Delays in obstetric care increase the risk of neonatal near-miss morbidity events and death: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the association between delays in obstetric care and neonatal near-miss mortality events and death in a public maternity referral center. METHODS: This case-control study enrolled 142 neonates, meeting the near-miss criteria of 5-min Apgar < 7, weight < 1500 g, gestational age < 32 weeks, and use of mechanical ventilation or congenital malformation, as well as 284 controls (without the near-miss criteria), at a ratio of 1:2. After follow-up, the following outcomes were reclassified: survival of the neonatal period without the near-miss criteria (true "controls"), "near-miss," and "neonatal death." Maternal sociodemographic characteristics, prenatal care, and pregnancy resolution were evaluated. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used. Simple logistic regression was performed to determine the association between the three delay factors with near-miss outcomes and/or neonatal death. The variables that had maintained values of p < 0.05 were subjected to multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Comparisons revealed the following associations: for controls and near-miss events, delayed access to health services due to a lack of specialized services (odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.1) and inappropriate conduct with the patient (OR, 12.1; 95% CI, 1.3-108.7); for controls and death, absent or inadequate prenatal care (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.6-7.1) and delayed access to health services due to a lack of specialized services (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1-5.6); and for near-miss events and death, absent or inadequate prenatal care (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.0-5.0). Logistic regression for the combined outcome (near-miss plus neonatal deaths) revealed absent or inadequate prenatal care (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8), lack of specialized services (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.7-4.5), and improper conduct with the patient (OR, 10.6; 95% CI, 1.2-91.8). CONCLUSIONS: The delays in obstetric care associated with the presence of near-miss and/or neonatal death included absent or inadequate prenatal care, delayed access to health services due to a lack of specialized services, and inappropriate conduct with the patient.

Adverse perinatal outcomes are associated with severe maternal morbidity and mortality: evidence from a national multicentre cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To assess the association between maternal potentially life-threatening conditions (PLTC), maternal near miss (MNM), and maternal death (MD) with perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 27 Brazilian referral centers from July, 2009 to June, 2010. All women presenting any criteria for PLTC and MNM, or MD, were included. Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics were evaluated in each group of maternal outcomes. Childbirth and maternal morbidity data were related to perinatal adverse outcomes (5th min Apgar score < 7, fetal death, neonatal death, or any of these). The Chi-squared test evaluated the differences between groups. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for the clustering design effect identified the independently associated maternal factors with the adverse perinatal outcomes (prevalence ratios; 95% confidence interval). RESULTS: Among 8271 cases of severe maternal morbidity, there were 714 cases of adverse perinatal outcomes. Advanced maternal age, low level of schooling, multiparity, lack of prenatal care, delays in care, preterm birth, and adverse perinatal outcomes were more common among MNM and MD. Both MNM and MD were associated with Apgar score (2.39; 1.68-3.39); maternal hemorrhage was the most prevalent characteristic associated with fetal death (2.9, 95% CI 1.81-4.66) and any adverse perinatal outcome (2.16; 1.59-2.94); while clinical/surgical conditions were more related to neonatal death (1.56; 1.08-2.25). CONCLUSION: We confirmed the association between MNM and MD with adverse perinatal outcomes. Maternal and perinatal issues should not be dissociated. Policies aiming maternal care should include social and economic development, and improvements in accessibility to specialized care. These, in turn, will definitively impact on childhood mortality rates.

Characteristics of neonatal near miss in hospitals in Benin, Burkina Faso and Morocco in 2012-2013.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to explore the usefulness of neonatal near miss in low- and middle-income countries by examining the incidence of neonatal near miss and pre-discharge neonatal deaths across various obstetric risk categories in 17 hospitals in Benin, Burkina Faso and Morocco. METHODS: Data were collected on all maternal deaths, maternal near miss, neonatal near miss (based on organ-dysfunction markers), Caesarean sections, stillbirths, neonatal deaths before discharge and non-cephalic presentations, and on a sample of births not falling in any of the above categories. RESULTS: The burden of stillbirth, pre-discharge neonatal death or neonatal near miss ranged from 23 to 129 per 1000 births in Moroccan and Beninese hospitals, respectively. Perinatal deaths (range 17-89 per 1000 births) were more common than neonatal near miss (range 6-43 per 1000 live births), and between a fifth and a third of women who had suffered a maternal near miss lost their baby. Pre-discharge neonatal deaths and neonatal near miss had a similar distribution of markers of organ dysfunction, but unlike pre-discharge neonatal deaths most neonatal near miss (63%, 81% and 71% in Benin, Burkina Faso and Morocco, respectively) occurred among babies who were not considered premature, low birthweight or with a low 5-min Apgar score as defined by WHO's pragmatic markers of severe neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSION: Whether the measurement of neonatal near miss adds useful insights into the quality of perinatal or newborn care in settings where facility-based intrapartum and early newborn mortality is very high is uncertain. Perhaps the greatest advantage of adding near miss is the shift in focus from failure to success so that lessons can be learned on how to save lives even when clinical conditions are life-threatening.

Neonatal near miss: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The concept of neonatal near miss has been proposed as a tool for assessment of quality of care in neonates who suffered any life-threatening condition. However, there are no internationally agreed concepts or criteria for defining or identifying neonatal near miss. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of studies and markers that are able to identify neonatal near miss cases and predict neonatal mortality. METHODS: Electronic searches were performed in the Medline, Embase and Scielo databases, with no time or language restriction, until December 2014. The term "neonatal near miss" was used alone or in combination with terms related to neonatal morbidity/mortality and neonatal severity scores. Study selection criteria involved three steps: title, abstract and full text of the articles. Two researchers performed study selection and data extraction independently. Heterogeneity of study results did not permit the performance of meta-analysis. RESULTS: Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria adopted, only four articles were selected. Preterm and perinatal asphyxia were used as near miss markers in all studies. Health indicators on neonatal morbidity and mortality were extracted or estimated. The neonatal near miss rate was 2.6 to 8 times higher than the neonatal mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Pragmatic and management criteria are used to help develop the neonatal near miss concept. The most severe cases are identified and mortality is predicted with these criteria. Furthermore, the near miss concept can be used as a tool for evaluating neonatal care. It is the first step in building management strategies to reduce mortality and long-term sequelae.

