High risk of permanent stoma after anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer.

AIM: This study investigates how often bowel continuity was restored after anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer and assesses the clinical factors associated with permanent stoma. METHOD: The Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry was used to identify cases of anastomotic leakage registered in southern Sweden between January 2001 and December 2011. Patient characteristics, surgical details and clinical information about the anastomotic leakages were retrieved from medical records. RESULTS: Of the 1442 patients operated on with anterior resection in 11 hospitals, 144 (10%) were diagnosed with anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer. After a median follow-up of 87 months (range 21-165), the overall rate of permanent stoma among patients with anastomotic leakage was 65%. Age ≥ 70 years (P = 0.02) and re-laparotomy (P < 0.001) were independently related to permanent stoma. Compared with nondefunctioned patients with anastomotic leakage, defunctioned patients with anastomotic leakage at the index procedure less often required re-laparotomy at some point during the entire clinical course (P < 0.001), but nondefunctioned and defunctioned patients with anastomotic leakage both had permanent stoma to the same extent (67% and 62%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Anastomotic leakage is highly associated with permanent stoma after anterior resection, especially in patients aged ≥ 70 years. In this cohort of patients with anastomotic leakage, 65% had permanent stoma at long-term follow-up. A defunctioning stoma ameliorates the clinical course but does not affect the end result of bowel continuity in established anastomotic leakage after anterior resection.

Late leakage after anterior resection: a defunctioning stoma alters the clinical course of anastomotic leakage.

AIM: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is common after anterior resection (AR). Long term clinical outcomes of AL including late presenting leakage (LL) are not well studied. This study was undertaken to assess clinical features of LL with respect to incidence, association with predisposing factors and need for re-intervention. METHODS: The Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry (SCRCR) was explored for AL cases after AR for rectal cancer in patients operated in the south of Sweden from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2011. Demographic data, surgical technical details, number of postoperative days (POD) until diagnosis of AL, presenting symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment were retrieved from medical records. LL was defined according to different cut-offs as leakages occurring after hospital discharge (LLAHD), after 30 POD (LL ≥ POD 30) and after 90 POD (LL ≥ POD 90). RESULTS: In total, 1442 patients were operated on with AR of whom 144 cases of AL (10%) were identified. Median time from operation to follow-up was 87 months (range 21-162). LLAHD, LL ≥ POD 30 and LL ≥ POD 90 were present in 51%, 24% and 9% respectively. All categories of LL were associated with a defunctioning stoma. Relaparotomy was significantly less often employed in LLAHD, but not in other categories of LL. CONCLUSION: LL constitutes a substantial portion of all AL after AR for rectal cancer. The large proportion of LLAHD calls for awareness in the outpatient setting.

The importance of rectal washout for the oncological outcome after Hartmann's procedure for rectal cancer: analysis of population-based data from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry.

BACKGROUND: During rectal cancer surgery the bowel may contain viable, exfoliated cancer cells, a potential source for local recurrence (LR). The amount and viability of these cells can be reduced using intraoperative rectal washout, a procedure that reduces the LR risk after anterior resection. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of washout on oncological outcome when performed in Hartmann's procedure (HP) for rectal cancer. METHODS: A national cohort study on data for patients registered from 1995 to 2007 in the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry was carried out. The final analysis included patients belonging to TNM stages I-III who had undergone R0 HP with a registered 5-year follow-up. Multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 1188 patients were analysed (686 washout and 502 no washout). No differences were detected between the washout group and the no washout group concerning rates of LR [7% (49/686) vs. 10% (49/502); p = 0.13], distant metastasis (DM) [17% (119/686) vs. 18% (93/502); p = 0.65], and overall recurrence (OAR) [21% (145/686) vs. 24% (120/502); p = 0.29]. For both groups, the 5-year cancer-specific survival was below 50%. In multivariate analysis, washout neither decreased the risk of LR, DM, or OAR nor increased overall or the cancer-specific 5-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: The oncological outcome did not improve when washout was performed in HP for rectal cancer.

Time trends, improvements and national auditing of rectal cancer management over an 18-year period.

