Calcium supplementation to prevent pre-eclampsia: protocol for an individual participant data meta-analysis, network meta-analysis and health economic evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Low dietary calcium intake is a risk factor for pre-eclampsia, a major contributor to maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Calcium supplementation can prevent pre-eclampsia in women with low dietary calcium. However, the optimal dose and timing of calcium supplementation are not known. We plan to undertake an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomised trials to determine the effects of various calcium supplementation regimens in preventing pre-eclampsia and its complications and rank these by effectiveness. We also aim to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of calcium supplementation to prevent pre-eclampsia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will identify randomised trials on calcium supplementation before and during pregnancy by searching major electronic databases including Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, PubMed, Scopus, AMED, LILACS, POPLINE, AIM, IMSEAR, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, without language restrictions, from inception to February 2022. Primary researchers of the identified trials will be invited to join the International Calcium in Pregnancy Collaborative Network and share their IPD. We will check each study's IPD for consistency with the original authors before standardising and harmonising the data. We will perform a series of one-stage and two-stage IPD random-effect meta-analyses to obtain the summary intervention effects on pre-eclampsia with 95% CIs and summary treatment-covariate interactions (maternal risk status, dietary intake, timing of intervention, daily dose of calcium prescribed and total intake of calcium). Heterogeneity will be summarised using tau2, I2 and 95% prediction intervals for effect in a new study. Sensitivity analysis to explore robustness of statistical and clinical assumptions will be carried out. Minor study effects (potential publication bias) will be investigated using funnel plots. A decision analytical model for use in low-income and middle-income countries will assess the cost-effectiveness of calcium supplementation to prevent pre-eclampsia. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approvals are required. We will store the data in a secure repository in an anonymised format. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021231276.

[Barriers in access to legal abortion in the public health system in two Argentine jurisdictions: Rosario and Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, 2019-2020]. / Barreras de acceso al aborto legal en el sistema público de salud de dos jurisdicciones de Argentina: Rosario y Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 2019-2020.

In recent decades, decisive events shaping the political and social context surrounding abortion in Argentina culminated in the passing of the Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (IVE in Spanish) Law in December 2020. The objective of this article is to explore the main barriers to accessing legal abortions in the public health system faced by women during 2019 and 2020 in two Argentine jurisdictions, Rosario and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Based on an adaptation of the "three phases of delay" framework, surveys and semi-structured interviews with 117 women were conducted. Study participants reported difficulties in accessing information about the places and people to turn to for abortions, and most stated that pregnant individuals lack information regarding their legality. Although the majority of interviewees reported positive experiences with health services, they also identified some administrative and institutional barriers.

En las últimas décadas, en la Argentina sucedieron hechos determinantes en el contexto político y social con respecto al aborto, que culminaron con la aprobación de la Ley de Interrupción Voluntaria del Embarazo (IVE) en diciembre de 2020. El objetivo de este artículo es explorar las principales barreras que enfrentaron las mujeres en el acceso al aborto legal en el sistema público de salud de dos jurisdicciones de Argentina, Rosario y Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, en los años 2019 y 2020. A partir de una adaptación del modelo de las tres demoras, se realizaron encuestas y entrevistas semiestructuradas a 117 mujeres. Las participantes reportaron dificultades para acceder a información sobre lugares y personas donde recurrir para acceder un aborto. La mayoría de las participantes respondió que las personas gestantes no cuentan con información sobre la legalidad del aborto. Si bien la mayoría reportó haber tenido una buena experiencia con los servicios de salud, también identificaron algunas barreras administrativas e institucionales.

Reporte temático 2022. Calidad: el desafío a dos años de la ley de aborto / Thematic report 2022. Quality: The Two-Year Challenge of the Abortion Law

Este nuevo reporte del proyecto mirar aborda la calidad en la provisión de servicios de aborto. Su objetivo es contribuir a poner en agenda una dimensión crítica de la política de abor- to a la luz de los estándares internacionales y de la propia Ley 27.610.1 También este reporte tiene la intención de dar cuenta ­a través de las voces de decisores, abogadas, proveedores y activistas de distintas provincias de Argentina- de la situación actual en materia de calidad de servicios de aborto e identificar tareas pendientes a dos años de sancionada la ley.

[Omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina: nationwide observational studyOmissão do registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina: estudo observacional de alcance nacional]. / Omisión de registros de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina: estudio observacional de alcance nacional.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the magnitude and characteristics of the omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina, and to re-estimate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for the year 2014. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Retrospective review of medical records of women of childbearing age who died from causes suspected of concealing maternal deaths in public, social security, and private institutions in all jurisdictions of the country between 1 January and 31 December 2014. The cause of death recorded in the death certificate was reclassified. Outcome measures included: percentage of records with an omission, structure of causes of death, location, time of death with respect to the reproductive process, and gestational age. The RMM was re-estimated on the basis of the results. RESULTS: Of a sample of 1,176 cases, 969 medical records (82.4%) were analyzed, identifying 60 cases in which the cause of maternal death was omitted (48 maternal deaths, 12 late maternal deaths). Omissions were found in 14.2% of maternal deaths and 33.3% of late maternal deaths. The new estimated MMR for 2014 varied between 43.3 and 47.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. CONCLUSIONS: The omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina may be less frequent than international agencies have reported, with differences in omission between regions. Efforts must be made to emphasize the importance of filling out death certificates correctly.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a dimensão e as características da omissão do registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina e realizar uma nova estimativa da taxa de mortalidade materna (TMM) para o ano 2014. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal com a revisão retrospectiva dos registros médicos de mulheres em idade reprodutiva que morreram por causas com suspeita de encobrir mortes maternas em instituições da rede pública e previdência social e instituições particulares em todas as jurisdições do país entre 1º. de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2014. Foi feita a reclassificação da causa de morte atribuída no Informe Estatístico de Óbitos. As medidas de resultados foram porcentagem de omissão do registro, estrutura de causas de mortes maternas, local, momento da morte em relação ao processo reprodutivo e idade gestacional. Foi realizada uma nova estimativa da TMM com base nos resultados. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 969 registros médicos (82,4%) de uma amostra de 1.176 casos. Foram identificados 60 casos em que houve omissão da causa materna de morte (48 mortes maternas, 12 mortes maternas tardias). Verificou-se uma porcentagem de omissão de 14,2% para as mortes maternas e 33,3% para as mortes maternas tardias. A nova TMM estimada para o ano 2014 oscilou entre 43,3 e 47,2 mortes por 100.000 nascidos vivos. CONCLUSÕES: A omissão de registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina pode ser menor que a informada pelas agências internacionais. Existe diferença de omissão entre as regiões. São necessários esforços que enfatizem a importância do preenchimento correto da certidão de óbito.

Omisión de registros de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina: estudio observacional de alcance nacional

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar la magnitud y características de la omisión del registro de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina y reestimar la razón de mortalidad materna (RMM) para el año 2014. Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal. Revisión retrospectiva de registros médicos de mujeres en edad reproductiva que murieron por causas sospechosas de encubrir muertes maternas en instituciones del sector público, la seguridad social y privado en todas las jurisdicciones del país entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2014. Se reclasificó la causa de muerte consignada en el Informe Estadístico de Defunción. Las medidas de resultado incluyeron el porcentaje de omisión del registro, la estructura de causas, el lugar, el momento de la muerte en relación con el proceso reproductivo y la edad gestacional. Se reestimó la RMM en base a los resultados. Resultados. Se analizaron 969 registros médicos (82,4%) de una muestra de 1 176 casos. Se identificaron 60 casos donde se omitió la causa materna de muerte (48 muertes maternas, 12 muertes maternas tardías). El porcentaje de omisión fue del 14,2% para las muertes maternas y del 33,3% para las muertes maternas tardías. La nueva RMM estimada para el año 2014 osciló entre 43,3 y 47,2 muertes por cada 100 000 nacidos vivos. Conclusiones. La omisión de registro de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina podría ser menor a la reportada por agencias internacionales. Existen diferencias de omisión entre las regiones. Se necesitan esfuerzos que enfaticen la importancia del llenado correcto de los certificados de defunción.

