Intercultural Childbirth: Impact on the Maternal Health of the Ecuadorian Kichwa and Mestizo People of the Otavalo Region.

OBJECTIVE: Considering the increased frequency of maternal deaths reported from 2001 to 2005 for Indigenous and mestizo women from the Ecuadorian rural area of Otavalo, where the Kichwa people has lived for centuries, the objective of the present article is to describe how the efforts of the local health community and hospital workers together with a propitious political environment facilitated the implementation of intercultural childbirth, which is a strategy that respects the Andean childbirth worldview. METHODS: We evaluated a 3-year follow-up (2014-16) of the maternal mortality and the childbirth features (4,213 deliveries). RESULTS: Although the Western-style (lying down position) childbirth was adopted by 80.6% of the pregnant women, 19.4% of both mestizo and Indigenous women adopted the intercultural delivery (squatting and kneeling positions). Both intercultural (42.2%) and Western-style (57.8%) childbirths were similarly adopted by Kichwa women, whereas Western-style childbirth predominated among mestizo women (94.0%). After the implementation of the intercultural strategy in 2008, a dramatic decrease of maternal deaths has been observed until now in both rural and urban Otavalo regions. CONCLUSION: This scenario reveals that the intermingling of cultures and respect for childbirth traditions have decreased maternal mortality in this World Health Organization-awarded program.

OBJETIVO: Considerando a crescente frequência de mortes maternas notificadas de 2001 a 2005 entre mulheres indígenas e mestiças da área rural equatoriana de Otavalo, onde o povo Kichwa vive há séculos, o objetivo deste artigo é descrever como os esforços da comunidade local de saúde e dos trabalhadores hospitalares, juntamente com um ambiente político propício, facilitaram a implementação do parto intercultural, que é uma estratégia que respeita a visão de mundo do parto andino. MéTODOS: Foram avaliadas as características da mortalidade materna e do parto (4.213 partos) por um período de 3 anos (2014­16) RESULTADOS: Embora o parto no estilo ocidental (posição deitada) tenha sido adotado por 80,6% das gestantes, 19,4% das mestiças e indígenas adotaram o parto intercultural (posições de agachamento e ajoelhamento). Os partos interculturais (42,2%) e ocidentais (57,8%) foram adotados de maneira semelhante pelas mulheres Kichwa, enquanto o parto ocidental predominou entre as mestiças (94,0%). Após a implementação da estratégia intercultural em 2008, foi observada uma redução drástica de mortes maternas nas regiões rurais e urbanas de Otavalo. CONCLUSãO: Esse cenário revela que a mistura de culturas e o respeito às tradições do parto diminuíram a mortalidade materna neste programa premiado pela Organização Mundial de Saúde.

Intercultural childbirth: impact on the maternal health of the ecuadorian kichwa and mestizo people of the otavalo region / Parto intercultural: impacto na saúde materna dos equatorianos kichwa e mestiços da região de otavalo

Abstract Objective Considering the increased frequency of maternal deaths reported from 2001 to 2005 for Indigenous andmestizo women from the Ecuadorian rural area ofOtavalo,where the Kichwa people has lived for centuries, the objective of the present article is to describehow the efforts of the local health community and hospital workers together with a propitious political environment facilitated the implementation of intercultural childbirth,which is a strategy that respects the Andean childbirth worldview. Methods We evaluated a 3-year follow-up (2014-16) of the maternal mortality and the childbirth features (4,213 deliveries). Results Although the Western-style (lying down position) childbirth was adopted by 80.6% of the pregnant women, 19.4% of bothmestizo and Indigenous women adopted the intercultural delivery (squatting and kneeling positions). Both intercultural (42.2%) and Western-style (57.8%) childbirths were similarly adopted by Kichwa women, whereas Western-style childbirth predominated among mestizo women (94.0%). After the implementation of the intercultural strategy in 2008, a dramatic decrease of maternal deaths has been observed until now in both rural and urban Otavalo regions. Conclusion This scenario reveals that the intermingling of cultures and respect for childbirth traditions have decreased maternal mortality in this World Health Organization- awarded program.

