Cervical Pessary for Prevention of Preterm Birth in Individuals With a Short Cervix: The TOPS Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: A short cervix as assessed by transvaginal ultrasound is an established risk factor for preterm birth. Study findings for a cervical pessary to prevent preterm delivery in singleton pregnancies with transvaginal ultrasound evidence of a short cervix have been conflicting. Objective: To determine if cervical pessary placement decreases the risk of preterm birth or fetal death prior to 37 weeks among individuals with a short cervix. Design, Setting, and Participants: We performed a multicenter, randomized, unmasked trial comparing a cervical pessary vs usual care from February 2017 through November 5, 2021, at 12 centers in the US. Study participants were nonlaboring individuals with a singleton pregnancy and a transvaginal ultrasound cervical length of 20 mm or less at gestations of 16 weeks 0 days through 23 weeks 6 days. Individuals with a prior spontaneous preterm birth were excluded. Interventions: Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either a cervical pessary placed by a trained clinician (n = 280) or usual care (n = 264). Use of vaginal progesterone was at the discretion of treating clinicians. Main Outcome and Measures: The primary outcome was delivery or fetal death prior to 37 weeks. Results: A total of 544 participants (64%) of a planned sample size of 850 were enrolled in the study (mean age, 29.5 years [SD, 6 years]). Following the third interim analysis, study recruitment was stopped due to concern for fetal or neonatal/infant death as well as for futility. Baseline characteristics were balanced between participants randomized to pessary and those randomized to usual care; 98.9% received vaginal progesterone. In an as-randomized analysis, the primary outcome occurred in 127 participants (45.5%) randomized to pessary and 127 (45.6%) randomized to usual care (relative risk, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.83-1.20). Fetal or neonatal/infant death occurred in 13.3% of those randomized to receive a pessary and in 6.8% of those randomized to receive usual care (relative risk, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.13-3.32). Conclusions and Relevance: Cervical pessary in nonlaboring individuals with a singleton gestation and with a cervical length of 20 mm or less did not decrease the risk of preterm birth and was associated with a higher rate of fetal or neonatal/infant mortality. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02901626.

Morphological and Immunohistochemical Features of Placental Damage in Cases of Perinatal Death: Institutional Experience with Emphasis on Viral Etiology.

OBJECTIVE: Intrauterine hypoxia/asphyxia is not the cause, but a consequence of different pathological conditions that requires a more detailed study of the morphogenesis of perinatal death. METHODS: Structural changes in placentas of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) in different stages of intrauterine period and placentas in early neonatal death were reviewed and compared. Control group was composed of term placentas without evidence of perinatal asphyxia or other neonatal abnormalities. Immunohistochemical investigation was performed by antibodies to Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Morphometric analysis was performed using the Pannoramic Midi II histoscanner of "3DHISTECH" company. RESULTS: The histologic examination of placentas revealed differences between IUFD and early neonatal death. Predominant localization of HSV and CMV antigens was noted in the walls of capillaries and in placental villous stroma in absolute majority of IUFD and early neonatal death cases; importantly, colocalization of TNF, HSV, and CMV antigens was also detected in cases of IUFD and early neonatal period. CONCLUSION: Damage of placental vessels due to the influence of pathogenic factors (virus antigens, TNF) can cause acute or chronic intrauterine fetus hypoxia which is a leading pathogenetic factor of perinatal death.

Cumulative effect of evidence-based practices on outcomes of preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestational age.

BACKGROUND: Extremely preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestational age are at high risk of death or severe neurological injury. Several individual evidence-based practices have been associated with neuroprotection. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the cumulative effect of 4 evidence-based practices and their association with death and/or severe neurological injury among infants born at <29 weeks' gestational age. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study of infants born at 230-286 weeks gestational age admitted to neonatal intensive care units participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network from 2015 through 2017. We evaluated 4 practices: antenatal corticosteroids, antenatal MgSO4 for neuroprotection, deferred cord clamping ≥30 seconds, and normothermia on admission. The effect of exposure to 1, 2, 3, and all 4 evidence-based practices compared with none on death and/or severe neurological injury was assessed using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for patient characteristics. RESULTS: Rate of death and/or severe neurological injury was 20% (873 of 4297) and varied based on exposure to evidence-based practices: none, 34% (54 of 157); 1, 27% (171 of 626); 2, 20% (295 of 1448); 3, 18% (263 of 1448); and all 4, 14% (90 of 618). Significantly lower odds of death and/or severe neurological injury were observed with exposure to antenatal corticosteroids (adjusted odds ratio, 0.52, 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.69) and deferred cord clamping (adjusted odds ratio, 0.81, 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.96) but not MgSO4 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.88, 95% confidence interval, 0.72-1.08) or normothermia (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96, 95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.16). Infants exposed to ≥2 evidence-based practices had significantly lower odds of death and/or severe neurological injury than those exposed to no evidence-based practices (adjusted odds ratio, 0.61, 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.88). CONCLUSION: Among infants born at <29 weeks' gestational age, exposure to at least 2 of the evidence-based practices assessed was associated with decreased odds of death and/or severe neurological injury.