First look: a cluster-randomized trial of ultrasound to improve pregnancy outcomes in low income country settings.

BACKGROUND: In high-resource settings, obstetric ultrasound is a standard component of prenatal care used to identify pregnancy complications and to establish an accurate gestational age in order to improve obstetric care. Whether or not ultrasound use will improve care and ultimately pregnancy outcomes in low-resource settings is unknown. METHODS/DESIGN: This multi-country cluster randomized trial will assess the impact of antenatal ultrasound screening performed by health care staff on a composite outcome consisting of maternal mortality and maternal near-miss, stillbirth and neonatal mortality in low-resource community settings. The trial will utilize an existing research infrastructure, the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research with sites in Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Guatemala. A maternal and newborn health registry in defined geographic areas which documents all pregnancies and their outcomes to 6 weeks post-delivery will provide population-based rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, stillbirth, neonatal mortality and morbidity, and health care utilization for study clusters. A total of 58 study clusters each with a health center and about 500 births per year will be randomized (29 intervention and 29 control). The intervention includes training of health workers (e.g., nurses, midwives, clinical officers) to perform ultrasound examinations during antenatal care, generally at 18-22 and at 32-36 weeks for each subject. Women who are identified as having a complication of pregnancy will be referred to a hospital for appropriate care. Finally, the intervention includes community sensitization activities to inform women and their families of the availability of ultrasound at the antenatal care clinic and training in emergency obstetric and neonatal care at referral facilities. DISCUSSION: In summary, our trial will evaluate whether introduction of ultrasound during antenatal care improves pregnancy outcomes in rural, low-resource settings. The intervention includes training for ultrasound-naïve providers in basic obstetric ultrasonography and then enabling these trainees to use ultrasound to screen for pregnancy complications in primary antenatal care clinics and to refer appropriately. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT # 01990625).

Perinatal mortality, severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss: protocol of a study integrated with the Birth in Brazil II survey. / Mortalidade perinatal, morbidade materna grave e near miss materno: protocolo de um estudo integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II.

Brazil presents high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Cases of severe maternal morbidity, maternal near miss, and perinatal deaths are important health indicators and share the same determinants, being closely related to living conditions and quality of perinatal care. This article aims to present the study protocol to estimate the perinatal mortality rate and the incidence of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss in the country, identifying its determinants. Cross-sectional study integrated into the research Birth in Brazil II, conducted from 2021 to 2023. This study will include 155 public, mixed and private maternities, accounting for more than 2,750 births per year, participating in the Birth in Brazil II survey. We will collect retrospective data from maternal and neonatal records of all hospitalizations within a 30-day period in these maternities, applying a screening form to identify cases of maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths. Medical record data of all identified cases will be collected after hospital discharge, using a standardized instrument. Cases of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss will be classified based on the definition adopted by the World Health Organization. The perinatal deaths rate and the incidence of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss will be estimated. Cases will be compared to controls obtained in the Birth in Brazil II survey, matched by hospital and duration of pregnancy, in order to identify factors associated with negative outcomes. Results are expected to contribute to the knowledge on maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths in Brazil, as well as the development of strategies to improve care.

O Brasil apresenta elevada morbimortalidade materna e perinatal. Casos de morbidade materna grave, near miss materno e óbitos perinatais são indicadores importantes de saúde e compartilham dos mesmos determinantes sociais, tendo estreita relação com as condições de vida e qualidade da assistência perinatal. Este artigo pretende apresentar o protocolo de estudo que visa estimar a taxa de mortalidade perinatal e a incidência de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno no país, assim como identificar seus determinantes. Trata-se de estudo transversal integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, realizada entre 2021 e 2023. Serão incluídas neste estudo 155 maternidades públicas, mistas e privadas, com mais de 2.750 partos por ano, participantes do Nascer no Brasil II. Nessas maternidades, será realizada coleta retrospectiva de dados de prontuário materno e neonatal de todas as internações ocorridas num período de 30 dias, com aplicação de uma ficha de triagem para identificação de casos de morbidade materna e de óbito perinatal. Dados de prontuário de todos os casos identificados serão coletados após a alta hospitalar, utilizando instrumento padronizado. Casos de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno serão classificados por meio da definição adotada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Será estimada a taxa de mortalidade perinatal e a incidência de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno. Os casos serão comparados a controles obtidos na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, pareados por hospital e duração da gestação, visando a identificação de fatores associados aos desfechos negativos. Espera-se que os resultados deste artigo contribuam para o conhecimento sobre a morbidade materna e a mortalidade perinatal no país, bem como para a elaboração de estratégias de melhoria do cuidado.

Brasil tiene una alta morbimortalidad materna y perinatal. Los casos de morbilidad materna severa, maternal near miss y muertes perinatales son importantes indicadores de salud y comparten los mismos determinantes sociales, y tienen una estrecha relación con las condiciones de vida y la calidad de la asistencia perinatal. Este artículo pretende presentar el protocolo de estudio que tiene como objetivo estimar la tasa de mortalidad perinatal y la incidencia de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss en el país, así como identificar sus determinantes. Se trata de un estudio transversal integrado a la investigación Nacer en Brasil II, realizada entre el 2021 y el 2023. Este estudio incluirá 155 maternidades públicas, mixtas y privadas, con más de 2.750 partos al año, que participan en el Nacer en Brasil II. En estas maternidades, se realizará una recopilación retrospectiva de datos de las historias clínicas maternas y neonatales de todas las hospitalizaciones ocurridas en un período de 30 días, con la aplicación de un formulario de triaje para identificar casos de morbilidad materna y de muerte perinatal. Los datos de las historias clínicas de todos los casos identificados se recopilarán tras el alta hospitalaria, mediante un instrumento estandarizado. Los casos de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss se clasificarán por medio de la definición adoptada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se estimará la tasa de mortalidad perinatal y la incidencia de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss. Los casos se compararán con los controles obtenidos en el estudio Nacer en Brasil II, emparejados por hospital y duración del embarazo, para identificar factores asociados con desenlaces negativos. Se espera que los resultados de este artículo contribuyan al conocimiento sobre la morbilidad materna y la mortalidad perinatal en el país, así como a la elaboración de estrategias para mejorar el cuidado.

