Decision-to-delivery interval and obstetric outcomes of emergency caesarean sections in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Prolonged Decision-to-Delivery interval (DDI) is associated with adverse maternal-foetal outcomes following emergency Caesarean section (EmCS). Objectives: To determine the DDI, predictive factors, and the foeto-maternal outcomes of patients that had EmCS in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital. Methods: A descriptive study of all EmCS performed at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, from 1st June 2020 to 31st May 2021, was conducted. Relevant data were extracted from the documentations of doctors, nurses and anaesthetists using a designed proforma. The data obtained were analysed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 25. Results: The median (IQR) DDI was 297 (175-434) minutes. Only one patient was delivered within the recommended DDI of 30 minutes. The most common cause of prolonged DDI was delay in procuring materials for CS by patients' relatives(s)/caregiver(s) (264, 85.2%). Repeat CS (AOR = 4.923, 95% CI 1.09-22.36; p = 0.039), prolonged decision-to-operating room time (AOR = 8.22, 95% CI 1.87-8.66; p<0.001), and junior cadre of surgeon (AOR = 25.183, 95% CI 2.698-35.053; p = 0.005) were significant predictors of prolonged DDI. Prolonged DDI > 150 minutes was significantly associated with maternal morbidity (p = 0.001), stillbirth (p = 0.008) and early neonatal death (p = 0.049). Conclusion: The recommended DDI of 30 minutes for CS is challenging in the setting studied. To improve foetomaternal outcomes, efforts to reduce the DDI should be pursued vigorously, using the recommended 30 minutesas a benchmark.

Comparison of Pregnancy Outcomes of Booked and Unbooked Patients in the Niger Delta

Background:Sub-Saharan African countries have some of the worst maternal mortality ratios in the world sub-regions. Uncoordinated antenatal care practices and delivery outside health institutions are some of the determinants of thesedeaths experienced in the region. The objective of the study is todetermine some of these erring behavioral antenatal practices that are inimical to good obstetric outcomes and how health care planners can use the results to close thesegaps of maternal mortality and save lives.Method:This study was a cross sectional retrospective study of the women who delivered at The Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, between 1 st June,2021 to 1st June, 2022. The study compared the maternal and fetal outcomes between the booked andunbooked patients who delivered during this period. Relevant data to the study were extracted from patients' medicalrecords using a proforma and data collected entered SPSS Version 25 foranalysis.Results:Three hundred and forty-six patients participated in the stud, 72.3 % were booked and 27.7%were unbooked. Place of delivery N = 253, 75.5 % delivered in health facilities and 24.5 in non-Health facilities. Unbooked patients have prolonged labor lasting more than 24 hours, suffered more blood loss during delivery, their babies have more unfavorable one minute Apgar, all compared to outcomes of the booked patientsConclusion:Booked patients have more favorable pregnancy outcomes compared to the unbooked patients. Health care planners and care providers should devote more time and resources to unbooked patients to have favorable pregnancy outcomes

COVID-19 in pregnant women in South Africa: A retrospective review

Background. The majority of maternal deaths in South Africa (SA) occur as a result of non-pregnancy-related infections (NPRI). Pregnancy is a known risk factor in severe COVID-19, increasing the burden of NPRI in SA. In this study, we describe the prevalence, profile and clinical outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary facility.Objectives. To describe the prevalence, profile and clinical outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary facility in Gauteng, SA.Methods. We performed a retrospective review of all pregnant women with COVID-19 admitted to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between 6 March and 30 August 2020. Data collected included demographics, medical history, obstetric history, clinical findings and laboratory variables. Outcomes assessed were mortality, admission to intensive care unit (ICU), symptomatic v. asymptomatic disease, maternal and fetal outcome and mode of delivery.Results. A total of 204 pregnant women were included in the study. Of these, 33 (16.2%) women were critically ill, with 21 (10.3%) admitted to the ICU and 3 (1.5%) deaths related to COVID-19. The median gestational age was 37 weeks and median birthweight 2 940 g. Sixty-seven women (33%) were HIV-positive, in keeping with national statistics regarding HIV in pregnancy. Caesarean section was the most common mode of delivery (n=105, 60%). However, no women underwent caesarean section for indications related to COVID-19. Conclusion. COVID-19-related mortality in our cohort was higher than that seen internationally, likely due to differences in background maternal mortality rates and difficulty in accessing care.

