Implementation of the Revised National Malaria Control Guidelines: Compliance and Challenges in Public Health Facilities in a Southern Nigerian State.

Background: There has been a concerted effort to reduce malaria burden and bring malaria related mortality to zero. The objectives of this survey were to assess the level of adherence to the current revised malaria control guidelines in the public health facilities in Cross River State of Nigeria and to identify the challenges as well as suggest ways for improvement in treatment outcomes. Methods: This was a mixed observational and qualitative survey conducted in 32 public health facilities from 21st to 25th June 2022. Treatment records on malaria were assessed for adherence to the National guidelines. In-depth interviews were conducted with 36 key informants and 4 purposefully selected stakeholders to identify the successes and challenges. Quantitative data were summarized and presented in simple proportions and percentages while qualitative information was recorded, the transcripts thematically coded, analyzed and presented using NVivo 11 software. Results: The survey revealed that vector control program was poorly implemented across the state. For case management, presumptive treatment was frequently practiced especially at secondary health facilities for uncomplicated malaria. More than 60% of uncomplicated malaria were being treated with parenteral artemether instead of oral artemisinin combination therapy (ACTs) as recommended. Severe malaria were not treated with Intravenous (IV) Artesunate as first line drug in about 40% of the secondary health facilities. Key successes were noted in malaria management in pregnancy. Major challenges identified include: stock out of commodities, shortage of clinical man power, and low trust in parasitological diagnosis. Conclusion: The survey showed that adherence to the key recommendations in various categories of malaria control among health care providers in the public health facilities was below expectation. Malaria preventive treatment in pregnancy with SP fared better perhaps because of its inclusion in ANC packages.

A Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of N95 and Surgical Facemasks on Pregnant Women Performing Moderate-Intensity Exercise: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Background and objective A facemask is often indicated for the control of the spread of airborne pathogens. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was mass enforcement of mask use across the globe. Pregnant women were not excluded. While several studies have been conducted to evaluate and compare the efficacy of various mask types, data on their effects on pregnant women during exercise are scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of N95 and surgical facemasks on the cardiopulmonary functions of pregnant women during moderate-intensity exercise. Methods A prospective randomized study was conducted among 104 healthy women with advanced singleton pregnancies performing moderate-intensity exercise wearing either surgical or N95 masks during routine antenatal care. Their respiratory rates were counted, and arterial oxygen saturation (SPO2) and radial pulses (heart rates) were recorded with a mobile digital pulse oximeter at baseline and after 30 minutes of exercise. The mean values were calculated. Data analysis was done using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 25; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). An independent t-test was used to compare the mean SPO2 and radial pulse between the two groups. Chi-square was used to examine differences in categorical variables. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results Their demographic profiles and measured baseline parameters were comparable. Following a 30-minute exercise, the N95 mask group had lower mean SPO2 compared to the surgical mask group (95.5% versus 97.0%; P=0.028, 95%CI; -2.607 to 0.15). Further, the N95 group recorded a higher mean heart rate than the surgical mask group ((97.23 b/m versus 95.02b/m, respectively, mean difference (MD)=2.212, P=0.021, 95%Cl: 1.249-3.672). The mean respiratory rates were also higher among women in the N95 mask group (32.1 c/m versus 29.08 c/m, MD=3.018, 95%CI: 1.392-4.662, P=0.001). Conclusion The study, comparing the relative effects of the surgical and N95 facemask on the cardiorespiratory functions of exercising pregnant women, findings suggest that surgical facemasks may be better tolerated in advanced pregnancy when performing routine antenatal aerobic exercise in comparison with N95 masks.

Infant-Feeding Practices Among Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in a Southern Nigerian Region: A Mixed Comparative Study.

