Recent research on the epidemiology and preventive strategies of neonatal group B Streptococcus infection in the latest decade / 中国当代儿科杂志

Currently, the main strategy for preventing neonatal group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is prenatal screening combined with intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, which has effectively reduced the incidence of neonatal GBS early-onset disease. However, the burden of GBS infection is still significant. The intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis strategy has limitations such as inducing antibiotic resistance and inability to effectively prevent GBS late-onset disease. It is crucial to develop and evaluate other prevention strategies, while paying close attention to assessing penicillin allergy in pregnant women and how to prevent GBS infection in neonates with negative maternal GBS screening. In recent years, there has been some progress in GBS vaccines and related immunological research, and the use of specific vaccines is expected to significantly reduce GBS infection in neonates.

The influence of the colonization of Streptococcus agalactis in the lower genital tract during pregnancy on the perinatal outcome / 中国综合临床

Objective:To investigate the effect of the colonization of group B streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women and the use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) on perinatal outcomes.Methods:The clinical data of 1 078 pregnant women and their newborn babies delivered in Tongzhou and Xicheng hospital areas of Beijing Friendship Hospital from January 2020 to February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical characteristics, complications, perinatal outcomes and neonatal prognosis of the pregnant women with positive and negative GBS were compared according to the GBS colonization, and the effects of IAP on the clinical characteristics, complications, perinatal outcomes and neonatal prognosis of the pregnant women with positive GBS was compared. The measurement data with normal distribution is expressed by x±s, two independent sample t-test was used for comparison between groups. Counting data were expressed in cases or cases (%), Inter group comparison χ 2 test. Results:Among 1 078 pregnant women, 93 were GBS positive (8.6%, GBS positive group), and 93 cases matching the clinical data of the GBS positive group were selected as the GBS negative group. There was no significant difference in age, gestational age, number of pregnancies, number of births, mode of delivery, abnormal blood pressure, abnormal blood glucose, abnormal thyroid function and the proportion of any complication in the GBS positive group (P values were 0.630, 0.613, 0.311, 0.761, 0.163, 0.601, 0.467, 0.388, 1.000, respectively). The proportion of neonates in GBS positive group transferred to pediatrics, the incidence of neonatal infection, pneumonia, anemia and bacterial infection rate were higher than those in GBS negative group (57.0%(53/93) vs 23.7%(22/93), 10.8%(10/93) vs 3.2%(3/93), 29.0%(27/93) vs 14.0%(13/93), 21.5%(20/93) vs 8.6%(8/93), 22.6%(21/93) vs 6.5%(6/93)) (χ 2 values were 21.47, 4.05, 6.24, 6.05, 9.75, respectively; the P values were <0.001, 0.044, 0.012, 0.014, 0.002, respectively). The hospitalization time of neonates transferred to pediatrics was longer than that of GBS negative group (4(0,5) d vs 0(0,0) d, Z=-4.03, P<0.001). The proportion of neonates in IAP group transferred to pediatrics and the incidence of pathological jaundice and adverse outcomes were lower than those in non IAP group (51.1% (24/47) vs 78.1% (25/32), 44.7% (21/47) vs 78.1% (25/32), 42.6% (20/47) vs 65.6% (21/32)) (χ 2 values are 5.92, 8.76 and 4.06, respectively, P values are 0.015, 0.003 and 0.044 respectively). The hospitalization time of neonates transferred to pediatrics was shorter than that of non IAP group (3(0,5) d vs 5(2,7) d, Z=-2.60, P=0.009). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of delivery mode, water breaking time, birth weight of neonates, infection, pneumonia, bacteremia/sepsis, and anemia ( P values were 0.073, 0.085, 0.479, 0.538, 0.157, 0.161, 0.238). Conclusions:GBS colonization in the lower genital tract does not increase the incidence of intrauterine infection, premature rupture of membranes and spontaneous preterm delivery in pregnant women, but the risk of bacterial infection and adverse outcomes in newborns is higher, the rate of paediatric transfer is higher, and the hospital stay is longer. IAP can reduce the incidence of neonatal pathological jaundice and shorten the hospital stay.

