Violência sexual e aborto legal: possibilidades e desafios da atuação psicológica / Sexual offence and legal abortion: opportunities and challenges from psychological working / Violencia sexual y aborto legal: posibilidades y desafíos de la atención psicológica

A violência sexual e o aborto legal são temas tabus em nossa sociedade. No campo da saúde, a(o) psicóloga(o) atua em fases distintas, seja na avaliação psicológica do pedido pelo aborto legal, que culminará ou não em sua aquiescência; seja no momento posterior à solicitação, no atendimento em enfermarias ou ambulatorial. Partindo de relato de experiência, este artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre as possibilidades e desafios da atuação psicológica no atendimento em saúde para pessoas em situação de gestação decorrente de violência sexual e que buscam pelo aborto legal. Para tanto, dividimos o artigo em três momentos. No primeiro deles, será possível encontrar dados conceituais, estatísticos e históricos sobre ambos os temas, trazendo recortes nacionais e internacionais. No segundo, trazemos apontamentos sobre o que chamamos de "eixos norteadores", ou seja, dialogamos com aspectos fundamentais para o trabalho nesta seara, sendo eles gênero, família, sexualidade e trauma. Por fim, no terceiro, aprofundamos a reflexão sobre o atendimento psicológico atrelado aos conceitos já discutidos, analisando de forma crítica principalmente um dos pontos mais espinhosos da atuação: a avaliação para aprovação (ou recusa) do pedido pelo aborto. Apoiamo-nos no referencial psicanalítico e defendemos que esta atuação psicológica é primordialmente uma oferta de cuidado, comprometido com as demandas das pessoas atendidas e com a promoção de saúde mental, e consideramos que o papel da psicologia é essencial para o reconhecimento do sofrimento e dos efeitos do abandono socioinstitucional na vida do público atendido.(AU)

Sexual abuse and legal abortion are taboo subjects in our society. On the health area, the psychologist works on different fields, such as psychological evaluation from the request of legal abortion, that will end or not on its approval, and also in a further moment, either the care on wards or ambulatorial treatment. Relying on a case report, this article aims to contemplate the possibilities and challenges from psychological work on healthcare to pregnant women from sexual violence and seek legal abortion. For this purpose, we divide this article in three moments. On the first, it will find definitions, statistics, and historical data about both issues, including national and international information. On the second, we bring notes called 'guiding pillar,' that is, we interact with fundamental aspects from this area, such as gender, family, sexuality, and trauma. On the third one, in-depth discussions we dwell on psychological care tied to the concepts previously addressed, critically analyzing one of the hardest moments of working in this area: the evaluation to approve (or refuse) the request for abortion. We lean over psychoanalytic thoughts and argue that this psychological work is primarily an offer of care, committed to the needs from those who seek us and to promoting good mental health and, also, we consider that psychology is essential to acknowledge the suffering and the effects of social and institutional neglect on the lives of the people seen.(AU)

La violencia sexual y el aborto son temas tabús en nuestra sociedad. En el campo de la salud, el(la) psicólogo(a) actúa en diferentes fases: en la evaluación psicológica de la solicitud del aborto legal, que culminará o no en su obtención, y/o en el momento posterior a la solicitud en la atención en enfermería o ambulatorio. Desde un reporte de experiencia, este artículo pretende reflexionar sobre las posibilidades y los desafíos de la Psicología en la atención en salud para personas en estado de embarazo producto de violencia sexual y que buscan un aborto legal. Para ello, este artículo está dividido en tres momentos. En el primer, presenta datos conceptuales, estadísticos e históricos sobre los dos temas, trayendo recortes nacionales e internacionales. En el segundo, comenta los llamados "ejes temáticos", es decir, se establece un diálogo con aspectos fundamentales para el trabajo en este ámbito, como género, familia, sexualidad y trauma. Por último, en el tercer, profundiza en la reflexión sobre la atención psicológica asociada a los conceptos discutidos, analizando de forma crítica uno de los puntos más espinosos de la actuación: la evaluación para la aprobación (o negativa) de la solicitud de aborto. Se utilizó el referencial psicoanalítico y se argumenta que esta atención psicológica es sobre todo una forma de cuidado, comprometida con las demandas de las personas atendidas y la promoción de la salud mental, y el papel de la Psicología es esencial para reconocer el sufrimiento y los efectos del abandono socioinstitucional en la vida del público atendido.(AU)

Boletim epidemiológico do estado do Rio Grande do Sul: mortalidade materna, infantil e fetal / Epidemiological bulletin for the state of Rio Grande do Sul: maternal, infant and fetal mortality

Estudo epidemiológico sobre as taxas de mortalidade materna, infantil e fetal no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Apresenta estratégias e ações para qualificação dos serviços preventivos de saúde. (AU)

Assessment of healthcare accessibility and travel distance on intrapartum fetal death: a retrospective cohort study / Relación de la accesibilidad de la atención de salud y la distancia de desplazamiento con la muerte fetal durante el parto: un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / Avaliação do impacto do acesso ao sistema de saúde e da distância percorrida na morte fetal intraparto: estudo retrospectivo de coorte