[SUMMARY]. Objective. To determine the magnitude and characteristics of the omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina, and to re-estimate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for the year 2014. Methods. Cross-sectional study. Retrospective review of medical records of women of childbearing age who died from causes suspected of concealing maternal deaths in public, social security, and private institutions in all jurisdictions of the country between 1 January and 31 December 2014. The cause of death recorded in the death certificate was reclassified. Outcome measures included: percentage of records with an omission, structure of causes of death, location, time of death with respect to the reproductive process, and gestational age. The RMM was re-estimated on the basis of the results. Results. Of a sample of 1,176 cases, 969 medical records (82.4%) were analyzed, identifying 60 cases in which the cause of maternal death was omitted (48 maternal deaths, 12 late maternal deaths). Omissions were found in 14.2% of maternal deaths and 33.3% of late maternal deaths. The new estimated MMR for 2014 varied between 43.3 and 47.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. Conclusions. The omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina may be less frequent than international agencies have reported, with differences in omission between regions. Efforts must be made to emphasize the importance of filling out death certificates correctly.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Determinar a dimensão e as características da omissão do registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina e realizar uma nova estimativa da taxa de mortalidade materna (TMM) para o ano 2014. Métodos. Estudo de corte transversal com a revisão retrospectiva dos registros médicos de mulheres em idade reprodutiva que morreram por causas com suspeita de encobrir mortes maternas em instituições da rede pública e previdência social e instituições particulares em todas as jurisdições do país entre 1º. de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2014. Foi feita a reclassificação da causa de morte atribuída no Informe Estatístico de Óbitos. As medidas de resultados foram porcentagem de omissão do registro, estrutura de causas de mortes maternas, local, momento da morte em relação ao processo reprodutivo e idade gestacional. Foi realizada uma nova estimativa da TMM com base nos resultados. Resultados. Foram analisados 969 registros médicos (82,4%) de uma amostra de 1.176 casos. Foram identificados 60 casos em que houve omissão da causa materna de morte (48 mortes maternas, 12 mortes maternas tardias). Verificou-se uma porcentagem de omissão de 14,2% para as mortes maternas e 33,3% para as mortes maternas tardias. A nova TMM estimada para o ano 2014 oscilou entre 43,3 e 47,2 mortes por 100.000 nascidos vivos. Conclusões. A omissão de registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina pode ser menor que a informada pelas agências internacionais. Existe diferença de omissão entre as regiões. São necessários esforços que enfatizem a importância do preenchimento correto da certidão de óbito.

Omisión de registros de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina: estudio observacional de alcance nacional / Omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina: nationwide observational study / Omissão do registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina: estudo observacional de alcance nacional

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar la magnitud y características de la omisión del registro de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina y reestimar la razón de mortalidad materna (RMM) para el año 2014. Métodos Estudio de corte transversal. Revisión retrospectiva de registros médicos de mujeres en edad reproductiva que murieron por causas sospechosas de encubrir muertes maternas en instituciones del sector público, la seguridad social y privado en todas las jurisdicciones del país entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2014. Se reclasificó la causa de muerte consignada en el Informe Estadístico de Defunción. Las medidas de resultado incluyeron el porcentaje de omisión del registro, la estructura de causas, el lugar, el momento de la muerte en relación con el proceso reproductivo y la edad gestacional. Se reestimó la RMM en base a los resultados. Resultados Se analizaron 969 registros médicos (82,4%) de una muestra de 1 176 casos. Se identificaron 60 casos donde se omitió la causa materna de muerte (48 muertes maternas, 12 muertes maternas tardías). El porcentaje de omisión fue del 14,2% para las muertes maternas y del 33,3% para las muertes maternas tardías. La nueva RMM estimada para el año 2014 osciló entre 43,3 y 47,2 muertes por cada 100 000 nacidos vivos. Conclusiones La omisión de registro de causas maternas de muerte en Argentina podría ser menor a la reportada por agencias internacionales. Existen diferencias de omisión entre las regiones. Se necesitan esfuerzos que enfaticen la importancia del llenado correcto de los certificados de defunción.