Exploring factors influencing Essential Intrapartum and Newborn Care (EINC) practice amongst Covid-19 suspected mothers: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND@#The practice of Unang Yakap or Essential Intrapartum and Newborn Care (EINC) during the COVID-19 pandemic poses a safety concern with regards to a newborn’s exposure to their COVID-19 suspected mother. @*OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to describe the experiences of COVID-19-suspected mothers and explore the factors influencing their decision to allow healthcare professionals to practice full EINC. Specifically, it aims to: 1) describe the experiences of mothers prior to, during, and immediately after delivery, and during postpartum care leading to their decision; and 2) explore the factors that influence the participant’s decision to practice EINC amidst the pandemic.@*METHODOLOGY@#For this phenomenological case study, online interviews with nine (9) participants were conducted using a 13-item questionnaire describing their experience. Thematic analysis using the inductive and semantic approach was conducted to identify the common themes or factors. @*RESULTS@#Of the nine (9) participants, five (5) experienced EINC, while four (4) did not. The COVID-19 status and the choice to undergo Unang Yakap were not a causal relationship. Two main influences, mother-related factors, and hospital-related factors, were identified and were found to have weight in decision-making. The mother-related factors include prior knowledge and perception towards EINC, COVID-19 status, personal beliefs, and information from social media; while the hospital-related factors are hospital facilities, hospital protocols, and HCW-patient relationship. @*CONCLUSION@#By delineating the different factors that influence mothers’ decisions, this study allows for the identification of possible bottlenecks in the practice of EINC, as well as effective and efficient means to encourage its practice.

Revisión bibliográfica: ecografía intraparto / Review: intrapartum ultrasound

The evaluation of labor is the clinical process by which variables are analyzed in order to determine whether the patient is in labor, which by definition includes regular uterine contractions that increase in frequency and intensity, associated with dilation cervical. This is done through the anamnesis and physical examination, specifically through the evaluation of contractions and vaginal examination, the latter is intended to specify the degree of dilation, cervical effacement that the patient presents and also allows to a certain degree, establish the presentation, attitude and variety of position in which the fetus is located. From this premise, it is proposed that vaginal examination, since it is operator dependent, is not an objective evaluation, therefore, there is a need to reach consensus on the evaluation, and in order to carry it out, evaluation with ultrasound is proposed, which has as a purpose to objectify the variety of position and presentation of the fetus. Due to the above, this article aims to capture the knowledge that is currently possessed about the uses and methodology that intrapartum ultrasound presents.

A Critical Assessment of Stillbirths at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Globally in 2015, 2.6 million stillbirths occurred with estimated stillbirth rate (SBR) of 18.4/1000 births. India is the world capital of stillbirth accounting for 22.6% of world’s stillbirths. Objectives: The objective of the study is to study the demographic profile of women experiencing stillbirth, to understand the risk factors for stillbirth in low resource settings, and to find the etiology of stillbirth so as to facilitate designing of a stillbirth prevention strategy. Methods: This was a cross?sectional observational study done at a tertiary care hospital of Delhi from June 2017 to December 2019. All babies delivered after 20 weeks of gestation showing no sign of life after birth were considered stillborn. Prestructured proforma was filled for each case and data were analyzed. Results: A total of 50,461 births took place during the study period, out of which 1824 were stillborn, making SBR of 36.15/1000 births of our institution. Most of the women belonged to age group 21–25 years and more than 50% of women were illiterate. Twenty?nine percent of women were completely unbooked, 48% were referred from other centers and 23% were registered at our hospital. Placental causes accounted for 22%, hypertension for 23%, and labor complications for 9% of cases while in 22% cases, cause could not be found. Conclusion: Stillbirth remains a neglected issue. A significant proportion of stillbirths are preventable by adequate antenatal care. Notification of stillbirths will give us the exact figures and realization of the seriousness of the problem which will help us work towards the solutions.

Research progress on risk factors of neonatal cerebral infaraction / 中国小儿急救医学

Neonatal cerebral infaraction(NCI)is the brain injury caused by cerebrovascular disease in neonates within 28 days, which can lead to poor outcome.At present, the etiology of NCI is still unclear, which may involve a variety of risk factors concerning maternal, placental and neonatal issues.The risk of developing NCI increases when risk factors increase.In order to indentify neonates with risk factors and diagnose NCI early, this review summarized the high-risk factors of NCI from three aspects, involving prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum stages.Timely intervention need to be given to improve the prognosis of neonates with NCI.

