scholarly journals Neonatal Mortality is Modulated by Gestational Age, Birthweight and Fetal Heart Rate Abnormalities in the Low Resource Setting in Tanzania – a Five Year Review 2015-2019

Author(s):  
Aisa Shayo ◽  
Pendo Mlay ◽  
Emily Ahn ◽  
Hussein Kidanto ◽  
Michael Espiritu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Neonatal mortality (NM) remains a significant problem in low resource settings. Birth asphyxia (BA) and prematurity contribute significantly to NM. The study objectives were to determine first, the overall NM as well as yearly neonatal mortality rate from 2015 to 2019. Second, the impact of decreasing GA (<37 weeks) and BW (<2500 grams) on NM. Third, the contribution of intrapartum and delivery room (DR) factors and in particular fetal heart rate abnormalities (FHRT) on NM <7 days. Methods Retrospective cohort study. Labor and delivery room data were obtained from 2015 to 2019 and included BW, GA, fetal heart rate (FHRT) abnormalities, bag mask ventilation (BMV) during resuscitation, initial temperature, antenatal steroids use. Outcome was binary i.e. either death < 7 days or survival. Analysis included t tests, odds ratios (OR) and multiple logistic regression Results The overall neonatal mortality rate was 18/1000 livebirths over the five years. NM was significantly higher for newborns <37 versus ≥37 weeks, OR 10.5 (p<0.0001) and BW <2500 versus ≥2500g OR 9.9 (p<0.0001). For infants <1000g / <28 weeks, the neonatal mortality rate was ~ 588/1000 livebirths. Variables associated with NM included BW - odds of death decreased by 0.55 for every 500g increase in weight, by 0.89 for every week increase in GA, NM increased 6.8-fold with BMV, 2.6-fold with abnormal FHRT, 2.2 fold with no antenatal corticosteroid (ACS), 2.6-fold with moderate hypothermia (all <0.0001). Conclusion NM rates was predominantly modulated by decreasing BW and GA, with smaller/ less mature newborns 10-fold more likely to die. NM in term newborns is strongly associated with FHRT abnormalities and when coupled with respiratory depression suggests BA. In smaller newborns, lack of ACS and moderate hypothermia were additional contributing factors. A composite perinatal approach is essential to achieve a sustained reduction in NM.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (03) ◽  
pp. e342-e345
Author(s):  
Jacques Balayla ◽  
Ariane Lasry ◽  
Yaron Gil ◽  
Alexander Volodarsky-Perel

AbstractOver the last 30 years, the caesarean section rate has reached global epidemic proportions. This trend is driven by multiple factors, an important one of which is the use and inconsistent interpretation of the electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) system. Despite its introduction in the 1960s, the EFM has not definitively improved neonatal outcomes, yet it has since significantly contributed to a seven-fold increase in the caesarean section rate. As we attempt to reduce the caesarean rates in the developed world, we should consider focusing on areas that have garnered little attention in the literature, such as physician sensitization to the poor predictive power of the EFM and the research method biases that are involved in studying the abnormal heart rate patterns—umbilical cord pH relationship. Herein, we apply Bayes theorem to different clinical scenarios to illustrate the poor predictive power of the EFM, as well as shed light on the principle of protopathic bias, which affects the classification of research outcomes among studies addressing the effects of the EFM on caesarean rates. We propose and discuss potential solutions to the aforementioned considerations, which include the re-examination of guidelines with which we interpret fetal heart rate patterns and the development of noninvasive technologies that evaluate fetal pH in real time.


2016 ◽  
Vol 127 ◽  
pp. 31S
Author(s):  
Horatio S. Falciglia ◽  
William K. Brady ◽  
Ronald Merkel ◽  
Vickie Glover ◽  
Angela N. Fellner

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma R. Allanson ◽  
Robert C. Pattinson ◽  
Elizabeth A. Nathan ◽  
Jan E. Dickinson