Resumo Objetivo Considerandoa crescente frequência demortesmaternas notificadas de 2001 a 2005 entre mulheres indígenas e mestiças da área rural equatoriana de Otavalo, onde o povo Kichwa vive há séculos, o objetivo deste artigo é descrever como os esforços da comunidade local de saúde e dos trabalhadores hospitalares, juntamente com um ambiente político propício, facilitaram a implementação do parto intercultural, que é uma estratégia que respeita a visão de mundo do parto andino. Métodos Foram avaliadas as características da mortalidade materna e do parto (4.213 partos) por um período de 3 anos (2014-16) Resultados Embora o parto no estilo ocidental (posição deitada) tenha sido adotado por 80,6% das gestantes, 19,4% das mestiças e indígenas adotaram o parto intercultural (posições de agachamento e ajoelhamento). Os partos interculturais (42,2%) e ocidentais (57,8%) foram adotados de maneira semelhante pelas mulheres Kichwa, enquanto o parto ocidental predominou entre as mestiças (94,0%). Após a implementação da estratégia intercultural em 2008, foi observada uma redução drástica de mortes maternas nas regiões rurais e urbanas de Otavalo. Conclusão Esse cenário revela que a mistura de culturas e o respeito às tradições do parto diminuíram a mortalidade materna neste programa premiado pela Organização Mundial de Saúde.

Childbirth outcomes and ethnic disparities in Suriname: a nationwide registry-based study in a middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: Our study aims to evaluate the current perinatal registry, analyze national childbirth outcomes and study ethnic disparities in middle-income country Suriname, South America. METHODS: A nationwide birth registry study was conducted in Suriname. Data were collected for 2016 and 2017 from the childbirth books of all five hospital maternity wards, covering 86% of all births in the country. Multinomial regression analyses were used to assess ethnic disparities in outcomes of maternal deaths, stillbirths, teenage pregnancy, cesarean delivery, low birth weight and preterm birth with Hindustani women as reference group. RESULTS: 18.290 women gave birth to 18.118 (98%) live born children in the five hospitals. Hospital-based maternal mortality ratio was 112 per 100.000 live births. Hospital-based late stillbirth rate was 16 per 1000 births. Stillbirth rate was highest among Maroon (African-descendent) women (25 per 1000 births, aOR 2.0 (95%CI 1.3-2.8) and lowest among Javanese women (6 stillbirths per 1000 births, aOR 0.5, 95%CI 0.2-1.2). Preterm birth and low birthweight occurred in 14 and 15% of all births. Teenage pregnancy accounted for 14% of all births and was higher in Maroon women (18%) compared to Hindustani women (10%, aOR 2.1, 95%CI 1.8-2.4). The national cesarean section rate was 24% and was lower in Maroon (17%) than in Hindustani (32%) women (aOR 0.5 (95%CI 0.5-0.6)). Cesarean section rates varied between the hospitals from 17 to 36%. CONCLUSION: This is the first nationwide comprehensive overview of maternal and perinatal health in a middle income country. Disaggregated perinatal health data in Suriname shows substantial inequities in outcomes by ethnicity which need to be targetted by health professionals, researchers and policy makers.

Deaths of women hospitalized for childbirth and abortion, and of their concept, in maternity wards of Brazilian public hospitals. / Mortes de mulheres internadas para parto e por aborto e de seus conceptos em maternidades públicas.

