Obstetric Emergencies at the Kara University Hospital Maternity Ward: Sociodemographic, Etiological and Prognostic Aspects

Introduction: Obstetric emergencies are common throughout the world and more particularly in developing countries where they are responsible for high maternal-fetal mortality and morbidity. Objective: Study obstetric emergencies in the maternity ward of Kara University Hospital. Method: Retrospective and descriptive study from April 1, 2022 to March 30, 2023, carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Kara University Hospital. Results: Eight hundred and thirty-five (835) obstetric emergencies were recorded out of 2215 admissions, i.e. a frequency of 37.7%. The average age of the patients was 26.7 with a range of 14 and 45 years. They were primigravidas (36.7%) and nulliparous (38.7%), referred (84.7%) and came from rural areas (72%). Emergencies occurred in the 3rd trimester in 74.1% and in parturients (54.1%). Preeclampsia (27%), cessation of progression of labor due to feto-pelvic disproportion (12.4%), postpartum hemorrhage (7.5%) constituted the main obstetric emergencies. In 44.8%, the delivery was carried out vaginally. Magnesium sulfate was the most used drug, i.e. 30.1%;followed by antihypertensive medications in 28.1%. Blood transfusion was performed in 24.3%. The evolution was simple in 90.9%. The maternal fatality rate was 1.6%. The perinatal case fatality rate was 12.3%. Conclusion: Obstetric emergencies are common, dominated by preeclampsia, stopping progress of labor and postpartum hemorrhages. They are responsible for high morbidity and mortality.

Availability and Quality of Emergency Obstetric Care, an Alternative Strategy to Reduce Maternal Mortality: Experience of Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China

The burden of maternal mortality (MM) and morbidity is especially high in Asia.However,China has made significant progress in reducing MM over the past two decades,and hence maternal death rate has declined considerably in last decade,To analyze availability and quality of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) received by women at Tongji Hospital,Wuhan,China,this study retrospectively analyzed various pregnancy-related complications at the hospital from 2000 to 2009.Two baseline periods of equal length were used for the comparison of variables.A total of 11 223 obstetric complications leading to MM were identified on a total of 15 730 hospitalizations,either 71.35％ of all activities.No maternal death was recorded.Mean age of women was 29.31 years with a wide range of 14-52 years.About 96.26％ of women had higher levels of schooling,university degrees and above and received the education of secondary school or college.About 3.74％ received primary education at period two (P2) from 2005 to 2009,which was significantly higher than that of period one (P1) from 2000 to 2004 (P＜0.05) (OR:0.586; 95％ CI:0.442 to 0.776).About 65.69％ were employed as skilled or professional workers at P2,which was significantly higher than that of P1 (P＜0.05).About 34.31％ were unskilled workers at P2,which was significantly higher than that of P1 (P＜0.05).Caesarean section was performed for 9,930 women (88.48％) and the percentage of the procedure increased significantly from 19.25％ at P1 to 69.23％ at P2 (P＜0.05).We were led to conclude that,despite the progress,significant gaps in the performance of maternal health services between rural and urban areas remain.However,MM reduction can be achieved in China.Priorities must include,but not limited to the following:secondary healthcare development,health policy and management,strengthening primary healthcare services.

Are Mentorship and Training the Key in Provision of Emergency Obstetric and New-Born Care (EmONC) Services? A Formative Evaluation of Pre and Post in Samburu County, Kenya