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To determine if there was an association between intrapartum stillbirths and both traveled distance for delivery and delivery care accessibility, assessing periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This is a population-based cohort study. Patients had birth occurring after the onset of labor; the primary outcome was intrapartum stillbirth. City of residence was classified according to the ratio between deliveries performed and total births among its residents; values lower than 0.1 indicated low delivery care accessibility. Travel distance was calculated using the Haversine formula. Education level, maternal age, and birth sex were included. In each period, relative risk was assessed by generalized linear model with Poisson variance. Results. There were 2 267 534 deliveries with birth occurring after the onset of labor. Most patients were between age 20 and 35 years, had between 8 and 11 years of education, and resided in cities with high delivery care accessibility. Low delivery care accessibility increased risk of intrapartum stillbirth in the pre-pandemic (relative risk [RR] 2.02; 95% CI [1.64, 2.47]; p < 0.01) and the pandemic period (RR 1.69; 95% CI [1.09, 2.55]; p = 0.015). This was independent of other risk-increasing factors, such as travel distance and fewer years of education. Conclusions. Low delivery care accessibility is associated with the risk of intrapartum stillbirths, and accessibility reduced during the pandemic. Delivery of patients by family physicians and midwives, as well as official communication channels between primary care physicians and specialists, could improve patient health- care-seeking behavior.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar si hubo una asociación entre la mortinatalidad durante el parto y la distancia recorrida o la accesibilidad de la atención para el parto, mediante la evaluación de un período anterior y de otro coin- cidente con la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte de base poblacional. Se incluyó a las pacientes que dieron a luz tras el inicio de un trabajo de parto; el criterio de valoración principal fue la mortinatalidad durante el parto. Se clasificaron las ciudades de residencia conforme al cociente entre el número de partos atendidos y el total de partos habidos entre sus residentes; los valores inferiores a 0,1 indican que la accesibilidad de la atención del parto es baja. La distancia recorrida para el parto se calculó utilizando la fórmula de Haversine. Se utilizaron datos del nivel de estudios y la edad de la madre y del sexo biológico neonatal. Para cada período, se evaluó el riesgo relativo mediante un modelo lineal generalizado con varianza de Poisson. Resultados. Hubo 2 267 534 partos que se produjeron tras el inicio de un trabajo de parto. La mayoría de las pacientes tenían edades comprendidas entre 20 y 35 años, tenían entre 8 y 11 años de estudios y residían en ciudades donde la accesibilidad de la atención del parto era alta. Una accesibilidad baja de la atención del parto se asoció a un aumento del riesgo de mortinatalidad durante el parto en el período prepandémico (riesgo relativo [RR] = 2,02; IC del 95% = [1,64, 2,47]; p < 0,01) y también durante la pandemia (RR = 1,69; IC del 95% = [1.09, 2.55]; p = 0,015). Este resultado fuer independiente de otros factores que incrementan el riesgo, como la distancia recorrida para dar a luz y un menor nivel de estudios. Conclusiones. Una accesibilidad baja de la atención del parto se asocia a un mayor riesgo de mortinatalidad durante el parto; y se observó una reducción de la accesibilidad durante la pandemia. Los partos asistidos por personal de medicina de familia o de partería y los canales de comunicación oficiales entre el personal médico de atención primaria y el especializado podrían mejorar el comportamiento de las pacientes a la hora de buscar atención de salud.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Determinar se existe alguma relação entre a morte fetal intraparto e dois fatores: a distância percorrida para o parto e o acesso à assistência ao parto, avaliando o período antes e durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos. Este é um estudo de coorte de base populacional. As pacientes tiveram parto após o início do trabalho de parto; o desfecho primário foi morte fetal intraparto. A cidade de residência foi classificada de acordo com a razão entre os partos realizados e o total de nascimentos entre os residentes; valores inferiores a 0,1 indicavam baixo acesso à assistência ao parto. A distância percorrida foi calculada usando a fórmula de Haversine. Foram incluídos o nível de escolaridade, a idade materna e o sexo de nascimento. Em cada período, o risco relativo foi avaliado usando um modelo linear generalizado com variância de Poisson. Resultados. Foram registrados 2 267 534 partos com nascimento após o início do trabalho de parto. A maioria das pacientes tinha entre 20 e 35 anos de idade, entre 8 e 11 anos de escolaridade e residia em cidades com alto nível de acesso à assistência ao parto. O baixo acesso à assistência ao parto aumentou o risco de morte fetal intraparto no período anterior à pandemia (risco relativo [RR]: 2,02; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: 1,64–2,47; p < 0,01) e durante a pandemia (RR: 1,69; IC 95%: 1,09–2,55; p = 0,015). Isso ocorreu independentemente de outros fatores de aumento de risco, como a distância percorrida e menor escolaridade. Conclusões. O baixo acesso ao atendimento de parto está associado ao risco de morte fetal intraparto, e a acessibilidade diminuiu durante a pandemia. A realização do parto por médicos de família e obstetrizes, bem como a existência de canais oficiais de comunicação entre médicos de atenção primária e especialistas, poderiam melhorar o comportamento de busca de saúde por parte das pacientes.

Refreshing the Perinatal Periods of Risk: A New Reference Group and Nationwide Large-County-Level Analyses.

INTRODUCTION: The Perinatal Periods of Risk approach (PPOR) is designed for use by communities to assess and address the causes of high fetal-infant mortality rates using vital records data. The approach is widely used by local health departments and their community and academic partners to inform and motivate systems changes. PPOR was developed and tested in communities based on data years from 1995 to 2002. Unfortunately, a national reference group has not been published since then, primarily due to fetal death data quality limitations. METHODS: This paper assesses data quality and creates a set of unbiased national reference groups using 2014-2016 national vital records data. Phase 1 and Phase 2 analytic methods were used to divide excess mortality into six components and create percentile plots to summarize the distribution of 100 large US counties for each component. RESULTS: Eight states with poor fetal death data quality were omitted from the reference groups to reduce bias due to missing maternal demographic information. There are large Black-White disparities among reference groups with the same age and education restrictions, and these vary by component. PPOR results vary by region, maternal demographics, and county. The magnitude of excess mortality components varies widely across US counties. DISCUSSION: New national reference groups will allow more communities to do PPOR. Percentile plots of 100 large US counties provide an additional benchmark for new communities using PPOR and help emphasize problem areas and potential solutions.