Health literacy of mothers on factors associated to pre-rupture of membranes on perinatal outcomes in Vhembe district, South Africa

Pre-rupture of membranes prior labour initiation could complicate approximately 5% of pregnancies and could be associated with a high incidence of perinatal morbidity and mortality complications. The major complications could be chorioamnionitis and cord compression resulting in hypoxia. This study aimed to assess the health literacy of mothers on perinatal outcomes following prerupture of membranes at Thulamela B clinics of Vhembe district. A quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional descriptive design was used. The study population comprised a total of 210 lactating mothers within 6 weeks following delivery,irrespective of the mode of delivery were purposively selected. Data were collected by the researchers through self-administered questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for data analysis. The results are presented in the form of tables and graphs based on probability allowing judgment to be made on variables. Validity and reliability were ensured. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Venda Research Ethics Committee and permission to access health facilities from the Limpopo Province Department of Health. Findings revealed that limited and inadequate health literacy towards pre-rupture of membranes contributes to perinatal morbidity and mortality, with associated factors like poor antenatal care attendance, delayed health seeking, defaulting, and loss of follow-up. Recommendations emphasise the provision of preconception and antenatal care where health information on risks and danger signs of PROM to perinatal outcomes are given were made. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[7]: 90-101).

Neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with the first twin in breech presentation according to the mode of delivery: A cohort study from Dakar Senegal

The objectives of this study were to compare perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies where the first twin was in the breech presentation. To do so, we performed a 10-year retrospective cohort study in a single university center. All patients with a twin pregnancy with the first twin in breech presentation, a gestational age greater than or equal to 34 weeks' gestation, and a birth weight >= 1500 g were included. The main outcome measures were 5-minute Apgar score <7 and perinatal mortality. We included 353 pairs of twins which complied with the inclusion criteria. One hundred and fifty (150) patients delivered vaginally while 203 pairs of twins were delivered by caesarean section. Patients who delivered abdominally were similar to those who delivered vaginally with regard to age, parity, and gestational age. Six twins A delivered vaginally and 2 delivered by caesarean section had an Apgar score < 7 (p = 0.76) whereas 12 twins B delivered vaginally and 2 delivered abdominally had an Apgar score <7 (p = 0.001). Perinatal mortality did not differ significantly between twins delivered abdominally and those delivered vaginally. There was no evidence that vaginal delivery was risky with regards to depressed Apgar scores for Twin A and neonatal mortality for breech first twins that weighed at least 1500 g. However, Twin B delivered vaginally were more likely to present with a low 5-minute Apgar score. Along with the literature, the findings of this study do not currently allow to define a consensual obstetric attitude towards management of breech first twin deliveries. Until more prospective multicenter randomized controlled studies shed light on this problem, the skills, experience and judgment of the obstetrician will play a major role in the decision-making process. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[5]: 50-56).

A retrospective identification of risk factors associated with fetal macrosomia

Despite extensive work on macrosomia, it is impossible to predict women at risk. Current prediction strategies which include clinical examination and ultrasound are imprecise. This study aims to determine the risk factors associated with macrosomia. It was a descriptive, retrospective chart review of women delivered of macrosomic neonates over a two-year period from 2015-2016. Detailed clinical and demographic information was recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS (version 25.0 IBM, Armonk, New York, USA). Of 22 244 singleton deliveries, 415 were macrosomic infants (1.9%). The mean birth weight for macrosomic infants was 4.39 ± 0.43 (range 4-5.15) kg and males were more in number and weight. Macrosomic infants occurred more in age groups 25-29 years and peaked with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 . Majority were cesarean sections compared to vaginal deliveries (56.6% vs 43.4%; p=0.006) respectively. Vaginal delivery of macrosomic infants was associated with complications. Significant differences were found between fetal macrosomia and clinical characteristics such as body mass index, parity, advanced maternal age, and male fetal sex. Hypoglycaemia was most frequent in infants born to non-diabetic mothers (98.1%). Antenatal risk factors are important in the prediction of macrosomia, but fetal and maternal outcome depends on labour management. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[7]: 127-134).

