Reduction In Stillbirths Research Articles

Association between reduced stillbirth rates in England and regional uptake of accreditation training in customised fetal growth assessment

ObjectiveTo assess the effect that accreditation training in fetal growth surveillance and evidence-based protocols had on stillbirth rates in England and Wales.DesignAnalysis of mortality data from Office of National Statistics.SettingEngland...

Women's groups practising participatory learning and action to improve maternal and newborn health in low-resource settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high in many low-income and middle-income countries. Different approaches for the improvement of birth outcomes have been used in community-based interventions, with heterogeneous effects on survival. We assessed the effects of women's groups practising participatory learning and action, compared with usual care, on birth outcomes in low-resource settings. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials undertaken in Bangladesh, India, Malawi, and Nepal in which the effects of women's groups practising participatory learning and action were assessed to identify population-level predictors of effect on maternal mortality, neonatal mortality, and stillbirths. We also reviewed the cost-effectiveness of the women's group intervention and estimated its potential effect at scale in Countdown countries. Seven trials (119,428 births) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses of all trials showed that exposure to women's groups was associated with a 37% reduction in maternal mortality (odds ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.32-0.94), a 23% reduction in neonatal mortality (0.77, 0.65-0.90), and a 9% non-significant reduction in stillbirths (0.91, 0.79-1.03), with high heterogeneity for maternal (I(2)=58.8%, p=0.024) and neonatal results (I(2)=64.7%, p=0.009). In the meta-regression analyses, the proportion of pregnant women in groups was linearly associated with reduction in both maternal and neonatal mortality (p=0.026 and p=0.011, respectively). A subgroup analysis of the four studies in which at least 30% of pregnant women participated in groups showed a 55% reduction in maternal mortality (0.45, 0.17-0.73) and a 33% reduction in neonatal mortality (0.67, 0.59-0.74). The intervention was cost effective by WHO standards and could save an estimated 283,000 newborn infants and 41,100 mothers per year if implemented in rural areas of 74 Countdown countries. With the participation of at least a third of pregnant women and adequate population coverage, women's groups practising participatory learning and action are a cost-effective strategy to improve maternal and neonatal survival in low-resource settings. Wellcome Trust, Ammalife, and National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care for Birmingham and the Black Country programme.

Unmet need for induction of labor in Africa: secondary analysis from the 2004 - 2005 WHO Global Maternal and Perinatal Health Survey (A cross-sectional survey)

BackgroundInduction of labor is being increasingly used to prevent adverse outcomes in the mother and the newborn.This study assessed the prevalence of induction of labor and determinants of its use in Africa.MethodsWe performed secondary analysis of the WHO Global Survey of Maternal and Newborn Health of 2004 and 2005. The African database was analyzed to determine the use of induction of labor at the country level and indications for induction of labor. The un-met needs for specific obstetric indications and at country level were assessed. Determinants of use of induction of labor were explored with multivariate regression analysis.ResultsA total of 83,437 deliveries were recorded in the 7 participating countries. Average rate of induction was 4.4% with a range of 1.4 – 6.8%. Pre-labor rupture of membranes was the commonest indication for induction of labor. Two groups of women were identified: 2,776 women with indications had induction of labor while 7,996 women although had indications but labor was not induced.Induction of labor was associated with reduction of stillbirths and perinatal deaths [OR – 0.34; 95% CI (0.27 – 0.43)].Unmet need for induction of labor ranged between 66.0% and 80.2% across countries. Determinants of having an induction of labor were place of residence, duration of schooling, type of health facility and level of antenatal care.ConclusionUtilization of induction of labor in health facilities in Africa is very low. Improvements in social and health infrastructure are required to reverse the high unmet need for induction of labor.