Effect of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis of group B streptococcus infection on the incidence and bacteriological profile of early-onset neonatal sepsis / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the effect of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) of group B streptococcus (GBS) infection on the incidence and bacteriological profile of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 494 pregnant women with positive GBS screening results and 526 neonates born by these women. According to whether the pregnant woman received IAP, the neonates were divided into two groups: IAP (n=304) and control (n=222). The two groups were compared in terms of clinical indices, incidence rate of EONS, and distribution of pathogenic bacteria in blood culture.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the IAP group had a significantly lower proportion of children with abnormal clinical manifestations (P<0.001) and a significantly lower incidence rate of EONS (P=0.022). In the IAP group, Escherichia coli (2.3%) was the most common type of pathogenic bacteria in blood culture of the neonates with EONS, while GBS (3.2%) was the most common type of pathogenic bacteria in the control group. The IAP group had a significantly higher detection rate of ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli than the control group (P=0.029).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Although IAP can significantly reduce the incidence rate of EONS in neonates born to pregnant women with positive GBS screening results, the infection rate of ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli may increase after IAP treatment. Therefore, it is needed to enhance the monitoring of blood culture results of neonates with EONS and timely adjust treatment plan according to drug susceptibility test results.

Protocolo para el manejo anestésico del binomio materno fetal en el proyecto EXIT para neonatos con hernia diafragmática / Protocol for the anesthetic management of the maternal-fetal binomial in the EXIT project for neonates with diaphragmatic hernia

Resumen: EXIT (tratamiento ex útero intraparto). El manejo anestésico para esta cirugía es significativamente diferente del manejo anestésico de una cesárea convencional, involucra anestesia general profunda con halogenados, administración de narcóticos, relajación uterina adecuada y preservación del flujo útero placentario hacia el feto durante la anestesia y al mismo tiempo tiene el beneficio de la anestesia general para que el producto obtenga anestesia y facilite el acceso a la vía aérea del neonato antes del pinzamiento del cordón umbilical. El fin de mantener la oxigenación a través de la placenta es efectuar la maniobra de intubación sin el riesgo de hipoxia. En el Hospital Infantil de México «Federico Gómez¼ se lleva a cabo este tipo de cirugías desde junio de 2007; sin embargo, aún no se cuenta con un manejo homogéneo. Material y métodos: A través de un reporte de casos se hizo una revisión perioperatoria de las pacientes embarazadas, a las cuales se les dio manejo anestésico para cirugía EXIT en el período comprendido entre junio de 2007 y mayo de 2018. Resultados: De los 43 casos manejados, la información anestésica perioperatoria obtenida permitió homologar el manejo anestésico del binomio materno fetal para poder realizar un protocolo intrahospitalario. Conclusión: El poder realizar un protocolo para el manejo anestésico del binomio materno fetal en el proyecto EXIT permite disminuir las complicaciones y la morbimortalidad ofreciendo mejor calidad en la atención.

Abstract: The anesthetic management for this procedure is quite different from the anesthetic management of a conventional caesarean section. It includes deep general anesthesia with halogenated and narcotic administration, to get adecuate uterine relaxation and preservation of best uteroplacental flow to the fetus during anesthesia and the benefit of general anesthesia to aim the neonate show effects of of anesthetic medication by this way facilitate airway access before umbilical cord clamping. The aim to mantain placental oxigenation to neonate is avoid hypoxia risk during intubation technique. In the Hospital Infantil de Mexico «Federico Gómez¼ this procedures have been carried out since June 2007, however, there is still no homogeneous management. Material and methods: Through a case report, a perioperative files review was made of pregnant patients who were given anesthetic management for EXIT procedure in June 2007 to May 2018 period. Results: Of the 43 cases, the perioperative anesthetic information obtained allowed to standardize the anesthetic management of the maternal fetal binomial in order to perform an intrahospital protocol. Conclusion: The ability to perform a protocol for the anesthetic management of the maternal fetal binomial in the exit project allows to reduce complications and morbidity and mortality in the binomial, offering better quality of care.