Immediate Seven Day Outcomes and Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight Neonates at Referral Hospitals in Mwanza City, Tanzania in October 2020

Every year more than 20 million neonates worldwide are born with low birth weight (LBW) per year. Ninety-five percent of LBW births occur in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine Immediate Seven Day Outcomes and Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight Neonates at Referral Hospitals in Mwanza City. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a hospital based observational prospective cohort study of neonates with LBW whom were followed up for seven days in the neonatal wards at referral hospitals in Mwanza city. Maternal social-demographic, newborns clinical data and vitality outcomes were collected. Categorical and continuous variables were summarized and presented in tables or bar charts. Any p-value of < 0.05, at 95% confidence interval was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS Total of 200 neonates with median age of 0.8 days at baseline were enrolled. Amongst 148 (74 %) had prolonged hospitalization; due to sickness 88 (59%), and 60 (40%) due to poor weight gain. Whereas, the remaining 42 (21%) were discharged and 10 (5%) died within seven days. Prolonged hospitalization was associated with family income (p-value= <0.001) and place of delivery (p-value = <0.001). African Journal of Health Sciences Volume 34, Issue No.4, July- August 2021 452 Neonatal death was associated with family income (p-value =0.035) and birth weight (p-value = 0.019). Early discharge associated with gestational age at first antenatal visit, family income, mode of delivery, APGAR score at one minute, time interval between delivery and admission and timing of medication initiation. CONCLUSION LBW neonates are at high risk of death and prolonged hospitalization due to sickness or due to poor weight gain. Associated factors of these outcomes were family income, place of delivery, birth weight, gestation age during first antenatal visit, mode of delivered and low APGAR score.

Outcome of pregnancy in Saudi women with sickle cell disease attending the tertiary care university hospital in eastern province of Saudi Arabia

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic genetic hematological disorder with multiorgan involvement and is associated with complications during the pregnancy. This is a well-known disorder in Saudi Arabia, but no study has reported its outcomes in pregnant Saudi females of the Eastern region. This study was carried out to compare the fetomaternal outcome in patients with SCD with those without SCD. This was a retrospective cohort study done in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in a tertiary care, teaching hospital, by retrieving the data through the code ICD-9 for SCD, the control group was also selected with comparable characteristics. A total of 302 SCD pregnant patients were included for comparison with 600 pregnant women without SCD as control, during the period of Jan 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018. After the data retrieval, percentages of complications were calculated between the study and control groups. Fischer's exact test and t-test were used for statistical analysis by using SPSS version 22. The results showed higher complication rates in pregnancies of patients with SCD. Hypertensive disorders (13.3%), abruptio placenta (1.6%), intrauterine growth restriction (19.2%), thromboembolism (6.6%) and stroke (2.6%) were all higher in SCD as compared to the control group .The complications of SCD itself including anemia (89.4%), acute chest syndrome (13.2%) and sickle cell crisis (39.2%) were also increased during the pregnancy. Both still birth (3.3%) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (1.6%) were also higher in SCD. SCD during the pregnancy is a high-risk situation and can lead to many fetomaternal complications; however, preconceptional counselling, early booking, a careful monitoring during pregnancy and multidisciplinary management approach can prevent potential adverse outcome in this regard

The impact of malaria parasites on the placenta and perinatal outcome at Korle Bu teaching hospital, Accra, Ghana: a case control study