Reduced fetal movements

The association between a reduction in fetal movements (RFM) and stillbirth has been noted for at least 450 years. This was formalised from the 1970s onwards in a series of studies that noted the increased incidence of stillbirth and FGR in women presenting with RFM, which in some cases preceded intrauterine fetal death by several days. Interpretation of the literature relating RFM to stillbirth and FGR is complicated by differences in studies’ definitions of RFM and FGR [1]. Nevertheless, the association between RFM and stillbirth remains, irrespective of the definitions used. Recently, the Auckland Stillbirth Study confirmed that women who had a RFM were 2.4 times (95% CI 1.29-4.35) more likely to have a late stillbirth [2], which is strikingly similar to a UK-based study which found a 3-fold increase in stillbirth after one presentation with RFM [3]. RFM, FGR and stillbirth are thought to be related by placental insufficiency, with RFM representing fetal compensation to restriction of nutrients and oxygen in utero [4,5]. This hypothesis is supported by evidence of abnormal placental structure and amino acid transport in women with RFM, even in the absence of a small-for-gestational age fetus [6]. Despite the association between RFM and stillbirth, RFM is frequently suboptimally managed clinically. Of 422 stillbirths reviewed in a confidential enquiry, 16.4% of cases had suboptimal care related to RFM, including: not communicating the importance of RFM to mothers and a failure to act on RFM [7]. Reasons for clinicians’ behaviour have been explored by two related questionnaire studies, one in the UK and one in Australia and New Zealand. Both of these studies found significant variations in the definitions of RFM applied to clinical practice and varied knowledge of the association between RFM, FGR and stillbirth. As a consequence clinical management of women with RFM varied significantly, with cardiotocography being used in 80-90% of cases and ultrasound assessment of fetal growth, liquor volume and umbilical artery Doppler in approximately 20% of cases [8,9]. Due to the association between RFM, FGR and stillbirth, ultrasound assessment of fetal growth, liquor volume and umbilical artery Doppler may be useful screening tests to identify placental insufficiency [10]. Norwegian studies have suggested that asking women to be more aware of fetal movements did not increase the number of attendances with RFM. Importantly, the implementation of an associated quality-improvement programme was associated with increased use of ultrasound, but a reduction of stillbirth from 4.2% to 2.4% [11], strongly suggesting that appropriate identification of, and intervention following, RFM may decrease the incidence of stillbirth. The management of RFM may be improved by more sensitive tests to specifically identify placental dysfunction, including measurement of placentally-derived factors such as human placental lactogen or placental growth factor [12,13]. The use of RFM as a screening tool for stillbirth prevention needs to be developed; it has the advantages that it is free and does not significantly increase the burden on the antenatal service. However, the best management protocol after women present with RFM has yet to be determined. To date there have been no randomised controlled trials of the management of RFM, despite calls from the World Health Organisation to improve the quality of evidence regarding stillbirth prevention [14]. Therefore, a high-quality trial is needed to evaluate whether intervention (delivery) directed by appropriate investigations after RFM can reduce the incidence of late stillbirth, without significantly increasing maternal and perinatal morbidity.

The Effectiveness of Emergency Obstetric Referral Interventions in Developing Country Settings: A Systematic Review

Pregnancy complications can be unpredictable and many women in developing countries cannot access health facilities where life-saving care is available. This study assesses the effects of referral interventions that enable pregnant women to reach health facilities during an emergency, after the decision to seek care is made. Selected bibliographic databases were searched with no date or language restrictions. Randomised controlled trials and quasi experimental study designs with a comparison group were included. Outcomes of interest included maternal and neonatal mortality and other intermediate measures such as service utilisation. Two reviewers independently selected, appraised, and extracted articles using predefined fields. Forest plots, tables, and qualitative summaries of study quality, size, and direction of effect were used for analysis. Nineteen studies were included. In South Asian settings, four studies of organisational interventions in communities that generated funds for transport reduced neonatal deaths, with the largest effect seen in India (odds ratio 0·48 95% CI 0·34-0·68). Three quasi experimental studies from sub-Saharan Africa reported reductions in stillbirths with maternity waiting home interventions, with one statistically significant result (OR 0.56 95% CI 0.32-0.96). Effects of interventions on maternal mortality were unclear. Referral interventions usually improved utilisation of health services but the opposite effect was also documented. The effects of multiple interventions in the studies could not be disentangled. Explanatory mechanisms through which the interventions worked could not be ascertained. Community mobilisation interventions may reduce neonatal mortality but the contribution of referral components cannot be ascertained. The reduction in stillbirth rates resulting from maternity waiting homes needs further study. Referral interventions can have unexpected adverse effects. To inform the implementation of effective referral interventions, improved monitoring and evaluation practices are necessary, along with studies that develop better understanding of how interventions work.

