Grand multiparity: is it still a risk in pregnancy?

Background The association of grand multiparity and poor pregnancy outcome has not been consistent for decades. Classifying grand multiparous women as a high-risk group without clear evidence of a consistent association with adverse outcomes can lead to socioeconomic burdens to the mother, family and health systems. We compared the maternal and perinatal complications among grand multiparous and other multiparous women in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). A standard questionnaire enquired the following variables: demographic characteristics, antenatal profile and detected obstetric risk factors as well as maternal and neonatal risk factors. Predictors of adverse outcomes in relation to grand multiparous women were assessed at p = 0.05. Results Grand multiparas had twice the likelihood of malpresentation and a threefold higher prevalence of meconium-stained liquor and placenta previa compared with lower-parity women even when adjusted for age. Neonates delivered by grand multiparous women (12.1%) were at three-time greater risk of a low Apgar score compared with lower-parity women (5.4%) (odds ratio (OR), 2.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5–5.0). Grand multiparity and low birth weight were independently associated with a low Apgar score (OR, 2.4; 95%, CI 1.4–4.2 for GM; OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.3–7.8) for low birth weight. Conclusion Grand multiparity remains a risk in pregnancy and is associated with an increased prevalence of maternal and neonatal complications (malpresentation, meconium-stained liquor, placenta previa and a low Apgar score) compared with other multiparous women who delivered at Muhimbili National Hospital

Is time of birth a predictor of adverse perinatal outcome? A hospital-based cross-sectional study in a low-resource setting, Tanzania

Background Inconsistent evidence of a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes during off-hours compared to office hours necessitated a search for clear evidence of an association between time of birth and adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary referral hospital compared perinatal outcomes across three working shifts over 24 h. A checklist and a questionnaire were used to record parturients’ socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, mode of delivery and perinatal outcomes, including 5th minute Apgar score, and early neonatal mortality. Risks of adverse outcomes included maternal age, parity, referral status and mode of delivery, and were assessed for their association with time of delivery and prevalence of fresh stillbirth as a proxy for poor perinatal outcome at a significance level of p = 0.05. Results Off-hour deliveries were nearly twice as likely to occur during the night shift (odds ratio (OR), 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.50–1.72), but were unlikely during the evening shift (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45–0.71) (all p \u3c 0.001). Neonatal distress (O.R, 1.48, 95% CI; 1.07–2.04, p = 0.02), early neonatal deaths (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.07–2.72, p = 0.03) and fresh stillbirths (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.31–2.90, p = 0.001) were more significantly associated with deliveries occurring during night shifts compared to evening and morning shifts. However, fresh stillbirths occurring during the night shift were independently associated with antenatal admission from clinics or wards, referral from another hospital, and abnormal breech delivery (OR 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3–2.9, p = 0.001, for fresh stillbirths; OR, 5.0; 95% CI 1.7–8.3, p \u3c 0.001, for antenatal admission; OR, 95% CI, 1.1–2.9, p \u3c 0.001, for referral form another hospital; and OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.02–2.6, p = 0.004, for abnormal breech deliveries). Conclusion Off-hours deliveries, particularly during the night shift, were significantly associated with higher proportions of adverse perinatal outcomes, including low Apgar score, early neonatal death and fresh stillbirth, compared to morning and evening shifts. Labour room admissions from antenatal wards, referrals from another hospital and abnormal breech delivery were independent risk factors for poor perinatal outcome, particularly fresh stillbirths

Improving Standards of Care in Obstructed Labour: A Criteria-Based Audit at a Referral Hospital in a Low-Resource Setting in Tanzania

Objective In low-resource settings, obstructed labour is strongly associated with severe maternal morbidity and intrapartum asphyxia, and consequently maternal and perinatal deaths. This study evaluated the impact of a criteria-based audit of the diagnosis and management of obstructed labour in a low-resource setting. Methods A baseline criteria-based audit was conducted from October 2013 to March 2014, followed by a workshop in which stakeholders gave feedback on interventions agreed upon to improve obstetric care. The implemented interventions included but were not limited to introducing standard guidelines for diagnosis and management of obstructed labour, agreeing on mandatory review by specialist for cases that are assigned caesarean section, re-training and supervision on use and interpretation of partograph and, strengthening team work between doctors, mid-wives and theatre staff. After implementing these interventions in March, a re-audit was performed from July 2015 to November, 2015, and the results were compared to those of the baseline audit. Results Two hundred and sixty deliveries in the baseline survey and 250 deliveries in the follow-up survey were audited. Implementing the new criteria improved the diagnosis from 74% to 81% (p = 0.049) and also the management of obstructed labour from 4.2% at baseline audit to 9.2% at re-audit (p = 0.025). Improved detection of prolonged labour through heightened observation of regular contractions, protracted cervical dilatation, protracted descent of presenting part, arrested cervical dilation, and severe moulding contributed to improved standards of diagnosis (all p \u3c 0.04). Patient reviews by senior obstetricians increased from 34% to 43% (p = 0.045) and reduced time for caesarean section intervention from the median time of 120 to 90 minutes (p = 0.001) improved management (all p \u3c 0.05). Perinatal outcomes, neonatal distress and fresh stillbirths, were reduced from 16% to. 8.8% (p = 0.01). Conclusion A criteria-based audit proved to be a feasible and useful tool in improving diagnosis and management of obstructed labour using available resources. Some of the observed changes in practice were of modest magnitude implying demand for further improvements, while sustaining those already put in place

