Randomized Trial of Early Detection and Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Delays in the detection or treatment of postpartum hemorrhage can result in complications or death. A blood-collection drape can help provide objective, accurate, and early diagnosis of postpartum hemorrhage, and delayed or inconsistent use of effective interventions may be able to be addressed by a treatment bundle. METHODS: We conducted an international, cluster-randomized trial to assess a multicomponent clinical intervention for postpartum hemorrhage in patients having vaginal delivery. The intervention included a calibrated blood-collection drape for early detection of postpartum hemorrhage and a bundle of first-response treatments (uterine massage, oxytocic drugs, tranexamic acid, intravenous fluids, examination, and escalation), supported by an implementation strategy (intervention group). Hospitals in the control group provided usual care. The primary outcome was a composite of severe postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss, ≥1000 ml), laparotomy for bleeding, or maternal death from bleeding. Key secondary implementation outcomes were the detection of postpartum hemorrhage and adherence to the treatment bundle. RESULTS: A total of 80 secondary-level hospitals across Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania, in which 210,132 patients underwent vaginal delivery, were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the usual-care group. Among hospitals and patients with data, a primary-outcome event occurred in 1.6% of the patients in the intervention group, as compared with 4.3% of those in the usual-care group (risk ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.50; P<0.001). Postpartum hemorrhage was detected in 93.1% of the patients in the intervention group and in 51.1% of those in the usual-care group (rate ratio, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.41 to 1.76), and the treatment bundle was used in 91.2% and 19.4%, respectively (rate ratio, 4.94; 95% CI, 3.88 to 6.28). CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of postpartum hemorrhage and use of bundled treatment led to a lower risk of the primary outcome, a composite of severe postpartum hemorrhage, laparotomy for bleeding, or death from bleeding, than usual care among patients having vaginal delivery. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; E-MOTIVE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04341662.).

Implementation of glucose 5% supplementation protocol to reduce the duration of labor among women with cervical ripening by prostaglandins: The GLUCOSHORT before-and-after study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous publications have shown that glucose supplementation could reduce labor duration in women with induction of labor with a favorable cervix but none have shown it for women with an unfavorable cervix.  The purpose of our study was to assess the impact on labor duration of a protocol of glucose supplementation used for induction of labor in women with an unfavorable cervix. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The protocol implemented in November 2017 added glucose supplementation by 5% dextrose at 125 mL/h to Ringer lactate for women with an unfavorable cervix with labor induced with dinoprostone gel. The study included women who underwent this protocol with a singleton, term, cephalic fetus from June 2017 through April 2018. The primary outcome was the labor duration. The secondary outcomes were mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage rate, neonatal outcomes, and durations other stage of labor. These outcomes were compared between the pre-intervention (from June 1 to October 31, 2017) and post-intervention (from December 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018) periods. RESULTS: The pre-intervention period included 116 women, and the post-intervention period 123. The characteristics of women and the induction of labor were similar in the two periods. The median duration from induction to delivery was not significantly different between the two periods (13.2 h, IQR 9.1-18.6 versus 13.6 h IQR 9.3-18.3, P=.67). The secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. DISCUSSION: Glucose supplementation administered to women with an unfavorable cervix undergoing induction does not appear to reduce the induction-delivery duration.