Trends in planned early birth: a population-based study

The purpose of this study was to describe trends and outcomes of planned births. Data from linked birth and hospital records for 779,521 singleton births at ≥33 weeks' gestation from 2001-2009 were used to determine trends in planned births (prelabor cesarean section and labor inductions). Adverse outcomes were composite indicators of maternal and neonatal morbidity/death. From 2001-2009, there were increases in labor inductions and prelabor cesarean deliveries at <40 weeks' gestation, but no decrease in the stillbirth rate (trend P = .34). By 2009, 14.9% of live births at ≥33 weeks' gestation were prelabor cesarean deliveries before the due date; 11.4% were inductions. As planned births increased, maternal risks shifted, which included a decline in inductions with maternal hypertension from 31.9-23.9%. Earlier birth was contemporaneous with increases (trend P < .001) in neonatal and maternal morbidity rates from 3.0-3.2% and 1.1-1.5%, respectively. Planned birth before the due date is increasing without a contemporaneous reduction of stillbirths.

Wheat flour fortification with folic acid: Changes in neural tube defects rates in Chile

In January 2000, Chilean Ministry of Health mandated the addition of folic acid (FA) to wheat flour in order to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). This policy resulted in significant increases in serum and red cell folate in women of fertile age 1 year after fortification. To evaluate the effect of wheat flour fortification on the prevalence of NTDs in Chile we designed a prospective hospital-based surveillance program to monitor the frequency of NTDs in all births (live and stillbirths) with birth weight≥500 g at the nine public maternity hospitals of Santiago, Chile from 1999 to 2009. During the pre-fortification period (1999-2000) the NTD rate was 17.1/10,000 births in a total of 120,566 newborns. During the post-fortification period (2001-2009) the NTD rate decreased to 8.6/10,000 births in a total of 489,915 newborns, which translates into a rate reduction of 50% (RR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.42-0.59) for all NTDs. The rate reduction by type of NTD studied was: 50% in anencephaly (RR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.38-0.67), 42% in cephalocele (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.37-0.89), and 52% in spina bifida (RR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.38-0.6). Rates showed significant reduction both in stillbirths and live births: 510.3 to 183.6/10,000 (RR=0.36; 95% CI: 0.25-0.53) and 13.3 to 7.5/10,000 (RR=0.56; 95% CI: 0.47-0.68), respectively. In Chile, fortification of wheat flour with FA has proven to be an effective strategy for the primary prevention of NTDs.

Does substandard care contribute to stillbirth? a retrospective observational study

IntroductionAround 4,000 babies die unexpectedly in the last trimester of pregnancy or during labour every year, giving a stillbirth rate of 5.2 in 1000 in the United Kingdom (UK). Over...

REVIEW OF SOCIO DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND OBSTETRIC CAUSES OF STILLBIRTHS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: - Occurrence of stillbirth pose difficult situation for the obstetrician and cause great psychological and emotional trauma to the couple and the family. It reflects the suboptimum quality of maternal and child health services. Stillbirth rates are unacceptably high in developing countries .Study was carried out to find out the causes of stillbirths and the socio demographic profile of women ,who had stillbirth. Material and Methods: - A clinical observational study was undertaken at tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 10 months from January 2011 to October 2011. Results:Illiteracy, rural residence, lack of antenatal care ,low socioeconomic status were commonly associated with stillbirths. Pregnancy induced hypertension, ante partum hemorrhage ,cord related accidents and preterm labour were mainly responsible for stillbirths .Low birth weight and extreme prematurity were directly related to stillbirths. Conclusion:- High rate of ante partum stillbirths due to hypertension ,ante partum hemorrhage and preterm labour can be reduced by early recognition of the problem ,regular antenatal check ,color Doppler study to diagnose fetal growth restriction, and timely obstetric intervention .Ultrasonograpy to diagnose cord abnormalities ,use of intrapartum electronic fetal monitoring, partograph and prevention of prolongation of second stage of labour will help in reduction of stillbirths.

