Maternal morbidity and death associated with pregnancy loss before 28 weeks in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of maternal morbidity and death from pregnancy loss before 28 weeks in referral-level hospitals in Nigeria. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a nationwide cross-sectional study. SETTING: Fifty-four referral-level hospitals. POPULATION: Women admitted for complications arising from pregnancy loss before 28 weeks between 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020. METHODS: Frequency and type of pregnancy loss were calculated using the extracted data. Multilevel logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with early pregnancy loss. Factors contributing to death were also analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence and outcome of pregnancy loss at <28 weeks; sociodemographic and clinical predictors of morbidity after early pregnancy loss; contributory factors to death. RESULTS: Of the 4798 women who had pregnancy loss at <28 weeks of pregnancy, spontaneous abortion accounted for 49.2%, followed by missed abortion (26.9%) and ectopic pregnancy (15%). Seven hundred women (14.6%) had a complication following pregnancy loss and 99 women died (2.1%). Most complications (26%) and deaths (7%) occurred after induced abortion. Haemorrhage was the most frequent complication in all types of pregnancy loss with 11.5% in molar pregnancy and 6.9% following induced abortion. Predictors of complication or death were low maternal education, husband who was not gainfully employed, grand-multipara, pre-existing chronic medical condition and referral from another facility or informal setting. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy loss before 28 weeks is a significant contributor to high maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Socio-economic factors and delays in referral to higher levels of care contribute significantly to poor outcomes for women.

Critical comparative analysis of data sources toward understanding referral during pregnancy and childbirth: three perspectives from Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The highest risk of maternal and perinatal deaths occurs during and shortly after childbirth and is preventable if functional referral systems enable women to reach appropriate health services when obstetric complications occur. Rising numbers of deliveries in health facilities, including in high mortality settings like Nigeria, require formalised coordination across the health system to ensure that women and newborns get to the right level of care, at the right time. This study describes and critically assesses the extent to which referral and its components can be captured using three different data sources from Nigeria, examining issues of data quality, validity, and usefulness for improving and monitoring obstetric care systems. METHODS: The study included three data sources on referral for childbirth care in Nigeria: a nationally representative household survey, patient records from multiple facilities in a state, and patient records from the apex referral facility in a city. We conducted descriptive analyses of the extent to which referral status and components were captured across the three sources. We also iteratively developed a visual conceptual framework to guide our critical comparative analysis. RESULTS: We found large differences in the proportion of women referred, and this reflected the different denominators and timings of the referral in each data source. Between 16 and 34% of referrals in the three sources originated in government hospitals, and lateral referrals (origin and destination facility of the same level) were observed in all three data sources. We found large gaps in the coverage of key components of referral as well as data gaps where this information was not routinely captured in facility-based sources. CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses illustrated different perspectives from the national- to facility-level in the capture of the extent and components of obstetric referral. By triangulating across multiple data sources, we revealed the strengths and gaps within each approach in building a more complete picture of obstetric referral. We see our visual framework as assisting further research efforts to ensure all referral pathways are captured in order to better monitor and improve referral systems for women and newborns.

Care of the Sick Newborn in a Cottage Hospital Level in a Developing Country.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal morbidity and mortality are high in Nigeria. The establishment of more centers that could offer adequate management of high-risk pregnancies and neonates is essential. OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to describe sick newborn care at the cottage hospital level in Southern Nigeria with the aim of drawing lessons that may be useful to similar environments. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A description of facility upgrading and staff training in perinatal care at a public-private partnership cottage hospital with a robust community health insurance scheme in Nigeria is made. A retrospective descriptive study of the morbidity and outcomes of admitted neonates in the facility between March 2016 and February 2017 was made. RESULTS: Out of 3630 babies born in the facility (302 per month), 189 were admitted, yielding an admission rate of 52.1/1000 live births. The main morbidities were neonatal hypoglycemia (32.4%), preterm low-birth weight (24.9%), neonatal sepsis (22.8%), and neonatal jaundice (12.7%). Sixteen of the 109 neonates died giving a mortality rate of 8.5%. The main causes of deaths were birth asphyxia (7 or 43.8%), meconium aspiration (6 or 37.5%), and congenital malformation (3 or 18.8%). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The neonatal admission and mortality rates are quite low in this cottage hospital and similar to the situation even in developed environments. This salutary scenario is probably due to good antenatal and perinatal care, and a robust community health insurance scheme which enhances services uptake and public-private partnership which engenders infrastructure expansion and maintenance. This model is recommended for the hospitals in our region.