Background: In Kenya, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is approximated to 362 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births while the stillbirth rate stands at 23 deaths per 100 live births which are far below the target of 147 maternal mortality per 100,000 live births and 12 stillbirths per 100 live births respectively. Progress in addressing preventable maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths depend on the improvement of the quality of maternal, fetal and newborn care throughout the continuum of care. Objective: To determine the effect of mentorship and training in improving the provision of Basic Emergency Obstetric Newborn Care (BEmONC) and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Newborn Care (CeMONC) services among health workers in Samburu County. Methodology: A one-week training intervention was carried among health workers in level three, four and five health facilities by master trainers. Using two tools adopted from MEASURE Evaluation and a structured questionnaire, a total of 54 (before the intervention) and 64 (after the intervention) health workers from 29 health facilities were interviewed. Training effectiveness was assessed by means of questionnaires administered pre- and post-training, by correlating post-training results of health workers, and through participatory observations at the time of on-site supervisory visits, mentorship and monthly meetings. An assessment was conducted to measure the level of confidence of the health workers in performing their duties. Results: Central Samburu had the majority of the health workers both at the pre-intervention (44.4%) and post-intervention (51.6%), North Samburu had an extra health worker at post-test while no change in numbers was recorded in East Samburu. A majority of the health workers across the three sub-counties were 31 - 40 years old, with only 2 (3.8%) aged 51 years and above. Following the interventions, improvements in the practice of BEmONC services were seen across the three sub-counties. There was an increase, at post analysis, in the use of the partograph to monitor labour (from 52% to 98.1%) and managing severe infection in the newborn (from 40.4% to 60.3%). Performing CS improved from 17.3% to 31% and the same was also recorded in carrying out blood transfusions. On post-survey, health workers reported the least confidence in performing manual vacuum. Other BEmONC services including active management of 3rd stage labor, use of partograph, manual removal of the placenta, managing maternal sepsis and identifying danger signs in the newborn had a high rate of confidence. Conclusions: This study finds that structured mentorship is an effective strategy to build the capacity of health workers. However, there is a need for further research to monitor and evaluate if such programmes improve clinical outcomes in the long run.

Community-Based Pregnant Women Initiative to Support Emergency Obstetric Care in Kimpese Health Zone, Province of Kogo Central, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background: Maternal mortality remains high in low- and middle-income countries. Many maternal deaths occur within hospitals often due to a lack of access to basic emergency obstetric care (Emoc). Aim: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a community-based pregnant women initiative to support emergency obstetric care in a Kimpese Health Zone (HZ). Setting: Kimpese Health Zone, Province of Central Kongo, in the South Western of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Results: Four hundred and thirty-five women were received for Emoc between January 2008 and June 2011, 75% were aged between 18 - 34 years old. Mechanical dystocia was the first cause of emergencies (34%). The diagnosis concordance between the transfers and the reasons for the transfer was weak and not statistically significant (Kappa = 0.350, p = 0.405). After the évaluation of the newborns, a favorable outcome was noted after the 10th day of de follow-up (95.4%). In multivariate analysis, the lack of ANC visits, the waiting time > 1 hour before the visit at the referral hospital, and assisted birth were the factors associated with the unfavorable obstetric outcomes. Conclusion: Improvement in maternal health involves better preparation of the community and the healthcare system for Emergency Obstetric Care. Research is needed for innovative and effective interventions in resource constraints settings.

The Place of Blood Transfusion in the Management of Obstetric Emergencies in the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department of the Reference Health Center of Fana (Mali)

This is a prospective and descriptive study carried out at the gynecology and obstetrics department of the reference health center of Fana from 01 May 2019 to 30 November or 7 months. The main objective was to study the role of blood transfusion in the management of obstetric emergencies. During the study period we recorded 434 cases of obstetric emergencies of which 116 cases required an emergency blood transfusion or 26.73%. The most frequently found indications for blood transfusion are hemorrhages of the immediate postpartum 46.6% followed by severe malaria on pregnancy 27.6%. Blood remains the most prescribed and available Labile blood product in the department. Maternal prognosis was improved in 92.2%.

Obstetrical Emergencies in Ouahigouya Regional Teaching Hospital (Burkina Faso) in the Context of Insecurity Linked to Armed Groups: A Comparative Study between Patients from Precarious Security Zones and Those from Safe Areas

