Mortalidad Materna en Venezuela: aspectos médicos y Políticas (1940 - 2016) / Materna Mortality in Venezuela: medical issues and Public Policy (1940 - 2016)

En la actualidad Venezuela se encuentra en una crisis social y económica sin precedentes. La mortalidad materna(MM) es un indicador en salud importante, debido a que permite tener idea de la atención médica de un país; se mide a través de dos indicadores: Razón de Mortalidad Materna (RMM) y Tasa de Mortalidad Materna (TMM). Objetivo: Revisar y compararla evolución de ambos indicadores de MM desde la década de 1930 hasta la década 2000. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura y de informes técnicos de organismos gubernamentales y no gubernamentales para el análisis de la situación previa y reciente de esta situación en Venezuela. Los resultados señalan que existe una notable disminución de las cifras de MM como ha de esperarse con el mejoramiento de la tecnología desde la década de 1930 hasta el año 2000; posteriormente ocurre un retroceso de la sanidad pública con cifras comparables a la década de 1960. Concluimos que la MM ha sido desde tiempos pasados un problema constante en la salud pública; al pasar los años y gobiernos, se han implementado numerosas políticas públicas para mejorar esta situación, muchas de estas estrategias han sido fallidas debido a la falta de su continuidad y de su cumplimiento pleno.

Venezuela is currently in an unprecedented socialand economic crisis. Maternal mortality is an important health indicator because it provides an idea of a country's medical care. Maternal mortality is usually measured through two indicators: Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate. Objective: Review and compare the evolution of both healthindicators from the 1930s to 2016. Methods: A review of the literature and technical reports from governmental andnon-governmental organizations was carried out to analyze theprevious and recent situation. of this situation in Venezuela. Theresults indicate that there is a notable decrease in the figures ofmaternal mortality, as should be expected with the improvementof technology from the 1930s to the year 2000. Subsequently, there is a decline in public health with figures comparable to the1960s. We conclude that maternal mortality has been a constant problem in public health since ancient times. Over the years and governments, numerous public policies have been implementedto improve this situation. Many of these strategies have beenfailed due to lack of continuity and in the absence of its full compliance.

Desenlace fatal en embarazadas contagiadas con la COVID-19 / Fatal outcome wiht pregnant and COVID-19

Introducción: Múltiples han sido las muertes y contagios por el nuevo coronavirus. En medio de este contexto el contagio de la enfermedad en pacientes embarazadas ha sido bien documentado. Objetivo: Presentar los eventos ocurridos en embarazadas para transmitir la experiencia a quienes tratan estas pacientes. Presentación del caso: Se expone el caso de una gestante de 24 años, obesa, con embarazo de 25 semanas. Fue ingresada con neumonía por COVID-19 y evolución hacia la insuficiencia respiratoria grave que fallece durante la cesárea. Se recibió en el quirófano con hipoxemia e hipercapnia, taquicardia, cianosis, oliguria y ventilada a presión positiva con oxígeno al 100 %. Se conduce con ketamina, fentanilo y rocuronio. A los 35 min, y posterior a la histerotomía, presentó bradicardia progresiva, por lo que se inicia compresiones torácicas externas y tratamiento farmacológico. Se recuperó el ritmo sinusal a los 12 min, pero recidiva la parada en asistolia a los 20 min, con cianosis en esclavina. Se implementó compresiones y administración de epinefrina hasta fallecer 30 min después por no recuperación de ritmo y signos ciertos de la muerte. Conclusiones: La atención multidisciplinaria mejora las condiciones de tratamiento en todas las etapas. El manejo anestésico individualizado ofrece una estrategia invaluable en casos como estos, independientemente del resultado. El tromboembolismo pulmonar en la gestante es un riesgo latente y asociado a la COVID-19, incrementa, exponencialmente, su letalidad.

Introduction: Multiple deaths and infections due to the new coronavirus have occurred. In the midst of this context, the spread of the disease in pregnant patients has been well documented. Objective: Present the events that occurred in pregnant women, in order to share the experience with those who treat these patients. Presentation of the case: The case of a 24-year-old pregnant woman, obese, with a pregnancy of 25 weeks is presented. She was admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia and evolution towards severe respiratory failure led to her death during cesarean section. She was received in the operating room with hypoxemia and hypercapnia, tachycardia, cyanosis, oliguria and ventilated at positive pressure with 100% oxygen. She was treated with ketamine, fentanyl and rocuronium. At 35 min, and after hysterotomy, she presented progressive bradycardia, so external chest compressions and pharmacological treatment were initiated. The sinus rhythm was recovered at 12 min, but the asystole stop relapsed at 20 min, with cyanosis. Compressions and administration of epinephrine were implemented until death 30 minutes later due to non-recovery of rhythm and certain signs of death. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary care improves treatment conditions at all stages. Individualized anesthetic management offers an invaluable strategy in cases like these, regardless of the outcome. Pulmonary thromboembolism in pregnant women is a latent risk associated with COVID-19, exponentially increasing its lethality.

Condições potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida no ciclo gravídico-puerperal / Condiciones potencialmente amenazantes para la vida en el ciclo gravídico puerperal / Potentially life-threatening conditions determinants in pregnancy-puerperal cycle