The aim of this cross-sectional hospital-based study of 7,845 pregnancies was to analyze deaths of women hospitalized for childbirth and abortion, and fetal and neonatal deaths, in public hospitals in the cities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi (RJ), Brazil, in 2011. Outcomes of the pregnancies were: one maternal death, 498 abortions, 65 fetal deaths, 44 neonatal deaths and 7,291 infant survivors. Data were collected through interviews, medical records and the women's pregnancy records, and from the Mortality Information System (SIM). The study population was described and kappa coefficients of causes of death (from the SIM, and certified by research) and mortality health indicators were estimated. The maternal mortality ratio was 13.6 per 100,000 live births (LB), the fetal death rate was 8.8‰ births and the neonatal mortality rate was 6.0‰ LB. The drug most used to induce abortion was Misoprostol. The main causes of fetal and neonatal deaths were respiratory disorders and maternal factors. Congenital syphilis, diabetes and fetal death of unspecified cause were under-reported in the SIM. Kappa coefficients by chapter were 0.70 (neonatal deaths) and 0.54 (stillbirths). Good quality care in reproductive planning, prenatal care, during labor and at birth will result in prevention of deaths.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar mortes de mulheres internadas para parto e por aborto, e de seus conceptos ­ fetais e neonatais ­ em maternidades públicas nas cidades de São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Niterói (RJ), em 2011. Estudo seccional de base hospitalar. Participaram 7.845 mulheres resultando em um óbito materno, 498 abortos, 65 óbitos fetais, 44 óbitos neonatais e 7.291 sobreviventes infantis. Dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevista, consulta ao prontuário, cartão da gestante e no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM). Foi descrita a população de estudo e estimados a concordância da causa básica (SIM e certificada pela pesquisa) e os indicadores de mortalidade. A mortalidade materna foi 13,6 por cem mil nascidos vivos (NV), fetal 8,8‰ nascimentos e neonatal 6,0‰ NV. Misoprostol foi o medicamento mais utilizado no aborto provocado. Transtornos respiratórios e fatores maternos foram as principais causas entre óbitos fetais e neonatais. Sífilis congênita, diabetes e causas de morte fetal não especificada foram subdeclaradas no SIM. Os coeficientes kappa por capítulo foram 0,70 (neonatais) e 0,54 (natimortos). A assistência de boa qualidade no planejamento reprodutivo, pré-natal, durante o parto e nascimento resultará na prevenção das mortes.

Mortes de mulheres internadas para parto e por aborto e de seus conceptos em maternidades públicas / Deaths of women hospitalized for childbirth and abortion, and of their concept, in maternity wards of Brazilian public hospitals

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar mortes de mulheres internadas para parto e por aborto, e de seus conceptos - fetais e neonatais - em maternidades públicas nas cidades de São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Niterói (RJ), em 2011. Estudo seccional de base hospitalar. Participaram 7.845 mulheres resultando em um óbito materno, 498 abortos, 65 óbitos fetais, 44 óbitos neonatais e 7.291 sobreviventes infantis. Dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevista, consulta ao prontuário, cartão da gestante e no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM). Foi descrita a população de estudo e estimados a concordância da causa básica (SIM e certificada pela pesquisa) e os indicadores de mortalidade. A mortalidade materna foi 13,6 por cem mil nascidos vivos (NV), fetal 8,8‰ nascimentos e neonatal 6,0‰ NV. Misoprostol foi o medicamento mais utilizado no aborto provocado. Transtornos respiratórios e fatores maternos foram as principais causas entre óbitos fetais e neonatais. Sífilis congênita, diabetes e causas de morte fetal não especificada foram subdeclaradas no SIM. Os coeficientes kappa por capítulo foram 0,70 (neonatais) e 0,54 (natimortos). A assistência de boa qualidade no planejamento reprodutivo, pré-natal, durante o parto e nascimento resultará na prevenção das mortes.

Abstract The aim of this cross-sectional hospital-based study of 7,845 pregnancies was to analyze deaths of women hospitalized for childbirth and abortion, and fetal and neonatal deaths, in public hospitals in the cities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi (RJ), Brazil, in 2011. Outcomes of the pregnancies were: one maternal death, 498 abortions, 65 fetal deaths, 44 neonatal deaths and 7,291 infant survivors. Data were collected through interviews, medical records and the women's pregnancy records, and from the Mortality Information System (SIM). The study population was described and kappa coefficients of causes of death (from the SIM, and certified by research) and mortality health indicators were estimated. The maternal mortality ratio was 13.6 per 100,000 live births (LB), the fetal death rate was 8.8‰ births and the neonatal mortality rate was 6.0‰ LB. The drug most used to induce abortion was Misoprostol. The main causes of fetal and neonatal deaths were respiratory disorders and maternal factors. Congenital syphilis, diabetes and fetal death of unspecified cause were under-reported in the SIM. Kappa coefficients by chapter were 0.70 (neonatal deaths) and 0.54 (stillbirths). Good quality care in reproductive planning, prenatal care, during labor and at birth will result in prevention of deaths.