Introduction: Insecurity can be an obstacle to access to emergency obstetric and newborn care, that is why we proposed to study obstetrical emergencies in Ouahigouya Regional Teaching Hospital, a referral hospital in a region plagued by insecurity linked to armed groups. Method: This was an analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection over a 4-month period, from June 10 to October 10, 2020. Patients from precarious security areas were compared to those from safer areas. The Chi squared and Fisher tests were used for comparison of variables. Results: Obstetric emergencies accounted for 38.62% of admissions, from which 25.59% came from precarious security zones. Age was similar in both comparison groups. However, patients from unsafe areas were more likely to reside in rural areas (p 0.001) and more likely to be in unpaid occupations (p 0.001). Prenatal visits were less frequent (p 0.01) and women were more often multigravidae (p 0.01) in the precarious security group of patients. Apart from the more frequent uterine rupture (p = 0.02) in the group from precarious security zones, diagnosed complications and maternal mortality were similar in the 2 groups, while perinatal mortality was higher in the group of patients from precarious security zones (p 0.01). Conclusion: The precarious security situation has negative consequences on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Further studies are needed for better understanding of these consequences, and improvement of health system resilience strategies, to reduce related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Obstetric Emergencies: Frequency, Socio-Demographic Aspects and Risk Factors at the Labe Regional Hospital Maternity Unit (Guinea)

Introduction: Obstetric emergencies are clinical situations of a serious nature, often dangerous, which develop unexpectedly, threatening the vital prognosis of the mother and/or foetus in the short term. The aim of this study was to contribute to a review of obstetric emergencies at the Labé Regional Hospital maternity unit. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study conducted over a period of 6 months in the maternity unit of the Labé Regional Hospital. It concerned all patients admitted to the department for obstetric emergencies. Results: Obstetric emergencies accounted for 20% of obstetric admissions. The mean age of the patients was 25.12 ± 7.15 years, with extremes of 14 and 45 years. The patients were housewives (42.52%), 42.86% did not attend school and 77.41% were from urban areas. The poor were the most numerous (43.52%). The ambulance was the means of transport in only 9% of cases. Acute foetal distress, pre-eclampsia, bony dystocia and post-partum haemorrhage were the most common types of emergency in our series, with frequencies of 27.57%, 22.59%, 17.94% and 10.63% respectively. The risk factors identified were age, origin, gestational age and the state of the maternal pelvis. Conclusion: Obstetric emergencies are frequent in our study site and represent a major concern for patients, providers and the community alike. In order to reduce the frequency of obstetric emergencies, young girls should be enrolled in school, the legal age for marriage should be respected, quality antenatal care should be provided in basic health facilities, and proper planning and spacing of pregnancies should be implemented.

Point of care ultrasonography as the new“Laennec Sthetoscope”

Point of care ultrasonography(POCUS)has evolved to become the fifth pillar of the conventional physical examination,and use of POCUS protocols have significantly decreased procedure complications and time to diagnose.However,lack of experience in POCUS by preceptors in medical schools and nephrology residency programs are significant barriers to implement a broader use.In rural and low-income areas POCUS may have a transformative effect on health care management.

Emergency Obstetric Hysterectomy in a Low Resources Country: An Eight-Year Retrospective Cohort Study from a Secondary Care Hospital in Niger

Introduction: Emergency obstetric hysterectomy (EOH) is a lifesaving procedure that is performed as a last resort in cases of severe postpartum haemorrhage. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, socio-demographic profile of patients, indications, management and maternal-fetal outcomes of EOH in a maternity hospital with limited resources in Niger. Methodology: This was an eight-year retrospective cohort study involving the analysis of medical records from patients who underwent emergency obstetric hysterectomies between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2022 at the Mother and Child Health Centre (MCHC) in Maradi, Niger. The epidemiological data, indications, and outcomes of EOH were collated and subjected to analysis using the statistical software package SPSS 21.0. Comparisons were made using the Chi-squared test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: During the study period, 239 cases of emergency obstetric hysterectomy were recorded out of 269,710 deliveries, representing a frequency of 0.89%. The mean age of the patients was 32.41 years (range: 17 - 50 years). The patients were identified as married (239 cases, 100%), unemployed (228 cases, 95.4%), and not attending school (215 cases, 90%). The largest number of cases were observed in large multiparous women (i.e., those with more than five children), representing 58.6% of the total number of cases (140 patients). The average parity among this group was 6.15 children. The majority of patients (229 patients, 95.82%) had undergone in utero transfer, with 169 patients (70.71%), originating from peripheral maternity units in the Maradi region. Upon admission, 116 patients (48.53%) exhibited active genital haemorrhage, while 58 patients (24.26%) were in shock. The primary indications for hysterectomy were uterine rupture (153 patients, 64%), uterine atony (77 patients, 32.2%), and placental accreta (six patients, 2.5%). Hysterectomy was performed by an obstetric gynaecologist (230 patients, 96.2%), an obstetric gynaecology resident (six patients, 2.5%), or a general practitioner with district surgical expertise (three patients, 1.3%). In the majority of cases (180 patients, 75.3%), total hysterectomy was performed. The incidence of maternal mortality (26 patients, 10.9%), and perinatal mortality (223 newborns, 93.4%) was notably elevated in our series. Conclusion: Our findings are in close alignment with those previously documented in the literature. The practice of emergency obstetric hysterectomy is a common occurrence in our region. It is considered a last resort when conservative procedures have failed or are not an option. Improved obstetric management would result in a reduction in the number of cases of haemostatic hysterectomy. The availability of blood products is expected to improve maternal prognosis.

