An Integrating Model for Rapid Reduction of Maternal Mortality Due to Primary Postpartum Haemorrhage - Novel Use of the Catalyst Approach to Public Health.

On average 16%-53% of maternal deaths are from postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), with confidence intervals for Eastern Asia reaching beyond 60%. Success in preventing PPH mortality across many large low-resource populations has been fairly limited. Niger's government and an international non-governmental organization (NGO) have developed a model aiming to rapidly reduce primary postpartum haemorrhage mortality, combining relatively new technologies, misoprostol, condom tamponade, and non- inflatable anti-shock garment, with systematic measurement of blood loss and a set of traditional public health tools that constitute the Catalyst Approach to Public Health, with action steps for each phase if haemorrhage occurs. This paper describes each component and testing of the hypothesis that the model can effectively reduce PPH mortality on a national scale. The Niger model is a 'complex intervention' aiming to maximise impact from existing health system resources even in remote areas. The broad applicability of Niger's approach to address a serious global public health problem, and its innovative nature warrant describing the model itself, with results to be published separately. Combining this set of individually proven technologies and a set of organisational tools from disease eradication settings as a single 'complex intervention', has to our knowledge not been described before.

No. 235-Active Management of the Third Stage of Labour: Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical aspects of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and provide guidelines to assist clinicians in the prevention and management of PPH. These guidelines are an update from the previous Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) clinical practice guideline on PPH, published in April 2000. EVIDENCE: Medline, PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club, and BMJ Clinical Evidence were searched for relevant articles, with concentration on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines published between 1995 and 2007. Each article was screened for relevance and the full text acquired if determined to be relevant. Each full-text article was critically appraised with use of the Jadad Scale and the levels of evidence definitions of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated with use of the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. SPONSOR: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. RECOMMENDATIONS: Prevention of Postpartum HemorrhageTreatment of PPHRecommendations were quantified using the evaluation of evidence guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1).

No 235 - Prise en charge active du troisième stade du travail: Prévention et prise en charge de l'hémorragie postpartum.

OBJECTIF: Analyser les aspects cliniques de l'hémorragie postpartum (HPP) et fournir des lignes directrices visant à guider les cliniciens pour ce qui est de la prévention et de la prise en charge de l'HPP. La présente directive clinique est une mise à jour de la directive clinique précédente de la Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada (SOGC) sur l'HPP, publiée en avril 2000. RéSULTATS: Des recherches ont été menées dans Medline, PubMed, la Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, le ACP Journal Club et le BMJ Clinical Evidence afin d'en tirer les articles pertinents, en portant une attention particulière aux essais comparatifs randomisés (ECR), aux analyses systématiques et aux directives cliniques publiées entre 1995 et 2007. Chaque article a été analysé en vue d'en assurer la pertinence et nous avons fait l'acquisition du texte intégral, lorsque cela s'avérait pertinent. Chacun des articles intégraux a fait l'objet d'une évaluation critique en fonction de l'échelle Jadad et des définitions de qualité des résultats émises par le Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs. VALEURS: La qualité des résultats a été établie en fonction des critères décrits par le Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs. COMMANDITAIRE: La Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada. RECOMMANDATIONS: Prévention de l'hémorragie postpartum.

Evolving evidence since the term breech trial: Canadian response, European dissent, and potential solutions.