Objective: Malaria remains a complex and overwhelming health problem affecting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and their infants in Ghana. Malaria during pregnancy does not only pose a threat to the mother but can cause serious structural damages to the placenta and subsequently affect the pregnancy outcome. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of Plasmodium parasites on the placenta and perinatal outcome of women delivering at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. A better understanding of the impact of malaria parasites on the placenta morphology and prenatal outcome is crucial for better management of pregnant women and their babies. Methods: The study involved testing blood collected from postpartum placentas and examining the placental tissue for Plasmodium parasites, after which they were classified as study group (Plasmodium positive) or control (Plasmodium negative). The patients in the study group with similar gestational and maternal age were matched with patients from the control group. The morphological characteristics of the placenta and the perinatal outcome of the two patient groups were compared using an unpaired t-test. Results: Sixteen (16, 13.6%) out of 118 women tested positive for Plasmodium parasites on the maternal side of the placenta by both rapid diagnostic test and microscopy and /or tested positive for malarial parasite during pregnancy, whiles the rest (102, 86.4%) had no history of malaria in the index pregnancy and tested negative. The mean placenta weight was significantly reduced in the study group (difference: -102.0g; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 424.4g, 486.6g) who delivered during early term (p=0.02). Patients in the study group, who delivered during late term, had a significantly reduced mean placenta diameter (difference: -2.5cm; 95% CI: 20.0cm, 21.4cm) (p=0.003) and delivered infants with lower mean birth weight (difference: - 0.693kg; 95 CI: 3.268kg, 3.475kg) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Malaria during pregnancy does not only pose a threat to the mother but to the fetus and our results add evidence that malaria parasites cause alterations to certain morphological characteristics of the placenta which subsequently affect the birth weight as the pregnancy progresses to late term

Facteurs associés à une première grossesse chez les femmes Malgaches ayant accouché dans un hôpital de maternité d'Antananarivo: une étude de cohorte rétrospective

Introduction: il y a très peu de littératures africaines et Malgaches concernant les détails sur les facteurs de risques qu'encourent les primigestes en général. Le but de notre étude est de déterminer les facteurs de risques potentiels associés à une première grossesse.Méthodes: une étude cohorte rétrospective a été menée auprès des femmes primigestes et multigestes de l'hôpital Pavillon sainte Fleur entre Octobre 2014 et Décembre 2016. Les risques relatifs étaient ajustés après contrôle avec les caractéristiques sociodémographiques.Résultats: les primigestes étaient beaucoup plus exposées à un travail prolongé de plus de 12h (RRa = 2,28; IC 95% 1,74-3,00), à une césarienne en urgence (RRa = 1,47; IC 95% 1,35-1,60) et à une épisiotomie (RRa = 2,98; IC 95% 2,61-3,40). Leurs enfants étaient plus susceptibles de présenter des signes de souffrance fœtale avec anomalie du rythme cardiaque fœtale au cours de la phase de travail (RRa = 1,96; IC 95% 1,45-2,65) et un risque accru d'être admis dans une unité de soins intensifs après l'accouchement (RRa = 2,08; IC 95% 1,25-3,45).Conclusion: les complications survenues pendant le travail auraient exposé les primigestes à d'autres risques en cascades sur l'issue de leurs accouchements et sur la santé de leurs enfants. La prise en charge des primigestes nécessiterait, de la part des personnels médicaux, une attention particulière sur la durée de la phase de travail

A prospective review of eclampsia at a regional hospital, eastern Ethiopia: incidence, clinical correlates, management and pregnancy outcome