SUMMARY Objective To determine the magnitude and characteristics of the omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina, and to re-estimate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for the year 2014. Methods Cross-sectional study. Retrospective review of medical records of women of childbearing age who died from causes suspected of concealing maternal deaths in public, social security, and private institutions in all jurisdictions of the country between 1 January and 31 December 2014. The cause of death recorded in the death certificate was reclassified. Outcome measures included: percentage of records with an omission, structure of causes of death, location, time of death with respect to the reproductive process, and gestational age. The RMM was re-estimated on the basis of the results. Results Of a sample of 1,176 cases, 969 medical records (82.4%) were analyzed, identifying 60 cases in which the cause of maternal death was omitted (48 maternal deaths, 12 late maternal deaths). Omissions were found in 14.2% of maternal deaths and 33.3% of late maternal deaths. The new estimated MMR for 2014 varied between 43.3 and 47.2 deaths per 100,000 live births. Conclusions The omission of causes of maternal death in death certificates in Argentina may be less frequent than international agencies have reported, with differences in omission between regions. Efforts must be made to emphasize the importance of filling out death certificates correctly.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar a dimensão e as características da omissão do registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina e realizar uma nova estimativa da taxa de mortalidade materna (TMM) para o ano 2014. Métodos Estudo de corte transversal com a revisão retrospectiva dos registros médicos de mulheres em idade reprodutiva que morreram por causas com suspeita de encobrir mortes maternas em instituições da rede pública e previdência social e instituições particulares em todas as jurisdições do país entre 1º. de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2014. Foi feita a reclassificação da causa de morte atribuída no Informe Estatístico de Óbitos. As medidas de resultados foram porcentagem de omissão do registro, estrutura de causas de mortes maternas, local, momento da morte em relação ao processo reprodutivo e idade gestacional. Foi realizada uma nova estimativa da TMM com base nos resultados. Resultados Foram analisados 969 registros médicos (82,4%) de uma amostra de 1.176 casos. Foram identificados 60 casos em que houve omissão da causa materna de morte (48 mortes maternas, 12 mortes maternas tardias). Verificou-se uma porcentagem de omissão de 14,2% para as mortes maternas e 33,3% para as mortes maternas tardias. A nova TMM estimada para o ano 2014 oscilou entre 43,3 e 47,2 mortes por 100.000 nascidos vivos. Conclusões A omissão de registro de causas maternas de morte na Argentina pode ser menor que a informada pelas agências internacionais. Existe diferença de omissão entre as regiões. São necessários esforços que enfatizem a importância do preenchimento correto da certidão de óbito.

Beyond too little, too late and too much, too soon: a pathway towards evidence-based, respectful maternity care worldwide.

On the continuum of maternal health care, two extreme situations exist: too little, too late (TLTL) and too much, too soon (TMTS). TLTL describes care with inadequate resources, below evidence-based standards, or care withheld or unavailable until too late to help. TLTL is an underlying problem associated with high maternal mortality and morbidity. TMTS describes the routine over-medicalisation of normal pregnancy and birth. TMTS includes unnecessary use of non-evidence-based interventions, as well as use of interventions that can be life saving when used appropriately, but harmful when applied routinely or overused. As facility births increase, so does the recognition that TMTS causes harm and increases health costs, and often concentrates disrespect and abuse. Although TMTS is typically ascribed to high-income countries and TLTL to low-income and middle-income ones, social and health inequities mean these extremes coexist in many countries. A global approach to quality and equitable maternal health, supporting the implementation of respectful, evidence-based care for all, is urgently needed. We present a systematic review of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for routine antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care, categorising them as recommended, recommended only for clinical indications, and not recommended. We also present prevalence data from middle-income countries for specific clinical practices, which demonstrate TLTL and increasing TMTS. Health-care providers and health systems need to ensure that all women receive high-quality, evidence-based, equitable and respectful care. The right amount of care needs to be offered at the right time, and delivered in a manner that respects, protects, and promotes human rights.