Intimate partner violence among HIV infected and uninfected pregnant women delivering at a National Hospital in Tanzania: using a modified screening tool

Background: Worldwide Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major public health problem, affecting all women and vulnerable groups such as HIV-infected women. This study aimed to test the applicability of assessment of IPV using a simple screening tool, among women giving birth at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania, to estimate the prevalence and severity of IPV among HIV-infected and uninfected pregnant women, and to assess the odds of IPV among both groups of women. Methods: A questionnaire including screening questions was applied to women delivered at Muhimbili National Hospital to identify those that experienced IPV. Demographics, HIV status, male partner’s alcohol use and sexual behaviour data were also collected. Mean age and proportions of IPV in different groups were calculated. Odds of IPV were estimated using univariate logistic regression. Results: Majority of women (69%) experienced emotional or physical violence, and 31% experienced sexual violence. Sixty-five percent reported a lifetime prevalence of physical, emotional or sexual violence. Majority (82%) of partners of women that experienced IPV were reported as almost solely offenders in sexual violence rather than in emotional or physical violence (44%). Most participants (88%) experienced repeated emotional and physical violence. Regardless of offenders, repeated sexual violence in the preceding year (85%) was more common than physical violence (47%). Experience of IPV in HIV-positive women was comparable to the HIV-negative counterparts. Conclusion: A simple proposed tool detected women experienced IPV before and during pregnancy but found comparable rates of violence between HIV positive and negative women

Chromatografické čištění oligonukleotidů a plazmidové DNA

BACKGROUND: In Tanzania, substandard intrapartum management of foetal distress contributes to a third of perinatal deaths, and the majority are term deliveries. We conducted a criteria-based audit with feedback to determine whether standards of diagnosis and management of foetal distress would be improved in a low-resource setting. METHODS: During 2013-2015, a criteria-based audit was performed at the national referral hospital in Dar es Salaam. Case files of deliveries with a diagnosis of foetal distress were identified and audited. Two registered nurses under supervision of a nurse midwife, a specialist obstetrician and a consultant obstetrician, reviewed the case files. Criteria for standard diagnosis and management of foetal distress were developed based on international and national guidelines, and literature reviews, and then, stepwise applied, in an audit cycle. During the baseline audit, substandard care was identified, and recommendations for improvement of care were proposed and implemented. The effect of the implementations was assessed by the differences in percentage of standard diagnosis and management between the baseline and re-audit, using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, when appropriate. RESULTS: In the baseline audit and re-audit, 248 and 251 deliveries with a diagnosis of foetal distress were identified and audited, respectively. The standard of diagnosis increased significantly from 52 to 68 % (p < 0.001). Standards of management improved tenfold from 0.8 to 8.8 % (p < 0.001). Improved foetal heartbeat monitoring using a Fetal Doppler was the major improvement in diagnoses, while change of position of the mother and reduced time interval from decision to perform caesarean section to delivery were the major improvements in management (all p < 0.001). Percentage of cases with substandard diagnosis and management was significantly reduced in both referred public and non-referred private patients (all p ≤ 0.01) but not in non-referred public and referred private patients. CONCLUSION: The criteria-based audit was able to detect substandard diagnosis and management of foetal distress and improved care using feedback and available resources

List of agreed upon criteria for standard management of obstructed labour at national referral hospital.

<p>List of agreed upon criteria for standard management of obstructed labour at national referral hospital.</p

Percentage of cases fulfilling improved criteria for management of obstructed labour at baseline and re-audit including <i>p</i>—value for Student’s <i>t</i>-test of difference.

<p>Percentage of cases fulfilling improved criteria for management of obstructed labour at baseline and re-audit including <i>p</i>—value for Student’s <i>t</i>-test of difference.</p

Recommended interventions to improve management of obstructed labour.

<p>Recommended interventions to improve management of obstructed labour.</p

Percentage of cases fulfilling criteria for diagnosis at baseline and re-audit including <i>p</i>-value for <i>t</i>-test of difference.

<p>Percentage of cases fulfilling criteria for diagnosis at baseline and re-audit including <i>p</i>-value for <i>t</i>-test of difference.</p