ABSTRACT Objetivo: Descrever as principais condições potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida de mulheres durante o ciclo gravídico e puerperal e variáveis relacionadas a esses agravos. Método: Estudo do tipo documental, descritivo e quantitativo, realizado com prontuários de gestantes, parturientes e puérperas internadas em hospital de média complexidade, que apresentaram Condições Potencialmente Ameaçadoras à Vida (CPAV). Foram excluídos os de acesso impossibilitado por estarem sob judice. A amostra foi temporal e a análise univariada. Resultados: Inclui-se 181 prontuários. A maioria das condições ocorreu em mulheres de 16 a 34 anos de idade (61,3%), união estável (60,8%), pardas (31,5%), sem renda ocupacional (29,2%), multíparas (28,87%), com complicações no primeiro trimestre gestacional (32,6%). Verificaram-se a realização de um número insuficiente de consultas (13,8%), dados referentes ao pré-natal ignorados (68%). As principais CPAV foram as síndromes hemorrágicas (28,2%), hipertensivas (25,4%) e infecção (13,3%). Como desfecho, foram observados prevalência de aborto não especificado (22,1%), morte perinatal por doença infecciosa e parasitária da mãe (2,2%). Conclusão: As principais CPAV foram as síndromes hemorrágicas, hipertensivas e infecções. Como desfecho, foram observados alta hospitalar, aborto, referenciamento à UTI, morte perinatal e morte materna.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir las principales condiciones potencialmente amenazantes para la vida de las mujeres durante el ciclo gravídico y puerperal, además de las variables relacionadas con estos agravios. Método: estudio del tipo documental, descriptivo y cuantitativo, realizado con registros médicos de gestantes, parturientes y puérperas internadas en hospital de mediana complejidad, que presentaron Condiciones Potencialmente Amenazantes a la Vida (CPAV). Se excluyeron los de acceso imposibilitado por estar bajo juicio. La muestra fue temporal y el análisis univariado. Resultados: se incluyen 181 registros médicos. La mayoría de las condiciones ocurrió en mujeres de 16 a 34 años de edad (61,3%), unión estable (60,8%), pardas (31,5%), sin ingreso ocupacional (29,2%), multíparas (28,87%), con complicaciones en el primer trimestre gestacional (32,6%). Se constató un número insuficiente de consultas (13,8 %), datos relativos al prenatal ignorados (68 %). Las principales CPAV fueron los trastornos hemorrágicos (28,2%), hipertensivos (25,4%) e infecciosos (13,3%). Como resultado, se observaron: prevalencia de aborto no especificado (22,1%), muerte perinatal por enfermedad infecciosa y parasitaria de la madre (2,2%). Conclusión: las principales CPAV fueron los trastornos hemorrágicos, hipertensivos e infecciones. Como resultado, se observó alta hospitalaria, aborto, referencia a la UCI, muerte perinatal y muerte materna.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the main conditions potentially threatening the lives of women during the pregnancy and puerperal cycle and variables related to these diseases. Method: Documentary, descriptive and quantitative study, conducted with medical records of pregnant women, women giving birth and puerperal women hospitalized in a hospital of medium complexity, who presented Potentially Life Threatening Conditions (PLTC). Those with access unable to be sob judice were excluded. The sample was temporal and the analysis was univariate. Results: This includes 181 medical records. Most conditions occurred in women aged 16 to 34 years (61.3%), stable union (60.8%), brown (31.5%), without occupational income (29.2%), multiparous (28.87%), with complications in the first gestational trimester (32.6%). There was an insufficient number of consultations (13.8%), data regarding prenatal care ignored (68%). The main CPAV were hemorrhagic syndromes (28.2%), hypertensive (25.4%) and infection (13.3%). As an outcome, we observed a prevalence of unspecified miscarriage (22.1%), perinatal death from infectious and parasitic disease of the mother (2.2%). Conclusion: The main CPAV were hemorrhagic, hypertensive and infections syndromes. As an outcome, hospital discharge, miscarriage, ICU referral, perinatal death and maternal death were observed.

History of maternal mortality in the city of ribeirão preto, in its regional health department, and in the state of são paulo after the establishment of the maternal committees from 1998 to 2017 / Recorte histórico da mortalidade materna no município de Ribeirão Preto, no seu Departamento Regional de Saúde, e no estado de São Paulo após a instituição dos comitês de mortalidade materna de 1998 a 2017

Abstract Objective To describe the evolution of maternal mortality right after the establishment of maternal death committees in the region of the city of Ribeirão Preto, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods The present study describes the spatial and temporal distribution of maternal mortality frequencies and rates, using data from the state of São Paulo, the municipality of Ribeirão Preto, and its Regional Health Department (DRS-XIII) from 1998 to 2017. The present ecological study considered the maternal mortality and live birth frequencies made available by the Computer Science Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System (Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, DATASUS, in the Portuguese acronym)/Ministry of Health, which were grouped by year and political-administrative division (the state of São Paulo, the DRS-XIII, and the city of Ribeirão Preto). The maternal mortality rate (MMR) was calculated and presented through descriptive measures, graphs, and cartograms. Results The overall MMR observed for the city of Ribeirão Preto was of 39.1; for the DRS-XIII, it was of of 40.4; and for the state of São Paulo, it was of 43.8 for every 100 thousand live birhts. During this period, the MMR for the city of Ribeirão Preto ranged from 0% to 80% of the total maternal mortalities, and from 40.7% to 47.2% of live births in the DRS-XIII. The city of Ribeirao Preto had an MMR of 76.5 in 1998and 1999, which decreased progressively to 12.1 until the years of 2012 and 2013, and increased to 54.3 for every 100 thousand live births over the past 4 years. The state of São Paulo State had an MMR of 54.0 in 1998-1999, which varied throughout the study period, with values pregnancy of 48.0 in 2008-2009, and 54.1 for every 100 thousand live births in 2016-2017. Several times before 2015, the city of Ribeirão Preto and the DRS-XIII reached the Millennium Goals. Recently, however, the MMR increased, which can be explained by the improvement in the surveillance of maternal mortality. Conclusion The present study describes a sharp decline in maternal death in the region of Ribeirão Preto by the end of 2012-2013, and a subsequent and distressing increase in recent years that needs to be fully faced.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever a evolução da mortalidade materna após a instituição dos comitês de morte materna na região de Ribeirão Preto. Métodos Este estudo descreveu a distribuição espacial e temporal das frequências e da razão demortalidadematerna, utilizando dados do estado de São Paulo, do Departamento Regional de Saúde de Ribeirão Preto (DRS-XIII), e domunicípio de Ribeirão Preto, no período de 1998 a 2017. O estudo ecológico considerou frequências de mortes maternas e de nascidos vivos disponibilizadas pelo Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS)/Ministério da Saúde, que foramagrupadas por ano e pela referida divisão político-administrativa. A taxa de mortalidade materna (TMM) foi calculada e apresentada por medidas descritivas, gráficos e cartogramas. Resultados O total observado para o município de Ribeirão Preto foi uma TMM de 39,1; para o DRS-XIII, TMM de 40,4; e, para o estado de São Paulo, uma TMM de 43,8 por 100 mil habitantes. No período do estudo, a RMM do município de Ribeirão Preto variou de 0% até 80,0% do total de mortes maternas, e de 40,7% a 47,2% dos nascidos vivos no DRS-XIII. O município de Ribeirão Preto apresentou TMM de 76,5 no biênio 1998-1999, que progressivamente diminuiu para 12,1 em 2012-2013, e aumentou para 54,3 por 100mil habitantes nos últimos 4 anos. O estado de São Paulo apresentou TMM de 54,0 em 1998-1999, tendo variado ao longo do período com valores de 48,0 no período 2008-2009, e 54,1 no período 2016-2017. Várias vezes antes de 2015, o município de Ribeirão Preto e o DRS-XIII atingiramas Metas domilênio. Recentemente, porém, a TMM aumentou, o que pode ser explicado pela melhoria da vigilância da mortalidade materna. Conclusão O estudo descreveu um acentuado declínio da morte materna na região de Ribeirão Preto até o final do biênio 2012-2013, e um subsequente e aflitivo aumento em anos recentes, que precisa ser enfrentado.