Promptness of oxytocin administration for first-line treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: a national vignette-based study among midwives.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Midwives play a key role in the initial management of PPH. Uterotonic agents are widely used in its prevention and treatment, with oxytocin the first-line agent. Nonetheless, a standardized guideline for optimal dose and rate of administration has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to investigate French midwives' practices regarding first-line oxytocin treatment and the factors influencing its delayed administration. METHODS: This multicenter study was based on clinical vignettes of PPH management collected using an anonymous online questionnaire. A random sample of midwives from 145 maternity units in France from 15 randomly selected perinatal networks were invited to participate by email. The Previously validated case vignettes described two different scenarios of severe PPH. Vignette 1 described a typical immediate, severe PPH, and vignette 2 a less typical case of severe but gradual PPH They were constructed in three successive steps and included multiple-choice questions proposing several types of clinical practice options at each stage. For each vignette separately, we analyzed the lack of prompt oxytocin administration and the factors contributing to them, that is, characteristics of the midwives and organizational features of maternity units. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied. RESULTS: In all, 450 midwives from 87 maternity units provided complete responses. Lack of promptness was observed in 21.6% of responses (N = 97) in Vignette 1 and in 13.8% (N = 62) in Vignette 2 (p < .05). After multivariate analysis, the risk of delay was lower among with midwives working in university maternity hospitals (ORa 0.47, 95% 0.21, 0.97) and in units with 1500 to 2500 births per year (ORa 0.49, 95% CI 0.26, 0.90) for Vignette 1. We also noticed that delay increased with the midwives' years of experience (per 10-year period) (ORa 1.30, 95% CI 1.01, 1.69). CONCLUSIONS: This study using clinical vignettes showed delays in oxytocin administration for first-line treatment of PPH. Because delay in treatment is a major cause of preventable maternal morbidity in PPH, these findings suggest that continuing training of midwives should be considered, especially in small maternity units.

Cervical ripening and labour induction: A critical review of the available methods.

Induction of labour is one of the most common interventions experienced by pregnant women. There are two overlapping components to labour induction, which include cervical ripening and the initiation of regular contractions. A large number of clinical studies have been conducted for evaluating the methods used for induction of labour, their effectiveness and safety, and pregnancy outcomes. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide the strongest form of evidence for clinical practice. These data are brought together in systematic reviews and have been incorporated into national and international guidelines. Despite this, there is considerable variation in the recommendations between guidelines. Heterogeneity between studies, inconsistency in the definitions of trial outcomes, and underpowered sample size contribute to the difficulty in making robust recommendations. There are pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches that can be compared with each other and with placebo or no treatment. There are also complementary therapies that may appeal to women but lack evidence of their effectiveness. These issues have been addressed in the current chapter, with a critical review of the research evidence presented in clinical trials and systematic reviews.

Efficacy of carboprost tromethamine combined with leonurus japonicus for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in high-risk pregnant women: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: No well-designed and systematic evaluation of the efficacy and safety of leonurus japonicus injection (LJI) in combination with carboprost tromethamine has been found. Therefore, we undertook a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of carboprost tromethamine combined with LJI for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in high-risk pregnant women to provide new evidence-based medical evidence for clinical treatment. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis would be performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The following databases including EMBASE, MEDICINE, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Cochrane central controlled trial registries were searched by 2 reviewers from inception to July 2021. Mesh and keyword search terms were "motherwort," "Yimucao," "leonurus japonicas," "carboprost tromethamine," and "postpartum hemorrhage." Any cohort studies that assessed the efficacy and safety of carboprost tromethamine combined with LJI for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage would be included. P < .05 was set as the level of significance. RESULTS: The review would add to the existing literature by showing compelling evidence and improved guidance in clinic settings. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: 10.17605/OSF.IO/2WC53.

Developing and validating the Caesarean risk assessment nomogram and comparing the effect of cervical ripening balloon, evening primrose oil and misoprostol on childbirth outcomes in term pregnancies: A study protocol.

AIM: To develop and validate the nomogram for risk estimation of Caesarean delivery and to compare the effect of cervical ripening balloon, evening primrose oil (EPO) and misoprostol on Bishop Score and duration of the first stage of labour. DESIGN: The first phase is a prospective study, and the second phase is a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: In the first phase, the nomogram will be developed and validated over 300 participants, and in the second phase, the 90 participants will be allocated to three groups: vaginal 25mcg misoprostol, vaginal 4000mg EPO and double-balloon catheter, through block randomization method. The Bishop score will be evaluated every 4 hr, and if required the same dose will be repeated. Maximum waiting time for balloon is 12 hr if not effective, the catheter will be removed, and other interventions will be done according to guidelines. DISCUSSION: The nomogram will help informed decision-making for women undergoing an induction with an unfavourable cervix and introducing effective low-complication methods of labour induction can improve the pregnancy outcomes.

