Influence of Prenatal Surveillance on Maternal and Perinatal Prognosis: A Prospective Study over 6 Months at the Maternity Ward of the Owendo University Hospital (Gabon)

Introduction: The occurrence of pregnancy in women is a risky situation. Prenatal care is necessary, which is not often the case in our context. Aim: To analyze the influence of antenatal surveillance on maternal and perinatal prognosis. Patients and Method: Preliminary longitudinal and analytical survey at the Owendo University Hospital (OHU) over 6 months. It focused on prenatal surveillance. The study population consisted of parturients who gave birth within 24 hours and we studied sociodemographic characteristics, variables related to antenatal contact, those of delivery as well as maternal and newborn outcomes. Results: 2485 deliveries were recorded and 1300 patients were retained according to the inclusion criteria. No prenatal contact (ANC0) was performed in 93 (7.15%), insufficient (ANCI) in 943 patients (72.5%), and sufficient (ANCS) in 264 patients (20.30%). Patients with low school level were significantly found when the NPC was not performed or insufficient and the same was true for the group of patients who were not employed and those who were single (p < 0.005). The caesarean section rate and perinatal mortality are high in this case. Conclusion: The quality of prenatal contact is insufficient in our context. The absence or inadequacy of the latter has a strong negative impact on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Practices of Maternity’s Care Providers in the Municipality of Kozah 1 Regarding the Administration of Vitamin K1, Eye Care, and Umbilical Cord Care in Immediate Postpartum Newborns

Background: Neonatal mortality is a real public health problem in the world and particularly in countries with limited resources. Essential care remains an effective means of reducing this mortality. Objective: To evaluate the practice of administering of vitamin K1, ocular and cord care in maternity wards in the Kozah 1 municipality. Method: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from March 1st to June 30th, 2022 in all maternity wards in the Kozah 1 municipality. Socioprofessional aspects of providers and those related to the administration of vitamin K1, ocular and cord care were studied. Results: Eighty-five (85) maternity providers were included in this study. The average age of the providers was 36.2 years with extremes of 21 and 55 years. Providers were midwives (51.8%), childbirth attendants (35.3%), and matrons (12.9%). The average length of practice was 9.5 years with extremes of 1 and 28 years. For three out of four providers (75.3%), the postpartum period was defined as a period of 02 hours following delivery. The importance of cord, ocular care, and administration of vitamin K1 in postpartum was known respectively by 84.7%, 98.8%, and 92.9% of the providers. Chlorhexidine gel was used by 81.2% of providers for umbilical cord care. For ocular disinfection, more than half of the providers (52.9%) reported using half-diluted povidone iodine. No center had displayed care protocol. Conclusion: This study highlighted the level of knowledge and practice of three essential postpartum care practices. The products used for the different care practices are consistent with recommendations but vary according to the care providers.

Prevalence of Types of Arterial Hypertension in Pregnant Women at the Maternity Ward of the Centre Médical Communal Les Flamboyants Conakry Guinea

Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AH) during pregnancy is defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg on two (2) successive visits separated by at least 4 hours in a woman who has been at rest for 10 to 15 minutes in the seated position and then in the left lateral decubitus position. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of arterial hypertension among pregnant women in the maternity ward of the CMC les Flamboyants. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting six (6) months, from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, of all pregnant women and/or parturients admitted to the maternity ward of the CMC les Flamboyants with a resting blood pressure (BP) greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg during the study period. Results: During the study period, we recorded 707 cases of pregnant and/or parturient women, 50 (7.07%) of whom were hypertensive. The average age of the patients was 29 years, with extremes of 18 and 41 years. The 20 - 29 age group was the most affected, with 26 cases (52%). Headache, dizziness and oedema of the lower limbs were constant in all cases. The risk factors for arterial hypertension were dominated by familial hypertension in 19 cases (38%), multiple gestures in 17 cases (34%) and a history of gestational hypertension in 16 cases (32%). Gestational age between 28 and 36 weeks’ amenorrhoea was the most common, with 20 cases (40%). Type I hypertension was most common on admission, with 34 cases (68%), followed by type II hypertension, with 8 cases (16%). Pre-eclampsia was the most frequent maternal complication with 27 cases (54%) followed by eclampsia with 15 cases (30%). Fetal distress was the most frequent fetal complication, 19 cases (38%), followed by death in utero 9 cases (18%). Conclusion: Compliance with consultation programmes and correct patient follow-up could help reduce maternal-foetal complications.