Escenarios ocultos de la muerte materna: desde la mirada de mujeres sobrevivientes / Hidden scenarios of maternal death: from the gaze of surviving women

El propósito: develar los escenarios ocultos de la muerte materna ocurrida en los micromundos poco abordados en el estado Aragua durante el quinquenio 2011 ­2015.La muerte materna constituye un complejo problema de salud pública, un importante indicador de desarrollo humano, que muestra las más grandes inequidades entre países de diferentes niveles de desarrollo. El enfoque integrador transcomplejo, constituye un camino epistemológico para develar lo que poco se dice y se evidencia, partiendo de referentes multidimensionales que se explican en una dialógica de saberes que no se aplanan unos a los otros sino que se interceptan para hacer tangible las determinaciones socioculturales poco abordadas en las explicaciones de la muerte materna. Desde esta perspectiva epistemológica se hace posible evidenciar las tramas ocultas del discurso de la vida de las mujeres sobrevivientes a la muerte materna, debido a la posibilidad que esta visión de pensamiento brinda para identificar distintos tipos de discurso y las hipertrofias de los mismos, develadas desde interpretaciones que no solo son parte de los micromundos estudiados de las mujeres sino desde la maya de saberes que se imbrican para la comprensión de los testimonios de las informantes. Mediante la hermenéutica como metódica y la historia de vida, se desarrolló un proceso de interpretación y comprensión de los significados de la muerte materna, fundamentadas en sus puntos de encuentro, permitiendo visibilizar lo invisible, desde una postura intersubjetiva. Con técnica de observación, entrevistas enfocadas a: dos mujeres que sobrevivieron a la muerte materna, se obtuvieron las vivencias, lo percibido y recordado, logrando la retención de esa experiencia vivida, que fueron procesadas, encontrando algunos hallazgos como: inadecuada praxis en salud; violencia obstétrica, violencia de género, violencia institucional; creencias socioculturales y representaciones sociales en relación con el embarazo; cargas sociales, emocionales y de trabajo durante el embarazo.

The purpose: to reveal the hidden scenarios of maternal death that occurred in the little-addressed micro-worlds in the state of Aragua during the five-years period 2011 -2015. Maternal death constitutes a complex public health problem, an important indicator of human development, which shows the most great inequities between countries of different levels of development. The integrative cross-complex approach constitutes an epistemological path to reveal what little is said and evidenced, starting from multidimensional references that are explained in a dialogic of knowledge that do not flatten each other but are intercepted to make sociocultural determinations tangible. little addressed in the explanations of maternal death. From this epistemological perspective, it is possible to reveal the hidden plots of the discourse of the lives of women survivors of maternal death, due to the possibility that this vision of thought offers to identify different types of discourse and their hypertrophy, revealed from interpretations that are not only part of the studied microworlds of the women but also from the Mayan knowledge that overlap for the understanding of the informants' testimonies. Through hermeneutics as a method and life history, a process of interpretation and understanding of the meanings of maternal death was developed, based on their meeting points, allowing the invisible to be made visible, from an intersubjective position. With observation technique, interviews focused on: two women who survived maternal death, the experiences were obtained, what was perceived and remembered, achieving the retention of that lived experience, which were processed, finding some findings such as: inadequate health praxis; obstetric violence, gender violence, institutional violence; sociocultural beliefs and social representations in relation to pregnancy; social, emotional and work burdens during pregnancy.

INVESTIGACIÓN DE LA INCIDENCIA Y COMPLICACIONES DEL PERIPARTO DE EMERGENCIA HISTERECTOMÍA / 9 INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENCE AND COMPLICATIONS OF EMERGENCY PERIPARTUM HYSTERECTOMY

Introduction: The emergency peripartum hysterectomy is a high-risk surgery, which is mostly performed after vaginal delivery or Cesarean section. Given the importance of complications and mortality of pregnant mothers for the health system, the present study aimed to investigate the incidence and complications of emergency peripartum hysterectomy in general and teaching hospitals of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study, after obtaining the Ethics Committee approval, the medical record of patients with emergency peripartum hysterectomy admitted to Ali ibn Abitaleb hospital of Zahedan for pregnancy termination during 2017-2018 were investigated. were studied. After evaluating demographic characteristics, including age, education, and occupation, causes, and complications of emergency hysterectomy were investigated. Finally, data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Out of 2438 cases, 50 cases of hysterectomy were investigated. The mean age of mothers and the average number of pregnancies was 31.06±5.21 and 5.72±2.31, respectively. In this study, 35 cesarean sections (70%) and 15 normal vaginal delivery (30%) were recorded, with only 2% leading to emergency hysterectomy. The most common causes of emergency hysterectomy included placenta accreta (28%), uterine atony (24%), and uterine rupture (20%). The complications also included fever (24%), coagulopathy (14%), and wound infection (12%). Conclusion: Placenta accreta and uterine atony are the most important causes of hysterectomy. The most common complications of emergency hysterectomy are fever, coagulopathy, and wound infections. A decrease in elective caesarean delivery and further encouraging to natural vaginal delivery could significantly reduce the incidence of peripartum hysterectomy and maternal mortality.

Use of intensive care unit in women with severe maternal morbidity and maternal death: results from a national multicenter study / Uso de unidade de terapia intensiva em mulheres com morbidade materna grave: resultados de um estudo nacional multicêntrico