A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial of melatonin as an adjuvant agent in induction of labour (MILO): a study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Induction of labour (IOL) is a common practice. In Australia, up to 40% of women undergoing labour induction will ultimately have a caesarean section. As a biological role for melatonin in the onset and progress of labour has been demonstrated, we aim to test the hypothesis that addition of melatonin will reduce the need for caesarean section. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in women undergoing IOL at term. We plan to randomise 722 women (1:1 ratio) to receive either melatonin (four doses of 10 mg melatonin: first dose-in the evening at the time of cervical balloon or Dinoprostone PGE2 vaginal pessary insertion, second dose-at time of oxytocin infusion commencement, third dose-6 hours after the second dose, fourth dose-6 hours after the third dose) or placebo (same dosing regime). Participants who are having artificial rupture of the membranes only as the primary means of labour induction will receive up to three doses of the trial intervention. The primary outcome measure will be the requirement for a caesarean section. Secondary outcomes will include duration of each stage of labour and time from induction to birth, total dose of oxytocin administration, epidural rate, indication for caesarean section, rate of instrumental deliveries, birth within 24 hours of induction commencement, estimated blood loss, Apgar score at 5 min, neonatal intensive care unit admissions and participant satisfaction. Maternal melatonin levels will be measured immediately before commencement of the oxytocin intravenous infusion and 3 hours after and at the time of birth in order to determine any differences between the two trial arms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study is conducted in accordance with the conditions of Monash Health HREC (RES-17-0000-168A). Findings from the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. PROTOCOL VERSION: V.7.0, 30 July 2019. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12616000311459, Universal trial number: (UTN) U1111-1195-3515.

Clinical outcomes of prophylactic compression sutures for treatment of uterine atony during the cesarean delivery of twins.

BACKGROUND: Twin pregnancy has a high risk for developing uterine atony (UA). This study aimed to evaluate efficacy and clinical outcomes of prophylactic compression sutures to treat UA during twin cesarean section (CS). METHODS: All patient records of twin deliveries by CS after gestational age of 24 weeks in a large maternity hospital in South Korea between January 2013 and June 2018 were reviewed. Patients with monochorionic monoamniotic twins were excluded from data analysis. In total, 953 women were eligible for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 953 patients, compression sutures were applied to 147 cases with postpartum bleeding that were refractory to uterine massage and uterotonics. Out of the 147, two patients (1.4%) proceeded to additional uterine artery ligation to achieve hemostasis, yielding a success rate of 98.6%. The rate of transfusion after the first 24 h of delivery in the suture group was not significantly different from that in the non-suture group, suggesting that both groups achieved hemostasis at an equal rate after the first 24 h of delivery. The difference in the operation time between the two groups was only 8.5 min. The rate of subsequent pregnancy among the patients who received compression sutures was 44.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings suggest that with early and fast implementation of compression sutures, UA can be treated in the setting of twin cesarean delivery without significantly increasing maternal morbidity.

Carbetocin vs oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of carbetocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in women undergoing vaginal delivery compared with oxytocin. METHODS: We conducted a systemic literature search in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase without language restrictions from inception of each of database to November 18th, 2018. Randomized controlled trials with outcome measure of blood loss ≥500 ml were eligible if they compared carbetocin with oxytocin to prevent postpartum hemorrhage during the third stage of labor in women undergoing vaginal delivery. RESULTS: This meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials (30,314 women) indicated that there was no significant difference between carbetocin and oxytocin in blood loss ≥500 ml in women undergoing vaginal delivery (relative risks (RRs), 0.52; 95% confidence intervals (CIs), 0.24 to 1.15; P = .11; I = 69%). Sensitivity analyses showed the same results. No significant differences were found in blood loss ≥1000 ml, use of additional uterotonic agents, blood transfusion, uterine massage, flushing, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, headache, palpitation, itching, and shivering. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis showed that carbetocin was as effective and safe as oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in women undergoing vaginal delivery, and the choice of carbetocin for routine prophylaxis will depend on cost-effectiveness.