Survey of Australian maternity hospitals to inform development and implementation of a stillbirth prevention 'bundle of care'.

BACKGROUND: 'Bundles of care' are being implemented to improve key practice gaps in perinatal care. As part of our development of a stillbirth prevention bundle, we consulted with Australian maternity care providers. OBJECTIVE: To gain the insights of Australian maternity care providers to inform the development and implementation of a bundle of care for stillbirth prevention. METHODS: A 2018 on-line survey of hospitals providing maternity services included 55 questions incorporating multiple choice, Likert items and open text. A senior clinician at each site completed the survey. The survey asked questions about practices related to fetal growth restriction, decreased fetal movements, smoking cessation, intrapartum fetal monitoring, maternal sleep position and perinatal mortality audit. The objectives were to assess which elements of care were most valued; best practice frequency; and, barriers and enablers to implementation. RESULTS: 227 hospitals were invited with 83 (37%) responding. All proposed elements were perceived as important. Hospitals were least likely to follow best practice recommendations "all the time" for smoking cessation support (<50%), risk assessment for fetal growth restriction (<40%) and advice on sleep position (<20%). Time constraints, absence of clear guidelines and lack of continuity of carer were recognised as barriers to implementation across care practices. CONCLUSIONS: Areas for practice improvement were evident. All elements of care were valued, with increasing awareness of safe sleeping position perceived as less important. There is strong support from maternity care providers across Australia for a bundle of care to reduce stillbirth.

Avaliação do impacto de programas de assistência pré-natal, parto e ao recém-nascido nas mortes neonatais evitáveis em Pernambuco, Brasil: estudo de adequação / Assessment of the impact of prenatal, childbirth, and neonatal care on avoidable neonatal deaths in Pernambuco State, Brazil: an adequacy study / Evaluación del impacto de programas de asistencia pre-natal, parto y cuidados al recién-nacido en las muertes neonatales evitables en Pernambuco, Brasil: estudio de adecuación

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto de programas voltados à assistência pré-natal, parto e ao recém-nascido (Mãe Coruja Pernambucana e Rede Cegonha) na mortalidade neonatal evitável no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, utilizando a abordagem de adequação. Analisou-se a tendência dos coeficientes de mortalidade neonatal evitável, bem como o impacto desses programas na mortalidade neonatal evitável em quatro regiões de saúde do estado, de 2000 a 2016. Sistemas de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e de Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) e documentos oficiais foram usados como fonte de dados. Os óbitos foram classificados segundo a Lista Brasileira de Causas de Óbitos Evitáveis por Intervenções do SUS. Utilizaram-se métodos de regressão linear e joinpoint para análise das tendências e identificação de pontos de inflexão nas curvas de mortalidade neonatal. Houve acentuada queda da mortalidade neonatal evitável no estado, principalmente a precoce. Excetuando-se a Região I-Recife, onde observou-se inflexão negativa das curvas de mortalidade após a implantação da Rede Cegonha, não houve correspondência das inflexões nas curvas com os períodos de implantação dos programas nas demais regiões. Outros fatores parecem ter atuado na melhoria desses indicadores, como a ampliação da rede de alto risco. Portanto, o fortalecimento dessa rede pode contribuir na redução dos óbitos neonatais evitáveis, particularmente o precoce.