Prevalence of helminth infestation during pregnancy and its association with maternal anemia and low birth weight.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of helminth infestation during pregnancy and the associated risks of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of women with a singleton pregnancy of at least 34 weeks was conducted at a teaching hospital in Benin City, Nigeria, between April 1 and September 30, 2010. Socioeconomic and clinical data were obtained. Stool samples were used to determine helminth infection. Birth weight was recorded at delivery. Multivariable analysis was used to assess the link between helminth infestation and maternal and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: Among 178 women, 31 (17.4%) had a helminth infestation (15 [8.4%] had ascariasis, 8 [4.5%] trichuriasis, and 25 [14.0%] hookworm infestation). Multivariate analysis found that helminth infestations was associated with maternal anemia (adjusted odds ratio 12.4; 95% confidence interval 4.2-36.3) and low birth weight (adjusted odds ratio 6.8; 95% confidence interval 2.1-21.9). CONCLUSION: Approximately one in five women had a helminth infestation in the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal helminth infestation significantly increased the risks of maternal anemia and low birth weight, indicating that routine administration of anthelminthic drugs during early pregnancy might improve perinatal outcomes.

Patterns of treatment of reported malaria cases during pregnancy in a Nigerian hospital.

BACKGROUND: Prompt and effective case management is one of the control measures for malaria during pregnancy. The objective of the study was to assess treatment patterns of presumed cases of malaria during pregnancy in a Nigerian tertiary health care facility. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving immediate postpartum women admitted to the maternity wards of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was undertaken. History of occurrence and treatment practices of presumed malaria during the immediate past pregnancy were obtained from the women's medical case files and by interview, using a pre-developed data collection form. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-seven of the 428 study participants (69.4%) reported a total number of 544 cases of malaria in pregnancy (MiP). More than 85% (n = 469/544) of the reported MiP cases occurred after the first trimester, while 55.5% (302/544) occurred during the second trimester. Among the reported MiP cases, parasite-based diagnosis was done for only 8.6% (n = 47). The use of antimalarial medications was reported in the treatment of 86.6% of the total number of cases. Antimalarial medication was used across the 3 trimesters, including artemisinin-based combination therapy (49.6%), artemisinin monotherapy (15.2%), and other monotherapies, such as sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, chloroquine, amodiaquine (33.3%), and oral quinine (2%). Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and artemisinin derivatives were used in the treatment of 38.8% and 34.7% of first trimester malaria cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Parasite-based diagnosis prior to treatment was poorly practiced, and inappropriate antimalarial drug management of MiP was observed. Addressing these observed deficiencies is necessary in order to achieve success in the fight against malaria during pregnancy in Nigeria.

Stillbirth in cases of severe acute maternal morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and correlates of stillbirths among women with severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM). METHODS: In an observational study of 728 women who had SAMM between January 2007 and December 2010 at a referral tertiary health facility in Benin, Nigeria, the incidence of stillbirth, and the clinical and demographic correlates of stillbirth were evaluated. RESULTS: The rate of stillbirth among women with SAMM was 210 per 1000 deliveries. The rate among women who had uterine rupture (643 per 1000 deliveries) far exceeded other cause-specific rates of stillbirth. Unbooked status (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-3.8), low maternal education (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-4.0), vaginal delivery (OR, 8.1; 95% CI, 5.1-13.0), and maternal comorbidity (OR, 12.9; 95% CI, 6.2-26.9) were factors associated with stillbirth after adjusting for confounding variables. CONCLUSION: In Nigeria, SAMM was found to be associated with an unacceptably high rate of stillbirth. Strategies to improve fetal surveillance among women with SAMM are necessary to address the excessively high incidence of stillbirth among these patients.