Empowering midwives to manage postpartum haemorrhage in rural areas of Islamic Republic of Iran: lessons learnt from cases of maternal death.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum haemorrhage is the main cause of maternal mortality in rural areas of low-income countries. AIMS: This study investigated the causes of maternal death from postpartum haemorrhage in rural areas of Sistan and Baluchestan, Islamic Republic of Iran, and determined the effect of three interventions on midwives' management of haemorrhage. METHODS: Maternal deaths in women with postpartum haemorrhage between 9 April 2012 and 9 April 2013 were reviewed to determine what contributed to the death. Following the review, prostaglandin was permitted for use in rural maternity units. A flowchart on managing haemorrhagic shock and a training workshop on management of postpartum haemorrhage were also developed for midwives working in rural areas. After the interventions, all cases of postpartum haemorrhage (n = 81) that occurred during 23 September 2014-23 February 2015 in rural maternity facilities were reviewed based on 19 indicators. A control group (n = 81) was selected from women with postpartum haemorrhage who had been admitted to the same maternity units before the interventions. RESULTS: After the training interventions, more midwives used more than one method to estimate blood loss and higher doses of oxytocin to control haemorrhage. They showed improvements in the use of intravenous fluid therapy, pulse and blood pressure checks, external uterine massage, and uterotonic drugs. Following training, more women were admitted to hospital in a stable condition and recovered and were discharged (P = 0.002), and fewer had surgical interventions (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Midwives' management of postpartum haemorrhage improved after the interventions. Training programmes should be based on study of the local situation to identify shortcomings. Regular monitoring of outcomes is needed to detect and resolve failures.

Scaling Up Misoprostol to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage at Home Births in Mozambique: A Case Study Applying the ExpandNet/WHO Framework.

BACKGROUND: Mozambique has a high maternal mortality ratio, and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal deaths. In 2015, the Mozambican Ministry of Health (MOH) commenced a program to distribute misoprostol at the community level in selected districts as a strategy to reduce PPH. This case study uses the ExpandNet/World Health Organization (WHO) scale-up framework to examine the planning, management, and outcomes of the early expansion phase of the scale-up of misoprostol for the prevention of PPH in 2 provinces in Mozambique. METHODS: Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted between February and October 2017 in 5 participating districts in 2 provinces. Participants included program stakeholders, health staff, community health workers (CHWs), and traditional birth attendants (TBAs). Interviews were analyzed using the ExpandNet/WHO framework alongside national policy and planning documents and notes from a 2017 national Ministry of Health maternal, newborn, and child health workshop. Outcomes were estimated using misoprostol coverage and access in 2017 for both provinces. RESULTS: The study revealed a number of barriers and facilitators to scale-up. Facilitators included a supportive political and legal environment; a clear, credible, and relevant innovation; early expansion into some Ministry of Health systems and a strong network of CHWs and TBAs. Barriers included a reduction in reach due to a shift from universal distribution to application of eligibility criteria; fear of misdirecting misoprostol for abortion or labor induction; limited communication and understanding of the national PPH prevention strategy; inadequate monitoring and evaluation; challenges with logistics systems; and the inability to engage remote TBAs. Lower coverage was found in Inhambane province than Nampula province, possibly due to NGO support and political champions. CONCLUSION: This study identified the need for a formal review of the misoprostol program to identify adaptations and to develop a systematic scale-up strategy to guide national scale-up.