This study aimed to assess the impact of programs for prenatal, childbirth, and neonatal care (Mother Owl and Stork Network) on avoidable neonatal mortality in Pernambuco State, Brazil, using the adequacy approach. We analyzed the trend in avoidable neonatal mortality and the impact of these programs on avoidable neonatal mortality in four health regions in the state from 2000 to 2016. The Mortality Information System (SIM) and the Information System on Live Births (SINASC) and official documents were used as the data sources. Deaths were classified according to the Brazilian List of Avoidable Causes of Deaths Via Interventions by the Unified National Health System. Linear regression and joinpoint methods were used to analyze tendencies and identifying turning points in the neonatal mortality curves. There was a sharp drop in avoidable neonatal mortality in the state, especially in early neonatal mortality. Except for the I-Recife region, where there was a downturn in the mortality curves after implementation of the Stork Network, there was no association between the turning points in the curves and the periods with the programs' implementation in the regions. Other factors appear to have led to the improvement of these indicators, such as the expansion of the high-risk network. Strengthening this network can thus help reduce avoidable neonatal deaths, especially early deaths.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de programas dirigidos a la asistencia pre-natal, parto y cuidados al recién nacido (Madre-Búho y Red Cigüeña) en la mortalidad neonatal evitable en el estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, utilizando un abordaje de adecuación. Se analizó la tendencia de los coeficientes de mortalidad neonatal evitable, así como el impacto de estos programas en la mortalidad neonatal evitable en cuatro regiones de salud del estado, de 2000 a 2016. Se utilizaron como fuente de datos los Sistemas de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM) y de Nacidos Vivos (SINASC), así como documentos oficiales. Los óbitos se clasificaron según la Lista Brasileña de Causas de Óbitos Evitables por Intervenciones del SUS. Se utilizaron métodos de regresión lineal y joinpoint para el análisis de las tendencias e identificación de puntos de inflexión en la curvas de mortalidad neonatal. Hubo una acentuada caída de la mortalidad neonatal evitable en el estado, principalmente la precoz. Exceptuándose la región I-Recife, donde se observó una inflexión negativa de las curvas de mortalidad tras la implantación de la Red Cigüeña, no hubo una correspondencia de las inflexiones en las curvas con los períodos de implantación de los programas en las demás regiones. Otros factores parecen haber actuado en la mejoría de estos indicadores, como la ampliación de la red de alto riesgo. Por tanto, el fortalecimiento de esta red puede contribuir a la reducción de los óbitos neonatales evitables, particularmente el precoz.

Impacts of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) on infant mortality: a quasi-experimental study in the USA, 2003-2014.

OBJECTIVES: The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the first mandatory market-based regulatory programme to limit regional carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the USA. Empirical evidence has shown that high concentrations of ambient air pollutants such as CO2 have been positively associated with an increased risk of morbidity (eg, respiratory conditions including asthma and lung cancer) and premature mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of RGGI on death rates in infancy. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental difference-in-differences design. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We estimated the impacts of RGGI on infant mortality from 2003 through 2014 in the USA (6 years before and after RGGI implementation). Our analytic models included state- and year-fixed effects in addition to a number of covariates. OUTCOME MEASURES: Death rates in infancy: neonatal mortality rates (NMRs), deaths under 28 days as well as infant mortality rates (IMRs), deaths under 1 year. RESULTS: Implementation of RGGI was associated with significant decreases in overall NMRs (a reduction of 0.41/1000 live births) and male NMRs (a reduction of 0.43/1000 live births). However, RGGI did not have a significant effect on female NMRs. Similarly, overall IMRs and male IMRs decreased significantly by 0.37/1000 live births and 0.61/1000 live births, respectively, after implementation of RGGI while female IMRs were not significantly affected by RGGI. CONCLUSIONS: RGGI was associated with decreases in overall infant mortality and boy mortality through reducing air pollutant concentrations. Of note, the impact of this environmental policy on infant girls was much smaller.

Vaginal progesterone, oral progesterone, 17-OHPC, cerclage, and pessary for preventing preterm birth in at-risk singleton pregnancies: an updated systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent progesterone trials call for an update of previous syntheses of interventions to prevent preterm birth. OBJECTIVES: To compare the relative effects of different types and routes of administration of progesterone, cerclage, and pessary at preventing preterm birth in at-risk women overall and in specific populations. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science up to 1 January 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised trials of progesterone, cerclage or pessary for preventing preterm birth in at-risk singleton pregnancies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used a piloted data extraction form and performed Bayesian random-effects network meta-analyses with 95% credibility intervals (CrI), as well as pairwise meta-analyses, rating the quality of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included 40 trials (11 311 women). In at-risk women overall, vaginal progesterone reduced preterm birth <34 (OR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.20-0.81) and <37 weeks (OR 0.51, 95% CrI 0.34-0.74), and neonatal death (OR 0.41, 95% CrI 0.20-0.83). In women with a previous preterm birth, vaginal progesterone reduced preterm birth <34 (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.68) and <37 weeks (OR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.23-0.74), and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate reduced preterm birth <37 weeks (OR 0.53, 95% CrI 0.27-0.95) and neonatal death (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.95). In women with a short cervix (≤25 mm), vaginal progesterone reduced preterm birth <34 weeks (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal progesterone was the only intervention with consistent effectiveness for preventing preterm birth in singleton at-risk pregnancies overall and in those with a previous preterm birth. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: In updated NMA, vaginal progesterone consistently reduced PTB in overall at-risk pregnancies and in women with previous PTB.