Perception of Male Nursing Students about Their Maternity Clinical Practice: A Cross-Sectional Survey from a Nursing College

The aim of this study was to explore the perception of male nursing students’ experiences and challenges in maternity clinical practice. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used. The self-administered questionnaire included 18 items 5-point Likert scale to identify the challenges experienced by male nursing students in their maternity clinical practice, and 14 items to assess comfort level in performing procedures in maternity clinical areas. Participants were 93 male nursing students who had completed their maternity clinical posting in different maternity clinical areas as a part of their nursing program, at the College of Nursing, Kuwait. Results showed that male nursing students are not very keen on undergoing maternity clinical training (Chi-square analysis χ2 = 96.939;P χ2 = 108.638;P χ2 = 5.297;P = 0.021). In conclusion, this study showed that being treated differently and being refused to provide care to clients were the main challenges faced by male nursing students during their maternity practice. The participants had a strong belief that they will not be accepted by maternity clients because of the gender difference and cultural influence. There is a need to design strategies in both academic and clinical settings to overcome barriers to male nursing students’ engagement in the various maternity care areas. Our findings also indicate the need to embrace gender diversity in maternity clinical practice and call for professionalism, gender and cultural awareness creation, and advocacy.

Impact of designed infection control educational program on nurses’knowledge and compliance with standard precautions at maternity hospitals

Objectives:This study aimed to assess the nurses’knowledge and compliance with infection control standard precautions and evaluate the impact of the designed infection control educational program on nurses’knowledge and compliance with standard precautions at the maternity hospital.Materials and Methods:A quasi‑experimental one‑group pretest‑posttest design was used on convenient sample of 60 nurses working at Obstetrics and Gynecological hospital in Cairo University Hospital,Kasr El Ainy,who received“designed infection control educational program”for 6 months.The data were collected through the questionnaire comprising demographics,knowledge,and compliance with standard precautions questionnaire.The nurses’knowledge and compliance score were compared before and after intervention.Results:The studied nurses had higher level of knowledge(85.3%)and compliance(92.8%)regarding infection control standard precautions after the educational program compared to before the program.The results revealed statistically significant difference between before and after the program regarding nurses’knowledge score(15.5±2.9 vs.17.1±1.6,P<0.001)and compliance score(58.5±13.2 vs.74.3±5.1,P<0.001).In addition,there was insignificant relation between nurses’knowledge and compliance with standard precautions both before(r=0.952,P=0.474)and after educational program(r=0.164,P=0.223).Conclusion:The nurses’level of knowledge and compliance regarding infection control standard precautions was significantly improved after the program.Therefore,it is recommended that periodical educational programs regarding the standard precautions of infection control are essential for nurses at maternity hospital.

Mistreatment during Childbirth: Impact on Maternal Outcomes and Importance of Provider Perspectives

Background: Dying in childbirth is one of the most common causes of death for women. While maternal mortality rates, defined as deaths per 100,000 live births, have been steadily dropping in most countries worldwide, maternal mortality rates have doubled in the United States in the last twenty years. This commentary examines the various contributing factors to this trend. Methods: A literature review was performed using the keywords: maternal mortality, United States, disrespectful maternity care, obstetric violence, provider perspectives, and disparities. Maternal mortality statistics were obtained from the World Health Organization website. Results: Medical factors associated with maternal mortality include increased maternal age and cardiovascular conditions. Social factors include barriers to healthcare access, delays in receiving medical care, reduction in reproductive health services in some states, and non-obstetrical deaths such as accidents, domestic violence, and suicide. Racial inequities and disparities of care are reflected in higher maternal mortality rates for minorities and people of color. Disrespectful maternity care or obstetric violence has been reported worldwide as a factor in delay of lifesaving obstetrical care and reluctance by a pregnant person to access the healthcare system. About one in five US women has reported experiencing mistreatment, varying from verbal abuse to lack of privacy, from coerced procedures to neglect during childbirth. Conclusion: This commentary highlights the importance of inclusion of providers in research on respectful maternity care. Provider burnout, moral distress, limited time, and burden of clinical responsibilities are known challenges to respectful and comprehensive medical care. The association of disrespectful care with poor maternal outcomes needs to be studied. Exploring root causes of disrespectful childbirth care can empower nurses, midwives, and physicians to improve their environment and find solutions to reduce a potential cause of maternal mortality.