Epidemiological profile of maternal mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To know the epidemiological profile of maternal mortality in Juiz de Fora, a city in the state of Minas Gerais. Data collection was carried out from April to December 2016. METHOD: Summary of a confidential investigation of maternal mortality on deaths occurred from January 1st, 2005 to December 31, 2015. RESULTS: Eighty-five deaths of women residing in Juiz de Fora were identified and analyzed. The age group was between 20 and 36 years. The women carried out prenatal care (74.1%) with less than six visits (34.0%). Cesarean section was conducted in 38.8% of the childbirths and the obstetric treatment was considered appropriate (32.9%). The first cause of maternal death was hypovolemic shock 12 (14.10%), followed by uterine hypotony 6 (7.0%). CONCLUSION: Cesarean section rates are high and prenatal adherence is lower than that expected, which could justify the number of deaths in the period studied.

Epidemiological profile of maternal mortality / Perfil epidemiológico de mortalidad materna / Perfil epidemiológico de mortalidade materna

ABSTRACT Objective: To know the epidemiological profile of maternal mortality in Juiz de Fora, a city in the state of Minas Gerais. Data collection was carried out from April to December 2016. Method: Summary of a confidential investigation of maternal mortality on deaths occurred from January 1st, 2005 to December 31, 2015. Results: Eighty-five deaths of women residing in Juiz de Fora were identified and analyzed. The age group was between 20 and 36 years. The women carried out prenatal care (74.1%) with less than six visits (34.0%). Cesarean section was conducted in 38.8% of the childbirths and the obstetric treatment was considered appropriate (32.9%). The first cause of maternal death was hypovolemic shock 12 (14.10%), followed by uterine hypotony 6 (7.0%). Conclusion: Cesarean section rates are high and prenatal adherence is lower than that expected, which could justify the number of deaths in the period studied.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Conocer el perfil epidemiológico de la mortalidad materna en Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. Datos recolectados de abril a diciembre de 2016. Método: Resumen de la investigación confidencia de muerte materna, de óbitos ocurridos entre el 1 de enero de 2005 y el 31 de diciembre de 2015. Resultados: Fueron identificadas y analizadas las 85 muertes de mujeres residentes en Juiz de Fora. Su faja etaria correspondía al segmento de 20 a 36 años. Las mujeres hicieron consultas prenatales (74,1%) de menos de seis visitas (34,0%). Se realizó cesárea en 38,8% de los partos, y el tratamiento obstétrico fue considerado correcto (32,9%). La primera causa de muerte materna fue el shock hipovolémico, 12 (14,10%), seguido de hipotonía uterina, 6 (7,0%). Conclusión: La tasa de cesáreas es alta, y la adherencia prenatal es menor a la esperada, lo cual podría justificar el número de óbitos en el período estudiado.

RESUMO Objetivo: Conhecer o perfil epidemiológico da mortalidade materna em Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi realizada de abril a dezembro de 2016. Método: Resumo da investigação confidencial de morte materna, de óbitos ocorridos entre 1º de janeiro de 2005 e 31 de dezembro de 2015. Resultados: Foram identificadas e analisadas as 85 mortes de mulheres residentes em Juiz de Fora. A faixa etária foi compreendida entre 20 e 36 anos. As mulheres tiveram pré-natal (74,1%), com menos de seis visitas (34,0%). A cesariana foi realizada em 38,8% dos partos, e o tratamento obstétrico foi considerado correto (32,9%). A primeira causa de morte materna foi o choque hipovolêmico 12 (14,10%), seguido de hipotonia uterina 6 (7,0%). Conclusão: A taxa de cesariana é alta e a aderência pré-natal é menor do que a esperada, o que poderia justificar o número de óbitos no período estudado.