Mortalidade fetal no município de São Paulo: tendência temporal e aspectos epidemiológicos / Fetal mortality in the municipality of São Paulo: temporal trends and epidemiological aspects

Introdução: A mortalidade fetal é um dos resultados perinatais adversos mais comuns em todo o mundo, constituindo-se indicador relevante da atenção ao pré-natal e parto. Contudo, a compreensão sobre os aspectos relacionados a essas mortes permanece insuficiente para subsidiar as estratégias de prevenção. Objetivo: (i) analisar a evolução temporal das Taxas de Mortalidade Fetal (TMF) e a contribuição da investigação na melhoria da definição da causa básica do óbito fetal no Município de São Paulo (MSP), segundo local de emissão da declaração de óbito; (ii) analisar a distribuição dos óbitos fetais por peso ao nascer, tipo de óbito, tendência da TMF e as causas de morte evitáveis segundo clusters de vulnerabilidade social no Município de São Paulo, 2007-2017; (iii) estimar o risco de óbito fetal em fenótipos de vulnerabilidade biológica baseados na duração da gestação, peso ao nascer e crescimento intrauterino no Município de São Paulo, 2017-2019. Métodos: a tese compreende três manuscritos: (i) a regressão linear generalizada de Prais-Winsten foi empregada na análise de séries temporais. O teste de McNemar avaliou a mudança das causas básicas após a investigação dos óbitos fetais entre 2012-2014. (ii) Utilizou-se o método k-means para criação de clusters de distritos com base no Índice Paulista de Vulnerabilidade Social. A regressão linear generalizada de Prais-Winsten foi empregada na análise de séries temporais. A Lista Brasileira de Causas de Mortes Evitáveis foi adaptada para o estudo dos óbitos fetais. (iii) Os fetos Pequenos para a Idade Gestacional (PIG), Grandes para a Idade Gestacional (GIG) e Adequados para a Idade Gestacional (AIG) foram identificados a partir dos parâmetros do INTERGROWTH-21st. Definiu-se pré-termo (PT) como ≤36 semanas, não PT como ≥37semanas de gestação, baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) como <2.500g e não BPN como ≥2.500g. Os Riscos Relativos (RR) foram estimados pela regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados: no primeiro artigo, constatou-se tendência de aumento (1,5% ao ano) da TMF dos óbitos com <2.500g e de redução anual de -1,3% naqueles com ≥2.500g. Entre 2012-2014, cerca de 90% dos óbitos com ≥2.500g foram investigados e 15% desses apresentaram redefinição da causa básica de morte, sobretudo naqueles cuja declaração de óbito foi emitida pelos serviços de verificação de óbito (SVO) (17%). Após a investigação a morte fetal não especificada (P95) representou 1/4 das causas de óbito. No segundo artigo, identificou-se predominância dos óbitos fetais anteparto (70%). Houve aumento da TMF e das causas de óbito evitáveis com o crescimento da vulnerabilidade social do centro para a periferia da cidade. O cluster de maior vulnerabilidade apresentou TMF 69% maior que o cluster de menor vulnerabilidade. A TMF ≥2.500g foi decrescente nos clusters de maior vulnerabilidade. Na área de maior vulnerabilidade, as causas de morte mal definidas representaram 75% dos óbitos. No terceiro artigo, o total de gestações em risco foi de 451.952. Destas, 2.321 resultaram em óbitos fetais. Os fenótipos associados simultaneamente ao baixo peso ao nascer e prematuridade apresentaram maior risco de morte, sendo este 49,9 (IC95%: 44,06-56,54) vezes maior para AIG, 144,9 (IC95%: 127,39-164,88) vezes maior para PIG e 245,3 (IC95%: 192,41-312,72) vezes maior para GIG, quando comparados com AIG, não baixo peso ao nascer e não pré-termo. Conclusão: os óbitos fetais de ≥2.500g, alvo das ações de vigilância, apresentaram tendência de redução, sobretudo nos clusters de maior vulnerabilidade social. Tal fato pode sugerir melhoria da atenção ao pré-natal no MSP, especialmente nas áreas de média e alta vulnerabilidade. Apesar da investigação do óbito ter contribuído para melhoria da redefinição da causa básica, especialmente naquelas atestadas pelo SVO, as mudanças foram insuficientes para indicação de causas que melhor retratassem os processos fisiopatológicos que resultaram nos óbitos fetais. As taxas de mortalidade fetal e de causas evitáveis aumentaram com o aumento da vulnerabilidade social, ou seja, no sentido do centro para a periferia da cidade. A despeito dos fenótipos de vulnerabilidade biológica, estes mostraram-se indicadores úteis de vigilância perinatal que permitem identificar as gestações com maior risco de morte fetal.