EXIT: Estado del arte y cómo lo hacemos

Resumen El protocolo EXIT (tratamiento ex-útero intraparto) es una técnica que permite establecer una vía aérea segura y estable, en un feto con obstrucción de esta o riesgo al momento del parto. Se basa en mantener la circulación uteroplacentaria con anestesia neonatal, logrando una hipotonía uterina controlada. Todo otorrinolaringólogo que se desempeñe en un hospital que cuente con un servicio de obstetricia de alta complejidad puede ser requerido en este tipo de casos y debe tener un protocolo establecido de cómo proceder. En nuestro medio se trata de un procedimiento poco frecuente que obliga a la revisión de la técnica. No existe un protocolo único en la literatura internacional, pero sí principios fundamentales. Se presenta caso clínico de un embarazo, en que se identifica una masa cervical fetal, realizándose el protocolo EXIT. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura, se describen los principios de esta técnica, así como también nuestro enfrentamiento y lecciones aprendidas.

Abstract The EXIT protocol (ex-utero intrapartum treatment) is a technique that allows establishing a safe and stable airway in a fetus with airway obstruction, or at risk of it, at the time of delivery. It is based on maintaining uteroplacental circulation with neonatal anesthesia, achieving controlled uterine hypotonia. Any otolaryngologist working in a hospital that has a highly complex gynecology and obstetric service may be required in this type of case and must have an established protocol of how to proceed. In our setting, it is an infrequent procedure, so it requires a revision of the surgical technique. There is no established protocol in the literature, but there are fundamental principles. We describe a clinical case of a pregnancy where a fetal cervical mass was identified, and an EXIT protocol was performed. A review of the literature is presented, the principles of this technique are described, as well as our procedure and lessons learned.

A well-orchestrated EXIT strategy: A case of a successful ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure for Cystic Hygroma / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

@#A fetal neck mass such as cystic hygroma imposes a challenge in the continuing prenatal care and birth strategy for a 26-year-old gravida 2 para 1 (1001) with a scarred uterus from previous low transverse cesarean section (CS). An intricate delivery for the fetus with a potential airway obstruction necessitates an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) delivery. The patient was initially scheduled to undergo the procedure at 38 weeks of gestation, but preterm labor ensued. Close antenatal monitoring was done which carried the pregnancy to term. The multidisciplinary approach and planning requires consensus among varied specialties as this maternal–fetal surgery differs immensely from a regular CS. This aims to document and discuss the preoperative, operative and postoperative management done for this patient. The EXIT procedure was performed at 38 weeks' age of gestation with good maternal outcomes. The fetus was delivered safely.

Postnatal bladder dysfunction

Background: Voiding difficulty and urinary retention is a common phenomenon in immediate postpartum period. Absolute or relative failure to empty the bladder resulting from decreased bladder contractility (magnitude or duration) or increased bladder outlet resistance or both are defined as voiding dysfunction. It needs high index of suspicion or else can go undiagnosed and can lead to magnitude of problems. The study aims to calculate the incidence of dysfunction of bladder in postnatal women and to study risk factors associated with development of bladder dysfunction and management strategies in cases of bladder dysfunction.Methods: Authors did a prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital. 200 postpartum women were screened for complaints of voiding dysfunction within 6 hours of removal of catheter in post caesarean patients and of normal vaginal delivery. Authors found that the voiding dysfunction was relatively common with an incidence of 20.20%. Following risk factors were analyzed: parity, mode of delivery, pain at suture site, baby weight, para-urethral tear.Results: Postpartum voiding dysfunction was found to be relatively common with statistically significant association found for pain at suture site and para urethral tear. Intra partum events contributed to voiding dysfunction. 93% of patients who with voiding dysfunction could be managed conservatively, and only 7% had to undergo intervention in the form of re catheterization.Conclusions: The early identification and treatment can reduce the pain and discomfort. Majority of the cases resolves with conservative management and nursing staff plays a key role in early detection of the symptoms.

Técnica EXIT como manejo de la vía aérea en masas gigantes congénitas de cuello / Ex-Utero Intrapartum Treatment for airway management in congenital giant neck masses