AIM: The main aims were to explore time trends in the management and outcome of patients with rectal cancer in a national cohort and to evaluate the possible impact of national auditing on overall outcomes. A secondary aim was to provide population-based data for appraisal of external validity in selected patient series. METHOD: Data from the Swedish ColoRectal Cancer Registry with virtually complete national coverage were utilized in this cohort study on 29 925 patients with rectal cancer diagnosed between 1995 and 2012. Of eligible patients, nine were excluded. RESULTS: During the study period, overall, relative and disease-free survival increased. Postoperative mortality after 30 and 90 days decreased to 1.7% and 2.9%. The 5-year local recurrence rate dropped to 5.0%. Resection margins improved, as did peri-operative blood loss despite more multivisceral resections being performed. Fewer patients underwent palliative resection and the proportion of non-operated patients increased. The proportions of temporary and permanent stoma formation increased. Preoperative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy became more common as did multidisciplinary team conferences. Variability in rectal cancer management between healthcare regions diminished over time when new aspects of patient care were audited. CONCLUSION: There have been substantial changes over time in the management of patients with rectal cancer, reflected in improved outcome. Much indirect evidence indicates that auditing matters, but without a control group it is not possible to draw firm conclusions regarding the possible impact of a quality control registry on faster shifts in time trends, decreased variability and improvements. Registry data were made available for reference.

Lymph node tissue kallikrein-related peptidase 6 mRNA: a progression marker for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: A most important characteristic feature for poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) is the presence of lymph node metastasis. Determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA levels in lymph nodes has proven powerful for quantification of disseminated tumour cells. Here, we investigate the utility of human tissue kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) mRNA as a progression biomarker to complement CEA mRNA, for improved selection of patients in need of adjuvant therapy and intensified follow-up after surgery. METHODS: Lymph nodes of pTNM stage I-IV CRC- (166 patients/503 lymph nodes) and control (23/108) patients were collected at surgery and analysed by quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: Lymph node KLK6 positivity was an indicator of poor outcome (hazard ratio 3.7). Risk of recurrence and cancer death increased with KLK6 lymph node levels. Patients with KLK6 lymph node levels above the 90th percentile had a hazard ratio of 6.5 and 76 months shorter average survival time compared to patients with KLK6 negative nodes. The KLK6 positivity in lymph nodes with few tumour cells, that is, low CEA mRNA levels, also indicated poor prognosis (hazard ratio 2.8). CONCLUSION: In CRC patients, lymph node KLK6 positivity indicated presence of aggressive tumour cells associated with poor prognosis and high risk of tumour recurrence.

Anastomotic leakage after surgery for rectal cancer: a risk factor for local recurrence, distant metastasis and reduced cancer-specific survival?

AIM: The impact of anastomic leakage (AL) on the oncological outcome after anterior resection (AR) for rectal cancer is still controversial. We explored the impact of AL regarding local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis and overall recurrence (OAR). Overall and cancer-specific survival was analysed. METHOD: Patients undergoing AR for rectal cancer with a registered AL between 1995 and 1997 and a control group were identified in the Swedish Rectal Cancer Registry. The medical records were retrieved for additional data and validation. Differences in the oncological outcome at 5-year follow-up were analysed with multivariate methods. RESULTS: After validation, 114 patients with AL and 136 control patients with locally radical surgery for tumours in tumour-node-metastasis stages I-III were analysed. There was no difference detected between patients with AL and control patients regarding rates of LR [8% (9 of 114) vs 9% (12 of 136); P = 0.97], distant metastasis [18% (20 of 114) vs 23% (31 of 136); P = 0.37] and OAR [19% (22 of 114) vs 28% (38 of 136); P = 0.15]. The 5-year cancer-specific survival was almost 80% in both groups. In multivariate analysis, AL was not a risk factor of LR, distant metastasis or OAR and had no impact on 5-year overall or 5-year cancer-specific survival. Irrespective of the occurrence of AL, preoperative radiotherapy (P = 0.055) and rectal washout (P = 0.046) reduced the LR rate, but did not influence survival. CONCLUSION: Anastomotic leakage was not proved to be a risk factor of worse oncological outcome. Hence, additional adjuvant treatment or extended follow-up on the basis of the occurrence of AL after AR might not be justified.

Rectal washout and local recurrence of cancer after anterior resection.