Prevalence and determinants of neonatal near miss in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal near miss is a condition of newborn infant characterized by severe morbidity (near miss), but survived these conditions within the first 27 days of life. It is considered as the first step to design management strategies that can contribute in reducing long term complication and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and determinants of neonatal near miss in Ethiopia. METHODS: The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered at the Prospero with a registration number of (PROSPERO 2020: CRD42020206235). International online databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Google scholar, Global Health, Directory of open Access journal and African Index Medicus were used to search articles. Data extraction was undertaken with Microsoft Excel and STATA11 was used to conduct the Meta-Analysis. Random effect model analysis was considered when there was evidence of heterogeneity between the studies. RESULTS: The overall pooled prevalence of neonatal near miss was 35.51% (95%CI: 20.32-50.70, I2 = 97.0%, p = 0.000). Primiparity (OR = 2.52, 95%CI: 1.62, 3.42), referral linkage (OR = 3.92, 95%CI: 2.73, 5.12), premature rupture of membrane (OR = 5.05, 95%CI: 2.03, 8.08), Obstructed labor (OR = 4.27, 95%CI: 1.62, 6.91) and maternal medical complications during pregnancy (OR = 7.10, 95%CI: 1.23, 12.98) had shown significant statistical association with neonatal near miss. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of neonatal near miss in Ethiopia is evidenced to be high. Primiparity, referral linkage, premature rupture of membrane, obstructed labor and maternal medical complications during pregnancy were found to be determinant factors of neonatal near miss.

[Maternal morbidity and mortality in Brazil and the urgency of a national surveillance system for maternal near miss]. / Morbimortalidade materna no Brasil e a urgência de um sistema nacional de vigilância do near miss materno.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the analysis of severe maternal morbidity/maternal near miss cases as complementary to the analysis of maternal deaths since the incidence is higher and the predictive factors of the two outcomes are similar. Considering that the reasons for maternal mortality in Brazil have remained constant despite the commitment made during the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2015, this article aims to propose a nationwide maternal near miss surveillance system. We propose the inclusion of maternal near miss events in the National List of Compulsory Notification of Diseases, Injuries, and Public Health Events, via the compatibility of the diagnostic criteria of maternal near miss, informed by the WHO, with the codes of the International Classification of Diseases for the identification of cases. Considering that health surveillance is based on several sources of information, notification could be made by health service professionals as soon as a confirmed or suspected case is identified. With the study of the factors associated with the outcomes, we expect a qualified evaluation of the services focused on obstetric care and consequent implementation of more efficient policies to prevent not only maternal death but also events that can both cause irreversible sequelae to women's health and increase the risk of fetal and neonatal death.

A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) recomenda a análise dos casos de morbidade materna severa/near miss materno como complemento às análises das mortes de mães, dado que a incidência é mais elevada e os fatores preditivos dos dois desfechos são semelhantes. Tendo em vista que as razões de mortalidade materna, no Brasil, têm se mantido constantes apesar do compromisso firmado durante a Assembleia Geral da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), em 2015, o objetivo deste artigo é propor um sistema nacional de vigilância de near miss materno. Propõe-se a inclusão dos eventos near miss materno na Lista Nacional de Notificação Compulsória de Doenças, Agravos e Eventos de Saúde Pública, por meio da compatibilização dos critérios diagnósticos de near miss materno, informados pela OMS, com os códigos da Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID) para identificação dos casos. Tendo em vista que a vigilância em saúde se faz baseada em diversas fontes de informações, a notificação poderia ser feita pelos profissionais dos serviços de saúde tão logo fosse identificado um caso confirmado ou suspeito. A partir do estudo dos fatores associados aos desfechos, espera-se a avaliação mais qualificada dos serviços voltados à assistência obstétrica e consequente implementação de políticas mais eficientes de prevenção não apenas do óbito materno, mas de eventos que podem tanto causar sequelas irreversíveis à saúde da mulher quanto aumento do risco de óbito fetal e neonatal.

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) recomienda el análisis de los casos de morbilidad materna grave/near miss materno como complemento a los análisis de las muertes maternas, dado que la incidencia es más elevada y los factores predictivos de los dos resultados son similares. Teniendo en vista que las razones de mortalidad materna, en Brasil, se han mantenido constantes a pesar del compromiso firmado durante la Asamblea General de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, en el año 2015, el objetivo de este artículo es proponer un sistema de vigilancia de near miss materno de alcance nacional. Se propone la inclusión de los eventos de near miss materno en la Lista Nacional de Notificación Obligatoria de Enfermedades, Agravios y Eventos de Salud Pública, por medio de la compatibilización de los criterios diagnósticos de near miss materno; informados por la OMS, con los códigos de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades para identificación de los casos. Teniendo en vista que la vigilancia en salud se basa en diversas fuentes de Informaciones, la notificación podría ser hecha por los profesionales de los servicios de salud, tan pronto fuese identificado un caso confirmado o sospechoso. Se espera que el estudio de los factores asociados a los resultados conduzca a una evaluación más calificada de los servicios de atención obstétrica y a la consecuente implementación de políticas más eficientes de prevención no solo de la muerte materna; sino de eventos que pueden tanto causar secuelas irreversibles a la salud de la mujer como aumento del riesgo de muerte fetal y neonatal.

