Socio-Medical and Demographic Factors Associated with Perinatal Mortality in a Southern Benin Health Zone Hospital in 2020: A Case-Control Study

Background: Perinatal mortality remains a major public health concern in developing countries such as Benin. To better steer response interventions, this study was carried out in southern Benin with the aim of identifying the demographic and socio-medical factors linked to perinatal mortality. Methods: The case-control study, held from January 1 to December 31, 2020, covered 154 targets, including 77 cases of neonates deceased within the perinatal period and 77 live-born control neonates selected on a one-for-one basis. Univariate analysis using the McNemar test and logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for perinatal mortality, at a 5% threshold of significance. Results: Sahoué/mina ethnicities, only associated socio-demographic characteristic, increased the risk of perinatal death by 2.47 times (p = 0.008). Mother’s age, education, occupation, marital status, and household size were not associated (p > 0.05). Risk of death was increased 2.5 times when the mother was referred (p = 0.007), 3.3 times when she came from a hard-to-reach locality (p Conclusion: Although attention must also be paid to referral and access to care, this study identifies antenatal consultation as the main target of any intervention to reduce perinatal mortality.

Impact of nurse staffing on reducing infant, neonatal and perinatal mortality rates: Evidence from panel data analysis in 35 OECD countries

Objectives:To investigate the magnitude of effect nurse staffing had on decreasing the newborn mortality rates in member countries of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD).Methods:The statistical technique of panel data analysis was applied to explore the possibility of association between the number of nurses'density per 1,000 population and infant,neonatal and perinatal mortality rates(IMR,NMR and PMR)per 1000 births.The observations of 35 OECD countries were collected over the period of 2000 through 2016.Results:There were significant associations between nurse staffing and IMR,NMR and PMR i.e.a 1%increase in nurse-staffing level reduced IMR,NMR and PMR by 0.98%,0.97%and 0.96%,respectively.Furthermore,the role of nursing-related services in declining the average of newborn mortality rates were investigated at the highest level in Slovenia(-5.50),Sweden(-3.34),Iceland(-2.51),Czech Republic(-1.86),Japan(-1.64)and Finland(-1.64).Moreover,if the current relationship between nursestaffing level and newborn mortality rates are disturbed with nursing shortage(e.g.in Slovak Republic and Israel),then it takes about 17 years for the mortality rates to reduce and restore back to the previous equilibrium.Conclusions:A higher proportion of nurses'density per 1,000 population is associated with lower newborn mortality rates.In addition,the nursing-related services of Slovenia,Sweden,Iceland,Czech Republic,Japan and Finland with the highest impact on improving the health level of newborns would be good patterns for other developed countries in maternity and child health care.

Evaluation of Perinatal Mortality Surveillance System in the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Background: In Zimbabwe, the perinatal mortality surveillance system is based on passive reporting of perinatal deaths using the perinatal death notification forms. Mpilo hospital recorded 74 perinatal deaths from January to September. No death was reported to the city and no perinatal mortality forms were found at the health information section. We aimed to assess the performance of perinatal mortality surveillance system in Bulawayo city. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in all the maternity centres in Bulawayo City in 2011 using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems. We used interviewer-administrated questionnaires to collect data. We used a checklist to assess availability of resources. Perinatal death notification forms were reviewed. Results: We interviewed 67 workers. Knowledge on the system was poor. Eight (12%) were trained in IDSR (Integrated Disease Surveillance Response) and three (4.5%) were inducted on the perinatal mortality surveillance system. Sixty-one (91%) regarded the system as useful. City and private maternity centres were not notifying perinatal deaths due to lack of forms. In central hospitals, delay in notification was due to workload and shortage of trained staff. Conclusion: Poor knowledge on the system, lack of induction and trained staff could have contributed to the non-performance of the system in the City of Bulawayo. Most participants reported the system as useful. Lack of documentation made it difficult to follow up on actions plans.