Background and objective  Infant survival depends on proper nutrition. Breastfeeding enhances infant health and offers some benefits to the mother as well. However, in the setting of the HIV pandemic, it is important to assess the benefits and the risk for each individual in choosing a feeding option. The purpose of this research was to determine the infant-feeding practices among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) and compare them with the general population of women. Methods A mixed comparative survey was conducted among 246 HIV-positive mothers nursing infants of at least one year of age. An equal number of matched HIV-negative women from the same locality were selected as controls. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) while qualitative findings were presented in a thematic approach. Results The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among WLWHA was 73.6% compared to 55.2% in the controls [p=0.002; chi-square (X2)=5.264]. Only 6.5% of WLWHA practiced exclusive replacement feeding (ERF). Vaginal birth was associated with increased odds for early initiation of breastfeeding [p=0.001; odds ratio (OR): 3.135; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.130 to 4.616]. Also, urban dwellers commenced breastfeeding earlier than women residing in rural communities (p=0.002; OR: 5.58; 95% CI: 3.85 to 8.07). Based on in-depth interviews, cultural influences and non-disclosure of HIV status to family members promoted mixed feeding. Concomitant intake of anti-tuberculosis drugs was a major reason for adopting ERF in some women. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of EBF among WLWHA. Counseling on infant feeding is an effective component of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs. Cultural beliefs and fear of stigmatization are major challenges to infant nutrition in sero-exposed babies.

The Influence of Threatened Miscarriage on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancies complicated by threatened miscarriage (TM) may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare the differences in pregnancy outcomes between the women who experienced TM and asymptomatic controls. METHODS: This was a 10-year retrospective review. Case records of 117 women who were managed for TM from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019, were retrieved and studied. The control group was developed from an equal number of asymptomatic clients matched for age, parity, and BMI who were receiving antenatal care (ANC) during the same period. Data on demography, clinical and ultrasound findings, treatment, and pregnancy outcomes were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: Spontaneous abortion rate of 13.7% was recorded among the study group compared with 3.4% in the control (P-value [p] = 0.005, odds ratio [OR]: 4.475; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.445 - 13.827). Women with TM had higher odds for placenta previa (p = 0.049, OR: 4.77, 95% CI: 2.19 - 23.04), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p = 0.028, OR: 1.918, 95% CI: 1.419 - 2.592), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (p = 0.001, OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 20.8 - 8.94), and preterm birth (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.75 - 3.65). They were also more likely to undergo cesarean section (p = 0.020, OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.053 - 2.964). There was no statistically significant difference in their infants' mean birth weight (3.113 ± 0.585kg for the TM group and 3.285± 0.536kg for the control, P=0.074). Other maternal and perinatal complications were similar. Admission for bed rest significantly improved fetal survival. Women who were not admitted for bed rest had higher odds of pregnancy loss (OR: 3.443, 95% CI: 1.701-7.99). Other treatment plans did not significantly contribute to a positive outcome. CONCLUSION: Threatened miscarriage is a significant threat to fetal survival and may increase the risk for operative delivery. Bed rest improves the live birth rate.

Quality and outcomes of maternal and perinatal care for 76,563 pregnancies reported in a nationwide network of Nigerian referral-level hospitals.