Institutional Delivery and Satisfaction among Indigenous and Poor Women in Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama.

Indigenous women in Mesoamerica experience disproportionately high maternal mortality rates and are less likely to have institutional deliveries. Identifying correlates of institutional delivery, and satisfaction with institutional deliveries, may help improve facility utilization and health outcomes in this population. We used baseline surveys from the Salud Mesoamérica Initiative to analyze data from 10,895 indigenous and non-indigenous women in Guatemala and Mexico (Chiapas State) and indigenous women in Panama. We created multivariable Poisson regression models for indigenous (Guatemala, Mexico, Panama) and non-indigenous (Guatemala, Mexico) women to identify correlates of institutional delivery and satisfaction. Compared to their non-indigenous peers, indigenous women were substantially less likely to have an institutional delivery (15.2% vs. 41.5% in Guatemala (P<0.001), 29.1% vs. 73.9% in Mexico (P<0.001), and 70.3% among indigenous Panamanian women). Indigenous women who had at least one antenatal care visit were more than 90% more likely to have an institutional delivery (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44-2.61), compared to those who had no visits. Indigenous women who were advised to give birth in a health facility (aRR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.18-1.81), primiparous (aRR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.24-1.68), informed that she should have a Caesarean section (aRR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.21-1.63), and had a secondary or higher level of education (aRR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04-1.79) also had substantially higher likelihoods of institutional delivery. Satisfaction among indigenous women was associated with being able to be accompanied by a community health worker (aRR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05-1.26) and facility staff speaking an indigenous language (aRR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.19). Additional effort should be exerted to increase utilization of birthing facilities by indigenous and poor women in the region. Improving access to antenatal care and opportunities for higher-level education may increase institutional delivery rates, and providing culturally adapted services may improve satisfaction.

Intervenciones de enfermería para la atención del parto de bajo riesgo de la mujer en el primer nivel de atención / Nursing interventions for low-risk delivery of women at the first level of care

Intervenciones de enfermería para la atención del parto de bajo riesgo de la mujer en el primer nivel de atención.Introducción. Diariamente mueren 1500 mujeres por complicaciones en el embarazo y el parto. Por tanto, la mejora de la salud materna es considerada como uno de los ocho objetivos del Milenio adoptados en la Cumbre del Mileno de las Naciones Unidas en el año 2000.Métodos. Con “Delivery, Obstetric” como descriptor y el planteamiento de preguntas clínicas, se realizó la búsqueda sistemática en: PUBMED, BvS, Trip Database y Scielo para la revisión de meta análisis, revisiones sistemáticas, guías clínicas y ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, cuyas evidencias y recomendaciones con mayor gradación y fuerza respectivamente, dieran respuesta en la detección de factores de riesgo, atención del parto y prevención de complicaciones. Se incluyeron documentos en inglés, portugués y español publicados entre 2011-2015.Resultados. Se analizaron 213 documentos, de los cuales 15 fueron utilizados en esta guía. La evidencia científica enfatiza la valoración oportuna de riesgos como: hipertensión arterial, infecciones de vías urinarias recurrentes, sangrado durante el embarazo, multiparidad, edad mayor a 35 años y nivel socioeconómico bajo, considerados como causas obstétricas de mortalidad materna y la prevención de posibles complicaciones derivadas de la atención del parto. Además, vigilar la evolución del parto, uso y reacción adversa de uterotónicos, constantes vitales de la mujer y la actividad cardíaca fetal así como cuidados que faciliten la atención humanizada. Conclusiones. Las intervenciones de enfermería basadas en evidencia científica influyen en la calidad de la atención del parto con el menor riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad materna. Palabras clave. Parto obstétrico, factores de riesgo, enfermería, complicaciones.

