well-established neuroprotective therapy applied in (near) term asphyxiated infants. However, little is known regarding the effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is a well-established neuroprotective therapy applied in (near) term asphyxiated infants. However, little is known regarding the effects of TH on renal and/or myocardial function.
OBJECTIVES
To describe the short- and long-term effects of TH on renal and myocardial function in asphyxiated (near) term neonates.
METHODS
An electronic search strategy incorporating MeSH terms and keywords was performed in October 2019 and updated in June 2020 using PubMed and Cochrane databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of a RCT or observational cohort design, intervention with TH in a setting of perinatal asphyxia and available long-term results on renal and myocardial function. We performed a meta-analysis and heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses using a random effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed on the method of cooling.
RESULTS
Of the 107 studies identified on renal function, 9 were included. None of the studies investigated the effects of TH on long-term renal function after perinatal asphyxia. The nine included studies described the effect of TH on the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after perinatal asphyxia. Meta-analysis showed a significant difference between the incidence of AKI in neonates treated with TH compared to the control group (RR = 0.81; 95% CI 0.67-0.98; p = 0.03). No studies were found investigating the long-term effects of TH on myocardial function after neonatal asphyxia. Possible short-term beneficial effects were presented in 4 out of 5 identified studies, as observed by significant reductions in cardiac biomarkers and less findings of myocardial dysfunction on ECG and cardiac ultrasound.
CONCLUSIONS
TH in asphyxiated neonates reduces the incidence of AKI, an important risk factor for chronic kidney damage, and thus is potentially renoprotective. No studies were found on the long-term effects of TH on myocardial function. Short-term outcome studies suggest a cardioprotective effect.
Topics: Animals; Asphyxia; Asphyxia Neonatorum; Cardiomyopathies; Humans; Hypothermia, Induced; Infant, Newborn; Kidney; Myocardium
PubMed: 33630895
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247403 -
BMC Pediatrics May 2018There is increasing evidence that neonatal seizures in term neonates with stroke, asphyxia or brain haemorrhage might be associated with adverse neurodevelopment and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
There is increasing evidence that neonatal seizures in term neonates with stroke, asphyxia or brain haemorrhage might be associated with adverse neurodevelopment and development of epilepsy. The extent of this association is not known. The objective of this study was to assess the possible impact of neonatal seizures on these outcomes and if possible calculate a relative risk.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed (study period January 2000-June 2015). PubMed, Medline and Embase were searched for cohort studies evaluating neurodevelopmental outcome at the age of at least 18 months or development of epilepsy in surviving term neonates with or without neonatal seizures. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed and data extractions were performed in a standardized manner by independent reviewers. Pooled Relative Risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals for adverse outcome were calculated if possible.
RESULTS
Out of 1443 eligible studies 48 were selected for full text reading leaving 9 cohort studies for the final analyses (4 studies on stroke, 4 on perinatal asphyxia and one on cerebral hemorrhage). For all cases with stroke or asphyxia combined the pooled risk ratio (RR) for adverse outcome when suffering neonatal seizures was 7.42 (3.84-14.34); for neonates with perinatal asphyxia: 8.41 (4.07-17.39) and for neonates with stroke: 4.95 (1.07-23.0). The pooled RR for development of late onset epilepsy could only be determined for infants suffering from stroke: 1.48 (0.82-2.68). Results were biased and evidence sparse.
CONCLUSIONS
The presence of neonatal seizures in term newborns with vascular or hypoxic brain injury may have an impact on or be a predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome. The biased available data yield insufficient evidence about the true size of this association.
Topics: Asphyxia Neonatorum; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Epilepsy; Humans; Hypoxia, Brain; Infant, Newborn; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Seizures; Stroke
PubMed: 29720158
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1116-9