Maternal Burnout: Prevalence and Associated Factors in Northern Benin (2023)

Introduction: Also known as maternal burnout syndrome, maternal burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion generated by prolonged stress in the family environment. It is experienced by women in their role as mothers. Those affected can develop psychological disorders, sleep disturbances, etc., all of which impair their day-to-day lives, and thus their maternal role. The repercussions affect both the child and other family members. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate maternal burnout among female users of public and private health facilities in the commune of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to July 2023 among all mothers using public and private health facilities in the commune of Parakou. All healthy mothers with at least one biological or adoptive child fully dependent on them and living at home, who came for a consultation in one of the health facilities or for an appointment at the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and gave their free and informed consent. Sampling was done for non-exhaustive convenience were included in the study. Burnout was assessed using the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA) scale. Results: A total of 888 mothers meeting the inclusion criteria were surveyed. The prevalence of burnout calculated using the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA) scale was 6.19%. The risk factors for maternal burnout were poor relationships with family and friends (OR = 8.90;p = 0.045), moderate (OR = 11.71;p = 0.020) and severe depression (OR = 40.85;p = 0.001), followed by the presence of repeated nocturnal awakening (OR = 5.14;p = 0.014). Conclusion: This is a subject that is almost never discussed in African society, but whose reality is revealed by the present study, which provided statistical data on maternal burnout. From now on, the risk of burnout will no longer be discussed solely in the family context. It will also need to be explored within the family unit to prevent its deleterious consequences for children and adults alike.

Retrospective Cohort Study to Investigate Pregnancy Outcomes in a Population of Advanced Maternal Age Congolese Women of Kinshasa: A Study Protocol

Introduction: Pregnancies at advanced maternal age (AMA) are those occurring after the age of 35 years old. They carry a high risk of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality, thus constituting a public health problem. Several African countries have reported an upward trend in both the age of childbirth and the frequency of women with AMA over the past 20 years. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality remain very high, data on AMA pregnancies go back more than 20 years. Objective: We propose evaluating obstetrical outcomes among women in AMA in our setting and the associated factors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study will be conducted in two healthcare facilities (ESS) in Kinshasa. The study population will consist of all women who delivered a single fetus after 28 weeks of gestation between January 2012 and December 2022 (10 years) in the selected ESS. The data collected will be analyzed using R software version 4.2.0. Quantitative variables will be summarized as means with standard deviation or medians with interquartile range. Qualitative variables will be presented as proportions (%). Multivariate logistic regression will be used to determine the main maternal-fetal complications associated with AMA and predictors of obstetric outcomes. P Discussion: The high maternal and infant mortality rates in DRC are among the highest in the world. The context of maternal age has become a topic of growing interest due to its potential implications for the health of women and newborns, it is crucial to identify the risk factors associated with obstetric outcomes by identifying obstetrical outcomes associated with advanced maternal age in the DRC. Many Congolese women tend to start their maternity journey at a relatively young age. However, there is also an emerging trend towards delayed childbearing, particularly in urban areas and among women with access to education and family planning services. Conclusion: The results of this study will enable us to update the frequency of AMA pregnancies in our environment. The socio-demographic and clinical profile of these pregnancies will be determined. The main maternal-fetal complications associated with AMA in our setting and the associated factors will be identified.

Effects of Maternal Death on Children Living in the Sagnarigu Municipality

Introduction: The greatest effect of maternal mortality is renowned in children aged 2 - 5 months whose mothers had died. Children whose mothers died due to maternal complications were likely to record a higher mortality in infancy compared to children of surviving mothers. Motherless children mostly suffer a lot due to lack of day-to-day care, isolation, lack of motivation as well as economic cost associated with mother’s death. Thus, the purpose of this study was to ascertain the lives of children whose mothers passed away during childbirth at the Sagnarigu Municipality. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out at the Sagnarigu Municipal. The study recruited 297 respondents. To assess the effects of maternal death on the lives of children, families that experienced maternal death were assessed. The number of pregnancies experienced by the deceased woman, pregnancy-related complaints experienced, determinants of maternal death, number of children alive, and their standard of living were assessed with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Results: The data showed that negligence, illiteracy, poor road access, poverty, ignorance, delays in recognizing the problem, delays in making appropriate decisions, delays in the health facility, delays in giving the appropriate treatments, and traditional beliefs were some of the factors that led to maternal death in the Sagnarigu Municipality. Conclusion: The study concluded that determinants of maternal death in the Sagnarigu Municipal included the following;negligence, illiteracy, poverty, and delays in recognizing the problem. The study findings also demonstrated that the effects of maternal death on children are diverse and cut across different areas of a child’s life including livelihood sustenance, healthcare, education, and emotional and psychological development.