Objective: The aims of the study were to determine the incidence of eclampsia and describe its clinical correlates and pregnancy outcomes.Patients and Methods: A one-year prospective study of 93 cases of eclampsia using a structured questionnaire which included socio-demographic data, clinical presentation, work-up, management and feto-maternal outcomes was done at Karamara Regional Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.Results: The incidence of eclampsia was 2.7% (93 in 3500 deliveries). Most of the cases were young (45%), nulliparous (70%) women who had not received any antenatal care (63%). Almost two thirds of the women (n=57, 61%) presented with eclampsia in antepartum, whereas 26 cases (28%) occurred in intrapartum, and there were 10 cases (11%) with eclampsia postpartum. Preceding symptoms were reported in 78.5 % of patients with severe hypertension recorded in 66%. The average gestational age at presentation was 32 weeks. Hydralazine was used for emergency control of hypertension in 91% of the cases. Magnesium was administered to 92 (99%) of the patients. Delay greater than 12h from admission to delivery occurred in 45% of the women with eclampsia. Cesarean section (CS) was performed in 14 (17%) and instrumental delivery in 15 (18%). The maternal and perinatal case fatality rates of eclampsia were 34.7% and 11% respectively.Conclusion: The incidence of eclampsia was very high with corresponding high maternal and perinatal deaths. The presentation of patients was late and the work up and management of cases substandard. Hence capacity building of health facilities, implementation of standard guidelines and criteria based auditing are recommended

Obstetric outcomes and antenatal access among adolescent pregnancies in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Background: Pregnancy among adolescents in South Africa is a growing concern as it may be associated with adverse socioeconomic and health impacts. Timeous initiation and optimal utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services is imperative to ensure positive pregnancy outcomes. However, this is not always possible owing to various challenges. Methods: A multi-method study design using both retrospective record review and qualitative interviews was undertaken at a district hospital on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data on ANC attendance trends and obstetric/perinatal outcomes for all recorded adolescent pregnancies (13­16 years) at the district hospital under study was collected over 3 years (2011­2013) (n = 314). Qualitative interviews with randomly selected pregnant adolescents were conducted to assess experiences of ANC access and utilisation.Results: Late ANC booking and reduced ANC visits were common for adolescent pregnancies. Under-utilisation of ANC (i.e. less than 4 visits) was significantly associated with lower gestational age (< 37 weeks) (OR = 2.64; 95% CI = 1.04; 6.74; p < 0.05). Low birthweight, low Apgar scores as well as the incidence of maternal anaemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) were found to be related to late ANC booking. In-depth interviews suggested that teenagers suffered emotional vulnerability linked to family, partner and financial support. They discussed various barriers linked with accessing ANC while acknowledging perceived benefits.Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy was associated with late booking and reduced ANC visits, which was a risk for adverse maternal health outcomes. In-depth interviews suggested numerous challenges associated with ANC access including; financial barriers, attitude of healthcare workers (HCWs), long queues, distance travelled to access ANC services, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and a lack of knowledge

An assessment of knowledge of relationship between periodontal disease with pregnancy outcome and fertility among some pregnant women in Nigeria

Objective: There had been reports that link periodontal disease with complications associated with pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, pre-term birth and low-birth weight, with individuals that have worse periodontal disease having worse pregnancy outcome. Similar relationship has also been reported between periodontal disease and sperm count, with worse periodontal disease associated with poorer periodontal health. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of pregnant women on the possibility of this relationship between pregnancy, fertility and periodontal disease.Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 201 pregnant women at the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used in assessing respondent's knowledge of the possible relationship between pregnancy outcome, sperm count and periodontal disease.Results: a total of 201 pregnant women with mean age of 30.69±4.04 years were interviewed. More of the respondents that have visited a dentist for treatment before the interview agreed that poor oral hygiene can affect sperm count in men, which was statistically significant (p= .001). Also, more respondents that have visited a dentist before agreed that gum disease can predispose to low-birth weight in women (p= .008).Conclusion: although many of the respondents that agreed as to the possible relationship between periodontal disease and pregnancy outcome had been to a dentist for treatment before, many of them, including those that have been to a dentist before, are either not aware of the possibility of the relationship or they totally disagreed with the possibility of the relationship. This suggest that dental professionals need to do more in the area of possible relationship and means of preventing periodontal disease especially amidst women of child-bearing age

Outcome of pregnancy with clinically visible/palpable myoma among women who undergo caesarian section in three teaching hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