Background: Fetal mortality is one of the most common adverse perinatal outcomes worldwide, constituting a relevant indicator of prenatal care and childbirth. However, the understanding of aspects related to these deaths remains insufficient to support prevention strategies. Goals: (i) to analyze the temporal evolution of the Stillbirth Rates (SBR) and the contribution of the investigation to improve the definition of the underlying cause of stillbirth in the Municipality of São Paulo (MSP), according to the place of issuance of the declaration of death; (ii) analyze the distribution of stillbirth by birth weight, type of death, SBR trend and preventable causes of death according to social vulnerability clusters in the Municipality of São Paulo, 2007-2017; (iii) estimate the risk of stillbirth in biological vulnerability phenotypes based on gestation length, birth weigh and intrauterine growth in the Municipality of São Paulo, 2017-2019. Methods: The thesis comprises three manuscripts: (i) Generalized linear Prais-Winsten regression was used in the analysis of time series. McNemar's test evaluated the change in underlying causes after the investigation of stillbirths between 2012-2014. (ii) The k-means method was used to create clusters of districts based on the São Paulo Social Vulnerability Index. Generalized linear Prais-Winsten regression was used in the analysis of time series. The Brazilian List of Preventable Deaths Causes was adapted for the study of stillbirths. (iii) Small for Gestational Age (SGA), Large for Gestational Age (LGA), and Adequate for Gestational Age (AGA) fetuses were identified from the INTERGROWTH-21st parameters. Preterm (PT) was defined as ≤36 weeks, non-PT as ≥37 weeks of gestation, low birth weight (LBW) as <2,500g, and non-LBW as ≥2,500g. Relative Risks (RR) were estimated by Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: In the first article, there was a trend towards an increase (1.5% per year) in the SBR of deaths weighing <2,500g and an annual reduction of -1.3% in those weighing ≥2,500g. Between 2012-2014, about 90% of deaths weighing ≥2,500g were investigated and 15% of these had redefinition of the underlying cause of death, especially those whose death certificate was issued by the death verification services (DVS) (17%). After investigation, unspecified fetal death (P95) represented 1/4 of the causes of death. The second article identified a predominance of antepartum stillbirths (70%). There was an increase in TMF and preventable causes of death with the growth of social vulnerability from the center to the outskirts of the city. The cluster with the highest vulnerability had an SBR 69% higher than the cluster with the lowest vulnerability. The SBR ≥2,500g was decreasing in the most vulnerable clusters. In the most vulnerable area, ill-defined causes of death accounted for 75% of deaths. In the third article, the total number of pregnancies at risk was 451,952. Of these, 2,321 resulted in fetal death. The Phenotypes associated simultaneously with low birth weight and prematurity had a higher risk of death, which was 49.9 (95%CI: 44.06-56.54) times higher for AGA, 144.9 (95%CI: 127.39-164.88) times greater for SGA and 245.3 (95%CI: 192.41-312.72) times greater for LGA, when compared to AGA, not low birth weight and not preterm. Conclusion: stillbirths weighing ≥2,500g, targeted by surveillance actions, showed a tendency to decrease, especially in clusters with greater social vulnerability. This fact may suggest an improvement in prenatal care in the MSP, especially in areas of medium and high vulnerability. Although the investigation of death contributed to an improvement in the redefinition of the underlying cause, especially in those attested by the DVS, the changes were insufficient to indicate causes that better portray the pathophysiological processes that resulted in stillbirths. Stillbirths rates and avoidable causes increased with the increase in social vulnerability, that is, from the center to the outskirts of the city. Despite the biological vulnerability phenotypes, these proved to be useful indicators of perinatal surveillance that allow the identification of pregnancies with a higher risk of stillbirth.

An Analysis of the Trend of Fetal Mortality Rates among Working and Jobless Households in Japan, 1995-2019.

This study aimed to identify differences in the trends of artificial and spontaneous fetal mortality rates between working and jobless households depending on ages, periods, and birth cohorts in Japan. Vital Statistics data from 1995 to 2019 and age groups in 5-year increments from 15 to 19 years through 45 to 49 years were used. Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis was used to evaluate changes in each of the outcomes. As a result, the difference in maternal age-standardized rate of both the artificial and spontaneous fetal mortality rates between the two types of households decreased in the periods analyzed. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the mortality rate between jobless and working households, regardless of maternal ages, periods, and cohorts for the artificial fetal mortality rate. A statistically significant difference was also observed for the spontaneous fetal mortality rates in some maternal ages, periods, and cohorts. In addition, the trend of birth cohort effects was particularly different between the two types of households for both the artificial and spontaneous fetal mortality rates.

Spatial patterns of avoidable fetal mortality and social deprivation / Padrões espaciais da mortalidade fetal evitável e carência social

ABSTRACT: Objective: To develop a social need index for stratification of municipalities and identification of priority areas for reducing fetal mortality. Methods: ecological study, carried out in the state of Pernambuco, between 2010 and 2017. The technique of factor analysis by main components was used for the elaboration of the social need index. In the spatial analysis, the local empirical Bayesian estimator was applied and Moran's spatial autocorrelation was verified. Results: The social deprivation index selected two factors that, together, explained 77.63% of the total variance. The preventable fetal mortality rate increased among strata of social need, with rates of 8.0 per thousand births (low deprivation), 8.1 per thousand (medium deprivation), 8.8 per thousand (high deprivation), and 10.7 per thousand (very high social deprivation). Some municipalities in the São Francisco and Sertão Mesoregions had both high fetal and preventable fetal mortality, in addition to a very high social deprivation rate. Conclusion: The spatial analysis identified areas with the highest risk for fetal mortality. The social deprivation index listed some determinants of fetal deaths in areas with worse living conditions. Priority areas for intervention in public policies to reduce fetal mortality and its determinants were detected.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Elaborar um índice de carência social para a estratificação dos municípios e a identificação de áreas prioritárias para a redução da mortalidade fetal. Métodos: Estudo ecológico, realizado no estado de Pernambuco, entre 2010 e 2017. Utilizou-se a técnica de análise fatorial por componentes principais para a elaboração do índice de carência social. Na análise espacial, aplicou-se o estimador bayesiano empírico local, e verificou-se a autocorrelação espacial de Moran. Resultados: O índice de carência social selecionou dois fatores que, juntos, explicaram 77,63% da variância total. A taxa de mortalidade fetal evitável apresentou aumento entre estratos de carência social, com taxas de 8 por mil nascimentos (baixa carência), 8,1 por mil (média carência), 8,8 por mil (alta carência) e 10,7 por mil (muito alta carência social). Alguns municípios das mesorregiões São Francisco e Sertão tiveram, simultaneamente, elevada mortalidade fetal e fetal evitável, além de índice de carência social muito alto. Conclusão: A análise espacial identificou áreas com maior risco para a mortalidade fetal. O índice de carência social relacionou alguns determinantes das mortes fetais em áreas com piores condições de vida. Detectaram-se áreas prioritárias para a intervenção das políticas públicas de redução da mortalidade fetal e seus determinantes.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Fetal Deaths - United States, 2015-2017.