Mortalidade no primeiro dia de vida: tendências, causas de óbito e evitabilidade em oito Unidades da Federação brasileira, entre 2010 e 2015 / Mortalidad en el primer día de vida: tendencias, causas de muerte y evitabilidad en ocho Unidades de la Federación brasileña, entre 2010 y 2015 / Mortality on the first day of life: trends, causes of death and avoidability in eight Brazilian Federative Units, between 2010 and 2015

Objetivo: calcular taxas de mortalidade no primeiro dia de vida entre 2010 e 2015 em oito Unidades da Federação brasileira com melhor qualidade de informação, avaliar fatores associados e classificar os óbitos segundo causa básica e evitabilidade. Métodos: estudo descritivo; as taxas foram comparadas conforme características maternas e da criança; a análise de evitabilidade usou a 'Lista brasileira de causas de mortes evitáveis'. Resultados: 21,6% (n=20.791) dos óbitos infantis ocorreram no primeiro dia de vida; a taxa de mortalidade reduziu-se de 2,7 para 2,3 óbitos/1.000 nascidos vivos; observaram-se maiores taxas em NV com baixo peso, nascidos pré-termo e filhos de mães sem escolaridade; as principais causas dos óbitos foram síndrome da angústia respiratória (8,9%) e imaturidade extrema (5,2%); 66,3% das causas de óbito foram consideradas evitáveis. Conclusão: dois terços dos óbitos no primeiro dia de vida poderiam ser evitados por atenção adequada à mulher na gestação e no parto, e ao NV.

Objetivo: calcular la mortalidad en el primer día de vida entre 2010 y 2015 en ocho Unidades de la Federación brasileña con mejor calidad de información, analizar factores asociados y clasificar las causas básicas y la evitabilidad de los óbitos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo; las tasas de mortalidad fueron comparadas según las características maternas y del recién nacido (RN); el análisis de evitabilidad utilizó la 'Lista brasileña de causas de muertes evitables'. Resultados: un 21,6% (n=20.791) de los óbitos infantiles ocurrió en el primer día de vida; la tasa de mortalidad se redujo de 2,7 a 2,3 óbitos/1.000 nacidos vivos (NV); las tasas fueron mayores en NV de bajo peso, prematuros e hijos de madres sin escolaridad; las principales causas de óbito fueron síndrome de angustia respiratoria (8,9%) e inmadurez extrema (5,2%); un 66,3% de las causas de óbito fueron consideradas evitables. Conclusión: 2/3 de los óbitos en el primer día de vida podrían haber sido evitados con una atención adecuada a la mujer embarazada, al parto y al NV.

Objective: to calculate mortality rates on the first day of life from 2010 to 2015 in eight Brazilian Federative Units providing better quality information, to assess associated factors and to classify deaths by underlying causes and avoidability. Methods: this was a descriptive study; mortality rates were compared according to maternal and child characteristics; avoidability analysis used the 'Brazilian list of avoidable causes of death'. Results: 21.6% (n=20,791) of all infant deaths occurred on the first day of life; the mortality rate reduced from 2.7 to 2.3 deaths/1,000 live births; rates were higher in live births with low birthweight and preterm births, and among babies born to mothers with no schooling; main causes of death were respiratory distress syndrome (8.9%) and extreme immaturity (5.2%); 66.3% of causes of death were avoidable. Conclusion: 2/3 of deaths on the first day of life could have been avoided with adequate care for women during pregnancy and delivery and adequate care for live births.

Perinatal deaths preventable by intervention of the Unified Health System of Brazil. / Óbitos perinatais evitáveis por intervenções do Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of perinatal deaths through the actions of the Unified Health System. METHODS: This is a descriptive study of temporal analysis with a population of perinatal deaths of mothers residing in Recife, Brazil, from 2010 to 2014. A list was used to classify the preventable diseases and the variables were analysed using Epi lnfo™ version 7. RESULTS: The perinatal deaths totalled 1,756 (1,019 foetal and 737 neonatal premature) with a reduction of neonatal deaths (-15.8%) and an increase of foetal deaths (12.1%) in the study period. The main causes of death were foetus and newborn affected by the mother´s condition and asphyxia/hypoxia at birth. CONCLUSIONS: Most deaths were avoidable, especially in the group of appropriate care to mothers during pregnancy. Faults in the care provided to women at birth explain the percentage of deaths caused by asphyxia/hypoxia. The reduction of preventable perinatal mortality is associated with the increased access and quality of care, which ensures health promotion, disease prevention, treatment and specific and timely care.