Stillbirths in a referral medical college hospital, West Bengal, India: A ten‐year review

To evaluate the stillbirth rate, its major demographic and obstetric risk factors and its trend in a referral teaching hospital. A hospital-based cross-sectional retrospective study of stillbirths was done among all deliveries over a decade from January 1999 to December 2008. The stillbirth rate and its changing trends over 10years were evaluated and its associated risk factors were also assessed. The stillbirth rate in the present study decreased from 44.87 per 1000 total births in 1999-2003 to 24.15 per 1000 total births in 2004-2008. Maternal age over 35 years, pregnant women having parity≥4, lower socioeconomic status and poor antenatal check up were responsible for highest number of stillbirths. Other associated risk factors responsible for stillbirths were antepartum hemorrhage (8.35%), medical diseases of mother (8.00%), severe prematurity (7.34%), birth trauma (3.12%) and intrapartum asphyxia (16.73%). Thirty-six percent of the stillbirths occurred at term and 27% at 34-36 weeks of pregnancy. Only 2% of fetuses had congenital anomalies. Incidence of fresh stillbirth was high. Lower segment cesarean section rate was 16%. Poor antenatal check-up, lower socioeconomic status and weak referral facilities were the major factors responsible for stillbirths. Most of the stillbirths were preventable by improving women's education and compliance to antenatal care. So proper antenatal care, prompt referral services and availability of emergency obstetric care will provide a pivotal role for reduction of stillbirths.

Substandard care in antepartum term stillbirths: prospective cohort study

To assess substandard care factors in antepartum stillbirths at term. Design. Prospective cohort study. A region in the middle of the Netherlands covering 13% of the Dutch population. Antepartum stillbirths (≥ 37 weeks) without congenital malformations. During a two-year period, all antepartum term stillbirths were prospectively collected and audited by an expert panel. Substandard care factors. During the study period, 37 735 normally formed infants were delivered ≥ 37 weeks of gestation. There were 60 antepartum stillbirths (1.59 per 1,000, 95%CI 1.19-1.99). Most stillbirths occurred during apparently uncomplicated pregnancies. Twenty-one infants (35%) were small-for-gestational age but growth restriction was only suspected in 10 (47.6%) of these cases. Substandard care factors were identified in 21 (35%) cases. A relation between these factors and fetal demise was possible in nine (15%) and probable in seven (12%) of these cases. Inadequate management and recognition of suspected growth restriction (n=9) or hypertension (n=6) were the most common substandard care factors. Ten (16.7%) women felt none or decreased fetal movements for 24 hours or more before they consulted a doctor or midwife. Twenty-seven percent of all stillbirths were possibly or probably avoidable. Special attention to the recognition and adequate management of suspected growth restriction and hypertension as well as guidelines about patient information and management of decreased fetal movements might result in a reduction of stillbirths in the Netherlands.

The risk factor profile of women with secondary infertility: an unmatched case-control study in Kigali, Rwanda

BackgroundSecondary infertility is a common, preventable but neglected reproductive health problem in resource-poor countries. This study examines the association of past sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and factors in the obstetric history with secondary infertility and their relative contributions to secondary infertility.MethodsBetween November 2007 and May 2009 a research infertility clinic was set up at the Kigali University Teaching Hospital in Rwanda. Cases were defined as sexually-active women aged 21-45 years presenting with secondary infertility (n = 177), and controls as multiparous women in the same age groups who recently delivered (n = 219). Participants were interviewed about socio-demographic characteristics and obstetric history using structured questionnaires, and were tested for HIV and reproductive tract infections (RTIs).ResultsRisk factors in the obstetric history for secondary infertility were lack of prenatal care in the last pregnancy, the first pregnancy before the age of 21 years, a history of unwanted pregnancy, a pregnancy with other than current partner, an adverse pregnancy outcome, stillbirth, postpartum infection and curettage. Presence of HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), or Treponema pallidum antibodies, and bacterial vaginosis (BV), were significantly more common in women in secondary infertile relationships than those in fertile relationships. The population attributable fractions (PAF%) for obstetric events, HIV, other (STIs), and BV were 25%, 30%, 27%, and 14% respectively.ConclusionsThe main finding of this study is that obstetric events, HIV and other STIs contribute approximately equally to secondary infertility in Rwanda. Scaling up of HIV/STI prevention, increased access to family planning services, improvement of prenatal and obstetric care and reduction of stillbirth and infant mortality rates are all likely to decrease secondary infertility in sub-Saharan Africa.