Introduction: Myoma is the most common pelvic tumor and an enormous healthcare concern in women. Complications occur in approximately 10-40% of pregnancies with myomatous uterus. This study is conducted to determine the prevalence and obstetric outcome of grossly visible and/or palpable myoma among women who gave birth by caesarean section.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in three teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data was collected using a pre-tested questioner.Results: A total of 404 cases were included in the study. The prevalence of myoma was 15.3% (62/404). Only 9.7% (6/62) of the myoma cases were diagnosed preoperatively with ultrasound. The number of myoma per case ranged from 1-to-14 with mean number of 3 ±2.7. The mean diameter of largest single myoma per case was 5.2cm ± 3.4. The commonest location of myoma was subserous being the location in 58.1% (36/62). There was significant association between presence of myoma and age of the woman (P<0.05). The adjusted prevalence of myoma increases as women's age increases, and gestational age and birth weight decreases. In addition, the prevalence of myoma was about two times higher in low (≤6) first and fifth minute APGAR score groups with adjusted prevalences of 22.2% (Vs 14.1% in ≥7 group) and 31.8% (Vs 14.4% in ≥7 group) respectively.Conclusions: The prevalence of myoma during pregnancy in this study is higher than prior reports from similar setups. But, no statistically significant association was observed between the presence of myoma and maternal out come

Occlusion intestinale pendant la grossesse au Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Treichville (Abidjan - Côte d'Ivoire)

Introduction : La survenue d'une occlusion intestinale pendant la grossesse est une situation rare qui met en jeu rapidement le pronostic materno-fœtal.Observation : Nous rapportons un cas d'occlusion intestinale diagnostiquée à la 33ème semaine de grossesse chez une patiente de 23 ans, ayant un antécédent de salpingectomie. Le diagnostic a été posé tardivement, sur des arguments cliniques. Le traitement qui a consisté à réaliser en urgence une césarienne première suivi d'une iléostomie proximale, a permis de sauver l'enfant et la mère.Discussion : Cette observation nous permet de discuter les mécanismes physiopathologiques, et les difficultés de la prise en charge de l'occlusion intestinale aiguë au cours de la grossesse dans nos pays tropicaux à plateau technique limité

Risk factors and perinatal outcome of umbilical cord prolapse in Sagamu, Nigeria

Background: Umbilical cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency that threatens the life and well-being of the fetus and also increases maternal morbidity. Fetal survival in umbilical cord prolapse can be enhanced by prevention where risk factors are identified and prompt diagnosis and decisive intervention.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, identify the risk factors associated with umbilical cord prolapse and document the perinatal outcome of cases of cord prolapse.Methods: This was a 13-year retrospective case-control study of cases of umbilical cord prolapse seen at the OOUTH, Sagamu, Southwestern Nigeria between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2012.Result: During the study period, the incidence of umbilical cord prolapse was 1 in 122 deliveries (0.82%). The umbilical cord prolapse occurred in association with breech presentation five times (33.3%) and transverse lie eleven times (18.5%). The occurrence of breech presentation among the control cases was 8.6% (p<0.001) and that of transverse lie was 1.9% (p<0.001). There were also significant statistical differences between the cases of cord prolapse and controls in terms of prematurity, low birth weight, unbooked status and multiparity. The perinatal rate was 222/1000 (22.2%) compared to the perinatal mortality of 68/1000 (6.8%) for the control group.Conclusion: It is suggested that pregnant women should be encouraged to register early in pregnancy for antenatal care as this will enhance early identification of the risk factors and appropriate management instituted to reduce perinatal mortality

Prevalence and outcome of pregnancy among elderly primigravida in Aminu Kano teaching hospital, Kano: a 5 year review