Does progesterone prophylaxis to prevent preterm labour improve outcome? A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial (OPPTIMUM).

BACKGROUND: Progesterone prophylaxis is widely used to prevent preterm birth but is not licensed and there is little information on long-term outcome. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of progesterone prophylaxis in women at high risk of preterm birth on obstetric, neonatal and childhood outcomes. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Obstetric units in the UK and Europe between February 2009 and April 2013. PARTICIPANTS: Women with a singleton pregnancy who are at high risk of preterm birth because of either a positive fibronectin test or a negative fibronectin test, and either previous spontaneous birth at ≤ 34 weeks+0 of gestation or a cervical length of ≤ 25 mm. INTERVENTIONS: Fibronectin test at 18+0 to 23+0 weeks of pregnancy to determine risk of preterm birth. Eligible women were allocated (using a web-based randomisation portal) to 200 mg of progesterone or placebo, taken vaginally daily from 22+0 to 24+0 until 34+0 weeks' gestation. Participants, caregivers and those assessing the outcomes were blinded to group assignment until data collection was complete. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: There were three primary outcomes, as follows: (1) obstetric - fetal death or delivery before 34+0 weeks' gestation; (2) neonatal - a composite of death, brain injury on ultrasound scan (according to specific criteria in the protocol) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia; and (3) childhood - the Bayley-III cognitive composite score at 22-26 months of age. RESULTS: In total, 96 out of 600 (16%) women in the progesterone group and 108 out of 597 (18%) women in the placebo group had the primary obstetric outcome [odds ratio (OR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61 to 1.22]. Forty-six out of 589 (8%) babies of women in the progesterone group and 62 out of 587 (11%) babies of women in the placebo group experienced the primary neonatal outcome [OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.17]. The mean Bayley-III cognitive composite score of the children at 2 years of age was 97.3 points [standard deviation (SD) 17.9 points; n = 430] in the progesterone group and 97.7 points (SD 17.5 points; n = 439) in the placebo group (difference in means -0.48, 95% CI -2.77 to 1.81). LIMITATIONS: Overall compliance with the intervention was 69%. HARMS: There were no major harms, although there was a trend of more deaths from trial entry to 2 years in the progesterone group (20/600) than in the placebo group (16/598) (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.42). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, progesterone had no significant beneficial or harmful effects on the primary obstetric, neonatal or childhood outcomes.The OPPTIMUM trial is now complete. We intend to participate in a comprehensive individual patient-level data meta-analysis examining women with a singleton pregnancy with a variety of risk factors for preterm birth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN14568373. FUNDING: This trial was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and managed by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) on behalf of the MRC-NIHR partnership.

Saving babies' lives project impact and results evaluation (SPiRE): a mixed methodology study.

BACKGROUND: Reducing stillbirth and early neonatal death is a national priority in the UK. Current evidence indicates this is potentially achievable through application of four key interventions within routine maternity care delivered as the National Health Service (NHS) England's Saving Babies' Lives care bundle. However, there is significant variation in the degree of implementation of the care bundle between and within maternity units and the effectiveness in reducing stillbirth and improving service delivery has not yet been evaluated. This study aims to evaluate the impact of implementing the care bundle on UK maternity services and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: The Saving Babies' Lives Project Impact and Results Evaluation (SPiRE) study is a multicentre evaluation of maternity care delivered through the Saving Babies' Lives care bundle using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The study will be conducted in twenty NHS Hospital Trusts and will include approximately 100,000 births. It involves participation by both service users and care providers. To determine the impact of the care bundle on pregnancy outcomes, birth data and other clinical measures will be extracted from maternity databases and case-note audit from before and after implementation. Additionally, this study will employ questionnaires with organisational leads and review clinical guidelines to assess how resources, leadership and governance may affect implementation in diverse hospital settings. The cost of implementing the care bundle, and the cost per stillbirth avoided, will also be estimated as part of a health economic analysis. The views and experiences of service users and service providers towards maternity care in relation to the care bundle will be also be sought using questionnaires. DISCUSSION: This protocol describes a pragmatic study design which is necessarily limited by the availability of data and limitations of timescales and funding. In particular there was no opportunity to prospectively gather pre-intervention data or design a phased implementation such as a stepped-wedge study. Nevertheless this study will provide useful practice-based evidence which will advance knowledge about the processes that underpin successful implementation of the care bundle so that it can be further developed and refined. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT03231007 (26th July 2017).