The spontaneous death or loss of a fetus during pregnancy is termed a fetal death. In the United States, national data on fetal deaths are available for losses at ≥20 weeks' gestation.* Deaths occurring during this period of pregnancy are commonly known as stillbirths. In 2017, approximately 23,000 fetal deaths were reported in the United States (1). Racial/ethnic disparities exist in the fetal mortality rate; however, much of the known disparity in fetal deaths is unexplained (2). CDC analyzed 2015-2017 U.S. fetal death report data and found that non-Hispanic Black (Black) women had more than twice the fetal mortality rate compared with non-Hispanic White (White) women and Hispanic women. Fetal mortality rates also varied by maternal state of residence. Cause of death analyses were conducted for jurisdictions where >50% of reports had a cause of death specified. Still, even in these jurisdictions, approximately 31% of fetal deaths had no cause of death reported on a fetal death report. There were differences by race and Hispanic origin in causes of death, with Black women having three times the rate of fetal deaths because of maternal complications compared with White women. The disparities suggest opportunities for prevention to reduce the U.S. fetal mortality rate. Improved documentation of cause of death on fetal death reports might help identify preventable causes and guide prevention efforts.

Trends in Appendicitis Among Pregnant Women, the Risk for Cardiac Arrest, and Maternal-Fetal Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common extra-uterine surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention during pregnancy. However, risks for mortality and morbidity among pregnant women with appendicitis remain poorly understood. This study was conducted to determine the temporal trends of appendicitis in pregnant women, and to calculate the risk of maternal-fetal mortality and near-miss marker (i.e., cardiac arrest) among pregnant women in general, and by race/ethnicity. METHODS: We conducted this retrospective study using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2015. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate and describe temporal changes in the rates of all and acute appendicitis during the 14-year study period. We also estimated the risk of cardiac arrest, maternal, and fetal mortality among mothers of various racial/ethnic groups with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Within each group, patients without acute appendicitis were the referent category. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Out of the 58 million pregnancy hospitalizations during the study period, 63,145 cases (10.74 per 10,000 hospitalizations) were for acute appendicitis. There was a 5% decline (95% CI: - 5.1, - 5.0) in the rate of appendicitis hospitalizations over the period of the study. After adjusting for covariates, pregnant mothers with acute appendicitis had increased likelihood when compared to those without acute appendicitis to suffer fetal loss (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.85-2.28) and nearly fivefold increase for inpatient maternal death. In conclusion, appendicitis during pregnancy remains an important cause of in-hospital maternal-fetal mortality overall and regardless of race/ethnicity.

Inequidad social posiblemente relacionada con mortalidad fetal en Argentina, 2007-2016 / Social inequality possibly related to fetal mortality in Argentina, 2007-2016

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los estudios que han relacionado las condiciones sociales hostiles a nivel departamental o de áreas geográficas (AG) con la mortalidad fetal son insuficientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y medir la desigualdad existente en la mortalidad fetal según las distintas AG. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo ecológico. Las unidades analizadas fueron las 525 AG de Argentina durante 2007-2016. Se realizó un análisis de componentes principales de variables seleccionadas del Censo Nacional de Población, Hogares y Viviendas de 2010; luego se construyó un indicador de situación socioeconómica, que determinó dichas áreas. Mediante el análisis de regresión de Poisson se calcularon distintos índices. Se obtuvo el índice de desigualdad de la pendiente (SII), el índice relativo de desigualdad de Kunst Mackenbach (RIIKM), y se estimó la razón de mortalidad fetal (RMF) para cada nivel del indicador de situación socioeconómica. RESULTADOS: Se observó que el RIIKM varió de 1,8 a 1,4 para los bienios 2007/08-2015/16. Se estimó la mayor RMF para el estrato de situación socioeconómica muy desfavorable, y un comportamiento similar se reflejó en el SII. DISCUSIÓN: La RMF es mayor para los estratos de situación socioeconómica muy desfavorable. La brecha entre los extremos volvió a ampliarse hacia el último bienio. En las AG de situación muy desfavorable la RMF aumentó en el último bienio respecto al anterior, y decreció para las AG de situación muy favorable

Fetal, neonatal, and post-neonatal mortality in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort and associated factors.

This study aimed to describe fetal, neonatal, and post-neonatal mortality and associated factors in participants of the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort. The child mortality sub-study followed up all deaths in the first year of life. Data were collected on intrauterine fetal deaths (weight ≥ 500g and/or gestational age ≥ 20 weeks), neonatal deaths (< 28 days of life), and post-neonatal deaths (from 28 days to the end of the first year of life). Descriptive analyses using the Pearson chi-square test and a multinomial logistic regression to estimate the risk of fetal, neonatal, and post-neonatal deaths compared to live infants in the cohort (reference group) were performed. Data from 4,329 eligible births were collected, of which 54 died during the fetal period. Of the 4,275 eligible live births, 59 died in the first year of life. An association between fetal, neonatal, and post-neonatal deaths (OR = 15.60, 7.63, and 5.51 respectively) was found, as well as less than six prenatal consultations. Compared to live infants, fetal deaths were more likely to occur in non-white mothers, and neonatal deaths were 14.09 times more likely to occur in a preterm gestational age (< 37 weeks). Compared to live infants, infants that were born in a C-section delivery had 3.71 increased odds of post-neonatal death. Additionally, neonatal deaths were 102.37 times more likely to have a low Apgar score on the fifth minute after birth. These findings show the need for early interventions during pregnancy, ensuring access to adequate prenatal care.

Contribution of previable births to infant mortality rate racial disparity in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify racial differences in contribution of previable live births (<20 weeks gestational age (GA)) to United States (US) Infant Mortality Rates (IMR). METHODS: Population-based retrospective cohort of US live births (2007-14) using CDC WONDER database stratified by maternal race/ethnicity. We compared the contribution of previable births to IMR and calculated modified IMRs (≥20 weeks GA) excluding previable live births in each group. Contingency tables and chi-square calculations were performed to detect differences between groups. RESULTS: Previable deaths represented 4.1%, 7.7%, and 5.0% of total deaths for nonHispanic white, nonHispanic black, and Hispanic, respectively. Previable contribution to total IMR are 0.21, 0.89, and 0.26 per 1000 live births (P < 0.0001). Modified IMRs are 4.98, 10.85, and 4.69 deaths per 1000 live births. CONCLUSION: IMR standardization with a minimum GA may obscure the disproportionate contribution of previable births to IMRs among the black population, which has the largest proportion of previable births.