Effectiveness of neonatal "near miss" audits in reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This review will assess the effectiveness of neonatal near-miss audits in reducing perinatal mortality and morbidity, as implemented in health care facilities. INTRODUCTION: Every year, 2.5 million newborns die and 2.6 million more are stillborn worldwide. While many perinatal deaths are preventable, their reduction has been markedly slower than the decline of maternal or child mortality rates. It is hypothesized that neonatal near miss is part of the spectrum of stillbirth-neonatal death and that auditing these cases might reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will consider neonatal near-miss audits implemented in health care facilities worldwide. Randomized controlled trials, cluster-randomized trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, controlled before-and-after studies, interrupted time series, case-control, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and case series will be included. Conference abstracts, letters, studies duplicating validation data from previous studies, gray literature, and unpublished studies will be excluded. METHODS: Using the JBI guidelines for conducting systematic reviews of effectiveness, the review will search the following electronic bibliographic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS, and SciELO. No publication date or language limits will be imposed. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full-text studies, assessing methodological quality with the JBI critical appraisal tools. GRADE will be used to assess the confidence in the findings. Covidence will be used for data extraction and management. A meta-analysis will be performed if the selected studies are sufficiently homogeneous. If not, the results will be discussed as a narrative synthesis. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42021224090).

A population-based surveillance study on severe acute maternal morbidity (near-miss) and adverse perinatal outcomes in Campinas, Brazil: the Vigimoma Project.

BACKGROUND: Auditing of sentinel health events based on best-practice protocols has been recommended. This study describes a population-based investigation on adverse perinatal events including severe acute maternal morbidity (near-miss), maternal and perinatal mortality, as a health intervention to help improve the surveillance system. METHODS: From October to December 2005, all cases of maternal death (MD), near-miss (NM), fetal deaths (FD), and early neonatal deaths (END), occurring in Campinas, Brazil, were audited by maternal mortality committees. RESULTS: A total of 4,491 liveborn infants (LB) and 159 adverse perinatal events (35.4/1000 LB) were revised, consisting of 4 MD (89/100.000 LB) and 95 NM (21.1/1000 LB), 23.7 NM for each MD. In addition, 32 FD (7.1/1000 LB) and 28 END (6.2/1000 LB) occurred. The maternal death/near miss rate was 23.7:1. Some delay in care was recognized for 34%, and hypertensive complications comprised 57.8% of the NM events, followed by postpartum hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Auditing near miss cases expanded the understanding of the spectrum from maternal morbidity to mortality and the importance of promoting adhesion to clinical protocols among maternal mortality committee members. Hypertensive disorders and postpartum hemorrhage were identified as priority topics for health providers training, and organization of care.

Perinatal outcome and near-miss morbidity between placenta previa versus abruptio placentae.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perinatal outcome and near-miss morbidities between placenta previa versus abruptio placentae in patients of antepartum haemorrhage (APH). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Gynaecology Unit II, Civil Hospital, Karachi, from August 2007 to July 2009. METHODOLOGY: Patients with APH diagnosed as placenta previa and abruptio placentae who delivered after 24 weeks of pregnancy were selected from labour room. Outcome measures were birth weight, neonatal intensive care admission, stillbirth, perinatal mortality rates, near-miss, surgical intensive care admission, postpartum haemorrhage, hysterectomy, massive transfusion, renal failure, coagulopathy and maternal death. Stillbirth was defined as a fetus weighing≥500 gm showing no sign of life after birth. Near-miss was defined as severe organ dysfunction which if not treated appropriately, could result in death. Descriptive statistics were calculated and chi-square was applied with significance level<0.05. RESULTS: Stillbirths and perinatal mortality rates were significantly higher in abruptio placentae, 52.97% versus 18.18% and 534/1000 versus 230/1000 (p<0.01). Near-miss cases were also significantly higher in abruptio placentae, 22.27% verus 11.18% (p<0.01). Hypovolemic shock and coagulation failure were also significantly higher in abruptio placentae (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Abruptio placentae carry significantly higher perinatal mortality and near-miss morbidity than placenta previa.

Mortalidade perinatal, morbidade materna grave e near miss materno: protocolo de um estudo integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II / Mortalidad perinatal, morbilidad materna severa y near miss materna: protocolo de un estudio integrado con la encuesta Nacer en Brasil II / Perinatal mortality, severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss: protocol of a study integrated with the Birth in Brazil II survey

Resumo: O Brasil apresenta elevada morbimortalidade materna e perinatal. Casos de morbidade materna grave, near miss materno e óbitos perinatais são indicadores importantes de saúde e compartilham dos mesmos determinantes sociais, tendo estreita relação com as condições de vida e qualidade da assistência perinatal. Este artigo pretende apresentar o protocolo de estudo que visa estimar a taxa de mortalidade perinatal e a incidência de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno no país, assim como identificar seus determinantes. Trata-se de estudo transversal integrado à pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, realizada entre 2021 e 2023. Serão incluídas neste estudo 155 maternidades públicas, mistas e privadas, com mais de 2.750 partos por ano, participantes do Nascer no Brasil II. Nessas maternidades, será realizada coleta retrospectiva de dados de prontuário materno e neonatal de todas as internações ocorridas num período de 30 dias, com aplicação de uma ficha de triagem para identificação de casos de morbidade materna e de óbito perinatal. Dados de prontuário de todos os casos identificados serão coletados após a alta hospitalar, utilizando instrumento padronizado. Casos de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno serão classificados por meio da definição adotada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Será estimada a taxa de mortalidade perinatal e a incidência de morbidade materna grave e near miss materno. Os casos serão comparados a controles obtidos na pesquisa Nascer no Brasil II, pareados por hospital e duração da gestação, visando a identificação de fatores associados aos desfechos negativos. Espera-se que os resultados deste artigo contribuam para o conhecimento sobre a morbidade materna e a mortalidade perinatal no país, bem como para a elaboração de estratégias de melhoria do cuidado.