Background: As women increasingly delay child bearing, the proportion of women having their first delivery at ''advanced maternal age'' is expected to rise. These elderly primigravidae have traditionally been considered to be at increased risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes compared to their younger counterparts, because of associated pregnancy and labour complications. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of elderly primigravidae and compare their pregnancy outcome with that of younger primigravidae in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective case control study comparing the pregnancy outcome of primigravid mothers aged 35 years and above (elderly primigravidae) with those of younger primigravidae aged 20-25 years, who delivered at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital between January 2009 and December 2013. Results: There were 18,452 deliveries during the period under review, out of which 295 were primigravidae aged 35 years or above giving a prevalence of 1.6%. There was statistically significant higher preterm delivery rate ( X2= 10.30, P= 0.001) and caesarean delivery rate (X2= 12.15, P= 0.0001) among the elderly primigravidae compared to younger primigravidae. The elderly primigravidae were more prone to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (X2=23.96, P=0.0001) and diabetes (X2=4.689, P=0.030) compared to the younger primigravidae. The prevalence of antepartum haemorrhage (X2=6.434, P=0.011) and uterine fibroids (X2=5.549, P=0.019) were also statistically significant among the elderly primigravidae compared to the younger primigravidae. There was no significant difference in the other maternal and foetal outcome measures. Conclusion: The prevalence of elderly primigravidae in this study was 1.6%. The prevalence of obstetric complications such as preterm delivery, antepartum haemorrhage, uterine fibroids coexisting with pregnancy and medical conditions like hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and diabetes mellitus are higher among elderly primigravidae compared to younger primigravidae. The elderly primigravidae were also more liable to have caesarean deliveries than the younger primigravidae. However there was no difference in the fetal outcome in the two groups

Résultats préliminaires de la population bénéficiaire de la stratégie PTME, option B+, à Lubumbashi de 2013 à 2014

Objectif : Déterminer le taux de Transmission Mère-Enfant du VIH (TME), le suivi post-natal ainsi que les facteurs de risque de perdus de vue sous l'option B+.Patientes et méthodes : Etude prospective des accouchées séropositives au VIH suivies du 1er janvier 2013 au 31 décembre 2014 à l'HGR de la commune Kenya et du 1er janvier 2014 au 31 décembre 2014 à la maternité de l'Hôpital Général de Référence (HGR) de Kampemba. Ont été étudiés : les caractéristiques socio-démographiques des accouchées, les données cliniques, obstétricales et celles propres à la PTME, la TME, le suivi post-natal et facteurs de risque. L'analyse des données a été faite à l'aide du logiciel Epi info 7.0 ; les fréquences exprimées en pourcentage, le test de Fisher utilisé et le seuil significatif fixé à p < 0,05.Résultats : L'âge des accouchées était de 21 à 43 ans (âge moyen : 31 ans). Presque toutes nos patientes étaient en union conjugale, et au moins 76% d'entre elles avaient atteint 6 ans d'études primaires. Quatre-vingt-trois pour cent des femmes n'avaient aucune activité professionnelle spécifique et 72% se confessaient dans les églises de réveil. La parité variait entre 0 et 12 avec une moyenne de 4 ± 2 ; 61 des 86 gestantes (71%) étaient des multipares (parité > 2). L'âge gestationnel moyen était de 38,8 ± 1,0 SA. La quasi-totalité des accouchements (88 : 98,88%) se sont déroulés par voie naturelle. Des 90 naissances vivantes, 47 nouveau-nés étaient de sexe masculin (52,22%). Le poids de naissance variait entre 1400 et 4200 grammes (moyenne : 3174,57 ± 596,9 grammes). Vingt-huit accouchées étaient connues séropositives avant la grossesse (33,33%), pour 52 femmes, la découverte avait été enregistrée au cours de la grossesse (61,90%) et pour 5 autres lors de l'accouchement (5,95%). Parmi les accouchées, 27 (32,14%) étaient sous TAR à vie avant la grossesse, 53 (63,09%) ont été mises sous thérapie pendant la grossesse et 4 (4,76%) ont démarré la trithérapie à vie lors de l'accouchement. Le taux de CD4 variait entre 3 et 1109/mm3 avec un taux moyen de 429,88 ± 198/mm3. Vingt-six accouchées sur 76 (34,20%) avaient un taux de CD4 < 350/mm3. Soixante-huit nouveau-nés avaient bénéficié de l'allaitement maternel exclusif (83,95%) et 97,62% d'entre eux avaient reçu la névirapine pendant 6 semaines. Considéré à 9 mois et à 12 mois, par rapport aux nourrissons dépistés pour lesquels le statut immunologique a été précisé, le taux de TME serait de 4 nourrissons pour 55 (7,27%) et 4 sur 27 (14,81%) respectivement. Le moment de mise sous TAR maternel ne semble pas avoir influé sur la dynamique de rétention ou non des couples mère-enfant durant les 12 mois de suivi post-natal. Au bout de 12 mois du suivi post-natal, seuls 40 (47,62%) des 84 couples mère-enfant attendus avaient été retrouvés mais l'analyse factorielle en rapport avec les données socio-démographiques n'avait pas identifié formellement les facteurs pouvant expliquer la faible rétention observée dans cette étude à part l'éloignement vis-à-vis du site.Conclusion : Les défis à surmonter notamment dans le suivi post-natal sont le délai d'attente trop long des résultats PCR-DNA ainsi que le nombre élevé des perdues de vue