A Prospective Cohort Study Examining the Associations of Maternal Arsenic Exposure With Fetal Loss and Neonatal Mortality.

Arsenic crosses the placenta, possibly increasing the risk of adverse reproductive outcomes. We aimed to examine the association between maternal arsenic exposure and fetal/neonatal survival using data from a prospective cohort study of 1,616 maternal-infant pairs recruited at a gestational age of ≤16 weeks in Bangladesh (2008-2011). Arsenic concentration in maternal drinking water was measured at enrollment. Extended Cox regression (both time-dependent coefficients and step functions) was used to estimate the time-varying association between maternal arsenic exposure and fetal/neonatal death (all mortality between enrollment and 1 month after birth). In a sensitivity analysis, we assessed gestational arsenic exposure using maternal urine samples taken at enrollment. We observed 203 fetal losses and 20 neonatal deaths. Higher arsenic exposure was associated with a slightly decreased mortality rate up to the middle of the second trimester, and then the mortality rate switched directions around 20 weeks' gestation. In the step function model, the hazard ratios for combined mortality (fetal loss and neonatal death) per unit increase in the natural log of drinking water arsenic concentration (µg/L) ranged from 1.35 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.69) in weeks 25-28 to 0.81 (95% CI: 0.65, 1.02) in weeks 9-12. This nonlinear association suggests that arsenic may exert survival pressure on developing fetuses, potentially contributing to survival bias, and may also indicate that arsenic toxicity differs by fetal developmental stage.

Prevalence, antenatal management and perinatal outcome of monochorionic monoamniotic twin pregnancy: a collaborative multicenter study in England, 2000-2013.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twin pregnancy and to describe perinatal outcome and clinical management of these pregnancies. METHODS: In this multicenter cohort study, the prevalence of MCMA twinning was estimated using population-based data on MCMA twin pregnancies, collected between 2000 and 2013 from 11 Northern Survey of Twin and Multiple Pregnancy (NorSTAMP) maternity units. Pregnancy outcome at < 24 weeks' gestation, antenatal parameters and perinatal outcome (from ≥ 24 weeks to the first 28 days of age) were analyzed using combined data on pregnancies confirmed to be MCMA from NorSTAMP and the Southwest Thames Region of London Obstetric Research Collaborative (STORK) multiple pregnancy cohort for 2000-2013. RESULTS: The estimated total prevalence of MCMA twin pregnancies in the North of England region was 8.2 per 1000 twin pregnancies (59/7170), and the birth prevalence was 0.08 per 1000 pregnancies overall (singleton and multiple). Using combined data from NorSTAMP and STORK, the rate of fetal death (at < 24 weeks' gestation), including terminations of pregnancy and selective feticide, was 31.8% (54/170); the overall perinatal mortality rate was 14.7% (17/116), ranging from 69.2% at < 30 weeks to 4.5% at ≥ 33 weeks' gestation. MCMA twins that survived in utero beyond 24 weeks were delivered, usually by Cesarean section, at a median of 33 (interquartile range, 32-34) weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: In MCMA twins surviving beyond 24 weeks of gestation, there was a higher survival rate compared with in previous decades, presumably due to early diagnosis, close surveillance and elective birth around 32-34 weeks of gestation. High perinatal mortality at early gestations was attributed mainly to extreme prematurity due to preterm spontaneous labor. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Prevalence and maternal socio-demographic factors associated with stillbirth in health facilities in Anambra, South-East Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Stillbirth is a major adverse perinatal outcome especially in low and middle income countries across the globe. Certain factors relating to mothers from such countries may be associated with this adverse condition. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of stillbirth and also explore the maternal socio-demographic factors associated with stillbirth among mothers in rural communities in Anambra Central Senatorial District of Anambra State Nigeria who gave birth between January 2012 and December 2016. METHODS: All case files of mothers who were delivered of their babies were accessed at the sampled health facilities in the district. Data were collected using a structured proforma. A total of 313 stillbirth cases were recorded across the health facilities from 2012-2016. RESULTS: The highest prevalence of stillbirth was recorded in 2012 (38.07 per 1,000 total births). The prevalence of stillbirth was significantly associated with the maternal level of education, occupation, age and type of health facility the mother utilized (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that women empowerment should be a priority at both family and community levels to enable women to seek and obtain necessary care during pregnancy and delivery.

Fetal, neonatal, and post-neonatal mortality in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort and associated factors / Mortalidade fetal, neonatal e pós-neonatal e fatores associados na coorte de nascimentos de 2015 de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Mortalidad fetal, neonatal y postneonatal en la cohorte de nacimientos en Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2015, y sus factores asociados

This study aimed to describe fetal, neonatal, and post-neonatal mortality and associated factors in participants of the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort. The child mortality sub-study followed up all deaths in the first year of life. Data were collected on intrauterine fetal deaths (weight ≥ 500g and/or gestational age ≥ 20 weeks), neonatal deaths (< 28 days of life), and post-neonatal deaths (from 28 days to the end of the first year of life). Descriptive analyses using the Pearson chi-square test and a multinomial logistic regression to estimate the risk of fetal, neonatal, and post-neonatal deaths compared to live infants in the cohort (reference group) were performed. Data from 4,329 eligible births were collected, of which 54 died during the fetal period. Of the 4,275 eligible live births, 59 died in the first year of life. An association between fetal, neonatal, and post-neonatal deaths (OR = 15.60, 7.63, and 5.51 respectively) was found, as well as less than six prenatal consultations. Compared to live infants, fetal deaths were more likely to occur in non-white mothers, and neonatal deaths were 14.09 times more likely to occur in a preterm gestational age (< 37 weeks). Compared to live infants, infants that were born in a C-section delivery had 3.71 increased odds of post-neonatal death. Additionally, neonatal deaths were 102.37 times more likely to have a low Apgar score on the fifth minute after birth. These findings show the need for early interventions during pregnancy, ensuring access to adequate prenatal care.