Resumen: Brasil tiene una alta morbimortalidad materna y perinatal. Los casos de morbilidad materna severa, maternal near miss y muertes perinatales son importantes indicadores de salud y comparten los mismos determinantes sociales, y tienen una estrecha relación con las condiciones de vida y la calidad de la asistencia perinatal. Este artículo pretende presentar el protocolo de estudio que tiene como objetivo estimar la tasa de mortalidad perinatal y la incidencia de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss en el país, así como identificar sus determinantes. Se trata de un estudio transversal integrado a la investigación Nacer en Brasil II, realizada entre el 2021 y el 2023. Este estudio incluirá 155 maternidades públicas, mixtas y privadas, con más de 2.750 partos al año, que participan en el Nacer en Brasil II. En estas maternidades, se realizará una recopilación retrospectiva de datos de las historias clínicas maternas y neonatales de todas las hospitalizaciones ocurridas en un período de 30 días, con la aplicación de un formulario de triaje para identificar casos de morbilidad materna y de muerte perinatal. Los datos de las historias clínicas de todos los casos identificados se recopilarán tras el alta hospitalaria, mediante un instrumento estandarizado. Los casos de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss se clasificarán por medio de la definición adoptada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se estimará la tasa de mortalidad perinatal y la incidencia de morbilidad materna severa y maternal near miss. Los casos se compararán con los controles obtenidos en el estudio Nacer en Brasil II, emparejados por hospital y duración del embarazo, para identificar factores asociados con desenlaces negativos. Se espera que los resultados de este artículo contribuyan al conocimiento sobre la morbilidad materna y la mortalidad perinatal en el país, así como a la elaboración de estrategias para mejorar el cuidado.

Abstract: Brazil presents high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Cases of severe maternal morbidity, maternal near miss, and perinatal deaths are important health indicators and share the same determinants, being closely related to living conditions and quality of perinatal care. This article aims to present the study protocol to estimate the perinatal mortality rate and the incidence of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss in the country, identifying its determinants. Cross-sectional study integrated into the research Birth in Brazil II, conducted from 2021 to 2023. This study will include 155 public, mixed and private maternities, accounting for more than 2,750 births per year, participating in the Birth in Brazil II survey. We will collect retrospective data from maternal and neonatal records of all hospitalizations within a 30-day period in these maternities, applying a screening form to identify cases of maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths. Medical record data of all identified cases will be collected after hospital discharge, using a standardized instrument. Cases of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss will be classified based on the definition adopted by the World Health Organization. The perinatal deaths rate and the incidence of severe maternal morbidity and maternal near miss will be estimated. Cases will be compared to controls obtained in the Birth in Brazil II survey, matched by hospital and duration of pregnancy, in order to identify factors associated with negative outcomes. Results are expected to contribute to the knowledge on maternal morbidity and perinatal deaths in Brazil, as well as the development of strategies to improve care.

Morbimortalidade materna no Brasil e a urgência de um sistema nacional de vigilância do near miss materno / Maternal morbidity and mortality in Brazil and the urgency of a national surveillance system for maternal near miss / La morbimortalidad materna en Brasil y la urgencia de un sistema nacional de vigilancia del near miss materno

A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) recomenda a análise dos casos de morbidade materna severa/near miss materno como complemento às análises das mortes de mães, dado que a incidência é mais elevada e os fatores preditivos dos dois desfechos são semelhantes. Tendo em vista que as razões de mortalidade materna, no Brasil, têm se mantido constantes apesar do compromisso firmado durante a Assembleia Geral da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), em 2015, o objetivo deste artigo é propor um sistema nacional de vigilância de near miss materno. Propõe-se a inclusão dos eventos near miss materno na Lista Nacional de Notificação Compulsória de Doenças, Agravos e Eventos de Saúde Pública, por meio da compatibilização dos critérios diagnósticos de near miss materno, informados pela OMS, com os códigos da Classificação Internacional de Doenças (CID) para identificação dos casos. Tendo em vista que a vigilância em saúde se faz baseada em diversas fontes de informações, a notificação poderia ser feita pelos profissionais dos serviços de saúde tão logo fosse identificado um caso confirmado ou suspeito. A partir do estudo dos fatores associados aos desfechos, espera-se a avaliação mais qualificada dos serviços voltados à assistência obstétrica e consequente implementação de políticas mais eficientes de prevenção não apenas do óbito materno, mas de eventos que podem tanto causar sequelas irreversíveis à saúde da mulher quanto aumento do risco de óbito fetal e neonatal.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the analysis of severe maternal morbidity/maternal near miss cases as complementary to the analysis of maternal deaths since the incidence is higher and the predictive factors of the two outcomes are similar. Considering that the reasons for maternal mortality in Brazil have remained constant despite the commitment made during the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2015, this article aims to propose a nationwide maternal near miss surveillance system. We propose the inclusion of maternal near miss events in the National List of Compulsory Notification of Diseases, Injuries, and Public Health Events, via the compatibility of the diagnostic criteria of maternal near miss, informed by the WHO, with the codes of the International Classification of Diseases for the identification of cases. Considering that health surveillance is based on several sources of information, notification could be made by health service professionals as soon as a confirmed or suspected case is identified. With the study of the factors associated with the outcomes, we expect a qualified evaluation of the services focused on obstetric care and consequent implementation of more efficient policies to prevent not only maternal death but also events that can both cause irreversible sequelae to women's health and increase the risk of fetal and neonatal death.

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) recomienda el análisis de los casos de morbilidad materna grave/near miss materno como complemento a los análisis de las muertes maternas, dado que la incidencia es más elevada y los factores predictivos de los dos resultados son similares. Teniendo en vista que las razones de mortalidad materna, en Brasil, se han mantenido constantes a pesar del compromiso firmado durante la Asamblea General de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, en el año 2015, el objetivo de este artículo es proponer un sistema de vigilancia de near miss materno de alcance nacional. Se propone la inclusión de los eventos de near miss materno en la Lista Nacional de Notificación Obligatoria de Enfermedades, Agravios y Eventos de Salud Pública, por medio de la compatibilización de los criterios diagnósticos de near miss materno; informados por la OMS, con los códigos de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades para identificación de los casos. Teniendo en vista que la vigilancia en salud se basa en diversas fuentes de Informaciones, la notificación podría ser hecha por los profesionales de los servicios de salud, tan pronto fuese identificado un caso confirmado o sospechoso. Se espera que el estudio de los factores asociados a los resultados conduzca a una evaluación más calificada de los servicios de atención obstétrica y a la consecuente implementación de políticas más eficientes de prevención no solo de la muerte materna; sino de eventos que pueden tanto causar secuelas irreversibles a la salud de la mujer como aumento del riesgo de muerte fetal y neonatal.