Abstract Objective To assess the use of the intensive care unit (ICU) and its effect on maternal mortality (MM) among women with severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Materials and Methods A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study on surveillance of SMM in 27 Brazilian obstetric referral centers. The analysis focused on the association between ICU use and maternal death according to individual characteristics and disease severity. Two multivariate regressions considering use of the ICU, age, ethnicity, adequacy of care and the human development index were performed to identify the factors associated to maternal death and maternal near-miss. Results Out of 82,388 deliveries during the period, there were 9,555 (11.6%) women with SMM, and the MM ratio was of 170.4/100 thousand live births. In total, 8,135 (85.1%) patients were managed in facilities in which ICUs were available; however, only 2,059 (25.3%) had been admitted to the ICU. On the multivariate analysis, when the severity of the maternal disease was measured by the maternal severity score (MMS), the strength of the association between the use of the ICU and maternal death was greatly reduced, along with inadequate care and non-availability of the ICU at the facility. On the assessment of only the more critical cases (SMO, severe maternal outcome), the same pattern of association between ICU and MM was observed. In the models used, only inadequate care and MSS were significantly associated with MM. Conclusion The current study indicates that the main variables associated with maternal death are the severity and adequacy of the case management, which is more frequent in ICU admissions. The use of the ICU without the stratification of the patients by severity may not produce the expected benefits for part of the women.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da utilização de unidades de terapia intensiva (UTIs) na mortalidade materna (MM) entre mulheres com morbidade materna grave (MMG). Materiais e Métodos Foi realizada uma análise secundária de um estudo transversal de vigilância de morbidade materna grave em 27 centros de referência obstétrica no Brasil. O foco desta análise foi a associação entre a utilização de UTI e morte materna segundo características individuais e condições de gravidade. Análises múltiplas considerando as variáveis uso de UTI, idade, etnia, adequação do cuidado e índice de desenvolvimento humano foram realizadas para identificar os fatores associados à morte materna e near-miss materno. Resultados Dos 82.388 partos ocorridos durante o período de estudo, 9.555 (11,6%) mulheres apresentaram MMG, e a razão de MM foi de 170,4/100 mil nascidos vivos. Neste grupo, 8.135 (85,1%) pacientes foram atendidas em instituições com disponibilidade de leitos de UTI, mas apenas 2.059 (25,3%) foram de fato admitidas em leitos de UTI. Na análise de regressão multivariada, quando se considerou a gravidade do caso pelo maternal severity score (pontuação de severidade materna, MMS, na sigla em inglês), houve uma grande redução da força de associação entre utilização de UTI e morte materna, além da inadequação do cuidado e não disponibilidade de UTI na instituição. Na avaliação considerando apenas os casos de maior gravidade (desfecho materno grave, DMG), observou-se o mesmo padrão de associação entre UTI e MM. Nos modelos utilizados, apenas a inadequação do cuidado e o MSS apresentam associação significativa com a MM. Conclusão O presente estudo aponta que as principais variáveis associadas à morte materna são a gravidade e a adequação do manejo do caso, mais frequentes nas internações em UTI. A utilização dos leitos de UTI sem a estratificação da gravidade da paciente pode não trazer benefícios esperados para uma parte das mulheres.

Perfil sociodemográfico e assistencial da morte materna em Recife, 2006-2017: estudo descritivo / Perfil sociodemográfico y asistencial de la muerte materna en Recife, PE, Brasil, 2006-2017: estudio descriptivo / Sociodemographic and health care profile of maternal death in Recife, PE, Brazil, 2006-2017: a descriptive study*

Objetivo: descrever características sociodemográficas e assistenciais de mulheres que morreram por causa materna em Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. Métodos: estudo descritivo utilizando o Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade, fichas de investigação e fichas-síntese de óbitos maternos, precoces e tardios, ocorridos entre 2006 e 2017, com evitabilidade avaliada pelo Comitê Municipal de Mortalidade Materna. Resultados: identificaram-se 171 óbitos, 133 no puerpério; a maior parte dos óbitos ocorreu em negras (68,4%), sem companheiro (60,2%), acompanhadas com atendimento pré-natal (77,2%), de parto em maternidades/hospitais (97,1%), assistidas por obstetras (82,6%); das mulheres com complicações puerperais, 10,4% não tiveram assistência; óbitos evitáveis/provavelmente evitáveis corresponderam a 81,9%, por causas indiretas (n=80) e diretas (n=79). Conclusão: as mortes ocorreram principalmente no puerpério e em negras; falhas assistenciais foram frequentes; é necessária melhor vigilância e acompanhamento dos serviços de saúde no período gravídico-puerperal, em Recife.

Objetivo: describir características sociodemográficas y asistenciales de mujeres que murieron por causa materna en Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. Métodos: estudio descriptivo utilizando el Sistema de Informaciones sobre Mortalidad, fichas de investigación y síntesis de muertes maternas, tempranas y tardías, entre 2006 y 2017, con evaluación de la evitabilidad por el Comité Municipal de la Mortalidad Materna. Resultados: se identificaron 171 óbitos maternos, 133 en el puerperio; la mayoría de las muertes ocurrió en negras (68,4%), sin compañero (60,2%), acompañadas con atención prenatal (77,2%), de parto en maternidades/hospitales (97,1%), asistidas por obstetras (82,6%); de las mujeres con complicaciones puerperales, el 10,4% no tuvo asistencia; muertes evitables/probablemente evitables correspondieron al 81,9%, por causas indirectas (n=80) y directas (n=79). Conclusión: las muertes ocurrieron principalmente en el período del puerperio y en mujeres negras, con frecuentes fallas en la atención; se requiere una mayor vigilancia y acompañamiento de los servicios de salud en el período de embarazo-puerperio, en Recife.

Objective: to describe the sociodemographic and health care characteristics of women dying due to maternal causes in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Methods: this was a descriptive study using the Mortality Information System, case investigation sheets and summary sheets of early and late maternal deaths occurring between 2006 and 2017, with avoidability assessed by the Municipal Maternal Mortality Committee. Results: we identified 171 deaths, of which 133 were in the puerperium; most deaths occurred among Black women (68.4%), women without partners (60.2%), women who had prenatal care (77.2%), during maternity hospital/general hospital delivery (97.1%), women attended to by obstetricians (82.6%);10.4% of women with puerperal complications had no health care; avoidable/probably avoidable deaths corresponded to 81.9%, for indirect causes (n=80), and direct causes (n=79). Conclusion: deaths occurred mainly in the postpartum period, among Black women; care failures were frequent; improved health service surveillance and follow-up is needed in the pregnancy-puerperal period, in Recife.

(Dis)continuation of care of the pre-term newborn at the border / (Des)continuidad del cuidado al recién nacido prematuro en una región de frontera / (Des)continuidade do cuidado ao recém-nascido pré-termo em região de fronteira

ABSTRACT Objectives: to understand how continuation of care for the preterm newborn in the health care network at the border. Methods: the Grounded Theory was the methodological framework. Data were collected through 17 semi-structured interviews between July 2016 and March 2017. Results: "Describing the structure and functioning of the Child Nutrition Center" represents the context; "Experiencing and signifying premature birth" are the causal conditions; "Identifying conditions that intervene in the process of continuation of care for the preterm newborn" are the intervening conditions; "Ensuring continuation of care for the preterm newborn" are strategies; "Identifying (dis)continuation of care flows for the preterm newborn at the border" are the study's consequences and phenomenon. Final Considerations: there is a need to plan referral and counter-referral flows of the preterm newborn and the commitment of public health managers to ensure continuation of care.