OBJECTIVES: We wished to gain insight into Canadian hospital policy changes between 2000 and 2007 in response to (1) the initial results of the Term Breech Trial suggesting delivery by Caesarean section was preferable for term breech presentation, and (2) the trial's two-year follow-up and other research and commentary suggesting that risks associated with vaginal breech delivery and delivery by Caesarean section were similar. We also wished to determine the availability of vaginal breech delivery and the feasibility of establishing breech clinics and on-call squads, and whether these could include midwives. METHODS: In 2006, we sent surveys to the 30 largest maternity centres in Canada asking about their changes in practice in response to results of the initial Term Breech Trial and the subsequent two-year follow-up and the possibility of establishing breech clinics and on-call delivery squads and whether they could include midwives. RESULTS: Of the 30 surveys sent, responses were received from 20 maternity centres in six provinces. Hospitals were almost five times more likely to adopt a policy of requiring Caesarean section for breech delivery when current evidence suggested that it decreased risk for the neonate than they were to reintroduce the option of vaginal breech delivery when it did not. A breech clinic was considered possible, feasible, and desirable by only one centre, and forming a breech squad was similarly regarded by only two hospitals; 70% of respondents, however, did not entirely dismiss either possibility. CONCLUSIONS: The weight of epidemiologic evidence does not support the practice developed in Canadian hospitals since the Term Breech Trial that recommends delivery by Caesarean section for all breech presentations. Obstetric and midwifery bodies will require creative strategies to make clinical practice consistent with current national and international evidence.

A report on the FIGO Saving Mothers and Newborns Project.

In collaboration with member national professional associations, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) has been conducting a Saving Mothers and Newborns Project in 10 low- and middle-resource countries. The project aims to achieve the objectives set out in Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 related to child survival and maternal mortality and to develop organizational capacity among member associations. Projects are developed in response to the needs of the local country, through a twinning of professional associations between high- and low-resource countries.

Maternal health in Canadian Aboriginal communities: challenges and opportunities.

In response to the direct and indirect consequences of removing birthing practices from communities, Canada is exploring new initiatives to return childbirth to Aboriginal communities. Lessons learned and insights into this major problem can be used internationally to plan efforts to reduce maternal mortality in low-resource countries around the world.

Active management of the third stage of labour: prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical aspects of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and provide guidelines to assist clinicians in the prevention and management of PPH. These guidelines are an update from the previous Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) clinical practice guideline on PPH, published in April 2000. EVIDENCE: Medline, PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club, and BMJ Clinical Evidence were searched for relevant articles, with concentration on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines published between 1995 and 2007. Each article was screened for relevance and the full text acquired if determined to be relevant. Each full-text article was critically appraised with use of the Jadad Scale and the levels of evidence definitions of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated with use of the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. SPONSOR: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. RECOMMENDATIONS: Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage 1. Active management of the third stage of labour (AMTSL) reduces the risk of PPH and should be offered and recommended to all women. (I-A) 2. Oxytocin (10 IU), administered intramuscularly, is the preferred medication and route for the prevention of PPH in low-risk vaginal deliveries. Care providers should administer this medication after delivery of the anterior shoulder. (I-A) 3. Intravenous infusion of oxytocin (20 to 40 IU in 1000 mL, 150 mL per hour) is an acceptable alternative for AMTSL. (I-B) 4. An IV bolus of oxytocin, 5 to 10 IU (given over 1 to 2 minutes), can be used for PPH prevention after vaginal birth but is not recommended at this time with elective Caesarean section. (II-B) 5. Ergonovine can be used for prevention of PPH but may be considered second choice to oxytocin owing to the greater risk of maternal adverse effects and of the need for manual removal of a retained placenta. Ergonovine is contraindicated in patients with hypertension. (I-A) 6. Carbetocin, 100 microg given as an IV bolus over 1 minute, should be used instead of continuous oxytocin infusion in elective Caesarean section for the prevention of PPH and to decrease the need for therapeutic uterotonics. (I-B) 7. For women delivering vaginally with 1 risk factor for PPH, carbetocin 100 microg IM decreases the need for uterine massage to prevent PPH when compared with continuous infusion of oxytocin. (I-B) 8. Ergonovine, 0.2 mg IM, and misoprostol, 600 to 800 microg given by the oral, sublingual, or rectal route, may be offered as alternatives in vaginal deliveries when oxytocin is not available. (II-1B) 9. Whenever possible, delaying cord clamping by at least 60 seconds is preferred to clamping earlier in premature newborns (< 37 weeks' gestation) since there is less intraventricular hemorrhage and less need for transfusion in those with late clamping. (I-A) 10. For term newborns, the possible increased risk of neonatal jaundice requiring phototherapy must be weighed against the physiological benefit of greater hemoglobin and iron levels up to 6 months of age conferred by delayed cord clamping. (I-C) 11. There is no evidence that, in an uncomplicated delivery without bleeding, interventions to accelerate delivery of the placenta before the traditional 30 to 45 minutes will reduce the risk of PPH. (II-2C) 12. Placental cord drainage cannot be recommended as a routine practice since the evidence for a reduction in the duration of the third stage of labour is limited to women who did not receive oxytocin as part of the management of the third stage. There is no evidence that this intervention prevents PPH. (II-1C) 13. Intraumbilical cord injection of misoprostol (800 microg) or oxytocin (10 to 30 IU) can be considered as an alternative intervention before manual removal of the placenta. (II-2C) TREATMENT OF PPH: 14. For blood loss estimation, clinicians should use clinical markers (signs and symptoms) rather than a visual estimation. (III-B) 15. Management of ongoing PPH requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves maintaining hemodynamic stability while simultaneously identifying and treating the cause of blood loss. (III-C) 16. All obstetric units should have a regularly checked PPH emergency equipment tray containing appropriate equipment. (II-2B) 17. Evidence for the benefit of recombinant activated factor VII has been gathered from very few cases of massive PPH. Therefore this agent cannot be recommended as part of routine practice. (II-3L) 18. Uterine tamponade can be an efficient and effective intervention to temporarily control active PPH due to uterine atony that has not responded to medical therapy. (III-L) 19. Surgical techniques such as ligation of the internal iliac artery, compression sutures, and hysterectomy should be used for the management of intractable PPH unresponsive to medical therapy. (III-B) Recommendations were quantified using the evaluation of evidence guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1).