Referral and counter-referral practices in obstetric emergencies among health-care providers in selected health facilities in Plateau state,Nigeria

Objective:This study aimed to examine the referral and counter-referral practices in obstetric emergencies among health-care providers in selected health facilities in Plateau state of Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A concurrent embedded descriptive mixed method consisting of both quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted for the study.Participants(104)were recruited using multistage sampling and 8 participants using purposive sampling techniques for quantitative and qualitative aspects of the study,respectively.The three-phase delay model directed the study.A self-developed structured questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide were used to elicit quantitative and qualitative responses from the participants.Quantitative instrument was tested for reliability,while the qualitative instrument went through the rigors of qualitative data.Results:Findings revealed low level of referral and counter-referral practices as only 19(18.27%)and 30(28.85%),respectively,of care providers referred patients above 10 times in a year.The study also revealed inadequate human and material resources for referrals and counter-referrals.The mean on barriers to referral was 2.90,which was above the cutoff of mean of 2.50,which indicates that the barriers are militating against referral and counter-referral in obstetric emergencies.Conclusions:Low levels of referral and counter-referral practices are identified with inadequate resources among others posing as barriers.Therefore,provision of standard operational procedures/protocols in every health-care facility as well as provision of adequate material and skilled human resources among others is recommended to enhance referral and counter-referral network in obstetric emergencies.There is also a need for teamwork and synergy among all stakeholders in the referral chain.

Management of Obstetric Emergencies in a Tertiary Hospital in Cameroon: A Milestone for End of Preventable Maternal Deaths

Background: Maternal mortality was insufficiently reduced in Cameroon in 2015 despite the adoption of Millennium development goals. To tackle the situation and meet the sustainable Millennium goals target of 140/100,000 live births by 2030, the Government adopted the strategies of building reference hospitals where high quality obstetric care, timely and optimal management of obstetric emergencies will be offered. The objective of this study was to describe the patterns of obstetric emergencies in Douala Gynaeco-obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, evaluate the outcomes of their management and the contribution to maternal mortality. Patients and Methods: 418 patients with obstetric emergencies were included in a two-phase cross-sectional study. Data were retrieved from patients’ case notes during the retrospective phase and a questionnaire filled for each case received during the prospective phase. Patterns of obstetric emergencies were determined and for each, the following were analysed: patient managed in this hospital or referred from other hospitals, management according to hospital guidelines, timing of care, result of management (recovery with no admission in ICU (intensive care unit), admission in ICU, death). Factors associated with each case of death were analysed. Results: The patterns of obstetric emergencies (OE) were dominated by HDP (hypertensive diseases in pregnancy) (20.57%), abortions (14.83%), Ectopic pregnancies (13.87%), Acute foetal distress (13.15%) and Obstructed labour (9.56%). PPH (post partum haemorrhage) represented 7.65% and Sikcle cell crisis (SCA) 0.91%. 40% of cases were referred from other hospitals. Six cases of deaths were recorded with a global case fatality of 1.43%. The causes of death were PPH, HDP, and Sickle cell anaemia 33.33% each. The case fatality of SCA was 50%, disclosing our worst performance. Conclusion: Management of OE following standardized hospital guidelines, reinforcement of referral systems, upgrading obstetrical services with ICU will result in least adverse maternal outcomes and especially reduced maternal mortality.