Background: The WHO in collaboration with the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health, established a nationwide electronic data platform across referral-level hospitals. We report the burden of maternal, foetal and neonatal complications and quality and outcomes of care during the first year. Methods: Data were analysed from 76,563 women who were admitted for delivery or on account of complications within 42 days of delivery or termination of pregnancy from September 2019 to August 2020 across the 54 hospitals included in the Maternal and Perinatal Database for Quality, Equity and Dignity programme. Findings: Participating hospitals reported 69,055 live births, 4,498 stillbirths and 1,090 early neonatal deaths. 44,614 women (58·3%) had at least one pregnancy complication, out of which 6,618 women (8·6%) met our criteria for potentially life-threatening complications, and 940 women (1·2%) died. Leading causes of maternal death were eclampsia (n = 187,20·6%), postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) (n = 103,11·4%), and sepsis (n = 99,10·8%). Antepartum hypoxia (n = 1455,31·1%) and acute intrapartum events (n = 913,19·6%) were the leading causes of perinatal death. Predictors of maternal and perinatal death were similar: low maternal education, lack of antenatal care, referral from other facility, previous caesarean section, latent-phase labour admission, operative vaginal birth, non-use of a labour monitoring tool, no labour companion, and non-use of uterotonic for PPH prevention. Interpretation: This nationwide programme for routine data aggregation shows that maternal and perinatal mortality reduction strategies in Nigeria require a multisectoral approach. Several lives could be saved in the short term by addressing key predictors of death, including gaps in the coverage of internationally recommended interventions such as companionship in labour and use of labour monitoring tool. Funding: This work was funded by MSD for Mothers; and UNDP/UNFPA/ UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), a co-sponsored programme executed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Effects of prenatal exposure to maternal COVID-19 and perinatal care on neonatal outcome: results from the INTERCOVID Multinational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The effect of COVID-19 in pregnancy on maternal outcomes and its association with preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus have been reported; however, a detailed understanding of the effects of maternal positivity, delivery mode, and perinatal practices on fetal and neonatal outcomes is urgently needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on fetal and neonatal outcomes and the role of mode of delivery, breastfeeding, and early neonatal care practices on the risk of mother-to-child transmission. STUDY DESIGN: In this cohort study that took place from March 2020 to March 2021, involving 43 institutions in 18 countries, 2 unmatched, consecutive, unexposed women were concomitantly enrolled immediately after each infected woman was identified, at any stage of pregnancy or delivery, and at the same level of care to minimize bias. Women and neonates were followed up until hospital discharge. COVID-19 in pregnancy was determined by laboratory confirmation and/or radiological pulmonary findings or ≥2 predefined COVID-19 symptoms. The outcome measures were indices of neonatal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, neonatal positivity and its correlation with mode of delivery, breastfeeding, and hospital neonatal care practices. RESULTS: A total of 586 neonates born to women with COVID-19 diagnosis and 1535 neonates born to women without COVID-19 diagnosis were enrolled. Women with COVID-19 diagnosis had a higher rate of cesarean delivery (52.8% vs 38.5% for those without COVID-19 diagnosis, P<.01) and pregnancy-related complications, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and fetal distress (all with P<.001), than women without COVID-19 diagnosis. Maternal diagnosis of COVID-19 carried an increased rate of preterm birth (P≤.001) and lower neonatal weight (P≤.001), length, and head circumference at birth. In mothers with COVID-19 diagnosis, the length of in utero exposure was significantly correlated to the risk of the neonate testing positive (odds ratio, 4.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-9.4 for length of in utero exposure >14 days). Among neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 diagnosis, birth via cesarean delivery was a risk factor for testing positive for COVID-19 (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-4.7), even when severity of maternal conditions was considered and after multivariable logistic analysis. In the subgroup of neonates born to women with COVID-19 diagnosis, the outcomes worsened when the neonate also tested positive, with higher rates of neonatal intensive care unit admission, fever, gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, and death, even after adjusting for prematurity. Breastfeeding by mothers with COVID-19 diagnosis and hospital neonatal care practices, including immediate skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in, were not associated with an increased risk of newborn positivity. CONCLUSION: In this multinational cohort study, COVID-19 in pregnancy was associated with increased maternal and neonatal complications. Cesarean delivery was significantly associated with newborn COVID-19 diagnosis. Vaginal delivery should be considered the safest mode of delivery if obstetrical and health conditions allow it. Mother-to-child skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, and direct breastfeeding were not risk factors for newborn COVID-19 diagnosis, thus well-established best practices can be continued among women with COVID-19 diagnosis.

Diabetes mellitus, maternal adiposity, and insulin-dependent gestational diabetes are associated with COVID-19 in pregnancy: the INTERCOVID study.