Introduction. Every day 1500 women die from complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, improving maternal health it is regarded as one of the eight Millennium Development Goals adopted at the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000.Methods. With ""Delivery, Obstetric"" as descriptor and approach to clinical questions, the systematic search was conducted: PUBMED, BvS, Trip Database and Scielo for review of meta-analyzes, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines and randomized clinical trials, whose evidence and recommendations more gradation and strength respectively, would respond in detecting risk factors, delivery care and prevention of complications. documents in English, Portuguese and Spanish published between 2011-2015 were included.Results. 213 documents were analyzed, of which 15 were used in this guide. Scientific evidence emphasizes the timely assessment of risks such as low blood pressure, infections recurrent urinary tract infections, bleeding during pregnancy, multiparity, older than 35 years, and socioeconomic status considered obstetric causes of maternal mortality and the prevention of possible complications of care delivery. In addition, monitoring the progress of labor, use and adverse reaction of uterotonics, vitals of women and fetal heart activity and facilitate care humanized care.Conclusions. Nursing interventions based on scientific evidence influence the quality of care delivery with lower risk of maternal morbidity and mortality.Keywords. obstetrical delivery, risk factors, nursing, complications.

As intervenções de enfermagem para prestação de cuidados de mulheres de baixo risco no primeiro nível de atenção.Introdução. Todos os dias 1500 mulheres morrem de complicações na gravidez e no parto. Portanto, melhorar a saúde materna é considerado como um dos oito Objectivos de Desenvolvimento do Milénio adoptados na Cimeira do Milénio das Nações Unidas em 2000.Métodos. Com ""Parto Obstétrico"" como descritor e abordagem de questões clínicas, a busca sistemática foi conduzida: PubMed, BvS, Banco de Dados de viagem e Scielo para revisão de meta-análises, revisões sistemáticas, diretrizes clínicas e estudos clínicos randomizados, cujas provas e recomendações mais gradação e força, respectivamente, iria responder na detecção de fatores de risco, assistência ao parto e prevenção de complicações. documentos em Inglês, Português e Espanhol, publicados entre 2011-2015 foram incluídos.Resultados. 213 documentos foram analisadas, dos quais 15 foram usadas neste guia. A evidência científica enfatiza a avaliação atempada dos riscos, tais como pressão arterial baixa, infecções do trato urinário infecções recorrentes, sangramento durante a gravidez, multiparidade, mais de 35 anos e nível socioeconômico considerado causas obstétricas de mortalidade materna ea prevenção de possíveis complicações da prestação de cuidados. Além disso, o monitoramento do progresso do trabalho de parto, uso e de reacções adversas de uterotônicos, sinais vitais de mulheres e atividade cardíaca fetal e facilitar o atendimento cuidado humanizado.Conclusões. As intervenções de enfermagem baseadas em evidências científicas influenciar a qualidade da prestação de cuidados a um menor risco de morbidade e mortalidade materna. entrega obstétrica, fatores de risco, enfermagem, complicações.

Association between mode of delivery and neonatal deaths and complications in term pregnancy: a cohort study in Brazil.

AIM: Aim of the study was analyzing the association between mode of delivery and neonatal mortality/ morbidity in term pregnancy. METHODS: Cohort study with births of liveborn normally formed fetuses from single term pregnancies in a public teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2003 to March 2004 (total of 1471 births). Data were collected from medical records. We defined 'elective caesareans' as those performed before labor. Four analyses were made: caesarean vs. vaginal, elective vs. non elective caesarean, elective caesarean vs. trial of labor, elective caesarean vs. women in labor. Outcomes studied were: neonatal deaths, jaundice, low Apgar score at 5 minutes, prolonged mechanical ventilation, convulsions, meconium aspiration syndrome, obstetrical trauma and late discharge. Adjustments were made for possible confounders. The chi square test was used along with logistic regression for the analyses. A significance level of 5% was assumed. RESULTS: A significant negative association between elective caesareans and neonatal death was found, neonatal complications taken as a whole and neonatal complications plus deaths. For example, elective caesarean versus women in labor for the outcome any neonatal complication, adjusted odds ratio 0.59; confidence interval 0.31-0.89. CONCLUSION: The study highlights a significant negative association of elective caesarean and neonatal mortality and morbidity in term pregnancy.