Effect of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria on the outcome of pregnancy among women attending antenatal clinic of a new Nigerian teaching hospital, Ado-Ekiti

Background: Malaria is a public health problem globally especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa and among the under five children and pregnant women and is associated with a lot of maternal and foetal complications. Objective: The study was on the effect of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy on the prevalence of malaria in pregnancy and the outcome of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to women admitted in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital labour ward, Ado-Ekiti. About 4,200 women participated in the study and the inclusion criteria were women who were booked in the hospital, attended at least four antenatal clinic visits, and consented to the study while the exclusion criteria were those who didn't book in the hospital and failed to give their consent. Results: The study revealed that about 75% of the pregnant women studied had access to intermittent preventive treatment of malaria. Among the women attending the antenatal clinic that received sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), about 78% of them took two doses of SP. The prevalence of clinical malaria was statistically higher in women who did not receive intermittent preventive treatment with SP during pregnancy (44.7% vs. 31.3%, P = 0.0001) and among women who had one dose of the drug instead of two doses (40.0% vs. 28.7%, P = 0.0001). There was no statistical significant difference in the mean age in years (31.53 ± 5.238 vs. 31.07 ± 4.751, P = 0.09 and the gestational age at delivery (38.76 ± 1.784 vs. 38.85 ± 1.459, P = 0.122) between the women who did not receive SP and those who had it. There was a statistical significant difference in the outcome of pregnancy among women who had Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) and those who did not viz.-a-viz. in the duration of labor (8.6 ± 1.491 vs. 8.7 ± 1.634, P = 0.011) and the birth weight of the babies (3.138 ± 0.402 vs. 3.263 ± 0.398, P = 0.0001)

Preconception care and sickle cell anemia in pregnancy

Background: Pregnancy in women with sickle cell anemia is associated with adverse outcome for mother and child; but with improvements in medical care; the outcome has greatly improved in developed countries. Despite being the most prevalent genetic disease in Africa; sickle-cell disease; along with its serious health problems in pregnancy; is largely neglected. Objective: To determine the effects of preconceptual care on pregnancy outcome among booked patients with homozygous sickle cell disease at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano; Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cohort study of the pregnancy outcome; among booked 39 pregnant women with homozygous sickle cell disease (Hbss); who had preconception care; and an equal number of booked pregnant women with homozygous sickle cell disease (Hbss); who did not have preconception care (controls); at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; between January 2000 and December 2006. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of complications between the two groups; but complications occurred with less frequency among the cases compared to the controls. Conclusion: This study suggest that preconception care and effective prenatal care by a multidisciplinary team; and delivery in a hospital which is accustomed to management of sickle cell disease and its complications; is associated with good pregnancy outcome in women with sickle cell anemia in pregnancy