Analysis of Maternal Mortality at the Maradi Maternal and Child Health Center/Niger: About 379 Cases

Introduction: Pregnancy, childbirth, and their consequences continue to be the leading cause of death, illness, and disability among women of reproductive age in developing countries. In Niger, maternal deaths account for about 39% of all deaths of women aged 15-49. Our aim was to identify the factors linked to maternal mortality in order to contribute to its reduction. Method: this is a descriptive retrospective study of 379 cases of maternal deaths collected at the Maradi CSME from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021.Results: Our study’s maternal mortality ratio is 2645.72 per 100,000 live births. The mean age of our patients was 27.46 years, with extremes ranging from 15 to 47 years. The 20-24 age group was the most represented, with 88 cases (23.2%). Housewives were 361 (95.3%), and 334 patients (88.1%) were uneducated. There were 261 of them from rural areas, i.e. 69%. The mean parity in our study was 3.46, with extremes ranging from 0 to 15. Multiparous patients 117 cases (30.9%) represented the most significant proportion. Only 42 patients (11.08%) had performed four or more antenatal consultations. Direct obstetric causes accounted for 56.73% of the causes of maternal death. Anemia was the leading cause of maternal death (31.66%). Nearly half of the patients had died before 24 hours after admission, i.e. 49.86%. Conclusion: Maternal mortality remains a significant challenge for developing countries, given its magnitude and timid decline. The fight to reduce maternal mortality must be the priority of our countries’ health policies.

Maternal Fetal Prognosis: Pregnancy and Delivery in Women of 40 Years Old and Over in a Second Reference Hospital in Bamako

Introduction: Late pregnancies are considered a public health problem linked to maternal mortality due to their complications. These risks, which worsen with maternal age, should be better known and taken into account in monitoring these pregnancies. Objective: To evaluate the impact of age on the prevalence of obstetric and neonatal complications among parturients of 40 years old and over. Methodology: This was an 11-year retrospective analytical case control study from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2017. The study population was female patients of 40 years old or older for cases and female patients younger than 40 years of control case. Results: In total, we collected 640 cases of parturients of 40 years old and over out of a total of 84,234 deliveries during the study period;i.e. a frequency of 0.76%. Spontaneous abortion increased in patients of 40 and over with 8.28%. Hypertension and diabetes were higher of women of 40 and over, 52.65%. Concerning the method of admission: 55% of parturients of 40 and over were referrals. Incidents occurring among women of 40 and over were more pronounced than in control cases. Complications during vaginal delivery, cervical tear, perineal tear, uterine dehiscence and uterine rupture are high in our cases, i.e. 11.88%;3.59%;2.19%;2.66. During our study, depending on the type of delivery, the cesarean rate was much higher among women of 40 and over than among control cases, i.e. 54.22% versus 12.24%. Hemorrhages in the 3rd trimester were the main indications for cesarean section. Hemorrhages in the 3rd trimester were more frequent with women of 40 and over, i.e. 10.47%;5.94% versus 1.74% and 0.42%. As for the different types of malformations in parturients, women under 40 years old fetal malformations were absent in 92.29%, on the other hand they were more frequent in patients with 40 years and over, i.e. a normal frequency of 36.72%. Conclusion: Pregnancy at a late age exposes the elderly patient and the newborn to several risks. During this study, an increase in maternal-fetal morbidity was observed with aged women.

Effect of the Implementation of Emonc in the Reduction of Maternal Deaths in the Department of Collines from 2018 to 2022

Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality remains a public health problem in Benin. Each year, approximately 1500 maternal deaths and more than 12,000 newborn deaths are recorded there. In order to correct the situation, strategies such as the implementation of Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) were initiated. Objective: Determine the rates of maternal deaths in EmONC centers in the Collines department from 2018 to 2022. Framework and Methods: The study took place in Benin precisely in the Collines department. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data collection was carried out during the first two weeks of January 2023 and covered data from the 09 Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care centers (BEMONC) and the Obstetric and Neonatal Care centers of Complete Emergency (CEmONC) of the Collines department from 2018 to 2022. An estimate of the ratios of maternal deaths occurring at the level of the EmONC centers of the Collines department from 2018-2022 was carried out followed by constructive suggestions. Results: During the five years (2018 to 2022), the Collines department recorded 42,582 live births with 148 maternal deaths, i.e. a ratio of 348 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Between 2018 and 2022, the highest maternal death ratio was recorded in 2019, i.e. 425 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births for all EmONC centers and 607 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in EmONC centers. The highest maternal death ratio at the BEmONC center level was recorded in 2020, i.e. 129 maternal deaths per 100,000 births. Conclusion: These results suggest that despite the implementation of EmONC in the Collines department, maternal deaths have not decreased. To improve these outcomes for a reduction in maternal deaths, urgent action must be taken.

Study of Factors Associated with Maternal Deaths at Timbuktu Hospital in Mali

Introduction: Despite progress in universal health coverage, maternal mortality remains a concern for developing countries, including Mali. The problem is not due only to a lack of health services but to a combination of factors that need to be identified to give hope to women of childbearing age. Objective: Determine the factors associated with maternal mortality in the Timbuktu region of Mali. Methodology: Retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022 using a questionnaire and an interview guide to determine the factors associated with maternal mortality in the Timbuktu region of Mali. Results: A total of 112 maternal deaths were recorded between 2018 and 2022. The average age of the women who died was 26 years (standard deviation 7.6 years). The 14 – 23-year-old age group is the most affected (43.8%). 66.1% of women came from rural areas. Illiteracy (77.7%), lack of ANC (54.5%), distance of households from health facilities (76%) and insecurity (52.7%) have been identified as factors contributing to maternal mortality. Conclusion: This study reported a high prevalence of maternal mortality rates that may be associated with women’s socioeconomic conditions. Actions must be developed to integrate CPN into an advanced strategy for women living in rural areas in Mali.

Epidemiology of Maternal Deaths from 2017 to 2022 in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the University Hospital of Tengandogo, Burkina Faso

Background: Although maternal mortality is declining in most countries, it remains a significant public health problem worldwide, with high rates, particularly in developing and insecure countries like ours. Objective: To study the epidemiological factors and factors associated with the occurrence of maternal death in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of University Hospital of Tengandogo. Method: It was a retrospective case-control study with a descriptive and analytical purpose over a period of 6 years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Cases were women with maternal deaths during the study period. Data processing and analysis were performed using Stata version 13 software. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with Stata version 13 software, and logistic regression modeling was used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR), their 95% confidence intervals (CI), and the threshold for statistical significance was set at a p value < 0.05. Results: A total of 372 patients were included in the study, including 146 cases of maternal death. The in-hospital maternal mortality rate was 1933 deaths per 100,000 live births. The average age was 28.5 years. 58.9% of patients lived in rural areas. Married patients accounted for 88.7% of cases. The average parity was 3. Direct obstetrical causes were the main causes of death, accounting for 72.6%. They were dominated by post-partum hemorrhage (24.2%), puerperal infection (18.6%), pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (16.1%) and retroplacental hematoma (8.9%). Chronic anemia (12.9%) was the main indirect obstetric cause. Risk factors associated with maternal death were primiparity (OR for paucigravida and multigravida at 0.05;P = 0.001);ambulance transport (OR for patients referred and brought in by personal vehicle = 0.3, p < 0.001) and vaginal delivery (OR for cesarean deliveries = 0.4, p < 0.001). Conclusion: To reduce maternal mortality in Burkina Faso, strategies such as educating women about danger signs during pregnancy and promoting women’s education can be adopted.

Review of Maternal Deaths over 3 and a Half Years at the Kara University Hospital Center, Northern Togo: About 65 Cases

Objective: To analyze maternal deaths, identify causes and dysfunctions leading to these deaths in order to contribute to the implementation of strategies to reduce maternal mortality at CHU Kara. Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study involving 65 cases of maternal deaths recorded at CHU-Kara from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021. Results: Our study focused on 65 cases of maternal deaths recorded at the maternity ward of CHU-Kara. The average age was 30 years, with a range of 15 to 45 years. They were mostly housewives (52.3%), uneducated (38.5%), multiparous (41.5%), and referred (86.2%). The causes were mainly direct obstetric causes (81.54%), with preeclampsia and its complications (28.30%) and immediate postpartum hemorrhage (20.75%) being the most common. However, uterine rupture (20.5%) and post-abortion sepsis (16.4%) were the most lethal etiologies. Delayed evacuation (46.43%), inadequate transportation (91%), and insufficient prenatal care (72.31%) were the dysfunctions before referral. Within the CHU Kara, delays in management (58.46%), unavailability of blood and labile products (18%), and insufficient monitoring were the dysfunctions identified. Ninety-five point four percent (95.4%) of the deaths were preventable. Conclusion: The magnitude of intrahospital maternal deaths, the various dysfunctions observed in the occurrence of maternal deaths before referral/evacuation and within the hospital highlight the importance of effectively implementing recommendations from audits in the fight against maternal mortality. The majority of the deaths were preventable (95.38%).