RESUMEN Objetivos: comprender cómo ocurre la continuidad del cuidado al recién nacido prematuro en la red de atención de salud en una región de frontera. Métodos: la Teoría Fundamentada en los Datos fue el referencial metodológico. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de 17 entrevistas semiestructuradas, entre julio 2016 y marzo 2017. Resultados: Describiendo la estructura y el funcionamiento del Centro de Nutrición Infantil representa el contexto; Experimentando y significando el nacimiento prematuro son las condiciones causales; Identificando condiciones que intervienen en el proceso de continuidad del cuidado del recién nacido prematuro son las condiciones intervinientes; Asegurando la continuidad del cuidado al recién nacido prematuro son las estrategias; Identificando flujos de (des)continuidad del cuidado al recién nacido prematuro en una región de frontera son las consecuencias e, igualmente, el fenómeno del estudio. Consideraciones Finales: se identifica la necesidad de planificar flujos de referencia y contrarreferencia del recién nacido prematuro y el compromiso de los gestores en salud pública para garantizar la continuidad del cuidado.

RESUMO Objetivos: compreender como acontece a continuidade do cuidado ao recém-nascido pré-termo na rede de atenção à saúde na fronteira. Métodos: a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados foi o referencial metodológico. Os dados foram coletados por meio de 17 entrevistas semiestruturadas, entre julho de 2016 e março de 2017. Resultados: "Descrevendo a estrutura e o funcionamento do Centro de Nutrição Infantil representa o contexto"; "Experienciando e significando o nascimento prematuro" são as condições causais; "Identificando condições que intervêm no processo de continuidade do cuidado ao recém-nascido pré-termo" são as condições intervenientes; "Assegurando a continuidade do cuidado ao recém-nascido pré-termo" são as estratégias; "Identificando fluxos de (des)continuidade do cuidado ao recém-nascido pré-termo em região de fronteira" são as consequências e o fenômeno do estudo. Considerações Finais: identifica-se a necessidade de planejar fluxos de referência e contrarreferência do recém-nascido pré-termo e o comprometimento dos gestores em saúde pública para garantir a continuidade do cuidado.

Retos durante la realización de cesáreas perimorten / Challenges during the performance of perimortem cesarean section

Introducción: El paro cardiaco en gestantes y la cesárea perimorten son infrecuentes. Estas constituyen catástrofes médicas que precisan atención inmediata. Realizar este proceder según normas adecuadas brinda mejores opciones a la madre y el feto. Cuba presta especial atención al binomio materno fetal, para ello emplea grandes recursos humanos y tecnológicos. Objetivo: Actualizar la información acerca de cesárea perimorten. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión en bases de datos que permitiese encontrar descripciones epidemiológicas, informes de casos, series de casos, comunicaciones personales, y estudios en diferentes contextos sanitarios, los cuales sirvieran de evidencia científica del tema. Resultados: El paro cardiaco en embarazadas es un evento infrecuente, la realización de una cesárea perimorten con tiempo reducido (4-5 min) resultó una opción efectiva. El trabajo del equipo multidisciplinario basado en protocolos tiene una función que beneficia tanto a la madre como al feto. Actualmente se recomienda el concepto de histerotomía resucitadora que refleja la optimización de los esfuerzos realizados en la reanimación. La muerte materna por anestesia es una emergencia médica que requiere especial atención. Existen asociaciones médicas que preconizan las escalas de cuidados precoces en gestantes graves, con un entrenamiento actualizado y con estrategias novedosas para obtener mejores resultados. Conclusiones: El estudio del paro cardiaco en gestantes, la cesárea perimorten y la muerte materna relacionada con la anestesia son importantes. La creación de grupos multidisciplinarios y grupos bien entrenados son la mejor opción en estas circunstancias. Se recomienda incrementar el estudio y entrenamiento para ofrecer las mejores opciones al binomio materno-fetal(AU)

Introduction: Cardiac arrest in pregnant women and perimortem cesarean section are rare. These are medical catastrophes that require immediate attention. Performing this procedure according to adequate standards provides better options for both the mother and the fetus. Cuba pays special attention to the maternal-fetal binomial, for which large amounts of human and technological resources are used. Objective: To update the information about perimortem cesarean section. Methods: A database review was carried out to find epidemiological descriptions, case reports, case series, personal communications, and studies in different health contexts, which would serve as scientific evidence on the subject. Results: Cardiac arrest in pregnant women is a rare event; the performance of a perimortem cesarean section with reduced time (4-5 min) was an effective option. The work of the multidisciplinary team based on protocols has a function that benefits both the mother and the fetus. Currently, the concept of resuscitative hysterotomy is recommended, which reflects the optimization of the resuscitation efforts. Maternal death by anesthesia is a medical emergency that requires special attention. There are medical associations that advocate the scales of early care in pregnant women, with updated training and innovative strategies to obtain better outcomes. Conclusions: The study of cardiac arrest in pregnant women, perimortem caesarean section and anesthesia-related maternal death are important. The creation of multidisciplinary groups and well-trained groups are the best option in these circumstances. It is recommended to increase the study and training to offer the best options to the maternal-fetal binomial(AU)

Morbilidad materna extrema y mortalidad en un hospital regional de Sudáfrica / Extreme maternal morbidity and mortality in a regional hospital in South Africa

Introducción La vigilancia de la morbilidad materna severa y la mortalidad contribuye a evaluar el estado de la salud materna en los diferentes países. Objetivo Caracterizar la morbilidad materna extrema y la mortalidad materna en un hospital regional de Sudáfrica. Método Estudio descriptivo transversal en el Hospital Tshilidzini de Sudáfrica durante 3 años con un universo de 145 casos de morbilidad y 21 muertes maternas que también constituyó la muestra de manera intencional. Los datos se recolectaron mediante un formulario y se calcularon indicadores de salud materna empleando medidas descriptivas y pruebas inferenciales para el análisis estadístico. Resultados Hubo mayor morbilidad en adolescentes (30,3%) y mortalidad en añosas (28,6%), sin diferencias en cuanto al lugar de procedencia; la eclampsia (35,9%), preeclampsia severa (23,4%) y la hemorragia postparto (19,3%) fueron las causas principales de morbilidad; así, la hemorragia postparto (42,9%) y las infecciones severas (28,6%) de mortalidad, y el shock hipovolémico (23,8%), síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (19%) y coagulación intravascular diseminada (14,3%) las causas finales más frecuentes. La razón de morbilidad materna extrema y resultado materno adverso fue 8,4 y 9,6 por cada 1000 nacidos vivos respectivamente; la razón de mortalidad materna 121,1 por cada 100 000 nacidos vivos, la razón morbilidad / mortalidad 6,9:1 y el índice de mortalidad 12,7%. Conclusiones La preeclamsia-eclampsia, hemorragia obstétrica e infecciones severas constituyeron las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad, todas mayormente prevenibles y que llevan a indicadores desfavorables de salud materna.