Morbilidad severa materna y neonatal: vigilancia en servicios y capacidad de respuesta del sistema de salud / Severe Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity: Service Surveillance and Health System Responsiveness

Las complicaciones maternas agudas graves (CMAG), cuadros críticos que evolucionan hacia la sobrevida, comparten características con las muertes maternas y pueden complementarla información necesaria para el análisis. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la incidencia y el manejo de las CMAG maternas asociadas con la mortalidad materna y neonatal en maternidades públicas de las provincias de Corrientes y Santa Fe. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal. Se relevó la incidencia y el manejo de las CMAG asociadas con la mortalidad materna y neonatal en maternidades públicas de Corrientes y Santa Fe durante tres meses. Se evaluó la disponibilidad y el uso de intervenciones preventivas y terapéuticas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 6.121 mujeres de 3 maternidades de Corrientes y 10 de Santa Fe. Hubo condiciones potencialmente fatales en 755 (12,3%) y CMAG en 28 (0,5%). El sulfato de magnesio se utilizó en todas las eclampsias, con elevado uso de uterotónicos para la prevención de la hemorragia posparto. La cobertura con corticoides antenatales fue menor a la esperada. En dos tercios de los casos, las complicaciones se iniciaron antes de la llegada al hospital o durante las primeras 24 horas. CONCLUSIONES: El monitoreo de las CMAG maternas permite conocer las incidencias locales y los patrones de mortalidad y morbilidad severa materna, así como las fortalezas y debilidades en los sistemas de referencia y la correcta utilización de las intervenciones clínicas y los sistemas de salud...

Severe maternal acute complications (SMAC), critical situations evolving to survival, share some characteristics with maternal deaths and can provide complementary information for the analysis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and management of SMAC associated with maternal and neonatal mortality in public health facilities of Corrientes and Santa Fe provinces. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. It assessed the incidence and management of SMAC associated with maternal and neonatal mortality in public hospitals of Corrientes and Santa Fe provinces during a three-month period. Availability and use of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 6121 women from 3 hospitals in Corrientes and 10 in SantaFe were included. Life-threatening conditions were found in 755 cases (12.3%) and SMAC in 28 (0.5%). Magnesium sulfate was given for all eclampsia cases, with a high use of uterotonics for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. The treatment with antenatal corticosteroids was lower than expected. In two thirds of the cases, complications started before hospital admission or during the first 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring of maternal SAC allows to know not only the local incidences and patterns of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, but also the strengths and weaknesses in the referral systems and the correct use of clinical and health system interventions...

A survey study identified global research priorities for decreasing maternal mortality.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize research gaps to help decrease maternal mortality. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a two-stage survey. We provided participants (Cochrane Collaboration experts) with a list of 319 problem/population, intervention, comparison, and outcome questions built from 178 Cochrane systematic reviews. Questions were classified according to causes of maternal death. Respondents of the first round refined the research questions and prioritized them by eliminating those that were considered of low priority, according to four criteria. They also included additional questions. In the second round, respondents prioritized 62 questions. RESULTS: The overall response rates for the first and second rounds were 47% (73 of 155) and 17% (363 of 2,121), respectively. Participants ranked 62 of the research questions as "very relevant." Approximately 20% of all questions that were identified in Cochrane reviews and two-third of questions of the second round were considered of "very high priority." More women (235) than men (128) participated in the survey. We did not find statistically significant differences when comparing the groups of very relevant questions by the type of respondent, income, country, and round. CONCLUSION: We identified research priorities by mapping and improving the understanding of research needs in low- and middle-income settings internationally.

The cost-effectiveness of routine versus restrictive episiotomy in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: This article provides the estimates of the cost implications of switching from routine to restrictive episiotomy in 2 provinces in Argentina (Santa Fe and Salta) from the viewpoint of the health provider. STUDY DESIGN: A decision-tree model was constructed that used the probabilities and patient outcomes (the results of a trial in Argentina), resource use, cost, and local epidemiologic data from interviews with obstetricians in the selected provinces and from literature reviews. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted, which provided 90% confidence ranges for the cost data. RESULTS: For each low-risk vaginal delivery, there is a potential reduction in provider cost of $20.21 (range, $19.36-$21.09) with a restrictive policy of episiotomy in Santa Fe province and a reduction of $11.63 (range, $10.89-$12.42) in Salta province. CONCLUSION: The more effective policy of restrictive episiotomy is also less costly than that of routine episiotomy. The results are robust and consistent in both provinces. Further research is required to confirm the appropriate indications for episiotomy and the impact on outcomes of variations in episiotomy cost rates.