Factors associated with severe maternal, fetuses and neonates' outcomes in a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro State / Fatores associados a desfechos graves maternos, fetais e neonatais em um hospital universitário do estado do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract Objectives: to estimate the burden of parturients, fetuses and neonate's severe morbidity and mortality and investigate the association between maternal and their conceptus outcomes. Methods: retrospective cohort of 546 parturients and their conceptus in a university hospital, reference for high-risk pregnancy, in the metropolitan region II of Rio de Janeiro State from 2015 to 2017. We classified parturients according to obstetric morbidity (OM) in direct, indirect, or mixed, and their outcomes as: 1) no severity, 2) severe complication (SC), 3) critical intervention/Intensive Care Unit, and 4) greater severity -maternal near-miss (MNM) or death. We evaluated the conceptus as neonatal near-miss (NNM) and fetal and neonatal deaths. We estimated morbimortality indicators and associated factors (multinomial logistic regression). Results: OM was frequent: 29.3% indirect, 22.3% direct, and 15.8% mixed. There were eight cases of NMM, seven with direct MO. Among the conceptus: 7.5% were NNM cases and 4.4%, deaths. The risk of severe maternal outcomes was 16.8 and neonatal, 102.6/1000 live births. Mixed race, inadequate prenatal care, CG and NMM/death, were associated with NNM. Inadequate prenatal care and maternal NM/death were associated with conceptus deaths. Conclusion: even in a reference unit, sociodemographic, and health care inequalities negatively affect mothers and, consequently, their children.

Resumo Objetivos: estimar a carga de morbidade grave e mortalidade em parturientes, fetos e neonatos e investigar a associação entre os desfechos maternos e de seus conceptos. Métodos: coorte retrospectiva de 546 parturientes e seus conceptos no hospital universitário referência para gravidez de alto risco da região metropolitana II do estado do Rio de Janeiro (ERJ), de 2015 a 2017. Classificamos as parturientes segundo morbidade obstétrica (MO) em direta, indireta e mista, e seus desfechos como: 1) sem gravidade, 2) complicação grave (CG), 3) intervenção crítica/ Unidade Terapia Intensiva e 4) maior gravidade-near miss materno (NMM) ou óbito. Avaliamos os conceptos quanto a near miss neonatal (NMN), óbitos fetais e neonatais. Estimamos indicadores de morbimortalidade, e fatores de associação (regressão logística multinomial). Resultados: MO foi frequente: 29,3% indiretas, 22,3% diretas e 15,8% mista. Ocorreram oito casos de NMM, sete com MO direta. Entre os conceptos,7,5% foram casos de NMN e 4,4%, óbitos. O risco de desfecho grave materno foi 16,8 e neonatal, 102,6 p/1000 nascidos vivos. Estiveram associados ao NMN: cor parda, pré-natal inadequado, CG e NMM/óbito; e ao óbito do concepto: pré-natal inadequado e NMM/óbito. Conclusão: mesmo em situação de referência, desigualdades sociodemográficas e assistenciais afetam negativamente mães e, consequentemente, seus conceptos.

Multiple Pregnancy: Epidemiology and Association with Maternal and Perinatal Morbidity.

Twin pregnancy accounts for 2 to 4% of total births, with a prevalence ranging from 0.9 to 2.4% in Brazil. It is associated with worse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Many conditions, such as severe maternal morbidity (SMM) (potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near-miss) and neonatal near-miss (NNM) still have not been properly investigated in the literature. The difficulty in determining the conditions associated with twin pregnancy probably lies in its relatively low occurrence and the need for larger population studies. The use of the whole population and of databases from large multicenter studies, therefore, may provide unprecedented results. Since it is a rare condition, it is more easily evaluated using vital statistics from birth e-registries. Therefore, we have performed a literature review to identify the characteristics of twin pregnancy in Brazil and worldwide. Twin pregnancy has consistently been associated with SMM, maternal near-miss (MNM) and perinatal morbidity, with still worse results for the second twin, possibly due to some characteristics of the delivery, including safety and availability of appropriate obstetric care to women at a high risk of perinatal complications.

A gestação gemelar é responsável por 2 a 4% do total de nascimentos, com uma prevalência variando de 0,9 a 2,4% no Brasil. Ela é associada a piores resultados maternos e perinatais. Muitas condições, como a morbidade materna grave (condições potencialmente ameaçadoras da vida e near-miss materno) e near-miss neonatal ainda não foram investigadas de forma apropriada na literatura. A dificuldade na determinação de condições associadas com a gestação gemelar provavelmente reside em sua ocorrência relativamente baixa e na necessidade de estudos populacionais maiores. O uso da população total e de bancos de dados de grandes estudos multicêntricos podem então fornecer resultados sem precedentes. Considerando que esta é uma condição rara, ela é mais facilmente avaliada usando estatísticas vitais de registros eletrônicos de nascimento. Portanto, realizamos uma revisão da literatura para identificar as características da gestação gemelar no Brasil e no mundo. A gestação gemelar está consistentemente associada à morbidade materna grave, ao near-miss materno e à morbidade perinatal, com resultados ainda piores para o segundo gemelar, possivelmente devido a algumas características da atenção ao nascimento, incluindo segurança e disponibilidade de cuidados obstétricos apropriados para a mulher com alto risco de complicações perinatais.