Development of health professional associations' organizational capacities in low-income countries: myth or reality in Haiti?

Over the last decade, the Société haïtienne d'obstétrique et de gynécologie (SHOG) has positioned itself as a key player in the maternal and neonatal health agenda in the country. This transformation arose from the association's commitment to strengthening its organizational capacities in order to enhance its operations and consolidate its contribution to the national efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality. The SHOG benefited from the SOGC's technical assistance to reinforce its organizational capacities, support that it received as part of the SOGC Partnership Program from professional associations working in low-income countries. We describe the results of the SHOG's organizational assessments in 2008 (in the middle of the five-year cycle) and in 2006, according to the organizational capacity development approach promoted by the SOGC. A comparison of the 2008 and the 2006 assessment results shows that the SHOG progressed substantially during that period, shifting from "basic-moderate" to "moderate" regarding its organizational capacity, its operational capacities and its relationships with other organizations, including the way it is perceived by interested parties involved in the maternal and neonatal health agenda. The SHOG's experience shows that the SOGC's approach to capacity development can assist professional associations committed to reinforcing their organizational capacities in a tangible way. This will enhance their contribution to the national efforts pertaining to maternal and newborn health in their country.

Contraceptive use among Canadian women of reproductive age: results of a national survey.

OBJECTIVE: Past studies indicate that despite a wide range of contraceptive options, Canadian women tend to use a narrow selection of contraceptive methods. New contraceptive methods have recently been introduced in Canada. The objective of this research is to characterize Canadian women's current contraceptive choices and adherence to contraceptive regimens. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2006. A standardized, confidential, Internet questionnaire was administered to female members of a previously recruited national market research panel. Percentages of current contraceptive use and consistency of use were calculated by age group, marital status, and province and were weighted according to age and region. Chi-square test was used to detect within-group differences for consistency of contraceptive use, oral contraceptive (OC) use, and condom use. Multivariate logistic regression analyses predicting consistent contraception use, OC use, and condom use were performed. RESULTS: Of 5597 survey respondents, 3253 were eligible for data analysis. Of these women, 2751 had had vaginal intercourse in the previous six months, were not trying to conceive, and reported whether they or their partner had used contraception. Of these 2751 women, 410 (14.9%) never used contraception. Among contraception users, the most frequently used methods of contraception were condoms (54.3%), OCs (43.7%), and withdrawal (11.6%). Newer contraceptive methods were used by less than 4%. Choice of contraceptive method varied by age. Only 65.2% of respondents who were sexually active and not trying to conceive "always used" contraception. Multivariate logistic regression analyses found significantly higher odds of no contraception use in women over 40 years of age, without higher education, living in PEI or Newfoundland, married or living common-law, or having annual household incomes under $100,000. CONCLUSION: Despite many contraceptive options, Canadian women continue to use a narrow range of contraceptive methods and to use contraception inconsistently. Consistent contraceptive use is influenced by a number of independent social variables. Future public health initiatives should focus on raising awareness of contraception options, increased access to a variety of contraceptive methods, and assisting with contraceptive adherence.