Effectiveness of interventions to improve screening for syphilis in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

About 2·1 million pregnant women have active syphilis every year. Without screening and treatment, 69% of these women will have an adverse outcome of pregnancy. The objectives of this study were to review the literature systematically to determine the effectiveness of screening interventions to prevent congenital syphilis and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. We searched four electronic databases and selected studies to examine evidence for effectiveness of interventions on three outcomes: increased uptake of syphilis testing, increased treatment rates, and reduction in adverse pregnancy outcomes. We used fixed effects meta-analysis to estimate pooled relative risks if no or little evidence of heterogeneity between trials existed. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, including two randomised trials. Only two studies aimed to encourage women to seek care earlier in pregnancy. Nine studies included decentralisation of screening and treatment. The effects of the interventions on uptake of testing for antenatal syphilis and receiving at least one dose of penicillin were variable and could not be combined statistically. Study interventions were associated with a reduction in perinatal death (pooled risk ratio [RR] from three studies 0·46, 95% CI 0·26-0·82) and stillbirth (pooled RR from three studies 0·42, 95% CI 0·19-0·93). The incidence of congenital syphilis was reduced in all four studies that measured this outcome with heterogeneous results. Interventions to improve the coverage and effect of screening programmes for antenatal syphilis could reduce the syphilis-attributable incidence of stillbirth and perinatal death by 50%. The resources required to roll out antenatal screening programmes would be a worthwhile investment for reduction of adverse pregnancy outcomes and improvement of neonatal and child survival. None.

The effect of providing skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care in preventing stillbirths

BackgroundOf the global burden of 2.6 million stillbirths, around 1.2 million occur during labour i.e. are intrapartum deaths. In low-/middle-income countries, a significant proportion of women give birth at home, usually in the absence of a skilled birth attendant. This review discusses the impact of skilled birth attendance (SBA) and the provision of Emergency Obstetric Care (EOC) on stillbirths and perinatal mortality.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Database and the WHO regional libraries. Data of all eligible studies were extracted into a standardized Excel sheet containing variables such as participants’ characteristics, sample size, location, setting, blinding, allocation concealment, intervention and control details and limitations. We undertook a meta-analysis of the impact of SBA on stillbirths. Given the paucity of data from randomized trials or robust quasi-experimental designs, we undertook an expert Delphi consultation to determine impact estimates of provision of Basic and Comprehensive EOC on reducing stillbirths if there would be universal coverage (99%).ResultsThe literature search yielded 871 hits. A total of 21 studies were selected for data abstraction. Our meta-analysis on community-based skilled birth attendance based on two before-after studies showed a 23% significant reduction in stillbirths (RR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.69 – 0.85). The overall quality grade of available evidence for this intervention on stillbirths was ‘moderate’. The Delphi process supported the estimated reduction in stillbirths by skilled attendance and experts further suggested that the provision of Basic EOC had the potential to avert intrapartum stillbirths by 45% and with provision of Comprehensive EOC this could be reduced by 75%. These estimates are conservative, consistent with historical trends in maternal and perinatal mortality from both developed and developing countries, and are recommended for inclusion in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) model.ConclusionsBoth Skilled Birth Attendance and Emergency/or Essential Obstetric Care have the potential to reduce the number of stillbirths seen globally. Further evidence is needed to be able to calculate an effect size.