Features and perceptions of menopausal women in Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The features of menopause have always been assumed to occur only to a minor degree of significance in Nigerian women. Perceptions of menopausal symptoms are greatly influenced by social, cultural and economic settings and may influence the mode of treatment for menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the features and perceptions of natural menopause among menopausal women in Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 533 randomly selected Nigerian women in Benin City, Edo State who had experienced at least 24 continuous months of amenorrhea using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The ages of the women studied ranged between 47 and 78 years; mean 57.4 ± 6.3 years. The mean menopausal and menercheal ages were 49.8 ± 2.6 and 15.2 ± 2.0 years. Most (80.7%) were currently married with 63.6% in monogamous relationships. Three hundred and fifty-six women (66.8%) have heard of the word menopause and correctly described it. Menopause was considered a normal event by 97.4%. Majority (407; 77.6%) adjusted very well to the events of menopause with none revealing any serious maladjustment. Three hundred and forty-six women (64.9%) were no longer sexually active. Joint pains (287; 53.8%), hot flushes (272; 51%) and night sweats (22; 42%) were the most common symptoms believed to be related to menopause. Three hundred and two women (56.7%) actually suffered at least one of the menopause symptoms. Joint pains (52.9%), hot flushes (43.3%) and night sweats (29.8%) were the commonest symptoms experienced. Freedom from monthly bleeding (50.7%) was the most commonly reported advantage of menopause. Only thirty nine (7.3%) were aware of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and none were on /ever had HRT. CONCLUSION: Although menopause is well-tolerated by women in our environment, it needs further investigation. Research priorities include the influence of socio-cultural beliefs on sexuality at menopause and evaluation of HRT benefits.

Prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence against HIV-seropositive pregnant women in a Nigerian population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence among HIV-positive pregnant Nigerian women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using an anonymous semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. SETTING: The antenatal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, from June 2008 to December 2009. POPULATION: 305 HIV-positive women receiving antenatal care. METHODS: An anonymous semi-structured World Health Organization modified questionnaire that elicited information on the experiences of intimate partner violence, was administered to the women by trained female interviewers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence, pattern and risk factors associated with experiencing intimate partner violence. RESULTS: The prevalence of intimate partner violence among the women was 32.5%, with psychological violence being the most common form of violence reported (27.5%) and physical violence the least reported (5.9%). Identified risk factors for experiencing violence were multiparity (Odds ratio 9.4; CI 1.23-71.33), respondents with an HIV-positive child (Odds ratio 9.2; CI 4.53-18.84), experience of violence before they were diagnosed HIV-positive (Odds ratio 44.4; 10.33-190.42) and women with partners without post-secondary education (Odds ratio 2.3; CI 1.40-3.91). CONCLUSION: Intimate partner violence is a prevalent public health problem among HIV-infected pregnant women in our community and it may hinder efforts to scale up prevention of mother-child transmission programs, especially in developing countries. Screening for intimate partner violence to identify abused women should be incorporated into these programs to offer these women optimal care.

Obstetric and perinatal outcome in HIV positive women receiving HAART in urban Nigeria.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of pregnancy between HIV positive pregnant women on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HIV negative controls. METHODS: A prospective matched case-control study. RESULTS: HIV positive women were significantly more likely to have anaemia in pregnancy [p < 0.001, odds ratio (95% CI) 5.66 (3.0-10.5)], intrauterine growth restriction [p = 0.002, odds ratio (95%CI) 13.82 (1.8-106.7)], preterm labour [p = 0.03, odds ratio (95% CI) 2.89 (1.2-7.0)] and birth weight less than 2,500 g [p < 0.0001, odds ratio (95% CI) 5.43 (2.4-12.0)]. The 5-min apgar score less than 7, admission into neonatal unit, stillbirth and perinatal mortality were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Anaemia in pregnancy, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labour and birth weight less than 2,500 g are important complications among HIV positive pregnant women. This information is vital for strategic antenatal care planning to improve obstetric and perinatal outcome in these women.