ABSTRACT Introduction Surveillance of severe maternal morbidity and mortality helps to assess the state of maternal health in different countries. Objective To characterize extreme maternal morbidity and maternal mortality in a regional hospital in South Africa. Method Cross-sectional descriptive study at Tshilidzini Hospital in South Africa for 3 years with a universe of 145 cases of morbidity and 21 maternal deaths that also intentionally constituted the sample. Data were collected using a form and maternal health indicators were calculated using descriptive measures and inferential tests for statistical analysis. Results There was greater morbidity in adolescents (30,3%) and mortality in elderly women (28,6%), without differences in the place of origin; eclampsia (35,9%), severe preeclampsia (23,4%) and postpartum hemorrhage (19,3%) were the main causes of morbidity; thus, postpartum hemorrhage (42,9%) and severe infections (28,6%) of mortality, and hypovolemic shock (23,8%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (19%) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (14,3%) the most frequent final causes. Extreme maternal morbidity ratio and adverse maternal outcome was 8,4 and 9,6 per 1000 live births respectively; the maternal mortality ratio 121,1 per 100,000 live births, the morbidity / mortality ratio 6,9: 1 and the mortality index 12,7%. Conclusions The preeclampsia-eclampsia, obstetric hemorrhage and severe infections were the main causes of morbidity and mortality, all mostly preventable and leading to unfavorable indicators of maternal health.

The use of the Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS) in women after pregnancies: a descriptive study / Aplicação do Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS) em mulheres após gestações: um estudo descritivo

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the modified early obstetric warning system (MEOWS) in women after pregnancies in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted with 705 hospitalized women. Vital signs (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and lochia were registered on medical records and transcribed into the MEOWS chart of physiological parameters. On this graphic chart, yellow alerts were used to present moderate abnormalities in vital signs, while severe abnormalities were presented in red. The presence of at least one red alert or two yellow alerts were triggered to indicate the need for medical evaluation. Results: although abnormalities were found in the physiological parameters of 49.8% of the women identified from MEOWS triggers, medical evaluation was only requested for three patients (0.8%). Conclusions: in a retrospective application of the use of MEOWS showed a significant number of patients had triggered in which the nursing team did not recognize 99.2% of cases. This finding could be attributed to the fact that MEOWS has not been yet adopted in this service as part of the nursing care. The application of this tool would result in a better care because critical situations would be recognized and corrected quickly, avoiding unfavorable outcomes.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar o modified early obstetric warning system (MEOWS) em mulheres após gestações, em um hospital terciário do Brasil. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo descritivo incluindo 705 mulheres internadas. Os sinais vitais (pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, temperatura) e lóquios, registrados no prontuário, foram transcritos para o gráfico de parâmetros fisiológicos do MEOWS. Neste gráfico, anormalidades moderadas nos sinais vitais eram sinalizadas por alertas amarelos, enquanto anormalidades graves eram sina-lizadas em vermelho. A presença de, pelo menos, um alerta vermelho ou dois alertas amarelos foi chamada de eventos gatilho, indicando necessidade de avaliação médica. Resultados: dentre as mulheres estudadas, 49,8% apresentaram anormalidades nos parâmetros fisiológicos, através da identificação de eventos gatilho no MEOWS, porém avaliação médica foi solicitada para apenas três pacientes, resultando num percentual de 0,8%. Conclusões: a utilização do MEOWS, de forma retrospectiva, evidenciou uma quantidade significativa de pacientes apresentando eventos gatilho, os quais não foram reconhecidos pela equipe de enfermagem em 99,2% dos casos. Este achado pode ser atribuído ao fato de o MEOWS ainda não ser adotado no serviço como parte da rotina dos cuidados de enfermagem. A aplicação dessa ferramenta resultaria numa assistência melhor, pois situações críticas seriam reconhecidas e corrigidas com maior precocidade, evitando desfechos desfavoráveis.

La hemorragia posparto / Postpartum hemorrhage

Introducción: La hemorragia posparto es una de las principales causas de mortalidad materna. Objetivo: Caracterizar la hemorragia posparto. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo en el servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación del Hospital Dr. Agostinho Neto entre los años 2015-2017. El universo se constituyó por 65 pacientes. Se estudiaron las siguientes variables: edad biológica, edad gestacional, tipo de hemorragia, cantidad estimada del sangrado, etiología, variables de laboratorio clínico y hemodinámicas, reanimación con fluidos y hemoderivados, complicaciones. Se emplearon métodos empíricos (análisis documental, instrumentos para la recolección de la información), teóricos (procedimientos de análisis, síntesis, inducción, deducción) y matemático-estadístico (porcentaje, media, la desviación típica e intervalos de confianza). Resultados: La edad media de las pacientes fue de 24,2 ± 6,2 años; la edad gestacional fue de 34,2 ± 6,2 años; 73,8 por ciento terminó el embarazo por vía vaginal e intervalo entre el parto, el inicio de la hemorragia posparto fue de 2,46 h ± 53 min. La atonía uterina (61,5 por ciento) fue la causa más común de la hemorragia. El shock fue la complicación más común (100 por ciento), lo que condicionó el uso de altos volúmenes de fluidos y hemoderivados para su reanimación. La histerectomía y ligadura arterias hipogástricas fue la técnica quirúrgica más utilizada (52,3 por ciento). Conclusiones: La hemorragia posparto fue una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en el mencionado servicio de salud(AU)

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the main causes of maternal mortality. Objective: To characterize postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out in the Anesthesiology and Resuscitation service of Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital, between 2015 and 2017. The study population was made up by 65 patients. The following variables were studied: biological age, gestational age, type of hemorrhage, estimated amount of bleeding, etiology, hemodynamic and clinical laboratory variables, fluid resuscitation and blood products replacement, complications. We used empirical methods (document analysis, instruments for the collection of information), theoretical methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction), and mathematical-statistical methods (percentage, mean, standard deviation and confidence intervals). Results: The average age of the patients was 24.2±6.2 years; the gestational age was 34.2±6.2 years; 73.8 percent completed the pregnancy by natural delivery, while the interval between delivery and the onset of postpartum hemorrhage was 2.46h±53 min. Uterine atony (61.5 percent) was the most common cause of hemorrhage. Shock was the most common complication (100 percent), which conditioned the use of high volumes of replacement fluids and blood products. Hysterectomy and ligation of hypogastric arteries was the most used surgical technique (52.3 percent). Conclusions: During the study period, postpartum hemorrhage was an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the Anesthesiology and Resuscitation service of Dr. Agostinho Neto Hospital(AU)

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with cystic fibrosis / Desfechos maternos e perinatais em gestantes portadoras de fibrose cística