Impact of interventions to prevent and manage preeclampsia and eclampsia on stillbirths

BackgroundPre-eclampsia and Eclampsia are relatively common complications of pregnancy, leading to considerable maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. We sought to review the effect of aspirin, calcium supplementation, antihypertensive agents and magnesium sulphate on risk stillbirths.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies evaluating the above interventions. We used a standardized abstraction and grading format and performed meta-analyses where data were available from more than one studies. The estimated effect on stillbirths was determined by applying the standard Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) rules for multiple outcomes. For interventions with insufficient evidence for overall effect, a Delphi process was undertaken to estimate effectiveness.ResultsWe identified 82 relevant studies. For aspirin, maganesium sulphate and use of antihypertensive we found an insignificant decrease in stillbirth and perinatal mortality. For calcium supplementation, there was a borderline significant reduction in stillbirths (RR 0.81, 95 % CI 0.63-1.03). We undertook a Delphi consultation among experts to assess the potential impact of a package of interventions for the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (antihypertensive, magnesium sulphate and C-section if needed). The Delphi process suggested 20% reduction each in both antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths with the use of this package.ConclusionsDespite promising benefits of calcium supplementation and aspirin use cases on maternal morbidity and eclampsia in high risk cases, further work is needed to ascertain their benefits in relation to stillbirths. The Delphi process undertaken for assessing potential impact of a package of interventions indicated that this could be associated with 20% reduction in stillbirths, for input into LiST.

Effect of screening and management of diabetes during pregnancy on stillbirths.

BackgroundDiabetes during pregnancy is associated with significant risk of complications to the mother, fetus and newborn. We reviewed the potential impact of early detection and control of diabetes mellitus during pregnancy on stillbirths for possible inclusion in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST).MethodsA systematic literature search up to July 2010 was done to identify all published randomized controlled trials and observational studies. A standardized data abstraction sheet was employed and data were abstracted by two independent authors. Meta-analyses were performed with different sub-group analyses. The analyses were graded according to the CHERG rules using the adapted GRADE criteria and recommendations made after assessing the overall quality of the studies included in the meta-analyses.ResultsA total of 70 studies were selected for data extraction including fourteen intervention studies and fifty six observational studies. No randomized controlled trials were identified evaluating early detection of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy versus standard screening (glucose challenge test between 24th to 28th week of gestation) in pregnancy. Intensive management of gestational diabetes (including specialized dietary advice, increased monitoring and tailored dietary therapy) during pregnancy (3 studies: 3791 participants) versus conventional management (dietary advice and insulin as required) was associated with a non-significant reduction in the risk of stillbirths (RR 0.20; 95% CI: 0.03-1.10) (‘moderate’ quality evidence). Optimal control of serum blood glucose versus sub-optimal control was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of perinatal mortality (2 studies, 5286 participants: RR=0.40, 95% CI 0.25- 0.63), but not stillbirths (3 studies, 2469 participants: RR=0.51, 95% CI 0.14-1.88). Preconception care of diabetes (information about need for optimization of glycemic control before pregnancy, assessment of diabetes complications, review of dietary habits, intensification of capillary blood glucose self-monitoring and optimization of insulin therapy) versus none (3 studies: 910 participants) was associated with a reduction in perinatal mortality (RR=0.29, 95% CI 0.14 -0.60). Using the Delphi process for estimating effect size of optimal diabetes recognition and management yielded a median effect size of 10% reduction in stillbirths.ConclusionsDiabetes, especially pre-gestational diabetes with its attendant vascular complications, is a significant risk factor for stillbirth and perinatal death. Our review highlights the fact that very few studies of adequate quality are available that can provide estimates of the effect of screening for aid management of diabetes in pregnancy on stillbirth risk. Using the Delphi process we recommend a conservative 10% reduction in the risk of stillbirths, as a point estimate for inclusion in the LiST.

The effect of folic acid, protein energy and multiple micronutrient supplements in pregnancy on stillbirths