Resumen: Introducción: Las masas congénitas de cabeza y cuello se asocian a asfixia perinatal e injuria cerebral con elevada mortalidad. La técnica EXIT (Ex Útero Intrapartum Treatment) consiste en asegurar la vía aérea del neonato, sin interrumpir la oxigenación y perfusión materno-fetal a través del soporte placentario. Esta técnica no ha sido estandarizada en países de medianos ingresos. Objetivo: Describir el caso clínico de 2 neonatos manejados mediante la técnica EXIT. Caso Clínico: Se reportan dos casos, uno con malformación linfática diagnosticada a la semana 20 gestación y el segundo con tiromegalia y polihidramnios diagnosticados a la semana 35 de gestación. En ambos casos, duran te la cesárea se realizó la técnica EXIT con un equipo conformado por neonatólogo, ginecólogo, anestesiólogo, cirujano pediatra, otorrinolaringólogo, enfermero y terapeuta respiratorio. En los dos pacientes se logró asegurar la vía aérea mediante intubación orotraqueal al primer intento. En el caso 1 se confirmó la malformación linfática y recibió escleroterapia, y en el caso 2 se diagnosticó hipotiroidismo congénito asociado a bocio, que fue manejado con levotiroxina. Los pacientes se mantuvieron 7 y 9 días con ventilación mecánica invasiva respectivamente y egresaron sin complicaciones respiratorias. Conclusiones: La técnica EXIT en estos casos fue un procedimiento seguro, llevado a cabo sin inconvenientes. Se necesita un equipo multidisciplinario y la disponibilidad de una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales, con el objetivo de reducir potenciales complica ciones y garantizar el manejo postnatal. Para lograr su ejecución, es indispensable el diagnóstico prenatal oportuno.

Abstract: Introduction: Congenital head and neck masses are associated with perinatal asphyxia and brain injury, increasing the risk of death. The EXIT (Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment) technique con sists of ensuring the newborn's airway while is still receiving placental support. This technique has not been standardized in developing countries. Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of two infants who underwent the EXIT technique. Clinical Case: We present two cases, one with lymphatic malformation diagnosed at 20 weeks of gestational age (WGE) and the second one, a preterm newborn with thyromegaly and polyhydramnios, diagnosed at 35 WGE. In both cases, during the C-section, the EXIT technique was performed with a team of a neonatologist, a gyne cologist, an anesthesiologist, a pediatric surgeon, an otolaryngologist, a nurse, and a respiratory therapist. In both patients, the neonatologist achieved to secure the airway through orotracheal intubation at the first attempt. In the first case, lymphatic malformation was confirmed and re ceived sclerotherapy, and the second one was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism which was managed with levothyroxine. The patients needed invasive mechanical ventilation for 7 and 9 days, respectively, and were discharged without respiratory complications. Conclusions: In these patients, the EXIT technique was a safe procedure, carried out without inconvenience. A multi disciplinary approach and the availability of a neonatal intensive care unit are needed to reduce potential complications and ensure postnatal management. Timely prenatal diagnosis is essential to perform this technique.

Study of intrapartum fetal distress with the help of cardiotocography and its correlation with umbilical cord blood sampling

Background: Even in low risk mothers, fetal acidosis occurs as in high risk groups. Aim of fetal monitoring is to detect early response to intrauterine hypoxia and prevent irreversible neurological damage and death. Objective of this study was to correlate the intrapartum fetal distress with the help of cardiotocography CTG with umbilical cord blood sampling.Methods: A total 100 consecutive patients attending the labor ward were studied. Immediately at birth, before the baby’s first breath and before delivery of the placenta, the umbilical cord blood was collected as per the standard guidelines laid down in the standard textbooks. Fetal acidosis was assessed by umbilical cord arterial blood pH. Fetal acidosis was considered when umbilical artery pH <7.2. Cardiotocography features were used to clinically diagnose fetal distress.Results: Most of the mothers were multigravida. They belonged to the age group of 20-25 years. Only 18% had abnormal CTG. Out of 50 mothers with normal vaginal delivery, all had normal CTG. Out of 43 mothers who were delivered by LSCS, no one had normal CTG, 25 had indeterminate CTG and 18 had abnormal CTG. As CTG became abnormal, proportion of mothers with the thick meconium increased. NICU admission proportion increased as CTG changed from normal to the abnormal. There was a significant association between the abnormal CTG and the umbilical cord blood pH being acidic.Conclusions: CTG is a simple test, easy to perform and can alert obstetrician for necessary interventions in case of an abnormal CTG. It can detect fetal distress in labor thus helping to reduce neonatal morbidity by early intervention in cases of abnormal tracing.