National data system on near miss and maternal death: shifting from maternal risk to public health impact in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The lack of reliable and up-to-date statistics on maternal deaths and disabilities remains a major challenge to the implementation of Nigeria's Road Map to Accelerate the Millennium Development Goal related to Maternal Health (MDG-5). There are currently no functioning national data sources on maternal deaths and disabilities that could serve as reference points for programme managers, health advocates and policy makers. While awaiting the success of efforts targeted at overcoming the barriers facing establishment of population-based data systems, referral institutions in Nigeria can contribute their quota in the quest towards MDG-5 by providing good quality and reliable information on maternal deaths and disabilities on a continuous basis. This project represents the first opportunity to initiate a scientifically sound and reliable quantitative system of data gathering on maternal health profile in Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective is to create a national data system on maternal near miss (MNM) and maternal mortality in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. This system will conduct periodically, both regionally and at country level, a review of the magnitude of MNM and maternal deaths, nature of events responsible for MNM and maternal deaths, indices for the quality of care for direct obstetric complications and the health service events surrounding these complications, in an attempt to collectively define and monitor the standard of comprehensive emergency obstetric care in the country. METHODS: This will be a nationwide cohort study of all women who experience MNM and those who die from pregnancy, childbirth and puerperal complications using uniform criteria among women admitted in tertiary healthcare facilities in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. This will be accomplished by establishing a network of all public tertiary obstetric referral institutions that will prospectively collect specific information on potentially fatal maternal complications. For every woman enrolled, the health service events (care pathways) within the facility will be evaluated to identify areas of substandard care/avoidable factors through clinical audit by the local research team. A summary estimate of the frequencies of MNM and maternal deaths will be determined at intervals and indicators of quality of care (case fatality rate, both total and cause-specific and mortality index) will be evaluated at facility, regional and country levels. MANAGEMENT: Overall project management will be from the Centre for Research in Reproductive Health (CRRH), Sagamu, Nigeria. There will be at least two meetings and site visits for efficient coordination of the project by regional coordinators and central coordinating staff. Data will be transferred electronically by hospital and regional coordinators and managed at the Data Management Unit of CRRH, Sagamu, Nigeria. EXPECTED OUTCOMES: The outcome of the study would provide useful information to the health practitioners, policy-makers and international partners on the strengths and weaknesses of the infrastructures provided for comprehensive emergency obstetric care in Nigeria. The successful implementation of this project will pave way for the long-awaited Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths that would guide the formulation and or revision of obstetric policies and practices in Nigeria. Lessons learnt from the establishment of this data system can also be used to set up similar structures at lower levels of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Ruptured uterus in a Nigerian community: a study of sociodemographic and obstetric risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Ruptured uterus is a common obstetric emergency in Nigeria, associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. There is a need for definitive identification of the risk factors to guide effective interventions to curb its scourge. OBJECTIVE: To identify the sociodemographic and obstetric risk factors for ruptured uterus in Benin City, Nigeria, and based on this, make appropriate recommendations toward curbing the incidence and morbidity and mortality associated with it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sociodemographic and obstetric variables in 51 women with ruptured uterus and 300 randomly selected hospital controls from the general obstetric population were compared. Fisher's exact test was used to determine statistical significance between proportions. RESULTS: The incidence of ruptured uterus was 1 in 426 deliveries. The risk factors found were low socioeconomic class (OR = 6.8, CI = 3.6-12.9), being unbooked for antenatal care (OR = 10.4, CI = 5.4-20.0), grand multiparity (OR = 8.7, CI = 4.0-19.1), and prolonged obstructed labor (OR = 35.3, CI = 15.3-81.6). CONCLUSION: Measures that promote education and economic empowerment of women and the utilization of modern antenatal care will reduce the prevalence of rupture of the uterus in the community.

Repeat myomectomy at caesarean section.

INTRODUCTION: The recurrence of uterine fibroids after a myomectomy is not an uncommon finding. With the growing evidence in support of the safety of myomectomy at caesarean section, more cases are being reported. Although there is no documented recurrence rate of uterine fibroids after myomectomy at caesarean section, it is likely to be higher than after myomectomy in the non-pregnant state. This is due to the changes that occur in fibroid(s) during pregnancy as a result of the effects of pregnancy hormones. CASE REPORT: We present the first case of repeat myomectomy at caesarean section in our series. This is probably the first of such cases ever reported. The significance of this case report in support of the safety of myomectomy at caesarean section and the possibility of a repeat procedure due to recurrence of uterine fibroid(s) are discussed.

Knowledge and perception of emergency contraception among female Nigerian undergraduates.

CONTEXT: The reproductive health hazards of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions are well documented. The potential of emergency contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy in developed countries has been described, but in Nigeria, the awareness about the method is poor and no study has looked at efficacy. METHODS: Between September and October 2001, a randomly selected sample of female undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Nigeria, were surveyed about their demographic information, sexual history and contraceptive use, and their awareness and knowledge of emergency contraception. RESULTS: Of the 880 respondents, 43% were sexually active, 39% had ever practiced contraception and 34% had ever had an induced abortion. Overall, 58% of respondents reported knowing about emergency contraception; sexually active respondents were significantly more likely than those who were not and those who had ever practiced contraception were more likely than those who had not to be aware of emergency contraceptives. However, only 18% of respondents who reported knowing about emergency contraception knew the correct time frame in which emergency contraceptives must be used to be effective. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to educate Nigerian young people about emergency contraception, emphasizing available methods and correct timing of use.