Antenatal Corticosteroid Use and Perinatal Mortality According to Gestational Age among Preterm Singletons Born at 27 to 34 Weeks of Gestation in Hospitals in Tanzania

Background: Antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) treatment has been proven to decrease rates of adverse perinatal outcomes when administered to pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery. Given the uncertainty about the benefit of ACS according to gestational age, we aimed to examine whether there was any benefit of ACS on perinatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) according to different gestational ages at birth. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from an observational prospective chart review study was conducted in four hospitals located in the Mwanza region, Tanzania. The study population consisted of singleton infants delivered between 27 and 34 weeks of gestation between July 2019 and February 2020. Sociodemographic and medical data were recorded from participants’ medical records. Results: Over an eight-month period, 838 preterm singletons were delivered between 27 and 34 weeks of gestation. Three hundred and twelve (37.2%) pregnant women received at least one dose of ACS. Among infants exposed to ACS, perinatal mortality rates were significantly lower than those without exposure at the 27th week (27.8% vs 94.4%, P < 0.001), the 29th week (13.3% vs 51.4%, P = 0.012) and the 34th week (3.0% vs 18.2%, P < 0.001). Among infants exposed to ACS, the RDS rate was significantly lower than those without exposure only at the 32nd week (9.5% vs 25.0%, P = 0.039). Conclusion: Our findings add to the literature about the benefits of ACS for preterm infants of various gestational ages in low-resource settings. Compared to unexposed infants, those exposed to ACS and born at 27th and 34th weeks of gestation experienced lower rates of perinatal mortality. Future research, especially among infants born before the 27th week of pregnancy, is a priority.

Perinatal Morbidity, Mortality, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Neonates with Fetal Growth Restriction

Objective: This study aimed to assess perinatal morbidity, mortality rates, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the management of fetal growth restriction (FGR) at a single tertiary institute. Methods: Among 2465 deliveries between 2013 and 2019, 109 cases of FGR were reviewed retrospectively for causes, indications for pregnancy termination, perinatal death, overall neonatal outcomes, and long-term prognosis. Results: Excluding FGR due to congenital anomalies (n = 17), the mortality rate was 3.3% (3/92). One neonate delivered at 23 weeks developed cerebral palsy (1.1%). Retinopathy of prematurity occurred in four neonates (4.3%). Neurodevelopmental disorders were present in six neonates (6.5%), all of whom were delivered at 32 - 38 weeks. Significantly lower gestational age at delivery, lower birth weight, and higher umbilical artery resistance indices were observed in neonates with neurodevelopmental disorders. Conclusions: Intact survival before 27 weeks of gestation at delivery with FGR is uncommon. Neurodevelopmental disorders may still develop after delivery at 32 - 38 weeks;consideration should be given to the timing of delivery usingfetal ductus venosus Doppler waveforms measurements to reduce neurodevelopmental disorders.

Analysis of Perinatal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancy in a Referral Hospital for High Risk

Introduction: The incidence of twin pregnancies has increased significantly in recent decades. These pregnancies require more attention due to their worse outcomes than singleton pregnancies. Objective: To analyze the characteristics and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies at the Caxias do Sul General Hospital. Methods: This is a descriptive and retrospective study that included all births related to twin pregnancies between March 1998 and June 2018. Maternal and perinatal variables were analyzed. Descriptive analyses were carried out using measures of central tendency and dispersion for continuous variables (mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range), according to a prior assessment of distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and absolute (n) and relative (n%) frequencies for categorical variables. Results: 172 pairs of twins/21,972 births (0.8%) were identified. There was a high percentage of interpartum interval of less than 12 months, adherence and prenatal visits, body mass index, and need for neonatal intensive care. Stillbirth and neomortality rates were within acceptable parameters. Conclusion: The sample studied showed a percentage similar to that in the literature, a high rate of maternal and perinatal complications, characterizing it as a high-risk fetal pregnancy.