Morbidade neonatal near miss em um serviço de perinatologia / Morbilidad de near miss neonatal en un servicio de perinatología / Near miss neonatal morbidity in a perinatology service

OBJETIVO: identificar os casos de morbidade neonatal near miss em um serviço de Perinatologia do estado do Maranhão. MÉTODO: pesquisa descritiva e transversal de abordagem quantitativa, realizada a partir da análise dos dados de recém-nascidos internados na Unidade Neonatal de um Serviço de Perinatologia no período de 2017 a 2018. As análises estatísticas foram processadas no programa estatístico STATA versão 14.0. RESULTADOS: o peso ao nascer <1500g foi a variável que mais classificou casos de near miss neonatal, seguido pela variável de idade gestacional <34 semanas. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram associação entre hipertensão gestacional e peso ao nascer; hipertensão gestacional e idade gestacional ao nascer; parto cesáreo e Apgar no 5o minuto ≥ 7; parto cesáreo e sexo masculino. CONCLUSÃO: observou-se a importância da abordagem near miss neonatal para a compreensão ampliada da morbimortalidade neonatal e fatores associados.(AU)

OBJECTIVE: to identify cases of neonatal near miss morbidity in a Perinatology service in the state of Maranhão. METHOD: descriptive and cross-sectional research with a quantitative approach, based on the analysis of data from newborns admitted to the Neonatal Unit of a Perinatology Service from 2017 to 2018. Statistical analyzes were processed in the statistical program STATA version 14.0. RESULTS: birth weight <1500g was the variable that most classified cases of neonatal near miss, followed by the variable of gestational age <34 weeks. The results obtained demonstrated an association between gestational hypertension and birth weight; gestational hypertension and gestational age at birth; cesarean delivery and Apgar at the 5th minute ≥ 7; Cesarean delivery and male. CONCLUSION: the importance of the neonatal near miss approach for a broader understanding of neonatal morbidity and mortality and associated factors was observed.(AU)

OBJETIVO: identificar casos de morbilidad neonatal near miss en un servicio de Perinatología en el estado de Maranhão. MÉTODO: investigación descriptiva y transversal con enfoque cuantitativo, basada en el análisis de datos de recién nacidos ingresados en la Unidad Neonatal de un Servicio de Perinatología de 2017 a 2018. La estadística se procesó en el programa estadístico STATA versión 14.0. RESULTADOS: el peso al nacer <1500g fue la variable que más clasificó los casos de cuasi-miss neonatal, seguida de la variable edad gestacional <34 semanas. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron una asociación entre la hipertensión gestacional y el peso al nacer; hipertensión gestacional y actos gestacionales al nacer; parto por cesárea y Apgar al quinto minuto ≥ 7; Parto por cesárea y masculino. CONCLUSIÓN: Se observó la importancia del enfoque de cuasi accidente neonatal para una comprensión más amplia de la morbilidad y mortalidad neonatal y los factores asociados.(AU)

Near miss neonatal em unidade de terapia intensiva / Neonatal near miss in the intensive care unit

Objetivo: Analisar casos de near miss entre recém-nascidos internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo, que utilizou a diretriz STROBE. Os dados foram coletados em 1.101 prontuários de recém-nascidos vivos. A análise estatística utilizou o programa Epi-Info 3.3.2 e testes Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher. Resultados: Foram internados 162 recém-nascidos. Destes, 63 apresentaram pelo menos um critério de near miss. As variáveis que permaneceram associadas ao near miss neonatal foram peso <1.750g, idade gestacional <33 semanas e Apgar no 5° minuto <7, marcadores pragmáticos para identificar casos de morbidade neonatal near miss. Conclusão: Prematuridade e baixo peso foram os fatores que mais contribuíram para o desfecho near miss entre os recém-nascidos internados na Terapia Intensiva, taxa duas vezes e meia superior ao número de óbitos, de acordo com evidências científicas. (AU)

Objective: To analyze near miss cases among newborns hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study using the STROBE guideline. Data were collected from 1,101 records of live births (newborns). Statistical analysis used the Epi-Info program 3.3.2 and Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: A total of 162 newborns were hospitalized, of which 63 had at least one criterion of near miss. The variables that remained associated with neonatal near miss were weight <1.750 g, gestational age <33 weeks and Apgar at 5 minutes <7, pragmatic criteria to identify cases of neonatal near miss morbidity. Conclusion: Prematurity and low birth weight were the factors that contributed most to the near miss outcome among newborns hospitalized in intensive care, a rate two and a half times higher than the number of deaths, according to scientific evidence. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar los casos de near miss en recién nacidos internados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectivo que utilizó la declaración STROBE. Los datos fueron recolectados en 1.101 prontuarios de recién nacidos vivos. El análisis estadístico utilizó el programa Epi-Info 3.3.2 y las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado y Exacta de Fisher. Resultados: Fueron hospitalizados 162 recién nacidos, 63 de los cuales tenían al menos un criterio de near miss. Las variables que permanecieron asociadas al near miss neonatal fueron peso <1.750g, edad gestacional <33 semanas y Apgar a los 5 minutos <7, marcadores pragmáticos para identificar casos de morbilidad neonatal near miss. Conclusión: La prematuridad y el bajo peso fueron los factores que más contribuyeron al resultado near miss de los recién nacidos en Cuidados Intensivos, tasa dos veces y media superior al número de muertes, de acuerdo con evidencias científicas. (AU)

Factors associated with neonatal near miss and death in public referral maternity hospitals / Fatores associados ao near miss e óbito neonatais em maternidade pública de referência