Maternal Mortality Rates among Im/Migrant Populations in the United States

Introduction: Maternal mortality rates have more than doubled in the U.S over the last two decades, making it one of the few places in the world where maternal mortality is increasing. Differences in maternal mortality among certain races and ethnicities are known but few studies examine maternal mortality among immigrants. Since immigrants represent 13.7% of the U.S. population, it is essential to examine immigrant subsets to understand maternal mortality among this vulnerable population. Methods: A literature search identified 318 articles on maternal mortality and immigrants, with 12 articles from the U.S. The keywords included maternal mortality, United States, migrants, asylum seekers, immigrants, and disparities. Maternal mortality statistics were obtained from the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control. Results: Studies analyzed in this review found an overall lower maternal mortality rate among immigrant women compared to U.S.-born women, except for Hispanic immigrant women. Black women had the highest maternal mortality rate, regardless of immigration status. Conclusion: Although the literature points to lower maternal mortality among immigrants, the data is still somewhat mixed, making it challenging to draw comprehensive conclusions. Additional research examining maternal mortality among Im/migrants in the U.S. is needed to guide future training among healthcare professionals and policymakers.

Interactions between maternal parity and feed additives drive the composition of pig gut microbiomes in the post‑weaning period

Background Nursery pigs undergo stressors in the post-weaning period that result in production and welfare chal-lenges.These challenges disproportionately impact the offspring of primiparous sows compared to those of mul-tiparous counterparts.Little is known regarding potential interactions between parity and feed additives in the post-weaning period and their effects on nursery pig microbiomes.Therefore,the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal parity on sow and offspring microbiomes and the influence of sow parity on pig fecal microbi-ome and performance in response to a prebiotic post-weaning.At weaning,piglets were allotted into three treat-ment groups:a standard nursery diet including pharmacological doses of Zn and Cu(Con),a group fed a commercial prebiotic only(Preb)based on an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,and a group fed the same prebiotic plus Zn and Cu(Preb+ZnCu).Results Although there were no differences in vaginal microbiome composition between primiparous and mul-tiparous sows,fecal microbiome composition was different(R^(2)=0.02,P=0.03).The fecal microbiomes of primiparous offspring displayed significantly higher bacterial diversity compared to multiparous offspring at d 0 and d 21 post-weaning(P<0.01),with differences in community composition observed at d 21(R^(2)=0.03,P=0.04).When analyzing the effects of maternal parity within each treatment,only the Preb diet triggered significant microbiome distinc-tions between primiparous and multiparous offspring(d 21:R^(2)=0.13,P=0.01;d 42:R^(2)=0.19,P=0.001).Composi-tional differences in pig fecal microbiomes between treatments were observed only at d 21(R^(2)=0.12,P=0.001).Pigs in the Con group gained significantly more weight throughout the nursery period when compared to those in the Preb+ZnCu group.Conclusions Nursery pig gut microbiome composition was influenced by supplementation with an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,with varying effects on performance when combined with pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu or for offspring of different maternal parity groups.These results indicate that the development of nursery pig gut microbiomes is shaped by maternal parity and potential interactions with the effects of dietary feed additives.