BACKGROUND: Adenocarcinomas of the rectum shed viable cells, which have the ability to implant. Intraoperative rectal washout decreases the amount and viability of these cells, but there is no conclusive evidence of the effect of rectal washout on local recurrence after rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Data were analysed from a population-based registry of patients who had anterior resection from 1995 to 2002 and were followed for 5 years. Rectal washout was performed at the discretion of the surgeon. National inclusion of patients with rectal cancer and follow-up was near complete (approximately 97 and 98 per cent respectively). RESULTS: A total of 4677 patients were analysed (3749 who had washout, 851 no washout and 77 with information missing); 52.0 per cent of patients in the washout group and 41.4 per cent in the no-washout group had preoperative radiotherapy (P < 0.001). Local recurrence rates were 6.0 and 10.2 per cent respectively (P < 0.001). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses produced odds ratios that favoured washout: 0.56 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.43 to 0.72) and 0.61 (0.46 to 0.80) respectively (both P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis restricted to patients who had curative surgery, the odds ratio was 0.59 (95 per cent c.i. 0.44 to 0.78; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a more favourable outcome in patients after rectal washout than without.

Risk factors of rectal cancer local recurrence: population-based survey and validation of the Swedish rectal cancer registry.

AIM: Despite advances in rectal cancer treatment, local recurrence (LR) remains a significant problem. To select high-risk patients for different treatment options aimed at reducing LR, it is essential to identify LR risk factors. METHOD: Local recurrence and survival rates of 4153 patients registered 1995-1997 in the Swedish Rectal Cancer Registry were analysed. LR risk factors were analysed by multivariate methods. For LR patients the registry was validated and additional data retrieved. RESULTS: The 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival rates were 45% and 62% respectively. LR was registered in 326 (8%) patients. After R0-resections for tumours in TNM stages I-III, LR developed in 10% of tumours at 0-5 cm, 8% at 6-10 cm and 6% at 11-15 cm above the anal verge. Preoperative radiotherapy (RT) reduced the LR rate irrespective of height [0-5 cm: OR 0.50 (0.30-0.83), 6-10 cm: OR 0.42 (0.25-0.71), and 11-15 cm: OR 0.29 (0.13-0.64)]. Patients without preoperative RT had significantly higher LR risk after rectal perforation [OR 2.50 (1.48-4.24)], and almost significantly decreased LR risk when rectal washout was performed [OR 0.65 (0.43-1.00)]. Preoperative RT prolonged time to LR but did not significantly influence the survival among LR patients. LR was an isolated tumour manifestation in 103 (39%) patients with validated LR. CONCLUSION: Preoperative RT should be considered for rectal cancer also in the upper third of the rectum. Intraoperative perforation should be avoided, and rectal washout is indicated as valuable. Follow-up for the detection of isolated LR is important. Extended follow up should be considered for patients treated with RT.

Dar es Salaam perinatal care study: needs assessment for quality of care.

OBJECTIVE: Poor obstetric care in low income countries has been attributed to a wide range of factors. We conducted a perinatal care needs assessment in Dar es Salaam health institutions to assess the factors underlying the present poor perinatal outcome. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in 2005 in all four public hospitals and all five public health centres purposively selected, and in six dispensaries selected using simple random sampling method. WHO Safe Motherhood needs assessment instruments were used to assess structural, systemic and process needs for quality perinatal care. Health care providers, administrators and clients were interviewed about perinatal care services in their respective health institutions. RESULTS: The majority (72%) of all deliveries in Dar es Salaam took place in the four available public hospitals. The potential coverage of comprehensive and basic emergency obstetric care (EmOC) services were 360% and 350% of the United Nations minimum recommended health institution categories per 500,000 population respectively. The coverage for health centres and dispensaries based on Tanzanian standards were 20% and 24% respectively. Two of the hospitals did not provide theatre and blood transfusion services for 24 hours per day. Two public health centres did not provide delivery services at all and 83% of the dispensaries had poorly established obstetric services. There was only one public neonatal unit that served as a referral institution for all sick newborns delivered in public health institutions in the region. CONCLUSION: This paper reveals the state of inadequate infrastructure, equipments and supplies for perinatal care in Dar es Salaam public health institutions. A major investment is needed to establish new public infrastructure for maternal and neonatal care, upgrade and optimize use of the existing ones, and improve supply of essential material resources in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals set for maternal and child survivals by 2015.

Staffing needs for quality perinatal care in Tanzania.