Effects of Prophylactic Oxytocin on Bleeding Outcomes in Women Undergoing Dilation and Evacuation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether routine use of intravenous oxytocin decreases the frequency of interventions to control excess blood loss during dilation and evacuation (D&E). METHODS: In this multisite, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, women undergoing D&E at 18-24 weeks of gestation received 30 units of oxytocin in 500 mL of intravenous fluid or 500 mL of intravenous fluid alone initiated on speculum placement. The primary outcome was the frequency of interventions to control excess bleeding. A sample size of 75 patients per group was needed to detect a 15% decrease in intervention from 20% to 5% with 80% power and two-sided alpha 0.05. Secondary outcomes included measured blood loss, complications, procedure duration, postoperative pain, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: From November 2014 to February 2018, we screened 337 women and randomized 160 to receive prophylactic oxytocin (n=82) or placebo (n=78). Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. The frequency of interventions for bleeding, our primary outcome, was 7.3% in the oxytocin group vs 16.7% in the placebo group, difference of 9.4% (95% CI -21.0% to 1.9%). Interventions primarily included uterine massage and uterotonic administration. Among our secondary outcomes, median measured blood loss was lower in the oxytocin group at 152 (interquartile range 98-235) mL vs 317 (interquartile range 168-464) mL (95% CI 71.6-181.5). Frequency of hemorrhage, defined as blood loss of 500 mL or more and 1,000 mL or more, was lower in the oxytocin group at 3.7% vs 21.8%, difference of 18% (95% CI -29 to -6.9%) and 1.2% vs 10.3%, difference of 9.0% (95% CI -17 to -0.7%), respectively. Procedures were shorter in the oxytocin group at a median of 11.0 (interquartile range 8.0-14.0) vs 13.5 (interquartile range 10.0-19.0) minutes in the placebo group (95% CI 1.0-4.0). We found no differences in the frequency of nonhemorrhage complications, pain scores, or satisfaction scores between groups. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic use of oxytocin during D&E at 18-24 weeks of gestation did not decrease the frequency of interventions to control bleeding. However, oxytocin did decrease blood loss and frequency of hemorrhage. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02083809.

Administration of carbetocin after the first piglet was born reduced farrowing duration but compromised colostrum intake in newborn piglets.

Carbetocin is an oxytocin-like compound with long acting properties that has recently been introduced to both human and domestic animal obstetrics. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of carbetocin administration after the first piglet was born on farrowing duration, birth interval, colostrum consumption and vitality index in newborn piglets. In total, 186 sows and their offspring (n = 2611 piglets) were distributed into three groups: 1) CONTROL: sows were allowed to farrow naturally (n = 66); 2) OXY: sows were administered oxytocin 20 IU intramuscularly after the first piglet was born (n = 62); and 3) CARBE: sows were administered carbetocin 0.6 µg/kg intramuscularly after the first piglet was born (n = 58). The reproductive data of sows including farrowing duration, total number of piglets born per litter (TB), number of piglets born alive per litter (BA), proportion of stillborn piglets per litter (SB) and proportion of mummified fetuses per litter (MF) were recorded. Piglet vitality index including skin colour, integrity of the umbilical cord, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, screaming score, udder stimulation score, movement capacity and number of completed circles around enclosure were determined. Birth weights of the piglets were measured immediately at birth and again at 24 h thereafter to determine the individual colostrum intake of the piglets. On average, the farrowing duration, birth interval and BA were 188.0 ±â€¯95.7 min, 12.5 ±â€¯18.3 min, and 12.3 ±â€¯2.9 piglets per litter, respectively. The farrowing duration of the sows was reduced in CARBE group (151.2 ±â€¯11.9 min) compared to OXY (180.2 ±â€¯11.5 min, P = 0.003) and CONTROL (227.7 ±â€¯11.2 min, P < 0.001) groups. Birth interval of piglets in all categories of birth weight in the CARBE group was shorter than those in the CONTROL group (P < 0.05). However, the colostrum yield of sows in CARBE group (2398 ±â€¯133 g) was lower than CONTROL and OXY groups (3371 ±â€¯125 g and 3549 ±â€¯128 g, respectively; P < 0.001). Similarly, colostrum intake of piglets in the CONTROL and OXY groups was higher than in the CARBE group (276.4 ±â€¯11.0 g, 286.4 ±â€¯13.6 g and 225.3 ±â€¯14.0 g, respectively; P < 0.05). The percentage of stillborn piglets in CARBE was higher than OXY (8.7 ±â€¯1.1% vs 5.3 ±â€¯1.1%, P < 0.05) but did not differ significantly compared to CONTROL (7.5 ±â€¯1.1%, P > 0.05). The piglet movement capacity in CONTROL was lower than CARBE group (1.36 vs 1.48, P < 0.05) but was not different compared to OXY group (1.40, P > 0.05). In conclusion, administration of carbetocin after the birth of the first piglet reduced the farrowing duration of sows, but increased the number of stillborn piglets and reduced the colostrum yield of sows.