Serum Calcium Ionised Rate and Materno-Perinatal Prognosis in Arterial Hypertension in Pregnancy at the Reference General Hospital of Panzi

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the leading causes of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the leading causes of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries, maternal hypocalcaemia being a factor favouring the onset of arterial hypertension during pregnancy. The aim was to determine the maternal and perinatal prognosis of patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as a function of serum ionised calcium levels. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study of 114 patients with arterial hypertension during pregnancy or during pregnancy or in the postpartum period at the HGR/Panzi from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2022, text was entered using Microsoft Office Word 2010 and the tables were analysed using Excel 2010. The data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0 and Stata 14.0. The associations of the variables were calculated using Pearson's chi-square test, with a significance threshold set at a value of p < 0.05. Study of risk factors, Odds ratios and their confidence intervals were estimated in a univariate analysis. The most determining factors were identified by multivariate analysis using the Forward conditional logistic regression model. Results: The mean gestational age was 34.43 ± 4.327 amenorheas weeks, 46.6% of patients had a vaginal delivery, 66.65% of which were indicated for maternal prognosis, maternal complications were associated with maternal hypocalcaemia in 81, 82% (P = 0.043) and an OR = 3.255 (P = 0.0158) threefold risk that the patient presenting with a complication is likely to be in a state of hypocalcaemia at 95% confidence index, and fetal prognosis was not significantly related to maternal calcaemia. Conclusion: Maternal hypocalcaemia is one of the factors that can influence maternal-foetal complications maternal-fetal complications, early management and prevention of this pathology is pathology is important to reduce maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality.

Association of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) with Factors Related to Maternal Health and Pregnancy in Newborns in Puerto Rico

Background:Given the pervasive issues of obesity and diabetes both in Puerto Rico and the broader United States,there is a compelling need to investigate the intricate interplay among body mass index(BMI),pregesta-tional,and gestational maternal diabetes,and their potential impact on the occurrence of congenital heart defects(CHD)during neonatal development.Methods:Using the comprehensive System of Vigilance and Surveillance of Congenital Defects in Puerto Rico,we conducted a focused analysis on neonates diagnosed with CHD between 2016 and 2020.Our assessment encompassed a range of variables,including maternal age,gestational age,BMI,pregestational diabetes,gestational diabetes,hypertension,history of abortion,and presence of preeclampsia.Results:A cohort of 673 patients was included in our study.The average maternal age was 26 years,within a range of 22 to 32 years.The mean gestational age measured 39 weeks,with a median span of 38 to 39 weeks.Of the 673 patients,274(41%)mothers gave birth to neonates diagnosed with CHD.Within this group,22 cases were linked to pre-gestational diabetes,while 202 were not;20 instances were associated with gestational diabetes,compared to 200 without;and 148 cases exhibited an overweight or obese BMI,whereas 126 displayed a normal BMI.Conclusion:We identified a statistically significant correlation between pre-gestational diabetes mellitus and the occurrence of CHD.However,our analysis did not show a statistically significant association between maternal BMI and the likelihood of CHD.These results may aid in developing effective strategies to prevent and manage CHD in neonates.

Mobile health interventions for improving maternal and child health outcomes in South Africa:a systematic review

Background:Maternal and child health(MCH)remains a significant public health concern globally despite previous efforts made to improve MCH services.Initiatives such as antenatal care,postnatal care services exclusive breastfeeding,child vaccination and supplements have been rolled out to improve MCH outcomes.However,inadequate maternal healthcare,socioeconomic factors,obstetric haemorrhaging,complications of hypertension during pregnancy,lack of maternal information,poor universal health coverage and uptake of MCH services exacerbate maternal mortality and child mortality rates,especially in resource-constrained areas in many sub-Saharan African countries including South Africa.Objective:This study aimed to review mobile health(mHealth)interventions deployed to improve maternal and child health outcomes.Methods:The study adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses model to search and retrieve relevant literature from reputable,prominent electronic databases(Google Scholar,Scopus,PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,Web of Science,etc.).A total of 26 papers were selected and analyzed.Results:The findings revealed several mHealth interventions such as MomConnect,Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action,NurseConnect,ChildConnect,CommCare,Road to Health Application and Philani Mobile Video Intervention for Exclusive Breastfeeding have been utilized by healthcare workers and women to improve access to MCH services.However,inadequate digital infrastructure,digital divide,resistance to change,inadequate funding,language barriers,short message service and data costs,lack of digital skills and support,compatibility,scalability and interoperability issues,legislative and policy compliance,lack of mHealth awareness,data security and privacy concerns hinder uptake and utilisation of mHealth interventions.There is a need to scale up and sustain mHealth interventions and update existing regulatory framework,policies and strategies.Conclusion:mHealth interventions offer unprecedented opportunities to improve access to maternal information and substantially improve maternal and child health services.Stakeholder engagement and the development of sustainable funding strategies are important for successfully implementing and scaling mHealth projects while addressing existing and emerging key issues.