O estudo teve como objetivo descrever a mortalidade fetal, neonatal e pós-neonatal e fatores associados em participantes da coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas, Brasil, de 2015. O sub-estudo sobre mortalidade infantil acompanhou todos os óbitos no primeiro ano de vida. Foram coletados os dados sobre natimortos (com peso ao nascer ≥ 500g e/ou idade gestacional ≥ 20 semanas), óbitos neonatais (< 28 dias de vida) e óbitos pós-neonatais (entre 28 dias e o final do primeiro ano de vida). Foram realizadas análises descritivas com o teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson e regressão logística multinominal para estimar o risco de morte fetal, neonatal e pós-neonatal, comparado com as crianças vivas na coorte (grupo de referência). Foram coletados os dados de 4.329 nascimentos elegíveis, dos quais 54 natimortos. Dos 4.275 nascidos vivos elegíveis, 59 faleceram no primeiro ano de vida. A análise mostrou uma associação entre morte fetal, neonatal e pós-neonatal (OR = 15,60, 7,63 e 5,51, respectivamente) e menos de seis consultas de pré-natal. Quando comparados aos nascidos vivos, os natimortos apresentaram maior probabilidade de ter mãe não-branca, e o óbito neonatal mostrou probabilidade 14,09 vezes maior de ocorrer com prematuridade (idade gestacional < 37 semanas). Crianças nascidas por cesariana mostraram probabilidade 3,71 vezes maior de óbito pós-neonatal. Além disso, os óbitos neonatais mostraram probabilidade 102,37 maior de Apgar baixo no quinto minuto. Os achados mostram a necessidade de intervenções precoces durante a gravidez para poder garantir uma assistência pré-natal adequada.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir la mortalidad fetal, neonatal y postneonatal, así como sus factores asociados, en participantes de una cohorte de nacimientos en Pelotas, Brasil, durante 2015. La mortalidad infantil se siguió mediante un sub-estudio de todas las muertes durante el primer año de vida. Se recogieron datos de muertes intrauterinas fetales (peso al nacer ≥ 500g y/o edad gestacional ≥ 20 semanas), muertes neonatales (< 28 días de vida), y muertes postneonatales (desde los 28 días hasta el primer año de vida). Se usaron análisis descriptivos usando el test chi-cuadrado de Pearson y se realizó una regresión logística multinomial para estimar el riesgo de las muertes fetales, neonatales y postneonatales, comparadas con los niños vivos en la cohorte (grupo de referencia). Se recogieron datos de 4.329 nacimientos elegibles de los que 54 murieron durante el periodo fetal. De los 4.275 nacimientos vivos elegibles, 59 murieron durante el primer año de vida. Se estableció una asociación entre las muertes fetales, neonatales y postneonatales (OR = 15,60; 7,63 y 5,51, respectivamente) y contar con menos de seis consultas prenatales. Cuando se comparan con los niños vivos, las muertes fetales tenían una probabilidad mayor si contaban con una madre que no fuera blanca, además, había más de 14,09 veces más probabilidades de que se produjeran con una edad gestacional pretérmino (< 37 semanas). Cuando lo comparamos con los niños vivos, los niños que nacieron en la sección de partos por cesárea tuvieron una oportunidad 3,71 superior de muerte postneonatal. Asimismo, las muertes neonatales fueron 102,37 veces más propensas de tener un bajo Apgar en el quinto minuto tras el nacimiento. Estos resultados mostraron la necesidad de intervenciones tempranas durante el embarazo, asegurando el acceso a un cuidado prenatal adecuado.

Evitabilidade do óbito infantil e fetal: interlocução entre comitê e atenção primária à saúde / Evitabilidad del óbito infantil y fetal: diálogo entre comité y atención básica a la salud / Avoidance of infant and fetal death: interlocution between the committee and primary health care

RESUMO Objetivo: evidenciar como ocorre a interlocução entre o Comitê de Prevenção do Óbito Materno, Infantil e Fetal e a Atenção Primária à Saúde no município de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. Método: estudo de caso único, com abordagem qualitativa, que teve como contexto o referido Comitê, justificado pelo caso decisivo, o Distrito Sanitário Norte. Na coleta de dados foram utilizadas quatro fontes de evidência e, na análise, a técnica de construção da explanação. Resultados: evidenciou-se a implantação e organização do Grupo Técnico de Estudos sobre Mortalidade Materno-Infantil, como o agente interlocutor entre o Comitê e a atenção primária, que revisa condutas e processos de trabalho e propõe melhorias na assistência durante o pré-natal. Conclusão: as estratégias de gestão implementadas pelo Distrito Norte podem ser tomadas como exemplo para outros cenários, sobretudo para a promoção de uma interlocução efetiva com a atenção primária.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: evidenciar cómo ocurre el diálogo entre el Comité de Prevención del Óbito Materno, Infantil y Fetal y la Atención Básica a la Salud en el municipio de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. Método: estudio de caso único, con abordaje cualitativo, que tuvo como contexto el antedicho Comité, justificado por el caso decisivo, el Distrito Sanitario Norte. En la obtención de datos se utilizaron cuatro fuentes de evidencia y, en el análisis, la técnica de construcción de la explanación. Resultados: se evidenciaron la implantación y la organización del Grupo Técnico de Estudios sobre Mortalidad Materno Infantil, como el agente de diálogo entre el Comité y la atención básica, que revisa conductas y procesos de trabajo y propone mejorías en la asistencia durante el prenatal. Conclusión: las estrategias de gestión implementadas por el Distrito Norte pueden ser ejemplo para otros escenarios, sobre todo para la promoción de una interlocución efectiva con la atención básica.