Abstract Introduction Rates of cesarean section (CS) are increasing and abnormal fetal heart rate tracing and concern about consequent acidosis remain one of the most common indications for primary CS. Umbilical artery (UA) lactate sampling provides clinicians with point of care feedback on CTG interpretation and intrapartum care and may result in altered future practice. Materials and methods From 3rd March - 12th November 2014 we undertook a before and after study in Pretoria, South Africa, to determine the impact of introducing a clinical package of fetal heart rate monitoring education and prompt feedback with UA cord lactate sampling, using a hand-held meter, on maternal and perinatal outcomes. Results Nine hundred thirty-six consecutive samples were analyzed (pre n = 374 and post n = 562). There was no difference in mean lactate (4.6 mmol/L [95%CI 4.4–4.8] compared with 4.9 mmol/L [95%CI 4.7–5.1], p = 0.089). Suspected fetal compromise was reduced in the post-intervention period: 30·2% vs 22·1%, aOR 0·71, 95% CI 0·52–0·96, p = 0·027. Cesarean section rates were significantly reduced in the univariate analysis: pre- 40·3% vs post-intervention 31·6% (p = 0·007). This reduction remained significant when adjusted for previous cesarean section, primiparity, maternal HIV infection and preterm birth (aOR 0·72, 95%CI 0·54–0·98, p = 0·035). Neonatal outcomes did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion The introduction of a clinical practice package of fetal heart rate monitoring education combined with routine UA cord lactate sampling has the potential to reduce the cesarean section rate without increasing adverse neonatal outcomes in a low-resource setting.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-68
Author(s):  
Md Imdadul Haque ◽  
Laila Shamima Sharmin ◽  
Md Sanaul Haque Mia ◽  
Md Rafiqul Islam ◽  
SMQ Hasan

To address the high infant and neonatal mortality rate in Bangladesh, government has adopted policy to ensure care for neonates from community to tertiary level of health care delivery system. Our country has achieved 4 MDG targets well before 2015. However the pace of reduction of neonatal mortality is much lower than that of older children. For that reason government of Bangladesh through Ministry of Health and Family Welfare established Special Care Neonatal Unit (SCNU) at secondary and tertiary level facilities to improve management of sick newborn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of creating SCNU at district hospitals on newborn care practices and to evaluate the contribution of SCNU in improved neonatal survival. It was an observational study conducted from May 2016 to October 2016at 250-bed General Hospital, Sirajganj. Hospital database was accessed to note the number of neonatal admissions, number of referral to higher centers and neonatal mortality. A questionnaire was prepared to interview mothers of children admitted in SCNU and general pediatric ward. A total of 355 mothers were interviewed. There was a significant reduction in neonatal mortality rate after the establishment of SCNU. There was also significant improvement in the knowledge and awareness among mothers regarding various aspects of neonatal care because of the SCNU.TAJ 2017; 30(2): 65-68


2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (01) ◽  
pp. 27-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Neri ◽  
Viviana De Pace ◽  
Paolo Venturini ◽  
Fabio Facchinetti

The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiovascular effects and fetal behavior during moxibustion, acupuncture or acupuncture plus moxibustion applied on the BL.67 acupoint of women (beside the outer corner of the 5th toenail) in fetal breech presentation. During the acupoint stimulation (20 min, two times a week), the women were submitted to computerized non-stress test. Fourteen cases were treated by both acupuncture and moxibustion, 15 cases by moxibustion and 10 cases by acupuncture. In 56% of cases, fetal position was converted from breech position to cephalic one; the success share was 80% for moxibustion, 28% for acupuncture, 57% for acupuncture plus moxibustion; the conversion, on average, was achieved after 3 sessions. Statistical analysis indicated that acupuncture plus moxibustion was able to reduce fetal heart rate during the application of stimuli while acupuncture and moxibustion separately did not affect such parameter. Moreover, moxibustion and acupuncture with moxibustion reduced fetal movements while acupuncture only appears ineffective. The present study suggests that fetal movements were reduced by both acupuncture plus moxibustion and moxibustion and that fetal heart rate was reduced just by acupuncture plus moxibustion. The mechanisms leading the effect on fetal heart rate and fetal movements remain to be clarified. Even though further studies are needed, such preliminar report mainly investigated the impact of different stimula on the BL.67 acupoint. Unfortunately these small series of data do not allow us to draw any conclusion about the effectiveness of the different treatments.


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