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate factors associated with neonatal near miss and death in reference hospitals. Methods: this case-control study included 364 cases and 728 controls among 4,929 births. Cases were identified by Apgar < 7 at 5 minutes, weight < 1500 g, gestational age <32 weeks, mechanical ventilation or congenital malformation. After follow-up, outcomes were reclassified into: true controls, near miss and neonatal death. Hierarchically, variables with a p-value < 0.20 were included in the multiple logistic regression. Results: the neonatal near miss rate was 54.1 per 1,000 live births, and the near-miss-to-death ratio was 2.75. Between the control and near miss groups, the predictor variables were neonatal intensive care admission [OR = 35.6 (16.7 - 75.9)] and central venous access [OR= 74.8 (29.4 - 190.4)]. Between the control and death groups, neonatal intensive care admission [OR = 100.4 (18.8 - 537.0)] and central venous access [OR = 12.7 (3.7 - 43.2)] were significant. Between the near miss and death groups, only Apgar < 7 at 5 minutes [OR = 4.1 (1.6 - 10.6)] and vasoactive drug use [OR = 42.2 (17.1 - 104.5)] were significant. Conclusion: factors associated with a greater chance of near miss and/or neonatal death were: Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, neonatal intensive care confinement, having central venous access, and use of vasoactive drugs.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar fatores associados à morbidade "near miss" e óbito neonatal em maternidade pública de referência. Métodos: estudo caso-controle com 4,929 nascimentos encontrou 364 casos e 728 controles. Os casos foram identificados pelos critérios: Apgar< 7 no 5° minuto, peso <1500g, idade gestacional < 32 semanas, ventilação mecânica ou malformação congênita. Reclassificou-sequanto aos desfechos: sobrevivência ao período neonatal sem critérios de near miss ("controles" verdadeiros), "near miss" e "óbito neonatal". Hierarquicamente, as variáveis com p< 0,20 foram incluídas na regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: a taxa de near miss neonatal foi 54,1 por mil nascidos vivos, a razão de near miss e óbito foi 2,75. As variáveis preditoras, entre controles e near miss foi internamento em terapia intensiva neonatal: OR 35,6 (16,7 - 75,9) e acesso venoso central: OR= 74,8 (29,4 -190,4); entre controles e óbito internamento em terapia intensiva neonatal: OR=100,4 (18,8 - 537,0)e acesso venoso central: OR 12,7 (3,7 - 43,2); entre near miss e óbito Apgar no 5°minuto < 7: OR= 4,1 (1,6 - 10,6) e uso de drogas vasoativas: OR= 42,2 (17,1 - 104,5). Conclusão: fatores associados à ocorrência de near miss e/ou óbito neonatal foram: Apgar < 7 no 5° minuto, internamento em terapia intensiva neonatal, acesso venoso central e drogas vasoativas.

Neonatal near miss in the intensive care unit / Near miss neonatal en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Near miss neonatal em unidade de terapia intensiva

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze near miss cases among newborns hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study using the STROBE guideline. Data were collected from 1,101 records of live births (newborns). Statistical analysis used the Epi-Info program 3.3.2 and Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: A total of 162 newborns were hospitalized, of which 63 had at least one criterion of near miss. The variables that remained associated with neonatal near miss were weight <1.750 g, gestational age <33 weeks and Apgar at 5 minutes <7, pragmatic criteria to identify cases of neonatal near miss morbidity. Conclusion: Prematurity and low birth weight were the factors that contributed most to the near miss outcome among newborns hospitalized in intensive care, a rate two and a half times higher than the number of deaths, according to scientific evidence.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los casos de near miss en recién nacidos internados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectivo que utilizó la declaración STROBE. Los datos fueron recolectados en 1.101 prontuarios de recién nacidos vivos. El análisis estadístico utilizó el programa Epi-Info 3.3.2 y las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado y Exacta de Fisher. Resultados: Fueron hospitalizados 162 recién nacidos, 63 de los cuales tenían al menos un criterio de near miss. Las variables que permanecieron asociadas al near miss neonatal fueron peso <1.750g, edad gestacional <33 semanas y Apgar a los 5 minutos <7, marcadores pragmáticos para identificar casos de morbilidad neonatal near miss. Conclusión: La prematuridad y el bajo peso fueron los factores que más contribuyeron al resultado near miss de los recién nacidos en Cuidados Intensivos, tasa dos veces y media superior al número de muertes, de acuerdo con evidencias científicas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar casos de near miss entre recém-nascidos internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo, que utilizou a diretriz STROBE. Os dados foram coletados em 1.101 prontuários de recém-nascidos vivos. A análise estatística utilizou o programa Epi-Info 3.3.2 e testes Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher. Resultados: Foram internados 162 recém-nascidos. Destes, 63 apresentaram pelo menos um critério de near miss. As variáveis que permaneceram associadas ao near miss neonatal foram peso <1.750g, idade gestacional <33 semanas e Apgar no 5° minuto <7, marcadores pragmáticos para identificar casos de morbidade neonatal near miss. Conclusão: Prematuridade e baixo peso foram os fatores que mais contribuíram para o desfecho near miss entre os recém-nascidos internados na Terapia Intensiva, taxa duas vezes e meia superior ao número de óbitos, de acordo com evidências científicas.

Delays in obstetric care increase the risk of neonatal near-miss morbidity events and death: a case-control study

Background: To evaluate the association between delays in obstetric care and neonatal near-miss mortality events and death in a public maternity referral center. Methods: This case-control study enrolled 142 neonates, meeting the near-miss criteria of 5-min Apgar < 7, weight < 1500 g, gestational age < 32 weeks, and use of mechanical ventilation or congenital malformation, as well as 284 controls (without the near-miss criteria), at a ratio of 1:2. After follow-up, the following outcomes were reclassified: survival of the neonatal period without the near-miss criteria (true "controls"), "near-miss," and "neonatal death." Maternal sociodemographic characteristics, prenatal care, and pregnancy resolution were evaluated. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used. Simple logistic regression was performed to determine the association between the three delay factors with near-miss outcomes and/or neonatal death. The variables that had maintained values of p < 0.05 were subjected to multinomial logistic regression. Results: Comparisons revealed the following associations: for controls and near-miss events, delayed access to health services due to a lack of specialized services (odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.1) and inappropriate conduct with the patient (OR, 12.1; 95% CI, 1.3-108.7); for controls and death, absent or inadequate prenatal care (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.6-7.1) and delayed access to health services due to a lack of specialized services (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1-5.6); and for near-miss events and death, absent or inadequate prenatal care (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.0-5.0). Logistic regression for the combined outcome (near-miss plus neonatal deaths) revealed absent or inadequate prenatal care (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8), lack of specialized services (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.7-4.5), and improper conduct with the patient (OR, 10.6; 95% CI, 1.2-91.8). Conclusions: The delays in obstetric care associated with the presence of near-miss and/or neonatal death included absent or inadequate prenatal care, delayed access to health services due to a lack of specialized services, and inappropriate conduct with the patient. (AU)