BACKGROUND: Among nonpregnant individuals, diabetes mellitus and high body mass index increase the risk of COVID-19 and its severity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether diabetes mellitus and high body mass index are risk factors for COVID-19 in pregnancy and whether gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with COVID-19 diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: INTERCOVID was a multinational study conducted between March 2020 and February 2021 in 43 institutions from 18 countries, enrolling 2184 pregnant women aged ≥18 years; a total of 2071 women were included in the analyses. For each woman diagnosed with COVID-19, 2 nondiagnosed women delivering or initiating antenatal care at the same institution were also enrolled. The main exposures were preexisting diabetes mellitus, high body mass index (overweight or obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2), and gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnancy. The main outcome was a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 based on a real-time polymerase chain reaction test, antigen test, antibody test, radiological pulmonary findings, or ≥2 predefined COVID-19 symptoms at any time during pregnancy or delivery. Relationships of exposures and COVID-19 diagnosis were assessed using generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution and log link function, with robust standard errors to account for model misspecification. Furthermore, we conducted sensitivity analyses: (1) restricted to those with a real-time polymerase chain reaction test or an antigen test in the last week of pregnancy, (2) restricted to those with a real-time polymerase chain reaction test or an antigen test during the entire pregnancy, (3) generating values for missing data using multiple imputation, and (4) analyses controlling for month of enrollment. In addition, among women who were diagnosed with COVID-19, we examined whether having gestational diabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus, or high body mass index increased the risk of having symptomatic vs asymptomatic COVID-19. RESULTS: COVID-19 was associated with preexisting diabetes mellitus (risk ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-2.42), overweight or obesity (risk ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.37), and gestational diabetes mellitus (risk ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.46). The gestational diabetes mellitus association was specifically among women requiring insulin, whether they were of normal weight (risk ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-3.01) or overweight or obese (risk ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-2.45). A somewhat stronger association with COVID-19 diagnosis was observed among women with preexisting diabetes mellitus, whether they were of normal weight (risk ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-3.17) or overweight or obese (risk ratio, 2.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.82-2.97). When the sample was restricted to those with a real-time polymerase chain reaction test or an antigen test in the week before delivery or during the entire pregnancy, including missing variables using imputation or controlling for month of enrollment, the observed associations were comparable. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus and overweight or obesity were risk factors for COVID-19 diagnosis in pregnancy, and insulin-dependent gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with the disease. Therefore, it is essential that women with these comorbidities are vaccinated.

Preeclampsia and COVID-19: results from the INTERCOVID prospective longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether the suggested link between COVID-19 during pregnancy and preeclampsia is an independent association or if these are caused by common risk factors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to quantify any independent association between COVID-19 during pregnancy and preeclampsia and to determine the effect of these variables on maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: This was a large, longitudinal, prospective, unmatched diagnosed and not-diagnosed observational study assessing the effect of COVID-19 during pregnancy on mothers and neonates. Two consecutive not-diagnosed women were concomitantly enrolled immediately after each diagnosed woman was identified, at any stage during pregnancy or delivery, and at the same level of care to minimize bias. Women and neonates were followed until hospital discharge using the standardized INTERGROWTH-21st protocols and electronic data management system. A total of 43 institutions in 18 countries contributed to the study sample. The independent association between the 2 entities was quantified with the risk factors known to be associated with preeclampsia analyzed in each group. The outcomes were compared among women with COVID-19 alone, preeclampsia alone, both conditions, and those without either of the 2 conditions. RESULTS: We enrolled 2184 pregnant women; of these, 725 (33.2%) were enrolled in the COVID-19 diagnosed and 1459 (66.8%) in the COVID-19 not-diagnosed groups. Of these women, 123 had preeclampsia of which 59 of 725 (8.1%) were in the COVID-19 diagnosed group and 64 of 1459 (4.4%) were in the not-diagnosed group (risk ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-2.61). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors and conditions associated with both COVID-19 and preeclampsia, the risk ratio for preeclampsia remained significant among all women (risk ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-2.52) and nulliparous women specifically (risk ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-3.05). There was a trend but no statistical significance among parous women (risk ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-2.73). The risk ratio for preterm birth for all women diagnosed with COVID-19 and preeclampsia was 4.05 (95% confidence interval, 2.99-5.49) and 6.26 (95% confidence interval, 4.35-9.00) for nulliparous women. Compared with women with neither condition diagnosed, the composite adverse perinatal outcome showed a stepwise increase in the risk ratio for COVID-19 without preeclampsia, preeclampsia without COVID-19, and COVID-19 with preeclampsia (risk ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.63-2.86; risk ratio, 2.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-4.45; and risk ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.67-4.82, respectively). Similar findings were found for the composite adverse maternal outcome with risk ratios of 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-2.35), 2.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.20-3.57), and 2.77 (95% confidence interval, 1.66-4.63). The association between COVID-19 and gestational hypertension and the direction of the effects on preterm birth and adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes, were similar to preeclampsia, but confined to nulliparous women with lower risk ratios. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 during pregnancy is strongly associated with preeclampsia, especially among nulliparous women. This association is independent of any risk factors and preexisting conditions. COVID-19 severity does not seem to be a factor in this association. Both conditions are associated independently of and in an additive fashion with preterm birth, severe perinatal morbidity and mortality, and adverse maternal outcomes. Women with preeclampsia should be considered a particularly vulnerable group with regard to the risks posed by COVID-19.

Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality Among Pregnant Women With and Without COVID-19 Infection: The INTERCOVID Multinational Cohort Study.

Importance: Detailed information about the association of COVID-19 with outcomes in pregnant individuals compared with not-infected pregnant individuals is much needed. Objective: To evaluate the risks associated with COVID-19 in pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes compared with not-infected, concomitant pregnant individuals. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cohort study that took place from March to October 2020, involving 43 institutions in 18 countries, 2 unmatched, consecutive, not-infected women were concomitantly enrolled immediately after each infected woman was identified, at any stage of pregnancy or delivery, and at the same level of care to minimize bias. Women and neonates were followed up until hospital discharge. Exposures: COVID-19 in pregnancy determined by laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 and/or radiological pulmonary findings or 2 or more predefined COVID-19 symptoms. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measures were indices of (maternal and severe neonatal/perinatal) morbidity and mortality; the individual components of these indices were secondary outcomes. Models for these outcomes were adjusted for country, month entering study, maternal age, and history of morbidity. Results: A total of 706 pregnant women with COVID-19 diagnosis and 1424 pregnant women without COVID-19 diagnosis were enrolled, all with broadly similar demographic characteristics (mean [SD] age, 30.2 [6.1] years). Overweight early in pregnancy occurred in 323 women (48.6%) with COVID-19 diagnosis and 554 women (40.2%) without. Women with COVID-19 diagnosis were at higher risk for preeclampsia/eclampsia (relative risk [RR], 1.76; 95% CI, 1.27-2.43), severe infections (RR, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.63-7.01), intensive care unit admission (RR, 5.04; 95% CI, 3.13-8.10), maternal mortality (RR, 22.3; 95% CI, 2.88-172), preterm birth (RR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.30-1.94), medically indicated preterm birth (RR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.56-2.51), severe neonatal morbidity index (RR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.69-4.18), and severe perinatal morbidity and mortality index (RR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.66-2.75). Fever and shortness of breath for any duration was associated with increased risk of severe maternal complications (RR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.92-3.40) and neonatal complications (RR, 4.97; 95% CI, 2.11-11.69). Asymptomatic women with COVID-19 diagnosis remained at higher risk only for maternal morbidity (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.00-1.54) and preeclampsia (RR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.01-2.63). Among women who tested positive (98.1% by real-time polymerase chain reaction), 54 (13%) of their neonates tested positive. Cesarean delivery (RR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.18-3.91) but not breastfeeding (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.66-1.85) was associated with increased risk for neonatal test positivity. Conclusions and Relevance: In this multinational cohort study, COVID-19 in pregnancy was associated with consistent and substantial increases in severe maternal morbidity and mortality and neonatal complications when pregnant women with and without COVID-19 diagnosis were compared. The findings should alert pregnant individuals and clinicians to implement strictly all the recommended COVID-19 preventive measures.

The Pattern and Spectrum of Severe Maternal Morbidities in Nigerian tertiary Hospitals.

Maternal morbidities are precursors to maternal mortality as well as potential causes of life time disability and poor quality of life. This study aimed to determine the pattern and spectrum of life-threatening maternal morbidities seen in tertiary reproductive health facilities in Nigeria. All cases of severe maternal outcome (SMO), maternal near-misses (MNM), or maternal death (MD), attending 42 tertiary hospitals across all geopolitical zones of Nigeria were prospectively identified using the WHO criteria over a period of 14 months. The main outcome measures were the incidence and outcome of severe maternal outcome by geopolitical regions of Nigeria. The participating hospitals recorded a total of 4383 severe maternal outcomes out of which were 3285 maternal near-misses and 998 maternal deaths. The proportion of maternal near-miss was similar across all the geopolitical zones but the maternal mortality ratio was highest in the southwestern zone (1,552) and least in the northcentral zone (750) of the country. Haemorrhage was the leading cause of severe maternal morbidities followed by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The mortality index of about 41% using the organ dysfunction criterion was triple the figures from other parts of the world. The findings reflect poor obstetric care in the tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. The health facilities in the country urgently need to be revamped.