Abstract Objectives To assess the perinatal and maternal outcomes of pregnant women with cystic fibrosis (CF) and severe lung impairment. Methods This was a series of cases aiming to review the maternal and fetal outcomes in cases of singleton pregnant women with a diagnosis of CF. We have included all of the cases of singleton pregnancy in patients with CF who were followed-up at the obstetrics department of the Medical School of the Universidade de São Paulo, between 2003 and 2016. The exclusion criteria were the unattainability of the medical records of the patient, and delivery at other institutions. A forced expiratory volume in 1 second < 50% was considered as severe lung impairment. We have also analyzed data regarding maternal hospitalization and respiratory exacerbations (REs). Results Pregnant women with CF and severe lung impairment did not present an association with spontaneous prematurity, fetal growth restriction or fetal demise. All of the cases involved multiple RE episodes requiring antibiotic therapy. The median (range) of events per patient was of 4 (2-4) events. Conclusion Cystic fibrosis patients with severe lung impairment may achieve successful term pregnancies. However, pregnancies of women with CF are frequently complicated by REs, and this population may require hospital admission during the course of the pregnancy. Cystic fibrosis patients should be followed by a specialized team with experience in treating respiratory diseases.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os desfechos maternos e perinatais de gestações em mulheres portadoras de fibrose cística (FC) e disfunção pulmonar grave. Métodos Série de casos visando a avaliação dos desfechos maternos e perinatais em gestações únicas de mulheres com diagnóstico de FC. Foram incluídos todos os casos de gestações únicas de pacientes comFC que tiveramacompanhamento no departamento de obstetrícia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, no período de 2003 a 2016. Os critérios de exclusão foramnão disponibilidade do prontuário da paciente e parto em outro serviço. Disfunção pulmonar grave foi definida como presença de volume expiratório forçado em1 segundo < 50%. Foramanalisados tambémos dados referentes a exacerbações respiratórias e internações maternas. Resultados Gestação em mulheres portadoras de FC com disfunção pulmonar grave não se associaramcomprematuridade espontânea, restrição de crescimento fetal ou óbito fetal. Todos os casos apresentarammúltiplos episódios de exacerbações respiratórias necessitando de antibioticoterapia. A mediana de eventos por pacientes (intervalo) foi de 4 (2-4) eventos. Conclusão Mulheres portadoras de FC com disfunção pulmonar grave podem evoluir com gestações de termo bem sucedidas. Entretanto, gestações nestas pacientes são frequentemente complicadas por exacerbações respiratórias, necessitando de internação. Gestantes portadoras de FC devem ser acompanhadas por uma equipe especializada com experiência no manejo de doenças respiratórias.

The burden of indirect causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the processof obstetric transition: A cross-sectional multicenter study / A importância das causas indiretas da morbidade e mortalidade maternas no processo de transição obstétrica: um estudo multicêntrico transversal

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the burden of indirect causes of maternal morbidity/mortality in Brazil. Methods Secondary analysis of a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 27 referral obstetric units within the Brazilian Network for Surveillance of Severe Maternal Morbidity. Results A total of 82,388 women were surveilled: 9,555 women with severe maternal morbidity were included, and 942 (9.9%) of them had indirect causes of morbidity/ mortality. There was an increased risk of higher severity among the indirect causes group, which presented 7.56 times increased risk of maternal death (prevalence ratio [PR]: 7.56; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 4.99-11.45). The main indirect causes of maternal death were H1N1 influenza, sepsis, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Non-public antenatal care (PR: 2.52; 95%CI: 1.70-3.74), diabetes (PR: 1.90; 95%CI: 1.24-2.90), neoplasia (PR: 1.98; 95%CI: 1.25-3.14), kidney diseases (PR: 1.99; 95%CI: 1.14-3.49), sickle cell anemia (PR: 2.50; 95%CI: 1.16-5.41) and drug addiction (PR: 1.98; 95%CI: 1.03-3.80) were independentlyassociatedwithworseresultsintheindirectcausesgroup.Someprocedures for the management of severity were more common for the indirect causes group. Conclusion Indirect causes were present in less than 10% of the overall cases, but they represented over 40% of maternal deaths in the current study. Indirect causes of maternal morbidity/mortality were also responsible for an increased risk of higher severity, and they were associated with worse maternal and perinatal outcomes. In middle-income countries there is a mix of indirect causes of maternal morbidity/ mortality that points to some advances in the scale of obstetric transition, but also reveals the fragility of health systems.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a importância das causas indiretas da morbidade/mortalidade materna no Brasil. Métodos Análise secundária de um estudo transversal multicêntrico realizado em 27 unidades obstétricas de referência da Rede Brasileira de Vigilância da Morbidade Materna Grave. Resultados Um total de 82.388 mulheres foram avaliadas, sendo que 9.555 foram incluídas com morbidade materna grave, 942 (9,9%) delas com causas indiretas de morbidade/mortalidade. Houve risco aumentado de maior gravidade entre o grupo das causas indiretas, que apresentou risco de morte materna 7,56 vezes maior (razão de prevalência [RP]: 7.56; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: 4.99-11.45). As principais causas indiretas de óbitos maternos foram a gripe H1N1, sepses, câncer e doença cardiovascular. Atenção pré-natal não pública (RP: 2,52; IC95%: 1,70-3,74), diabetes (RP: 1,90; IC95%: 1,24-2,90), neoplasia (RP: 1,98; IC95%: 1,25-3,14), doenças Renais (RP: 1,99; IC95%: 1,14-3,49), anemia falciforme (RP: 2,50; IC95%: 1,16-5,41) e toxicodependência (PR 1,98; IC95%: 1,03-3,80) foram associados independentemente com piores resultados no grupo de causas indiretas. Alguns procedimentos para o manejo da gravidade foram mais comuns para o grupo de causas indiretas. Conclusão As causas indiretas de morbidade mortalidade materna ocorreram em menos de 10% dos casos, mas foram responsáveis por mais de 40% das mortes maternas no presente estudo. As causas indiretas da morbidade mortalidade materna também se relacionaram com maior gravidade, e estiveram associadas a piores resultados maternos e perinatais. Nos países de renda média, há uma combinação de causas indiretas de morbidade/mortalidade materna que apontam para alguns avanços na escala de transição obstétrica, mas também mostram a fragilidade dos sistemas de saúde.

Morbilidad materna extremadamente grave. Un problema obstétrico en la salud pública y la atención al paciente grave / Extremely serious maternal morbidity. An obstetric problem in public health and seriously ill patient care

El concepto morbilidad materna extremadamente grave, se considera de gran utilidad al ser un indicador muy asociado a la muerte materna y un estadio intermedio en prácticamente la totalidad de las fallecidas. Como parte de la primera etapa de un proyecto de investigación se realizó una revisión del tema y se consultaron las bases de datos LILACS, EBSCO e HINARI. Los descriptores que se utilizaron fueron: mortalidad materna, morbilidad y paciente obstétrica grave. Los resultados de la búsqueda se limitaron a los últimos cinco años en idioma inglés, español, francés y portugués. La morbilidad materna extremadamente grave es un indicador muy asociado a la muerte materna y es considerada una alternativa válida para utilizarla como indicador de la calidad de los cuidados maternos. El interés creciente de integrar el análisis de la morbilidad materna extremadamente grave al estudio de la mortalidad materna, permite identificar los factores de riesgo presentes en las gestantes, desde un embarazo sin complicaciones hasta la muerte, pues se presenta en un mayor número de casos, y con el manejo de aquellos que evolucionaron favorablemente después de la gravedad extrema, se pueden evitar nuevas defunciones (AU).