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate how the interlocution between the Committee for the Prevention of Maternal, Infant and Fetal Death and Primary Health Care takes place in the municipality of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. Method: a single case study, with a qualitative approach, which had the Committee mentioned as the context, justified by the decisive case of the Northern Health District. ,Four sources of evidence were used in the data collection and the explanatory construction technique in the analysis,. Results: the implantation and organization of the Mother and Infant Mortality Study Technical Group was highlighted, this being the interlocutor agent between the Committee and primary care, which reviews behaviors and work processes and proposes improvements in prenatal care. Conclusion: the management strategies implemented by the Northern District can be taken as an example for other scenarios, especially for the promotion of an effective interlocution with primary care.

Evolución de la mortalidad fetal, inmersa en las desigualdades socioeconómicas de la República Argentina: Período 2007-2014 / Evolution of fetal mortality in the setting of Argentine socioeconomic inequalities: Period 2007-2014

Introducción. Pocos estudios relacionaron las condiciones sociales adversas en cuanto a áreas geográficas (AG) con la mortalidad fetal (MF). Objetivo. Evaluar la desigualdad en salud en la MF según las AG. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo ecológico. Se analizaron los componentes principales de 525 AG. Se construyó y calculó el indicador de situación socioeconómica e índices de desigualdad, y se estimó la razón de mortalidad fetal (RMF). Resultados. El índice relativo de desigualdad de Kunst y Mackenbach varió de 1,8 a 1,4 para los bienios 2007/2008-2013/2014, y se estimó la mayor RMF para el estrato de situación socioeconómica muy desfavorable. Conclusión. La RMF es mayor para dicho estrato. La brecha entre los extremos de situación socioeconómica disminuyó hacia el último bienio. Independientemente, para las AG de situación socioeconómica muy desfavorable, la RMF descendió en el último bienio y, para las de situación socioeconómica muy favorable, se incrementó.

Introduction. Few studies have established a relationship between adverse social conditions by geographic area (GA) and fetal mortality (FM). Objective. T o assess health inequalities in relation to FM by GA. Population and methods. Descriptive, ecological study. The principal components of 525 GAs were analyzed. A socioeconomic status indicator and indices of inequality were developed and estimated, and the FM ratio was calculated. Results. The Kunst and Mackenbach relative index of inequality ranged from 1.8 to 1.4 in the 2007/2008 and 2013/2014 biennia, and a higher FM ratio was estimated for the highly unfavorable socioeconomic level stratum. Conclusion. The FM ratio is higher in this stratum. The gap between the ends of the socioeconomic spectrum narrowed towards the latest biennium. Regardless of this, in the GAs with a very unfavorable socioeconomic status, the FM ratio reduced in the latest biennium and increased in those with a very favorable socioeconomic status.

Evolution of fetal mortality in the setting of Argentine socioeconomic inequalities. Period 2007-2014. / Evolución de la mortalidad fetal, inmersa en las desigualdades socioeconómicas de la República Argentina. Período 2007-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have established a relationship between adverse social conditions by geographic area (GA) and fetal mortality (FM). Objective. To assess health inequalities in relation to FM by GA. POPULATION AND METHODS: Descriptive, ecological study. The principal components of 525 GAs were analyzed. A socioeconomic status indicator and indices of inequality were developed and estimated, and the FM ratio was calculated. RESULTS: The Kunst and Mackenbach relative index of inequality ranged from 1.8 to 1.4 in the 2007/2008 and 2013/2014 biennia, and a higher FM ratio was estimated for the highly unfavorable socioeconomic level stratum. CONCLUSION: The FM ratio is higher in this stratum. The gap between the ends of the socioeconomic spectrum narrowed towards the latest biennium. Regardless of this, in the GAs with a very unfavorable socioeconomic status, the FM ratio reduced in the latest biennium and increased in those with a very favorable socioeconomic status.

Introducción. Pocos estudios relacionaron las condiciones sociales adversas en cuanto a áreas geográficas (AG) con la mortalidad fetal (MF). Objetivo. Evaluar la desigualdad en salud en la MF según las AG. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo ecológico. Se analizaron los componentes principales de 525 AG. Se construyó y calculó el indicador de situación socioeconómica e índices de desigualdad, y se estimó la razón de mortalidad fetal (RMF). Resultados. El índice relativo de desigualdad de Kunst y Mackenbach varió de 1,8 a 1,4 para los bienios 2007/2008-2013/2014, y se estimó la mayor RMF para el estrato de situación socioeconómica muy desfavorable. Conclusión. La RMF es mayor para dicho estrato. La brecha entre los extremos de situación socioeconómica disminuyó hacia el último bienio. Independientemente, para las AG de situación socioeconómica muy desfavorable, la RMF descendió en el último bienio y, para las de situación socioeconómica muy favorable, se incrementó.

Does the Use of Diagnostic Technology Reduce Fetal Mortality?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect that the introduction of new diagnostic technology in obstetric care has had on fetal death. DATA SOURCE: The Medical Birth Registry of Norway provided detailed medical information for approximately 1.2 million deliveries from 1967 to 1995. Information about diagnostic technology was collected directly from the maternity units, using a questionnaire. STUDY DESIGN: The data were analyzed using a hospital fixed-effects regression with fetal mortality as the outcome measure. The key independent variables were the introduction of ultrasound and electronic fetal monitoring at each maternity ward. Hospital-specific trends and risk factors of the mother were included as control variables. The richness of the data allowed us to perform several robustness tests. PRINCIPAL FINDING: The introduction of ultrasound caused a significant drop in fetal mortality rate, while the introduction of electronic fetal monitoring had no effect on the rate. In the population as a whole, ultrasound contributed to a reduction in fetal deaths of nearly 20 percent. For post-term deliveries, the reduction was well over 50 percent. CONCLUSION: The introduction of ultrasound made a major contribution to the decline in fetal mortality at the end of the last century.