In Tanzania maternal and perinatal mortalities and morbidities are problems of public health importance, and have been linked to the shortage of skilled staff. We quantified the available workforce and the required nursing staff for perinatal care in 16 health institutions in Dar es Salaam. WHO safe motherhood needs assessment instruments were used to assess the availability of human resources, WHO designed Workload Indicators for Staffing Need (WISN) and Tanzanian standard activities and components of the workload for labour ward nursing were used to calculate nurse staffing requirements and WISN ratios. There was a severe shortage of essential categories of health staff for perinatal care in all institutions. The ranges of WISN ratios for nursing staff working in the municipal hospitals' labour wards were; nurse officers 0.5 - 1, trained nurses/midwives 0.2 - 0.4 and nurse assistants 0.1. These findings reflect extremely huge perinatal care workload pressure and suggest the urgent need for more staff in order to achieve the global millennium development goals set for maternal and infant survival.

Partogram use in the Dar es Salaam perinatal care study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of partograms used to monitor labor in Dar es Salaam hospitals, Tanzania. METHODS: The study team reviewed the records of the parameters of labor, and maternal and fetal conditions in 367 partograms, and interviewed 20 midwives. RESULTS: All midwives interviewed had been previously trained to use the partogram. Of all partograms reviewed, 50% had no records of duration of labor. Although cervical dilation and fetal heart rates were recorded in 97% and 94% of the partograms respectively, 63% and 91% of these were judged to be substandard. Substandard monitoring of fetal heart rates was strongly associated with poor fetal outcome (P<0.001). Blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rates were not recorded in 47%-76% of partograms. CONCLUSION: These findings reflect poor management of labor and indicate urgent in-service training to address the importance of documentation and regular partogram audit in order to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths.

The Swedish rectal cancer registry.

BACKGROUND: An audit of all patients with rectal cancer in Sweden was launched in 1995. This is the first report from the Swedish Rectal Cancer Registry (SRCR). METHODS: Between 1995 and 2003, 13 434 patients treated for adenocarcinoma of the rectum were registered with the SRCR; there were approximately 1500 new patients annually. RESULTS: Approximately half had an anterior resection, a quarter an abdominoperineal resection and 15 per cent a Hartmann's procedure. The median 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 2.4 per cent and the overall postoperative morbidity rate was 35.0 per cent. The 5-year cancer-specific survival rate was 62.3 per cent. The 5-year relative survival rate was 70.1 per cent after anterior resection, 59.8 per cent after abdominoperineal resection and 39.8 per cent after a Hartmann's procedure. The crude 5-year local recurrence rate was 9.5 per cent overall, 6.1 per cent after preoperative radiotherapy and 11.4 per cent after surgery alone. For 3868 patients who had a locally curative procedure the local recurrence rate was 7.4 per cent overall, 5.9 per cent for those who had radiotherapy and 10.2 per cent for those who did not. The local recurrence rate was 2.9 per cent (28 of 968) for stage I disease, 7.9 per cent (112 of 1418) for stage II, 13.9 per cent (188 of 1357) for stage III and 8.5 per cent (45 of 532) for stage IV. CONCLUSION: These good population-based results are due, in part, to the nationwide prospective quality assurance registration.

Randomised controlled trial of two antenatal care models in rural Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a five-visit antenatal care (ANC) model with specified goals with the standard model in a rural area in Zimbabwe. DESIGN: Cluster randomised controlled trial with the clinic as the randomisation unit. SETTING: Primary care setting in a developing country where care was provided by nurse-midwives. POPULATION: Women booking for ANC in the clinics were eligible. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of antenatal visits, antepartum and intrapartum referrals, utilization of health centre for delivery and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-three rural health centres were stratified prior to random allocation to the new (n = 11) or standard (n = 12) model of care. RESULTS: We recruited 13,517 women (new, n = 6897 and standard, n = 6620) in the study, and 78% (10,572) of their pregnancy records were retrieved. There was no difference in median maternal age, parity and gestational age at booking between women in the standard model and those in the new model. The median number of visits was four for both models. The proportion of women with five or less visits was 77% in the new and 69% in the standard model (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.08-2.2). The likelihood of haemoglobin testing was higher in the new model (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.0-5.7) but unchanged for syphilis testing. There were fewer intrapartum transfers (5.4 versus 7.9% [OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.44-0.98]) in the new model but no difference in antepartum or postpartum transfers. There was no difference in rates of preterm delivery or low birthweight. The perinatal mortality was 25/1000 in standard model and 28/1000 in new model. CONCLUSION: In Gutu district, a focused five-visit schedule did not change the number of contacts but was more effective as expressed by increased adherence to procedures and better use of institutional health care.

Biomarker selection for detection of occult tumour cells in lymph nodes of colorectal cancer patients using real-time quantitative RT-PCR.