'Nausicaa' compression suture: a simple and effective alternative to hysterectomy in placenta accreta spectrum and other causes of severe postpartum haemorrhage.

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), especially resulting from placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), has become a worldwide concern in maternity care. We describe a novel method of uterine compression sutures (the 'Nausicaa' technique) as an alternative to hysterectomy for patients who have suffered from major PPH. We applied this technique in 68 patients with major PPH during caesarean section (including 43 patients with PAS, 20 patients with placenta praevia totalis, and five patients with uterine atony), and none of these patients required further hysterectomy. We conclude that our Nausicaa suture is a simple and feasible alternative to hysterectomy in patients suffering from major PPH.

Tecnologias de cuidado para prevenção e controle da hemorragia no terceiro estágio do parto: revisão sistemática / Care technologies to prevent and control hemorrhage in the third stage of labor: a systematic review / Tecnologías de cuidado para prevención y control de la hemorragia en la tercera etapa del parto: revisión sistemática

Objetivo identificar evidências acerca das contribuições das tecnologias de cuidado usadas para prevenção e controle da hemorragia no terceiro estágio do parto. Método revisão sistemática com busca em bases de dados. Dois investigadores selecionaram os textos de forma independente na primeira etapa e, na segunda, em reunião de conciliação. Para avaliação da concordância, aplicou-se o coeficiente Kappa; para avaliação do risco de viés e classificação dos níveis de evidência, adotou-se o Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Resultados incluíram-se 42 artigos; desses, 34 classificados como tecnologias de produto, sendo a maioria produtos farmacológicos; dois referentes ao uso do saco plástico transparente para a coleta de sangue e contribuição do intervalo de nascimento e dos cuidados pré-natais. Os oito artigos classificados como tecnologias de processo se referiam a manejo ativo do terceiro estágio do parto, tração controlada de cordão, massagem uterina e intervenções educacionais. Conclusão as tecnologias de produto e de processo apresentaram evidência alta e moderada confirmada em 61,90% dos artigos. Os níveis de evidência demonstram contribuições das tecnologias para prevenção e controle da hemorragia. Na prática clínica, o enfermeiro deve oferecer cuidados à mulher fundamentados em evidências científicas e construir protocolos sobre as ações de cuidado da enfermagem.

Objective to identify evidence concerning the contribution of health technologies used to prevent and control hemorrhaging in the third stage of labor. Method systematic review with database searches. First, two researchers independently selected the papers and, at a second point in time, held a reconciliation meeting. The Kappa coefficient was used to assess agreement, while the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation was adopted to assess risk of bias and classify level of evidence. Results in this review, 42 papers were included, 34 of which addressed product technologies, most referred to pharmacological products, while two papers addressed the use of blood transparent plastic bags collector and the contribution of birth spacing and prenatal care. The eight papers addressing process technologies included the active management of the third stage of labor, controlled cord traction, uterine massage, and educational interventions. Conclusion product and process technologies presented high and moderate evidence confirmed in 61.90% of the papers. The levels of evidence confirm the contribution of technologies to prevent and control hemorrhaging. Clinical nurses should provide scientific-based care and develop protocols addressing nursing care actions.

Objetivo identificar las evidencias acerca de las contribuciones de las tecnologías de cuidado usadas para la prevención y el control de la hemorragia en la tercera etapa del parto. Método revisión sistemática con búsqueda en bases de datos. Dos investigadores seleccionaron los textos, de forma independiente, en la primera etapa; y, en la segunda en reunión de conciliación. Para evaluación de la concordancia fue aplicado el coeficiente Kappa; para evaluación del riesgo de sesgo y clasificación de los niveles de evidencia, se adoptó el Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Resultados fueron incluidos 42 artículos; de estos, 34 fueron clasificados como: tecnologías de producto (siendo la mayoría productos farmacológicos), dos referentes a la contribución del saco plástico transparente recolector de sangre y del intervalo de nacimiento y de los cuidados prenatales. Los ocho artículos clasificados como tecnologías de proceso se referían al manejo activo de la tercera etapa del parto, a la tracción controlada del cordón, al masaje uterino y a intervenciones educacionales. Conclusión las tecnologías de producto y de proceso presentaron evidencia alta y moderada, lo que fue confirmado en 61,90% de los artículos. Los niveles de evidencia demuestran las contribuciones de las tecnologías para la prevención y el control de la hemorragia. En la práctica clínica, el enfermero debe ofrecer cuidados a la mujer fundamentados en evidencias científicas y construir protocolos sobre las acciones de cuidado de la enfermería.

Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for induction of labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The use of herbal medicines for induction of labour (IOL) is common globally and yet its effects are not well understood. We assessed the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for IOL. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature. DATA SOURCES: We searched in MEDLINE, AMED and CINAHL in April 2017, updated in June 2018. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We considered experimental and non-experimental studies that compared relevant pregnancy outcomes between users and non-user of herbal medicines for IOL. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data were extracted by two reviewers using a standardised form. A random-effects model was used to synthesise effects sizes and heterogeneity was explored through I2 statistic. The risk of bias was assessed using 'John Hopkins Nursing School Critical Appraisal Tool' and 'Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool'. RESULTS: A total of 1421 papers were identified through the searches, but only 10 were retained after eligibility and risk of bias assessments. The users of herbal medicine for IOL were significantly more likely to give birth within 24 hours than non-users (Risk Ratio (RR) 4.48; 95% CI 1.75 to 11.44). No significant difference in the incidence of caesarean section (RR 1.19; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.86), assisted vaginal delivery (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.14), haemorrhage (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.60), meconium-stained liquor (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.65 to 2.23) and admission to nursery (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.38) was found between users and non-users of herbal medicines for IOL. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that herbal medicines for IOL are effective, but there is inconclusive evidence of safety due to lack of good quality data. Thus, the use of herbal medicines for IOL should be avoided until safety issues are clarified. More studies are recommended to establish the safety of herbal medicines.

Improvement in the active management of the third stage of labor for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in Tanzania: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Tanzania has a maternal mortality ratio of 556 per 100,000 live births, representing 21% of all deaths of women of reproductive age. Hemorrhage, mostly postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), is estimated to cause at least 25% of maternal deaths in Tanzania. In 2008, the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children launched interventions to improve efforts to prevent PPH. Competency-based training for skilled birth attendants and ongoing quality improvement prioritized the practice of active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 52 health facilities in Tanzania utilizing direct observations of women during labor and delivery. Observations were conducted in 2010 and, after competency-based training and quality improvement interventions in the facilities, in 2012. A total of 489 deliveries were observed in 2010 and 558 in 2012. Steps for AMTSL were assessed using a standardized structured observation checklist that was based on World Health Organization guidelines. RESULTS: The proportion of deliveries receiving all three AMTSL steps improved significantly by 19 percentage points (p < 0.001) following the intervention, with the most dramatic increase occurring in health centers and dispensaries (47.2 percentage point change) compared to hospitals (5.2 percentage point change). Use of oxytocin for PPH prevention rose by 37.1 percentage points in health centers and dispensaries but remained largely the same in hospitals, where the baseline was higher. There was substantial improvement in the timely provision of uterotonics (within 3 min of birth) across all facilities (p = 0.003). Availability of oxytocin, which was lower in health centers and dispensaries than hospitals at baseline, rose from 73 to 94% of all facilities. CONCLUSION: The quality of PPH prevention increased substantially in facilities that implemented competency-based training and quality improvement interventions, with the most dramatic improvement seen at lower-level facilities. As Tanzania continues with efforts to increase facility births, it is imperative that the quality of care also be improved by promoting use of up-to-date guidelines and ensuring regular training and mentoring for health care providers so that they adhere to the guidelines for care of women during labor. These measures can reduce maternal and newborn mortality.