Role of Non-stress Test in Antenatal Fetal Assessment in High-risk Pregnancy in Comparison with Normal Pregnancy

Background and Objectives: Non-stress test (NST) is one of the most widely used primary tests for the assessment of fetal well-being. It is a graphical recording of fetal heart activity and uterine contractions simultaneously and continuously when uterus is quiescent with fetal movements. It has been incorporated into biophysical profile system. It is simple, inexpensive, non-invasive, easily performed, and interpreted. Hence, it can be used to screen a large population as an outpatient department procedure. This study was done to observe the efficacy and diagnostic value of NST for antenatal surveillance and comparison of test results with mode of delivery and adverse perinatal outcome. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 high-risk (HR) pregnant women (study group – selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria) and 100 low-risk (LR) pregnant women (control group) were randomly enrolled into study and followed up with NST from 32 weeks of gestation and repeated at appropriate intervals in cases of the HR group. Results: In the LR group, there was an increased incidence of intrapartum fetal death (IPFD), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), and decreased liquor quantity in non-reactive (NR) subgroup compared to reactive NST (R-NST) subgroup. However, in the HR group, NR-NST was associated with significantly increased incidence of decreased liquor quantity, low Apgar score at 5 min of birth, and perinatal mortality compared to the R-NST subgroup. Although the statistical incidence of IPFD was not significant in the NR-NST subgroup compared to R-NST, it appeared clinically significant. MSAF incidence was not significant in these two NST result subgroups. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of NST in the LR group were 100%, 81.8%, and 100%, respectively; likewise, in the HR group, they are 75%, 78.1%, and 98.7%, respectively, for perinatal mortality. Conclusion: NST is a valuable screening test for detecting fetal compromise in both HR and LR fetuses that may have a poor perinatal outcome. Predictive value of NST for perinatal mortality was higher in the LR group compared to the HR group though statistically was not significant.

Pregnancy and delivery of a women with Von Willebrand disease type 3: a case report

Von Willebrand disease (VWB) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, found in approximately 1% of the general population, without ethnic differences. A multidisciplinary team ensuring readiness of availability of blood and blood products, perfect intraoperative hemostatis and administration of timely Von Willebrands factor are essential to prevent complications and improve perinatal outcome.

Effect of magnetic beads auricular point sticking therapy on intrapartum fever in primipara with epidural labor analgesia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe effect of magnetic beads auricular point sticking therapy on intrapartum fever in primipara with epidural labor analgesia and explore its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 160 primipara were randomly divided into an observation group (80 cases, 12 cases dropped off ) and a control group (80 cases, 15 cases dropped off ). The primipara in the control group received epidural labor analgesia. In the observation group, 15 min after epidural labor analgesia was performed, magnetic beads auricular point sticking therapy was given at shenmen (TF@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in tympanic temperature in the observation group at each time point (@*CONCLUSION@#Magnetic beads auricular point sticking therapy can reduce the amount of anesthetics, decrease the effect of epidural analgesia on primipara's body temperature regulation and labor progress, and lower the incidence of fever during labor analgesia by regulating the level of inflammatory response in the primipara.

Maternal Satisfaction Towards Intrapartum Care of Designated Healthcare Facilities and Its Associated Factors Among Postnatal Women Attending Klinik Kesihatan Salak

@#Introduction: The World Health Organization recommends evaluation of maternal satisfaction to improve quality of health care during childbirth. Dissatisfaction may lead to undesired outcomes such as unassisted homebirth and delay in seeking treatment. Determining the maternal satisfaction level and its associated factors may help to improve health care services and prevent negative implications to both mothers and infants. This study aimed to determine the maternal satisfaction towards intrapartum care of designated healthcare facilities and its associated factors among postnatal women. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of postnatal women attended Klinik Kesihatan Salak from December 2017 to February 2018. Systematic random sampling with the ratio of 1:3 was applied to the eligible respondents. A self-administered questionnaire that include respondent’s socio-demographic characteristics and a validated 14-items Maternal Satisfaction with Hospital-based Intrapartum Care Scale was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23. Results: 274 respondents were recruited in this study. Overall, only 21.2% of respondents were satisfied with the intrapartum care given. The level of satisfaction was highest in interpersonal care domain (36.1%), followed by physical birth environment (34.3%) and the least satisfied was information and decision making domain (27.7%). Binary logistic regression showed that maternal satisfaction was significantly associated with place of birth (AOR (95% CI): 0.046 (0.183, 0.984)) and labour complications (AOR (95% CI): 3.387 (1.345, 8.528)). Conclusion: The overall maternal satisfaction towards intrapartum care was low and the information and decision-making domain appeared to be the least satisfied. Maternal satisfaction was associated with place of birth and labour complications. Therefore, health care providers should emphasize and improve the quality of services especially for this domain and to consider factor that contribute to dissatisfaction towards the intrapartum care.