The concept "extremely serious maternal morbidity" is considered very useful because it is an indicator closely associated to maternal death and an intermediate stage in practically the totality of maternal deceases. As a part of the first stage of a research project, a review on the theme was carried out, and LILACS, EBSCO and HINARI data bases were consulted. The used descriptors were: maternal mortality, morbidity and seriously ill obstetric patient. The results of the search were limited to the last five years in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese languages. Extremely serious maternal morbidity is an indicator very frequently associated to maternal death, and it is considered a suitable alternative for using it as an indicator of the maternal care quality. The increasing interest for integrating the analysis of extremely serious maternal morbidity to the study of maternal morbidity allows identifying the risk factors that are present in pregnant women, beginning from a pregnancy without complications and ending with death, because they are found in a bigger quantity of cases, and new deceases could be avoided with the management of those favourably evolving after the extreme seriousness (AU).

Aborto, ¿es un problema de salud pública en Chile en el campo de la salud materno-perinatal? / Is abortion a serious public health problem in Chile in the field of maternal-perinatal health?

Background: The World Health Organization, by 2014, estimates that approximately 22 million unsafe abortions take place every year in the world, almost all of them in developing countries. The Millennium Goals, as part of the fifth compendium, focused on maternal health by proposing that member states should reduce maternal mortality to 75% by 2015. Aim: To determine, using maternal health indicators, if abortion in Chile is a priority health problem. Material and Methods: Data about maternal mortality and its causes between 1982 and 2014, was obtained from the databases available at the Chilean Ministry of Health. Trend analyzes were carried out using linear autoregressive models. Results: Between 1982 and 2012, maternal mortality rates decreased from 51.8 to 18.3 per 100,000 live births. Complications of pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium were the first three causes and the last one is abortion. The proportion of abortions due to unspecified causes, including induced abortion, decreased from 36.6% to 26.1% between 2001 and 2012. Conclusions: Abortion is not a public health problem in Chile. To continue reducing maternal mortality, programs for the early detection of risks such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension should be implemented.

Hematoma subcapsular hepático roto en el curso de un síndrome de HELLP / Broken hepatic subcapsular hematoma in the course of HELLP syndrome

Se presenta un caso poco frecuente de un hematoma subcapsular hepático roto en el curso de un síndrome de HELLP, en una paciente como complicación de la preeclampsia que resultó en una mortalidad materna. Se realizó, además, una revisión de la literatura(AU)

We report a rare case of a ruptured hepatic subcapsular hematoma in the course of in a patient with HELLP syndrome as a complication of preeclampsia resulting in maternal mortality. A review of the literature was also carried out(AU)

Social inequalities in maternal mortality among the provinces of Ecuador / Las desigualdades sociales en cuanto a la mortalidad materna entre las provincias del Ecuador

ABSTRACT Objective This study set out to describe the association between the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) estimates and a set of socioeconomic indicators and compute the MMR inequalities among the provinces of Ecuador. Methods A cross-sectional ecological study was conducted, using data for 2014 from the country’s 24 provinces. The MMR estimate was calculated for each province, as well as the association and its strength between MMR and specific socioeconomic indicators. For the indicators that were found to be significantly associated with MMR, inequality measurements were computed. Results Despite a relatively low MMR for Ecuador overall, ratios differed substantially among the provinces. Five socioeconomic indicators proved to be statistically significantly associated with MMR: total fertility rate, the percentage of indigenous population, the percentage of households with children who do not attend school, gross domestic product, and the percentage of houses with electrical service. Of these five, only three had MMR inequalities that were significant: total fertility rate, gross domestic product, and the percentage of households with electricity. Conclusions This study supports research arguing that national averages can be misleading, as they often hide differences among subgroups at the local level. The findings also suggest that MMR is significantly associated with some socioeconomic indicators, including ones linked with significant health outcome inequalities. In order to reduce health inequities, it is crucial that countries look beyond national averages and identify the subgroups being left behind, explore the particular social determinants that generate these health inequalities, and examine the specific barriers and other factors affecting the subgroups most vulnerable to maternal health inequalities.

RESUMEN Objetivo El propósito de este estudio fue describir la asociación entre la razón de mortalidad materna y un conjunto de indicadores socioeconómicos, y calcular las desigualdades en la razón de mortalidad maternal entre las distintas provincias del Ecuador. Métodos Se consideró un estudio ecológico transversal utilizando datos provenientes de las 24 provincias de Ecuador en el 2014, calculándose la razón de mortalidad materna para cada provincia, así como estudiando la asociación y su fuerza entre la razón de mortalidad materna y el conjunto de los indicadores socioeconómicos. Se obtuvieron las medidas de la desigualdades para aquellos indicadores socioeconómicos que mostraron una asociación estadísticamente significativa con la mortalidad materna. Resultados A pesar de que la razón de mortalidad materna en Ecuador es relativamente baja a nivel mundial, las razones de la mortalidad materna difieren mucho entre las provincias. Hubo cinco indicadores socioeconómicos que resultaron estar asociados siginificativamente con la razón de mortalidad materna: la tasa total de fecundidad, el porcentaje de población indígena, el porcentaje de hogares con niños que no asisten a la escuela, el producto interno bruto y el porcentaje de hogares con servicio eléctrico. De estos cinco, solo tres mostraron desigualdades estadísticamente significativas en la mortalidad materna: la tasa total de fecundidad, el producto interno bruto y el porcentaje de hogares con electricidad. Conclusiones Este estudio respalda las investigaciones que sostienen que los promedios nacionales pueden ser engañosos, pues a menudo ocultan diferencias entre subgrupos a nivel local. Los resultados también indican que la razón de mortalidad materna esta asociada significativamente con algunos indicadores socioeconómicos, incluyendo algunos que resultaron en desigualdades significativas en salud materna. Para reducir las inequidades en materia de salud, es crucial que los países adopten un enfoque que trascienda a los promedios nacionales y detecten los subgrupos que van quedando rezagados, analicen los determinantes sociales particulares que generan esas desigualdades en materia de salud y examinen los obstáculos específicos y otros factores que afectan a los subgrupos más vulnerables a las desigualdades en salud materna.