Secondary analysis of the WOMAN trial to explore the risk of sepsis after invasive treatments for postpartum hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between the use of invasive treatments for postpartum hemorrhage and the risk of sepsis and severe sepsis. METHODS: Secondary data analysis of the WOMAN randomized controlled trial, including 20 060 women with postpartum hemorrhage in 21 countries. Logistic regression with random effects was used. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence was 1.8% for sepsis and 0.5% for severe sepsis. All-cause mortality was 40.4% in women with severe sepsis versus 2.2% for women without. After adjusting for bleeding severity and other confounders, intrauterine tamponade, hysterectomy, and laparotomy increased the risk of sepsis (aOR 1.77 [95% CI 1.21-2.59], P=0.004; aOR 1.97 [95% CI 1.49-2.65], P<0.001; and aOR 6.63 [95% CI 4.29-10.24], P<0.001, respectively) and severe sepsis (aOR 2.60 [95% CI 1.47-4.59], P=0.002; aOR 1.97 [95% CI 0.83-2.46], P=0.033; and aOR 5.35 [95% CI 2.61-10.98], P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this secondary data analysis, certain invasive treatments for postpartum hemorrhage appear to increase the risk of sepsis. Further research is needed to confirm this finding and investigate the role of prophylactic antibiotics during these procedures. The harms and benefits of such interventions must be carefully weighed, both in treatment guidelines and during individual patient management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN76912190.

Uterine Rupture with Evisceration of Intestines through the Vagina during Labour.

Uterine rupture is a life threatening obstetric emergency and is associated with high maternal and perinatal mortality. There are some risk factors associated with uterine rupture which may include: prolonged obstructed labour, previous scarred uterus, grand-multiparity, macrosomic baby, abnormal lie, instrumental delivery, induction of labour, oxytocin stimulation and excessive uterine manipulation. Its modes of presentation have been widely reported. Here, we present a case with an unusual mode of presentation where about two-third of the small intestines protruded through the vagina following some manipulations by an unskilled birth attendant. This highlights the fact that when uterine rupture is suspected, the cord-like structure protruding per vaginum may not always be umbilical cord.

Antenatal Deworming and Materno-Perinatal Outcomes in Calabar, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that administration of anthelmintic drugs in pregnancy can reduce the incidence of maternal anaemia; however, data on other maternal and perinatal outcomes are limited. AIM: This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the direct impact of mass deworming on delivery and perinatal outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 560 healthy pregnant women in their second trimester were randomised to receive a single dose of oral mebendazole (500 mg) and placebo. Each participant received the standard dose of iron supplement and malaria prophylaxis. They were followed up to delivery and immediate postpartum period to document the possible impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: The prevalence of anaemia at term, 37 weeks gestation and above, among the treatment arm was 12.6% compared with 29.9% in the placebo arm (p < 0.001). Caesarean section rates was higher in the treated group and the placebo (p = 0.047). There were no statistically significant differences in incidences of postpartum haemorrhage (p = 0.119), Puerperal, pyrexia (p = 0.943), low birth weight (p = 0.556) asphyxia (p = 0.706) and perinatal death (p = 0.621). CONCLUSION: Presumptive deworming during the antenatal period can significantly reduce the incidence of peripartum anaemia. However, more studies may be needed to prove any positive perinatal outcome.

Factors Influencing Antenatal Haematinics Prescription Behaviour of Physicians in Calabar, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Routine iron and folic acid supplementation in pregnancy have been proved to be effective in reducing the prevalence and morbidities of anaemia. However, there is limited data regarding the prescription habits of physician obstetric care givers. AIM: This study set to investigate the attitudes and factors which influence the practice among physicians in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted among randomly recruited physician offering antenatal services between August and September 2015. Systemic sampling was used to select 70 doctors in the departmental duty roster. Data were presented in percentages and proportion. Chi-square test was used to test the association between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The response rate was 100%. The mean age of the respondents was 30.26 ± 6.67 years. All the respondents routinely prescribed haematinics to pregnant women but 34.3% of them did not prescribe to apparently healthy clients in their first trimester. Only 30% and 11.4% of them prescribed it in the postnatal and preconception periods respectively. Brands that contained iron, folate and vitamins as a single capsule were mostly favoured, and information about brands of drugs was mostly provided by the pharmaceutical sales representatives. Younger doctors were more likely to offer haematinics with nutritional counselling compared to older respondents. However, there was no significant relationship between haematinics prescription and sex (p = 0.3560), Age (p = 0.839), current professional status (p = 0.783), and client complaint of side effect of medication (p = 0.23). Oral medication was mostly utilised. CONCLUSION: Effort to effectively control anaemia in pregnancy should involve re-orientation of physician obstetric care providers especially about prenatal and postnatal medication and counselling.