Patient care during interfacility transport:a narrative review of managing diverse disease states

BACKGROUND:When critically ill patients require specialized treatment that exceeds the capability of the index hospitals,patients are frequently transferred to a tertiary or quaternary hospital for a higher level of care.Therefore,appropriate and efficient care for patients during the process of transport between two hospitals(interfacility transfer)is an essential part of patient care.While medical adverse events may occur during the interfacility transfer process,there have not been evidence-based guidelines regarding the equipment or the practice for patient care during transport.METHODS:We conducted searches from the PubMed,Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health(CINAHL),and Scopus databases up to June 2022.Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts for eligibility.Studies that were not in the English language and did not involve critically ill patients were excluded.RESULTS:The search identified 75 articles,and we included 48 studies for our narrative review.Most studies were observational studies.CONCLUSION:The review provided the current evidence-based management of diverse disease states during the interfacility transfer process,such as proning positioning for respiratory failure,extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO),obstetric emergencies,and hypertensive emergencies(aortic dissection and spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage).

Spontaneous Rupture of Spleen in a Pregnant Armenian Woman with Favourable Pregnancy Outcome: Case Report

Background: Spontaneous or traumatic rupture of spleen in pregnancy is a rare event with catastrophic consequences. This report presents a case of spontaneous splenic rupture of a pregnant woman with thrombophilia in complicated somatic history and successful cesarean section with maternal and infant survival. Case: A 28-year-old Armenian woman at 35 weeks of gestation presented to the Emergency Department at “Erebouni” medical center in Yerevan, Armenia with sharp pain in the epigastric region, general weakness and worsening condition. The patient was immediately transferred to the operating room. All clinical-laboratory examinations were urgently carried out, the fetus condition began to be assessed under the control of the CT. She was in obvious distress with blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg and a pulse rate of 80 - 70 beats per minute. Abdominal ultrasound confirmed free fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Cesarean section was performed on the lower segment of the uterus. A live premature female infant was born weighing 2580 g, height 48 cm, and with an Apgar score of 7 - 8 points. Then the integrity of the uterus was restored. Abdominal rehabilitation was performed, there were about 1000 ml of blood loss and continuous internal bleeding. Doctors found splenic ruptures around the perineum. Lower middle laparotomy, splenectomy, abdominal rehabilitation, drainage were performed. Conclusion: This case illustrates the need to consider ruptured spleen as part of differential diagnosis of hemoperitoneum in pregnant women. Immediate surgical intervention is needed to ensure survival of mother and fetus.

Analysis of Maternal Deaths in Suburban of Dakar, Senegal

Objective: Maternal mortality remains a major concern in developing countries. This survey aims to suggest strategic plans that would help decrease maternal and perinatal mortality in the suburbs. It is a descriptive study that shows the different causes of maternal deaths during pregnancy and puerperium period. Methods: It is a retrospective descriptive study done between January 1st 2016 and the 31st of December 2018. We have collected information on all deaths due to mortality issues in Five (5) maternity clinics around Dakar. The record shows that teach centre have an average of 4000 deliveries per year. The data collected from the hospital records were inputted using Sphinx software (version 5). These data were analysed using Epi Info software (version 3.5). After analysing these data, recommendations were made to minimize the different causes of maternal deaths. Results: We recorded 154 maternal deaths out of 32,420 live births. The direct causes of maternal deaths were a result of preeclampsia and its complications (31.2%), postpartum haemorrhage (24.7%), abruption placentae (20.8%) and obstructed labour (7.8%). The indirect causes were mainly sickle cell disease (1.3%), heart disease (1.3%) and gynaecological cancers (1.3%). Maternal deaths were also associated with fetal loss in 47.4% of 153 maternal deaths, need for blood transfusion 59% while none of the reference structures in the suburbs of Dakar has a blood bank;with a need for admission in intensive care unit was noted as 40%. Conclusion: Thus, preeclampsia and its complications are the leading cause of maternal deaths in suburban settings. Timely availability of resuscitation units and liable blood products could drastically reduce maternal deaths from direct obstetric complications.