Óbitos perinatais evitáveis por intervenções do Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil / Muertes perinatales evitables por intervención del Sistema de Salud Pública / Perinatal deaths preventable by intervention of the Unified Health System of Brazil

Resumo OBJETIVO Descrever características epidemiológicas dos óbitos perinatais por ações do Sistema Público de Saúde. MÉTODOS Estudo descritivo de análise temporal, população composta por óbitos perinatais de mães residentes no Recife, 2010-2014. Utilizado Lista de causas de mortes evitáveis para classificar a evitabilidade e EpiInfo versão 7 para análise das variáveis. RESULTADOS Ocorreram 1.756 óbitos perinatais (1.019 fetais e 737 neonatais precoce), observou-se redução dos óbitos neonatais precoces (-15,8%) e aumento dos fetais (12,1%). Apresentou como principais causas: feto e recém-nascido afetado por afecção materna e asfixia/hipóxia ao nascer. CONCLUSÕES A maior parte dos óbitos foi evitável, concentrando-se no grupamento de assistência adequada dispensada à mulher na gestação. Lacunas na assistência dispensada à mulher no parto, explicam o percentual de asfixia/hipóxia. Redução da mortalidade perinatal evitável associa-se à ampliação do acesso e qualidade da assistência para garantir promoção, prevenção, tratamento, cuidados específicos e oportunos.

Resumen OBJETIVO Describir las características epidemiológicas de las muertes perinatales por acciones del Sistema de Salud Pública. MÉTODOS Estudio descriptivo del análisis temporal, población compuesta por muertes perinatales de madres residentes en Recife, 2010-2014. Lista de causas de muertes evitables para clasificar la evitación y, EpiInfo versión 7 para el análisis de variables. RESULTADOS Hubo 1.756 muertes perinatales (1.019 fetales, 737 prematuros neonatos), reducción de muertes neonatales tempranas (-15,8%) y aumento fetal (12,1%). Principales causas: feto y recién-nacido afectados por afección materna y asfixia / hipoxia al nacer. CONCLUSIONES La mayoría de las muertes fueron evitables, concentrándose en la agrupación adecuada de la atención prestada a la mujer durante el embarazo. Las fallas en el cuidado dado a la mujer al nacer explican el porcentaje de asfixia/hipoxia. La reducción de la mortalidad perinatal prevenible se asocia con un mayor acceso y calidad de atención para asegurar la promoción, prevención, tratamiento y atención específica y oportuna.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To describe the epidemiological characteristics of perinatal deaths through the actions of the Unified Health System. METHODS This is a descriptive study of temporal analysis with a population of perinatal deaths of mothers residing in Recife, Brazil, from 2010 to 2014. A list was used to classify the preventable diseases and the variables were analysed using Epi lnfo™ version 7 RESULTS The perinatal deaths totalled 1,756 (1,019 foetal and 737 neonatal premature) with a reduction of neonatal deaths (-15.8%) and an increase of foetal deaths (12.1%) in the study period. The main causes of death were foetus and newborn affected by the mother´s condition and asphyxia/hypoxia at birth. CONCLUSIONS Most deaths were avoidable, especially in the group of appropriate care to mothers during pregnancy. Faults in the care provided to women at birth explain the percentage of deaths caused by asphyxia/hypoxia. The reduction of preventable perinatal mortality is associated with the increased access and quality of care, which ensures health promotion, disease prevention, treatment and specific and timely care.