Congenital malaria in Calabar, Nigeria: the molecular perspective.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been shown to be more sensitive in detecting low-level parasitemia than conventional blood film microscopy. We estimated the prevalence of congenital malaria using nested PCR amplification of the small subunit 18S RNA gene to detect low-level parasitemia and identify Plasmodium species in 204 mother-neonate pairs. Cord-blood parasitemia was detected in four babies by PCR, giving a prevalence of 2.0%. The newborns of primidgravidae were more susceptible to congenital malaria than those of multigravidae (P < 0.0001). There was a strong correlation between placental malaria and congenital malaria (odds ratio = 10.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-76.1, P = 0.0487). We conclude that the prevalence of congenital malaria in Calabar detected by PCR is lower than has been reported in this environment through microscopy.

The role of prophylactic antimalarial in the reduction of placental parasitemia among pregnant women in Calabar, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is a recommendation of the World Health Organization as part of the malaria control strategy in pregnancy in areas with malaria burden. AIM: This study set out to appraise the effectiveness of this regimen in the prevention of placental parasitemia among parturients in Calabar, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretested, precoded questionnaires were administered to eligible women at the antenatal clinic and later updated at the labor ward. Intermittent preventive treatment was administered under direct observation at the clinic, while packed cell volume, placental parasitemia, and other laboratory tests were measured at the labor ward. RESULTS: The gross presence of placental malaria in the intermittent preventive treatment (IPT)-treated and the control groups was 10.6% and 11.3% respectively (P=0.76). Anemia occurred in 3.1% of the IPT-treated group compared to 11.7% among the control group (P=0.000). Only 7.9% of the IPT-treated women had moderate to severe placental parsitemia whereas as many as 53.2% of women in the control group had moderate to severe parasitemia (P=0.000). CONCLUSION: Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was associated with significant reduction in the degree of placental parasitemia among women in the IPT-treated group, although it did not completely eradicate placental malaria in the treatment group.

Plasma fibronectin concentration in obese/overweight pregnant women: a possible risk factor for preeclampsia.

Plasma fibronectin (FN) levels in obese/overweight and non-obese pregnant women were evaluated as a possible risk factor for preeclampsia. A total of one hundred and sixty three pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital participated in the study and sixty non-pregnant women served as control. About 77 (47.24%) of the pregnant women were followed up for any subsequent development of preeclampsia during the pregnancy. Fibronectin levels in plasma were measured by ELISA assay and serum total protein, urea and creatinine were determined spectrophotometrically. The mean plasma FN concentration of non-obese pregnant women in first trimester was lower than those of the non-pregnant women by 24%, but however, increased to the non-pregnant level in second and third trimesters. Obese/overweight pregnant women had significantly (P < 0.05) higher values than non-obese pregnant women in second and third trimesters. FN in obese/overweight pregnant women correlated positively with mean arterial blood pressure (MAP: r = 0.414, P = 0.04). About 28.57% of the pregnant women with FN above cut off point of 330 µg/ml at 18-24 weeks of gestation developed preeclampsia. This value increased to 40.0% when only the obese/overweight women were considered. On analysis of both fibronectin >330 µg/ml and MAP > 90, the predictive value increased to 66.7%. We therefore conclude that elevated FN may be regarded as a risk factor of preeclampsia especially among the obese women.

Reasons for gynaecological consultations in children in Calabar, South Eastern Nigeria.

Childhood gynaecological disorders as seen in the University of Calabar Teaching hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Nigeria, over a 10-year period were studied. The aim was to establish the incidence and pattern of presentation of these disorders. Childhood gynaecological disorders constituted 3.1% of gynaecological admissions in UCTH. Vaginal laceration following rape was the most common disorder accounting for 54.8% of the cases. This was most common in the 8 to 11-year age group (52.2%). Vaginal bleeding was the most common presenting symptom (63.1%) and repair of vaginal laceration the most common procedure performed (54.8%).