Are all skilled birth attendants created equal? A cluster randomised controlled study of non-physician based obstetric care in primary health care clinics in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: the great majority of births in Mexico are attended by physicians. Non-physician health professionals have never been evaluated or compared to the medical model of obstetric care. This study evaluates the relative strengths of adding an obstetric nurse or professional midwife to the physician based team in rural clinics. METHODS: we undertook a cluster-randomised trial in 27 clinics in 2 states with high maternal mortality. Twelve non-physician providers (obstetric nurses (4) and professional midwives (8)) were randomly assigned to clinics; 15 clinics served as control sites. Over an 18-month period in 2009-2010, we evaluated quality of care through chart review and monthly interviews with providers about last three deliveries performed. We analysed practices by creating indices using WHO care guidelines for normal labour and childbirth. Volume of care was assessed using administrative reporting forms. FINDINGS: two thousand two hundred fifty-four pregnancies were followed, and a total of 461 deliveries occurred in study sites. Intervention clinics were more likely to score highly on the index for favourable practices on admission (OR=3.6, 95% CI 2.3-5.8), and during labour, childbirth, and immediately post partum (OR=8.6, 95% CI 2.9-25.6) and less likely to use excessively used or harmful practices during labour, childbirth and immediately post partum (OR=0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.4). There was a significant increase in volume of care in intervention clinics for antenatal visits (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.4), deliveries (IRR=2.5, 95% CI 1.7-3.7) and for postpartum visits (IRR=1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.7). INTERPRETATION: the addition of non-physician skilled birth attendants to rural clinics in Mexico where they independently provided basic obstetric services led to improved care and higher coverage than clinics without. The potential value of including a professional midwife or obstetric nurse in all rural clinics providing obstetric care should be considered. FUNDING: Mexican National Institute for Women, Mexican National Center for Gender Equity and Reproductive Health, MacArthur Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Manual "Código Rojo" para el manejo de la hemorragia obstétrica / Manual "Red Code" for the management of obstetric hemorrhage

El manual, corresponde a una estrategia para reducir la tasa de mortalidad materna en relación a la hemorragia obstétrica y como indica el documento: "El comportamiento de la morbi-mortalidad materna en los últimos diez años, ha situado a la hemorragia obstétrica en el primer lugar del país. Por lo anterior se priorizan las acciones que impacten en la reducción de la muerte materna implementando la estrategia de "Código Rojo", la cual estandariza los lineamientos técnicos, normativos y clínicos para la prevención y manejo de la hemorragia obstétrica y choque hipovolémico, respondiendo así al derecho reproductivo que establece que ninguna mujer debe morir por causas relacionadas al embarazo, parto y post parto." Código rojo

[Maternal and neonatal characteristics and early neonatal mortality in greater metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil]. / Características dos nascidos vivos, das mães e mortalidade neonatal precoce na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil.

The objective was to describe maternal and neonatal characteristics and early neonatal mortality rate according to place of delivery in Greater Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil. The study linked the databases on live births and early neonatal deaths with the national hospital registry. Place of delivery was identified through certificates of live birth. There were a total of 154,676 live births: 98.7% in-hospital; 0.3% home deliveries, and 1% in other health services. Deliveries in birthing centers and small hospital units were associated with low obstetric risk and a low proportion of preterm and low birth weight infants, and as a result these services showed the lowest early neonatal mortality rate. Compared to hospital maternity ward deliveries, the early neonatal mortality rate was 4.7 times higher for home deliveries and 9.6 higher for emergency room deliveries. There is a high rate of hospital delivery care in São Paulo, but there is still a small portion of accidental home births and deliveries occurring in inappropriate health services, probably as a result of obstetric emergencies and difficulties in accessing hospital services.