Cervical stitch (cerclage) for preventing preterm birth in singleton pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cerclage is a well-known surgical procedure carried out during pregnancy. It involves positioning of a suture (stitch) around the neck of the womb (cervix), aiming to give mechanical support to the cervix and thereby reduce risk of preterm birth. The effectiveness and safety of this procedure remains controversial. This is an update of a review last published in 2012. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the use of cervical stitch in singleton pregnancy at high risk of pregnancy loss based on woman's history and/or ultrasound finding of 'short cervix' and/or physical exam improves subsequent obstetric care and fetal outcome. SEARCH METHODS: We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (30 June 2016) and reference lists of identified studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised trials of cervical suturing in singleton pregnancies. Cervical stitch was carried out when the pregnancy was considered to be of sufficiently high risk due to a woman's history, a finding of short cervix on ultrasound or other indication determined by physical exam. We included any study that compared cerclage with either no treatment or any alternative intervention. We planned to include cluster-randomised studies but not cross-over trials. We excluded quasi-randomised studies. We included studies reported in abstract form only. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion. Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We resolved discrepancies by discussion. Data were checked for accuracy. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: This updated review includes a total of 15 trials (3490 women); three trials were added for this update (152 women). Cerclage versus no cerclageOverall, cerclage probably leads to a reduced risk of perinatal death when compared with no cerclage, although the confidence interval (CI) crosses the line of no effect (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.04; 10 studies, 2927 women; moderate quality evidence). Considering stillbirths and neonatal deaths separately reduced the numbers of events and sample size. Although the relative effect of cerclage is similar, estimates were less reliable with fewer data and assessed as of low quality (stillbirths RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.75; 5 studies, 1803 women; low quality evidence; neonatal deaths before discharge RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.39; 6 studies, 1714 women; low quality evidence). Serious neonatal morbidity was similar with and without cerclage (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.18; 6 studies, 883 women; low-quality evidence). Pregnant women with and without cerclage were equally likely to have a baby discharged home healthy (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.06; 4 studies, 657 women; moderate quality evidence).Pregnant women with cerclage were less likely to have preterm births compared to controls before 37, 34 (average RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.89; 9 studies, 2415 women; high quality evidence) and 28 completed weeks of gestation.Five subgroups based on clinical indication provided data for analysis (history-indicated; short cervix based on one-off ultrasound in high risk women; short cervix found by serial scans in high risk women; physical exam-indicated; and short cervix found on scan in low risk or mixed populations). There were too few trials in these clinical subgroups to make meaningful conclusions and no evidence of differential effects. Cerclage versus progesteroneTwo trials (129 women) compared cerclage to prevention with vaginal progesterone in high risk women with short cervix on ultrasound; these trials were too small to detect reliable, clinically important differences for any review outcome. One included trial compared cerclage with intramuscular progesterone (75 women) which lacked power to detect group differences. History indicated cerclage versus ultrasound indicated cerclageEvidence from two trials (344 women) was too limited to establish differences for clinically important outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Cervical cerclage reduces the risk of preterm birth in women at high-risk of preterm birth and probably reduces risk of perinatal deaths. There was no evidence of any differential effect of cerclage based on previous obstetric history or short cervix indications, but data were limited for all clinical groups. The question of whether cerclage is more or less effective than other preventative treatments, particularly vaginal progesterone, remains unanswered.

Vaginal progesterone decreases preterm birth and neonatal morbidity and mortality in women with a twin gestation and a short cervix: an updated meta-analysis of individual patient data.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth and neonatal morbidity and mortality in asymptomatic women with a twin gestation and a sonographic short cervix (cervical length ≤ 25 mm) in the mid-trimester. METHODS: This was an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data (IPD) from randomized controlled trials comparing vaginal progesterone with placebo/no treatment in women with a twin gestation and a mid-trimester sonographic cervical length ≤ 25 mm. MEDLINE, EMBASE, POPLINE, CINAHL and LILACS (all from inception to 31 December 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Research Registers of ongoing trials, Google Scholar, conference proceedings and reference lists of identified studies were searched. The primary outcome measure was preterm birth < 33 weeks' gestation. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed the risk of bias and extracted the data. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: IPD were available for 303 women (159 assigned to vaginal progesterone and 144 assigned to placebo/no treatment) and their 606 fetuses/infants from six randomized controlled trials. One study, which included women with a cervical length between 20 and 25 mm, provided 74% of the total sample size of the IPD meta-analysis. Vaginal progesterone, compared with placebo/no treatment, was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth < 33 weeks' gestation (31.4% vs 43.1%; RR, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.51-0.93); moderate-quality evidence). Moreover, vaginal progesterone administration was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of preterm birth < 35, < 34, < 32 and < 30 weeks' gestation (RRs ranging from 0.47 to 0.83), neonatal death (RR, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.35-0.81)), respiratory distress syndrome (RR, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56-0.89)), composite neonatal morbidity and mortality (RR, 0.61 (95% CI, 0.34-0.98)), use of mechanical ventilation (RR, 0.54 (95% CI, 0.36-0.81)) and birth weight < 1500 g (RR, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.35-0.80)) (all moderate-quality evidence). There were no significant differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes at 4-5 years of age between the vaginal progesterone and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of vaginal progesterone to asymptomatic women with a twin gestation and a sonographic short cervix in the mid-trimester reduces the risk of preterm birth occurring at < 30 to < 35 gestational weeks, neonatal mortality and some measures of neonatal morbidity, without any demonstrable deleterious effects on childhood neurodevelopment. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Screening and prevention of stillbirth.

Stillbirth is delivery of a baby at or after 24 weeks of gestational age (UK definition) not showing any signs of life. It affects almost one in 200 pregnancies and is the single major cause of perinatal death. Stillbirth is associated with a wide range of maternal demographic characteristics, but most of the variations in stillbirth risk are independent of these characteristics. Stillbirth is the end point of multiple processes, but the single most common cause is probably placental dysfunction. Stillbirth is associated with a wide range of biochemical and ultrasonic predictors, but there is limited evidence to support population-based screening. However, the evidence based is weak due to the use of poorly characterised screening tests, the failure to couple risk assessment with a clearly effective intervention for those who screen positive and inadequate study sample sizes. Basic research needs to identify better predictors, and clinical trials need to adopt more rigorous methodologies.