A comparison of perinatal and infant mortality rates in British Columbia and Finland:Similarities and differences

Introduction: Despite similarities, perinatal and infant mortality rates between British Columbia, (BC) Canada and Finland differ. Key variables that may influence stillbirth, early neonatal, perinatal and infant mortality rates in BC and Finland were studied. Methods: After standardizing definitions, data for all births between 2001 and 2009 from provincial and national registries were used to compare perinatal outcomes between BC and Finland. Annual change was evaluated with regression analyses. Results: Births before 22 weeks gestation were excluded. All mortality rates per 1000 were lower in Finland vs BC (perinatal: 5.1 vs 6.2, stillbirth: 3.4 vs 3.9, early neonatal 1.7 vs 2.4, infant 2.9 vs 4.0;all p Higher multiple birth and preterm birth rates in BC are affecting mortality rates. Finland’s policy of single embryo transfer is a potential explanation. It is possible to have good perinatal outcomes and low caesarean section rates. Conclusions: The Finnish health care system may suggest possible solutions for improved perinatal outcomes. Lower per capita health care expenditures in Finland do not appear to have adversely affected perinatal outcomes.

Perinatal Outcome and Frequency of Congenital Malformations in Pregnancy Complicated with Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare perinatal outcomes and frequency of congenital malformations in pregnancy that are complicated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Study Design: This prospective study included 557 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes and 149 pregnant women with type 2 diabetes that gave birth in the Clinic for Diabetes in Pregnancy in Zagreb, from January 2000 to December 2012. Results: Women with type 2 diabetes were significantly older than women with type 1 diabetes (p < 0.003;32.8 ± 5.5 versus 29.3 ± 3.2) and they have significantly higher BMI compared to type 1 diabetes (P < 0.001;29.2 ± 6.5 versus 23.5 ± 3.8). Comparing their delivery patterns, women with type 1 diabetes were significantly more likely to give birth by caesarean section than women with type 2 diabetes (p < 0.001;466 versus 82). The offspring of women with type 1 diabetes were more likely to be delivered preterm in comparison with offspring of women with type 2 diabetes (109 versus 31). Macrosomia is recognized characteristic of pregnancies complicated by diabetes and its incidence was significantly higher in women with type 1 diabetes compared to women with type 2 diabetes (p < 0.035;174 versus 38). Neonatal malformations were higher in women with type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes (12 versus 7), but not statistically significant. Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were statistically significantly higher in the first trimester (8.02% v. 6.72%), second (7.55% versus 6.27%) and third trimester (7.40% versus 6.03%) in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes that gave birth to neonates with congenital malformations. Perinatal mortality was higher in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes than in women with type 2 diabetes (4 versus 2) but not statistically significant. Conclusion: Comparing perinatal mortality and frequency of congenital malformations in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, we didn’t find any important statistical differences. There is no significant difference in complication for babies of women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and it is likely that the most important causative factor is a high maternal blood glucose concentration.

A Six-Year Review of Caesarean Sections at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria

Background: Globally, the rise in the rate of caesarean section is becoming a public health problem. This study examined the rate, indications and complications of caesarean section at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA). Subjects and Methods: This was a six-year retrospective study covering January 1st 2012 to December 31st 2017. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified from the theatre records and their case notes retrieved from the health information unit of the hospital. Information extracted includes sociodemographic data, indications and types of caesarean section performed and the complications. Data was collected using a structured proforma and entered into a secured personal computer. Data analysis was performed by means of Epi Info version 7. Results are presented in tables, means and simple percentages. Results: During this period, a total of 11,215 deliveries were recorded at FETHA, of these, 3908 were delivered by CS giving a caesarean section rate of 34.8%. The mean age of the study subjects was 29.3 ± 5.03 years. Almost half (49.7%) of the patients were in the 20 - 29 age group. Multiparous women made up 36.0% while nulliparous women were 12.6%. The most common indication for an emergency caesarean section was failure to progress in labour with 20.0% contribution and the most common indication for elective caesarean section was previous caesarean section with 13.5%. Majority of the babies were delivered at term (77.0%) with an average gestational age of 38 ± 2.6 weeks. Almost two-thirds of the subjects (62.5%) had emergency caesarean section. The average birthweight was 3.03 ± 0.71 kg. Maternal anaemia was the most common complication recorded 38.0%. There was direct maternal death in 2.0% of the study population. Severe birth asphyxia was recorded in 12.3% of the babies while there was 3.2% perinatal death. Conclusion: There is a high rate of caesarean section from this study. The World Health Organization has stated that there is no additional maternal or fetal benefit with caesarean section rate of greater than 10% - 15%. Stakeholders and policy makers need to do more to mitigate this rising trend.