Accurate identification of lymph node involvement is critical for successful treatment of patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Real-time quantitative RT-PCR with a specific probe and RNA copy standard for biomarker mRNA has proven very powerful for detection of disseminated tumour cells. Which properties of biomarker mRNAs are important for identification of disseminated CRC cells? Seven biomarker candidates, CEA, CEACAM1-S/L, CEACAM6, CEACAM7-1/2, MUC2, MMP7 and CK20, were compared in a test-set of lymph nodes from 51 CRC patients (Dukes' A-D) and 10 controls. Normal colon epithelial cells, primary tumours, and different immune cells were also analysed. The biomarkers were ranked according to: (1) detection of haematoxylin/eosin positive nodes, (2) detection of Dukes' A and B patients, who developed metastases during a 54 months follow-up period and (3) identification of patients with Dukes' C and D tumours using the highest value of control nodes as cutoff. The following properties appear to be of importance; (a) no expression in immune cells, (b) relatively high and constant expression in tumour tissue irrespective of Dukes' stage and (c) no or weak downregulation in tumours compared to normal tissue. CEA fulfilled these criteria best, followed by CK20 and MUC2.

Does maternity care improve pregnancy outcomes in women with previous complications? A study from Zimbabwe.

To determine the utilization of maternal health care services and pregnancy outcomes for women with a history of complications in previous pregnancy, we analysed the pregnancy records of multiparous women (parity > or =1) who booked and completed follow-up in Gutu district, Zimbabwe between January 1995 and June 1998. Women with previous uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 6140) were classified as low risk, whereas those with complications of previous pregnancy (n = 1077) were classified high risk. At enrolment, there was no difference in maternal age and parity between low- and high-risk women. A higher proportion of high-risk women had more than five antenatal visits (32% versus 21%; P<0.001) and gave birth in hospital (47% versus 18%; P<0.001). The risk of antenatal (relative risk [RR] 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-1.88), labour/delivery (RR 1.98; 95% CI 1.75-2.25) and neonatal (RR 1.83; 95% CI 1.44-2.34) complications was elevated in high-risk women. There was increased risk for perinatal death in high-risk women, but this did not reach statistical significance (RR 1.56; 95% CI 0.98-2.49). The recurrence ratio for most complications was low and the sensitivity of historical risk markers in predicting women likely to develop further complicated pregnancies was only 23%. Most women with previous pregnancy complications can safely give birth in the rural health centre. We concluded that high-risk women had an elevated risk of complications in the index pregnancy and that better utilization of maternal health care, especially for delivery, reduced adverse perinatal outcomes.

Effectiveness of referral system for antenatal and intra-partum problems in Gutu district, Zimbabwe.

We conducted a population-based cohort study to determine the prevalence of antenatal and intra-partum referrals, compliance with advice and perinatal outcomes in referred pregnant women in Gutu district, Zimbabwe. The cohort was composed of 10,572 women who received antenatal care in 23 rural health centres (RHC) in Gutu district between January 1995 and June 1998. Pregnancy records of women with antenatal or intra-partum referral were analysed for indication, compliance and perinatal outcomes. Using women who had no antenatal referral or those who complied as referents, the association of referral with perinatal outcome was expressed as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 30% of women (3,094/10,572) had an antenatal referral. Among women attending RHC in labour, 13% (694/5,338) were referred intra-partum. Nulliparous and women younger than 20 years were more likely to be referred. Nurse - midwives' compliance with referral recommendations was low as 59% women with historical risk factors and 52% with raised blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg) were not referred. Women complied with referral advice except when indication was high parity. Women with antenatal referral were more likely to have hospital delivery, 70% vs 18% (p < 0.001). A total of 13% (993/7,478) of women referred themselves for hospital delivery. The risk of perinatal death was elevated among intra-partum referrals (RR 3.4; 95% CI 1.7 - 6.8), self-referrals (RR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5 - 4.5) and also among women with historical risk factors who were not referred (RR 4.8; 95% CI 2.5 - 9.2). We concluded that although there was a functional referral system in Gutu district its efficiency was reduced by failure of health personnel to comply with referral recommendations. Women took appropriate action for most referral indications.

Dilemmas and paradoxes in providing and changing antenatal care: a study of nurses and midwives in rural Zimbabwe.