Spatial patterns of preventable perinatal mortality in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify the spatial distribution patterns and areas of higher risk of preventable perinatal mortality in the city of Salvador, State of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS We carried out a spatial aggregated study in 2007, considering the weighting areas (census tracts contiguous sets) of Salvador, of which the center and north present low life conditions. Data were obtained from national vital statistics systems and the 2010 Census. Addresses of live births and stillbirths were geocoded by weighting area. The spatial distribution of the perinatal mortality rate was analyzed from thematic maps. Spatial dependence was evaluated by the Global and Local Geary's and Moran's Indexes. RESULTS Crude and smoothed perinatal mortality rates were high in areas situated to the north, west, and in center of Salvador. The smoothed rates in weighting areas ranged from 4.9/1,000 to 22.3/1,000 births. Of all perinatal deaths, 92.1% could have been prevented. We identified spatial dependence for preventable perinatal mortality for care in pregnancy, with neighboring areas with high risk in the north of the city. CONCLUSIONS The preventability potential of perinatal mortality was high in Salvador, in 2007. The spatial distribution pattern with higher rates in disadvantaged areas of the city suggests the existence of social inequalities in health. The characteristics of the process of urban development of Salvador, which has inadequate prenatal care, possibly influenced the magnitude and spatial distribution pattern of this mortality.

Atividades desenvolvidas pelos comitês de prevenção do óbito infantil e fetal: revisão integrativa / Actividades desarrolladas por los comités de prevención de la muerte infantil y fetal: revisión integradora / Activities developed by the committees of prevention of infant and fetal deaths: integrative review

RESUMO Objetivo Sistematizar o conhecimento sobre as atividades desenvolvidas por comitês que atuam com a prevenção do óbito infantil e fetal. Método Revisão integrativa de literatura, realizada no mês de novembro de 2015, nas bases de dados PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, BDEnf e SciELO, utilizando as palavras-chave e descritores mortalidade infantil, óbito infantil, óbitos infantis, óbito fetal, óbitos fetais, mortalidade fetal, mortalidade neonatal, comitê de profissionais, comissão, comissões, comitês consultivos. Os 34 estudos selecionados foram organizados e analisados com auxílio do Microsoft Excel®. Resultados Há comitês de âmbito internacional, nacional, regional, estadual e municipal que analisam óbitos e realizam atividades para qualificar a assistência materno-infantil e alimentar os sistemas de informação em saúde. Conclusão Os comitês de prevenção do óbito infantil e fetal desenvolvem atividades de coleta, produção, análise e divulgação de informações relacionadas ao óbito com a finalidade de reduzir taxas de mortalidade infantil e fetal.

RESUMEN Objetivo Para sistematizar el conocimiento de las actividades desarrolladas por los comités que trabajan con la prevención del trabajo infantil y la muerte fetal. Método Revisión integrada de la literatura, que se celebró en noviembre de 2015, de las bases de datos PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, BDEnf y SciELO, usando las palabras clave y descriptores de mortalidad infantil,mortalidad fetal intrauterina, mortinatos, mortalidad fetal, la mortalidad neonatal, del comité profesional, comisiones, comités de asesoramiento. Se organizaron los 34 estudios seleccionados y se los analizó utilizando Microsoft Excel®. Resultados Existen internacionalmente comités, nacional, regional, estatal y actividades escénicas locales para calificar los sistemas de información de salud materna e infantil y de los alimentos. Conclusión Los comités de prevención de la mortalidad infantil y fetal se desarrollan las actividades de recolección, producción, análisis y difusión de información relacionada con la muerte, a fin de reducir las tasas de mortalidad infantil y fetal.

ABSTRACT Objective To systematize knowledge on the activities developed by the committees involved in the prevention of infant and fetal deaths. Method Integrated literature review conducted in November 2015 at PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, BDEnf and SciELO databases using keywords and descriptors of infant mortality, infant death, infant deaths, fetal death, fetal deaths, fetal mortality, neonatal mortality, professional committee, committee, committees, advisory committees. The 34 selected studies were organized and analyzed using Microsoft Excel®. Results International, national, regional, state and local committees analyze the deaths and conduct activities aimed to qualify maternal and childcare and feed the health information systems. Conclusion The committees for the prevention of infant and fetal mortality collect, produce, analyze and disseminate information related to these deaths in order to reduce infant and fetal mortality rates.