Management and Maternal-Fetal Prognosis of Placental Abruption: A Retrospective Study of 130 Cases

Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic factors and assess treatment of placental abruption in the obstetrics gynecology department of the Dakar Principal Hospital. Patients and Method: We carried out a retrospective observational study of 130 successive cases of placental abruption, which occurred from January 2015 to December 2017 at the Level 3 Maternity Unit of the Dakar Principal Hospital. Data were collected from non-computerized obstetric records and analyzed using Excel and Epi info software. Results: There were 130 cases of placental abruption, that is a prevalence of 1.5%. The average age of onset of placental abruption was 30 years. The history of hypertension concerned 32.3% of patients, the average gestational age of 32.5 weeks at the time of diagnosis, grade 3 of Sher was found in 48.5% of cases. The outcome of the pregnancy was a caesarean section in 79.2% of cases, the average weight of newborns was 2058 g. The management of the complications required a blood transfusion and intensive care. A haemostasis hysterectomy was performed in 6.2% of cases. Stillbirth rate was 53.7% and maternal mortality was zero. Discussion and Conclusion: Placental abruption, a severe complication of pregnancy, is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality linked to the severity of the clinical picture, despite an improved maternal prognosis.

The Survey of Birth Defects Rate Based on Birth Registration System

Background：To investigate the surveillance trend of birth defects,incidence,distribution,occurrence regularity,and their relevant factors in Xi＇an City in the last 10 years for proposing control measures.Methods：The birth defects monitoring data of infants during perinatal period （28 weeks of gestation to 7 days after birth） were collected from obstetrics departments of all hospitals during 2003-2012.Microsoft Excel 2003 was used for data input,and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0 （International Business Machines Corporation,New York,NY,USA） was used for descriptive analysis.χ^2 test,Spearman correlation and linear-by-linear association trend test were used for statistical analyses.Results：The birth defect rate declined from 9.18% in 2003 to 7.00% in 2012 （χ^2 =45.001,P 〈 0.01） with a mean value of 7.85%,which is below the Chinese national average level （χ^2 =20.451,P 〈 0.01）.The order of five most common birth defects has changed.The incidence of congenital heart disease （CHD） increased with time,particularly after 2012,it became the most frequent type （rs =0.808,P 〈 0.001）.Till then,the number of neural tube defects （NTDs） declined significantly （χ^2 =76.254,P 〈 0.01）.The average birth defects rate of 8.11% in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas （7.56%,χ^2 =7.919,P 〈 0.01） and much higher in males （8.28%） than that in females （7.18%,χ^2 =32.397,P 〈 0.0 1）.Maternal age older than 35 years （χ^2 =35.298,P 〈 0.01） is the most dangerous age bracket of birth defects than maternal age younger than 20 years （χ^2 =7.128,P 〈 0.0l）.Conclusions：A downward trend of birth defects was observed in Xi＇an City from 2003 to 2012.NTDs significantly decreased after large-scale supplemental folic acid intervention,while the incidence rate of CHD significantly increased.

Highlights from the International Twins Congress 2021

Toeditor:The Twins Congress(TC)2021 took place in Beijing(China)from June 4-6,2021.The TC was organized jointly with the International Society for Twin Studies and held in conjunction with the Fifth Joint World Congress on Twin Pregnancy.This was the first time the TC had been held in Asia.The TC was chaired by professors Gian Carlo Di Renzo(ltaly),Jeffrey Craig(Australia),Asma Khalil(United Kingdom),and Ruben Quintero(United States).The local host was Professor Huixia Yang.Other members of the International Advisory Committee included professors Liona Poon(Hong Kong SAR,China),Jose Luis Bartha(Spain),Roberto Romero(United States),Gerard H.A.Visser(the Netherlands),and Tak Yeung Leung(Hong Kong SAR,China).