Motherwort injection for preventing postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant women with cesarean section: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of motherwort injection alone or combined with oxytocin for preventing postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant women with caesarean section. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials were performed. PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese database Sino-Med, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), VIP Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database, WanFang, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared motherwort injection alone or motherwort injection combined with oxytocin in pregnant women receiving cesarean section were included. Paired reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts for eligibility, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. We performed random-effects meta-analyses of RCTs along with a limited number of prespecified subgroup hypotheses, and sensitivity analyses were carried out with other statistical approaches. RESULTS: Forty-six RCTs (n = 7359) proved eligible. Compared with oxytocin, both motherwort injection and motherwort injection combined with oxytocin had a significantly lower blood loss within 2 hours (MD = -21.81, 95% CI -37.05 to -6.58 and MD = -53.04, 95% CI -61.68 to -44.39); lower blood loss within 24 hours (MD = -25.44, 95% CI -39.38 to -11.51 and MD = -67.81, 95% CI -78.02 to -57.60); and lower the risk of adverse events (ORPeto 0.40, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.96 and ORPeto 0.50, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.71). Motherwort injection combined with oxytocin also decreased the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.35.) CONCLUSIONS: In pregnant women with cesarean section, motherwort injection suggests an obvious benefit and less adverse event.

De-medicalization of birth by reducing the use of oxytocin for augmentation among first-time mothers - a prospective intervention study.

BACKGROUND: The use of synthetic oxytocin for augmentation of labor is rapidly increasing worldwide. Hyper-stimulation is the most significant side effect, which may cause fetal distress and operative delivery. We performed an intervention consisting of an educational program and modified guidelines to achieve a more appropriate use of oxytocin. METHODS: This prospective intervention study included 431 first-time mothers at term with spontaneous onset of labor before (October 2012 to May 2013), and 664 after the intervention (April 2014 to April 2015). Our outcomes were prevalence and duration of oxytocin treatment, mode of delivery, indication for operative delivery, episiotomy, anal sphincter tears, bleeding, labor duration, pain relief and the effect of oxytocin on mode of delivery. RESULTS: After the intervention, 52.9% were diagnosed with dystocia, compared with 68.9% before (p < 0.001). Oxytocin was not always used in accordance with the guidelines, but a significant reduction in oxytocin rates from 63.3% to 54.1% (p < 0.001) was obtained. More women without dystocia according to the existing guidelines were augmented after the intervention (18.9% vs 8.4%, p < 0.001). Assessing all labors, the median duration of oxytocin treatment was reduced by 72% (from 90 to 25 min) without increasing the median duration of labor (385 min in both groups). There was a moderate reduction in operative vaginal deliveries from 26.9 to 21.5% (p = 0.04), and dystocia as an indication for these deliveries increased (p = 0.01). There was a moderate increase in caesarean sections from 6.7 to 10.2% (p = 0.05), but no increase in dystocia as an indication for these deliveries. Women receiving oxytocin were more likely to have an operative vaginal birth, even after adjusting for birth weight, epidural analgesia and labor duration, OR: 2.1 (CI 1.1-4.0) before and OR 2.7 (CI 1.6-4.5) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Our intervention led to a significant reduction in the use of oxytocin. However, more than half of the women remained diagnosed with dystocia. Operative vaginal births seem to be associated with oxytocin treatment. Therefore, augmentation with oxytocin should be used with caution and only when medically indicated. Even more modified guidelines for augmentation than the ones applied in this study might be appropriate.

Castor oil for induction of labour: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of castor oil to induce labour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational case control study was conducted over five years. Castor oil was proposed to women referred to the Birth Centre (Castor Oil group (COG)). They were compared to women who chose to be followed by the traditional doctor-led unit (control group (CG)). Castor oil was administered in a 60 ml single dose in 200 ml of warm water. Inclusion criteria were gestational age between 40 and 41 weeks plus premature rupture of membranes between 12 and 18 hours or amniotic fluid index ≤4 or Bishop Score of ≤4 or absence of spontaneous labour over 41 + 4 weeks. RESULTS: Pharmacological induction of labour was required for 18 women in the COG (45%) and 36 in the CG (90%) (p < .001). The mode of delivery differed significantly between groups: women assuming castor oil showed a higher incidence of vaginal delivery, whereas the incidence of caesarean section was lower in the COG, but no statistical significance was reached. CONCLUSIONS: The use of castor oil is related to a higher probability of labour initiation within 24 hours. Castor oil can be considered a safe non-pharmacological method for labour induction.