BackgroundPregnancy is a state of increased requirement of macro- and micronutrients, and malnourishment or inadequate dietary intake before and during pregnancy, can lead to adverse perinatal outcomes including stillbirths. Many nutritional interventions have been proposed during pregnancy according to the nutritional status of the mother and baseline risk factors for different gestational disorders. In this paper, we have reviewed three nutritional interventions including peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation, balanced protein energy supplementation and multiple micronutrients supplementation during pregnancy. This paper is a part of a series to estimate the effect of interventions on stillbirths for input to Live Saved Tool (LiST) model.MethodsWe systematically reviewed all published literature to identify studies evaluating effectiveness of peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation in reducing neural tube defects (NTD), related stillbirths and balanced protein energy and multiple micronutrients supplementation during pregnancy in reducing all-cause stillbirths. The primary outcome was stillbirths. Meta-analyses were generated where data were available from more than one study. Recommendations were made for the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) model based on rules developed by the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG).ResultsThere were 18 studies that addressed peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation for prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). Out of these, 7 studies addressed folic acid supplementation while 11 studies evaluated effect of folic acid fortification. Pooled results from 11 fortification studies showed that it reduces primary incidence of NTDs by 41 % [Relative risk (RR) 0.59; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.52-0.68]. This estimate has been recommended for inclusion in the LiST as proxy for reduction in stillbirths. Pooled results from three studies considered to be of low quality and suggest that balanced protein energy supplementation during pregnancy could lead to a reduction of 45% in stillbirths [RR 0.55, 95 % CI 0.31-0.97]. While promising, the intervention needs more effectiveness studies before inclusion in any programs. Pooled results from 13 studies evaluating role of multiple micronutrients supplementation during pregnancy showed no significant effect in reducing stillbirths [RR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.88 – 1.10] or perinatal mortality [RR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.92 – 1.25; random model]. No recommendations have been made for this intervention for inclusion in the LiST model.ConclusionsPeri-conceptional folic acid supplementation reduces stillbirths due to NTDs by approximately 41%, a point estimate recommended for inclusion in LiST.

Bringing stillbirths out of the shadows

Bringing stillbirths out of the shadows

Trends in cesarean delivery at preterm gestation and association with perinatal mortality

We sought to examine the extent to which a temporal increase in preterm cesarean delivery is associated with gestational age-specific changes in perinatal survival in preterm gestations. We utilized data on singleton births in the United States (1990 through 2004) delivered between 24-36 weeks' gestation. Associations between changes in cesarean delivery at preterm gestations and trends in the risk of preterm stillbirth, and neonatal and perinatal mortality were estimated before and after adjustments for a variety of potential confounders. From 1990 through 2004, cesarean delivery rates increased by 50.6%, 40.7%, and 35.8% at 24-27, 28-33, and 34-36 weeks, respectively. The largest incremental effect of cesarean was associated with a reduction in stillbirths by 5.8%, 14.2%, and 23.1% at 24-27, 28-33, and 34-36 weeks, respectively, leading to an 11.4%, 4.9%, and 0.6% reduction in perinatal deaths at 24-27, 28-33, and 34-36 weeks, respectively. Increasing rates of preterm cesarean were associated with improved perinatal survival. This association was evident largely because of dramatic incremental declines in stillbirths.

Lives Saved Tool supplement detection and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy to reduce syphilis related stillbirths and neonatal mortality.

BackgroundGlobally syphilis is an important yet preventable cause of stillbirth, neonatal mortality and morbidity.ObjectivesThis review sought to estimate the effect of detection and treatment of active syphilis in pregnancy with at least 2.4MU benzathine penicillin (or equivalent) on syphilis-related stillbirths and neonatal mortality.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review of multiple databases to identify relevant studies. Data were abstracted into standardised tables and the quality of evidence was assessed using adapted GRADE criteria. Where appropriate, meta-analyses were undertaken.ResultsModerate quality evidence (3 studies) supports a reduction in the incidence of clinical congenital syphilis of 97% (95% c.i 93 – 98%) with detection and treatment of women with active syphilis in pregnancy with at least 2.4MU penicillin. The results of meta-analyses suggest that treatment with penicillin is associated with an 82% reduction in stillbirth (95% c.i. 67 – 90%) (8 studies), a 64% reduction in preterm delivery (95% c.i. 53 – 73%) (7 studies) and an 80% reduction in neonatal deaths (95% c.i. 68 – 87%) (5 studies). Although these effect estimates were large and remarkably consistent across studies, few of the studies adjusted for potential confounding factors and thus the overall quality of the evidence was considered low. However, given these large observed effects and a clear biological mechanism for effectiveness the GRADE recommendation is strong.ConclusionDetection and appropriate, timely penicillin treatment is a highly effective intervention to reduce adverse syphilis-related pregnancy outcomes. More research is required to identify the most cost-effective strategies for achieving maximum coverage of screening for all pregnant women, and access to treatment if required.