This paper describes the experiences of caregivers in a rural district in Zimbabwe, in caring for pregnant women within a context of changing antenatal care routines. Data were generated using individual interviews with 18 nurses and midwives. The caregivers experienced their working situation as stressful and frustrating due to high staff turnover, inconsistent policies, parallel programmes and limited resources, including time. They also faced difficulties when implementing some of the proposed changes. Furthermore, the caregivers had to deal with the pressure and resistance from the pregnant women, whose reasoning and rationale for using care appeared different from those of the health professionals. In light of the above, we stress the necessity for reflecting on and including the experiences and perspectives of caregivers and the users of care, as well as their contexts and realities, when implementing change.

Germline mutations in the MYH gene in Swedish familial and sporadic colorectal cancer.

Biallelic germline mutations in the base excision repair gene MYH have been shown to predispose to a proportion of multiple colorectal adenomas and cancer. To evaluate the contribution of MYH mutations to non- FAP, non-HNPCC familial colorectal cancer, 84 unrelated Swedish individuals affected with colorectal cancer from such families were screened for germline mutations in the coding sequence of the gene. None of the cases was found to carry any pathogenic sequence change. We then determined the prevalence of the two most common pathogenic MYH mutations found in Caucasians, Y165C and G382D, in 450 Swedish sporadic colorectal cancer cases and 480 Swedish healthy controls. The frequency of both variants in Swedish cases and controls was similar to those previously reported. In addition, we found that previously unknown sequence variations at the position of amino acid 423 (R423Q, R423P, and R423R) appear to occur more frequently in cases than in controls (p = 0.02), a finding that warrants future studies.

Relation of parity to pregnancy outcome in a rural community in Zimbabwe.

This population-based cohort study was conducted to compare pregnancy complications and outcome among nulliparous, low (1-5) and high (> or = 6) parity women. Women who registered for antenatal care and gave birth in Guru District, Zimbabwe, between January 1995 and June 1998 were classified into groups by parity. The women were compared for baseline characteristics, utilisation of health facilities and occurrence of pregnancy complications such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, haemorrhage, pre-term delivery, operative delivery, low birth weight and perinatal death. In estimating risk, primiparous (parity = 1) women were used as referents. Pregnancy records for 10,569 women were analysed. Mean ages of nulliparous and high parity (> or = 6) women were 20.1 and 37.7 years respectively (p < 0.001). Prevalence of anaemia at booking (haemoglobin < or =10.5 g/dl) was reduced in nulliparous compared to multiparous women (11.7% vs 16.8%; p > or = 0.001). Nulliparous women were likely to book early (< or = 20 weeks) for antenatal care, have a higher number of visits (> or = 6) and fewer home births. Nulliparous women had higher risk for low birth weight (RR 1.70; 95% CI 1.36 - 2.13). Compared to low parity women, nulliparous and high parity women had an elevated risk of hypertensive complications RR 1.62 (95% CI 1.37-1.92) and RR 1.64 (95% CI 1.29 - 2.07) respectively. The risk of developing any pregnancy complications was highest in nulliparous women (RR 1.48; 95% 1.31- 1.67). In conclusion, nulliparous women had an increased risk of pregnancy complications. High parity women with no previous complicated pregnancy were at low risk of complications.

Classification of perinatal death in a developing country.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the three most commonly used perinatal death classification systems: (1) the Nordic-Baltic; (2) the Aberdeen; and (3) the Wigglesworth, and assess their applicability in a developing country (Sudan) with a high perinatal mortality rate, and their justification for practical use in quality assurance and audit activities. METHODS: At Omdurman Maternity Hospital (OMH), Khartoum, Sudan, 166 perinatal deaths were prospectively assessed during a 3-month period (May-August 2000) with a total of 2260 births. Narratives of 166 perinatal deaths were prepared for the purpose of audit. A panel of two Danish and one Sudanese obstetrician categorized the cases according to: (1) the Nordic-Baltic; (2) the Aberdeen; and (3) the Wigglesworth classification. RESULTS: By all three classifications a similar fraction of cases (approx. 85%) were allocated to one category only, and in 15% of cases the assessors were in doubt into which of two categories the cases should be allocated. The necessary information is often not available, giving at least 40% classified as 'unknown' in the Aberdeen classification, whereas the Wigglesworth classification results in an even larger group of unspecified asphyxia. CONCLUSION: Classification of perinatal deaths in developing countries is associated with problems regarding application, validity and usefulness. The Nordic-Baltic classification seems to be most suitable for appropriate stratification using routinely recorded variables and providing categories associated with specific levels of care.