Methodology for assessment and development of organization capacity.

Through capacity-building initiatives with obstetrics and gynaecology organizations in Guatemala, Haiti, and Uganda, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada has developed the organization capacity improvement framework (OCIF), a model for strengthening associations' essential organizational capacities. The OCIF focuses on capacity development within the organization over time, rather than on individual training and short-term outcomes. A cycle of assessing, planning, implementing, and measuring improvement builds rigour into the process while encouraging participation, understanding, and commitment to sustainable capacity development.

SOGC Partnership Program 1998-2006: building organization capacity to support improved maternal and neonatal health.

Through its partnership program with professional obstetrics and gynaecology associations in resource-poor environments, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada has developed a model for capacity assessment and development. The use of this model in Guatemala, Haiti, and Uganda has demonstrated its potential for facilitating cultural shifts in the perception of reproductive care, for providing clinical expertise in promoting educational activities, for enabling enhanced technical capacity, for political engagement, and for broad-based community and professional engagement.

Beyond Romanow: the future of women's health care in Canada.

In November 2002, the Royal Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada, headed by Mr. Roy J. Romanow, will deliver its final report to the Governor-in-Council of Canada. In October 2001 the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SOGC) submitted to Mr. Romanow concrete ideas and proposed actions to improve the health of Canadian women and their families, and to sustain and strengthen Canada's publicly funded health care system, in its report Ensuring Women's Health: Options for the Future of Canada's Health Care System. This Commentary brings to you the thoughts that the SOGC will continue to forward after the Romanow Commission's report is delivered next month.

Availability of hormone replacement therapy products in Canada.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the availability in Canada of different types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products, and to compare the availability of HRT products in Canada to their availability in other countries. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted of the availability of products indicated for treatment of menopausal symptoms in Canada, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Sweden, and Australia. Products indicated for the treatment of menopausal symptoms were determined for each country by using on-line drug product databases. Products administered by injection and androgen products, unless combined with estrogens, were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: There were 111 different brands identified in the 5 countries examined, with Canada having the lowest number of brands and active ingredients (28 and 22, respectively) compared to the other countries (Sweden and UK at 67 and 47 brands and 39 and 40 active ingredients, respectively). Not available in Canada are 34 active ingredients (either alone or in combination products) and 5 different types of formulations of HRT. There was a significant difference between the number of combination brand products available in Canada and in the UK (5 versus 29, P <.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Canadian women have comparatively few options available to them for the management of menopausal symptoms. The wide range of HRT products available in other developed countries provides alternatives for managing side

The SOGC statement on the WHI report on estrogen and progestin use in postmenopausal women.

The recent Women's Health Initiative study report evaluated the long-term benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy among healthy postmenopausal women. The report showed that the risk-benefit profile of continuous combined hormone replacement therapy was not consistent with the primary prevention of coronary heart disease. The Women's Health Initiative study of continuous combined hormone replacement therapy is a landmark study and the results provide valuable information for patients and clinicians. However, the most common indication for hormone replacement therapy is menopausal symptoms, for which it is effective, not prevention of disease, and the most common use is for less than three years. Nevertheless, even short-term use has small effects on some outcomes. This statement discusses how the findings of the Women's Health Initiative study can be applied to reach appropriate clinical decisions.