Pregnancy outcomes of normal versus abnormal cardiotocography in a tertiary centre in Nepal

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth is normal physiological process with great pathological potential. The obstetricians are more concerned with the early recognition of fetal distress during labour and such an adverse outcome should be detected at the earliest point of time by an effective surveillance method. Cardiotocography as a part of biophysical profile has become an established diagnostic tool for fetal surveillance. To compare early perinatal outcome of normal and abnormal cardiotocography in terms of APGAR scores, need for neonatal resuscitation, NICU admission, perinatal death and mode of delivery.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. 200 nulliparous/multiparous women with singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation at gestational age 37-42 weeks in latent stage of labor were enrolled in the study and subjected to admission test in left lateral position using fetal monitor. Baseline FHR and contraction pattern were determined for 20 minutes and classification of patients was done into normal, and suspicious or abnormal according to the FIGO guidelines 2015.Results: Low APGAR scores, rate of LSCS, need for neonatal resuscitation, neonatal admission were more in the abnormal cardiotocography group. Cardiotocography in the current study has high sensitivity and high negative predictive value for detecting fetal distress.Conclusions: From the analysis of this study, it would be safe to conclude that an ominous cardiotocography should be managed appropriately without delay and obstetrician should be vigilant in suspicious as well as in normal admission test group for timely intervention for bettering the neonatal outcome.

A study of the prevalence of group B streptococci in the third trimester of pregnancy

Background: Group B Streptococci (GBS) is an important cause of early onset neonatal sepsis and the maternal colonization of this organism is a key factor in the occurrence of GBS associated morbidity and mortality in the newborns. Timely recognition of its presence in the genital tract of a pregnant women and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis can significantly bring down the burden of the disease in neonates. A cross sectional study was conducted on  antenatal women during 35-37weeks of gestation to evaluate the prevalence of Group B Streptococci in third trimester of pregnancy and explore the feasibility of including GBS screening in the routine antenatal investigation protocol.Methods: 200 antenatal women satisfying the exclusion/inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Vaginal and perianal swabs were collected using sterile swab sticks and inoculated using the specified media. Beta hemolysis and typical colonies were looked for under microscope. Positive cases were subjected to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis and the neonates were observed for 72 hours to look for any signs of sepsis.Results: It was found that 2% of the women screened were positive for GBS .While none of the newborns of the 4 positive cases showed any signs of sepsis.Conclusions: Prophylactic intrapartum prophylaxis against GBS has shown to decrease the chances of neonatal sepsis but more detailed and robust studies are required before incorporating routine screening in our antenatal care system.

Maternal and Perinatal Complications from a Hospital-based Intra-partum Complications Registry Established in Remote Referral Hospitals of a Desert District of India

Background: Despite increase in institutional deliveries, maternal and neonatal mortality has reduced slower than expected. It is important to know the reasons of maternal and perinatal deaths for doing focused efforts for reducing them. Objective: The objective of this study was to establish a system to improve estimation of maternal and perinatal complications among deliveries. Methods: The study was designed as a descriptive study. An Intrapartum Complications Registry was set up in eleven government hospitals of Bikaner. In each facility, a “champion” nurse ensured the complete documentation in case sheets and delivery register, and entered all maternal and perinatal complications into an Intrapartum Complications Register which was digitized into a registry database. The data for a six-month period in 2014 was analysed. Results: Out of 3675 women admitted to the labour rooms of the study facilities, 295 women were referred out with complications before delivery, and 3380 mothers delivered 3386 new-borns (including 6 twins). The registry documented 828 cases (22.5%) (512 mothers and 363 new-borns, 47 cases having both mother and new-born complications) with 1014 complications (535 maternal and 479 perinatal complications). The commonest maternal complications were haemorrhage (47.1%), prolonged or obstructed labour (28.4%) and hypertensive disorders (15.3%). The commonest perinatal complications were low birth weight (33.6%), birth asphyxia (18.6%) and neonatal sepsis (16.2%). No maternal or neonatal deaths occurred up to the first 48 hours. Conclusion: Intrapartum Complications Registry improved the documentation of and revealed the profile of maternal and perinatal complications in the study area.