Características dos nascidos vivos, das mães e mortalidade neonatal precoce na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil / Maternal and neonatal characteristics and early neonatal mortality in Greater Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil

O objetivo foi descrever as características do recém-nascido, da mãe e da mortalidade neonatal precoce, segundo local de parto, na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil. Utilizou-se coorte de nascidos vivos vinculados aos respectivos óbitos neonatais precoces, por técnica determinística. Identificou-se o parto domiciliar a partir da Declaração de Nascido Vivo e os ocorridos em estabelecimentos a partir da vinculação com o Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde. Foram estudados 154.676 nascidos vivos, dos quais 0,3 por cento dos nascimentos ocorreram acidentalmente em domicílio, 98,7 por cento em hospitais e menos de 1 por cento em outro serviço de saúde. A mortalidade foi menor no Centro de Parto Normal e nas Unidades Mistas de Saúde, condizente com o perfil de baixo risco obstétrico. As taxas mais elevadas ocorreram nos prontos-socorros (54,4 óbitos por mil nascidos vivos) e domicílios (26,7), representando um risco de morte, respectivamente, 9,6 e 4,7 vezes maior que nos hospitais (5,6). Apesar da alta predominância do parto hospitalar, há um segmento de partos acidentais tanto em domicílios como em prontos-socorros que merece atenção, por registrar elevadas taxas de mortalidade neonatal precoce.

The objective was to describe maternal and neonatal characteristics and early neonatal mortality rate according to place of delivery in Greater Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil. The study linked the databases on live births and early neonatal deaths with the national hospital registry. Place of delivery was identified through certificates of live birth. There were a total of 154,676 live births: 98.7 percent in-hospital; 0.3 percent home deliveries, and 1 percent in other health services. Deliveries in birthing centers and small hospital units were associated with low obstetric risk and a low proportion of preterm and low birth weight infants, and as a result these services showed the lowest early neonatal mortality rate. Compared to hospital maternity ward deliveries, the early neonatal mortality rate was 4.7 times higher for home deliveries and 9.6 higher for emergency room deliveries. There is a high rate of hospital delivery care in São Paulo, but there is still a small portion of accidental home births and deliveries occurring in inappropriate health services, probably as a result of obstetric emergencies and difficulties in accessing hospital services.

Incidencia de rotura uterina en el Hospital Dr. Patrocinio Peñuela Ruíz 1982-2003 / Incidence of uterine rupture at the Hospital Dr. Patrocinio Peñuela Ruíz 1982-2003

El presente es un estudio retrospectivo y longitudinal realizado en el Hospital Patrocinio Peñuela Ruíz, San Cristóbal, Estado Táchira, basado en la revisión de las historias clínicas entre los años 1982-2003 con diagnóstico de Rotura Uterina. Encontrándose una Tasa de 0.22 por 1000 partos (1 de 4512 partos). El 50 por ciento pertenecia al grupo 1 a 4 paras. La edad gestacional predominante fue 37-41 semanas 83.33 por ciento. El 66.66 por ciento de los casos tenían útero indemne, el factor determinante más frecuente fue el uso de Oxitócico (66.66 por ciento), el 50 por ciento de las rupturas fueron espontáneas, la Histeretomía fue usada en un 50 por ciento, el diagnóstico intraoperatorio fue del 83.33 por ciento, la mortalidad fetal fue del 33.33 por ciento

Quality of care in institutionalized deliveries: the paradox of the Dominican Republic.

OBJECTIVES: To better understand the paradox in the Dominican Republic of a relatively high maternal mortality ratio despite nearly universal institutionalized deliveries with trained attendants, a rapid assessment using an adaptation of the strategic assessment method was conducted. METHODS: A multi-disciplinary team reviewed national statistics and hospital records, inventoried facilities, and observed peripartum client-provider interactions at 14 facilities. RESULTS: The major referral hospitals, where more than 40% of births in the country occur, were overcrowded and understaffed, with inexperienced residents overseeing care provided by medical students, interns and nurses. Uncomplicated labor and deliveries were overmedicalized, while complicated ones were not managed appropriately; emergencies were not dealt with in a timely fashion. In the peripheral hospitals physicians were seldom present and clients were either turned away or delivered by unprepared nursing staff. Providers in the busiest facilities suffered from compassion fatigue, and were demoralized and overworked. In all facilities, quality of care was lacking and the delivery and birthing process was dehumanized. CONCLUSIONS: Access and availability of institutional delivery alone is not enough to decrease MMR, it is also the quality of emergency obstetric care that saves lives.