Joel G Ray, Howard Berger, Kazuyoshi Aoyama, Jocelynn L Cook, Kayvan Aflaki, Alison L Park
{"title":"Does infant birthweight percentile identify mothers at risk of severe morbidity? A Canadian population-based cohort study.","authors":"Joel G Ray, Howard Berger, Kazuyoshi Aoyama, Jocelynn L Cook, Kayvan Aflaki, Alison L Park","doi":"10.1186/s40748-025-00217-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-025-00217-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is a reverse J-shaped relation between newborn weight percentile and risk of perinatal mortality. Perinatal mortality itself is associated with severe maternal morbidity and mortality (SMM-M) around the index pregnancy, likely because the two share common etiologies, including placental dysfunction. We evaluated an infant's birthweight percentile and risk of its mother experiencing SMM-M.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This population-based cohort study was completed within a universal healthcare system in Ontario, Canada. Included were 2,203,490 singleton livebirths between 2002 and 2020. The study exposure was infant birthweight percentile for gestational age and sex. The 25th to 75th percentile served as the referent. The main outcome was SMM-M arising from 23 week's gestation up to 42 days postpartum. Multivariable modified Poisson regression generated relative risks (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for maternal age, income, rurality, pre-existing diabetes and hypertension.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A J-shaped relation was seen between birthweight and risk of SMM-M. Relative to the 25th to 75th (15.0 per 1000 livebirths), the aRR of SMM-M was 1.27 (95% CI 1.21, 1.32) at 5th to < 10th, 1.40 (95% CI 1.28, 1.53) at 2nd to < 3rd, and 1.48 (95% CI 1.36, 1.62) at < 1st birthweight percentile. At higher birthweights, the aRR was 1.16 (95% CI 1.11, 1.21) at 90th to < 95th, 1.24 (95% CI 1.13, 1.36) at 95th to < 96th, and 1.73 (95% CI 1.60, 1.87) at > 99th percentile.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is a J-shaped relation between infant birthweight and risk of its mother experiencing SMM-M, likely due to shared risk factors and a common pathogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"11 1","pages":"19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12225049/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Improving maternal well-being: a matrescence education pilot study for new mothers.","authors":"Victoria Trinko, Julia Sarewitz, Aurelie Athan","doi":"10.1186/s40748-025-00203-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-025-00203-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The transition to motherhood, known as matrescence and comparable to adolescence, involves significant changes across multiple life domains, impacting maternal identity and increasing the risk of psychopathology. Conventional maternal mental health interventions often emphasize crisis management over proactive resilience building. Psychoeducational programs designed to empower and support positive adaptation may offer a beneficial preventative approach. This pilot study evaluates the acceptability, relevance, and effectiveness of a matrescence-informed maternal health education program developed to enhance new mothers' understanding of the complex emotional and social challenges associated with the transition to motherhood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study evaluated a six-week, matrescence-informed maternal health education program delivered via Zoom. Eighteen participants (n = 18) attended weekly 75-minute sessions that included lectures, experiential exercises, and group discussions. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were administered to assess mindfulness, self-compassion, perceived stress, personal growth, and psychological well-being. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests to compare pre- and post-intervention scores, and qualitative responses were analyzed using thematic analysis to capture participant perceptions of the program's relevance and impact.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The pilot program demonstrated improvements in select psychological measures. While overall mindfulness scores did not change, increases were noted in the subscales of observing, non-judgment, and non-reactivity. Self-compassion scores increased, and participants reported gains in areas such as personal strength, relationships, and spiritual development. Perceived stress and psychological well-being remained unchanged, though environmental mastery showed improvement. Qualitative responses described challenges related to physical and emotional challenges as well as identity shifts. Participants assessed the program to be relevant and useful in addressing the challenges of motherhood and in enhancing their awareness of the concept of matrescence.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Positive participant feedback suggests that matrescence-informed education may offer benefits to new mothers' understanding of their developmental transition and should be disseminated more widely to improve their awareness and literacy. The small sample size highlights the need for larger-scale studies, including randomized controlled trials and longitudinal follow-ups, to evaluate the program's potential in mitigating the risk of poor maternal mental health outcomes. Efforts should be made to reduce barriers to matrescence education and make it affordable and accessible to all.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"11 1","pages":"18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12220242/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144546411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Businge Alinaitwe, Francis Nkunzimaana, Charles Kato, Rachel Uwimbabazi, Petranilla Nakamya, Molly McCoy, Adam Kaplan, Elizabeth Ayebare, Jameel Winter, Tom Denis Ngabirano
{"title":"Maternal awareness of newborn danger signs before discharge: a secondary analysis of baseline data from a quasi-experimental study in Uganda.","authors":"Businge Alinaitwe, Francis Nkunzimaana, Charles Kato, Rachel Uwimbabazi, Petranilla Nakamya, Molly McCoy, Adam Kaplan, Elizabeth Ayebare, Jameel Winter, Tom Denis Ngabirano","doi":"10.1186/s40748-025-00214-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-025-00214-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The neonatal period is the most vulnerable time for children under 5 years. Neonatal mortality contributes to almost one-half of all under-5 deaths. Developing one or more newborn danger signs increases the mortality risk in the first 28 days of life. Understanding maternal awareness of newborn danger signs is essential in promoting early newborn care-seeking for better outcomes. In Uganda, there is a paucity of evidence on maternal awareness of newborn danger signs (NDS) immediately after delivery. This study aimed to determine the level and factors associated with maternal awareness of NDS before discharge from the hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a secondary analysis of baseline data from a hospital-based enhanced maternal education intervention conducted at a Tertiary Care and Teaching Hospital in Eastern Uganda. Maternal awareness of NDS was assessed by recording spontaneous maternal responses to the question, 'What are the danger signs of a newborn baby that you know? Women who mentioned ≥ 3 NDS were categorized as having a good awareness. Frequencies and percentages for all categorical variables were presented in tables and charts. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with awareness of NDS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The baseline survey enrolled 250 post-natal women. Only 14.0% of the participants had a good awareness of NDS. High body temperature/fever (73.6%) and poor breastfeeding/or failure to breastfeed (38.8%) were the commonly identified NDS. Hypothermia, cord sepsis (0.4%), skin pustules (1.6%), and convulsions (4.6%) were the least identified NDS. Mode of delivery (p = 0.039) and maternal age (p = 0.032) were significantly associated with maternal awareness of NDS.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Maternal awareness of newborn danger signs in the immediate post-delivery period is poor. The women do not know the majority of the NDS, and therefore, these signs can go undetected, delaying care-seeking and posing a risk for poor infant outcomes. Routine postnatal health education should focus on these danger signs while ensuring that younger mothers and women who deliver by cesarean section are given special attention during knowledge enhancement sessions.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"11 1","pages":"17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12211380/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144531453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charlotte V Farewell, Sarah J Schmiege, Jenn A Leiferman
{"title":"Racial differences in psychosocial resources and mental and physical health outcomes during pregnancy: a structural equation modeling approach.","authors":"Charlotte V Farewell, Sarah J Schmiege, Jenn A Leiferman","doi":"10.1186/s40748-025-00213-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-025-00213-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Poor prenatal health is of particular concern among minoritized individuals who may experience adverse social determinants of health contributing to the intergenerational transmission of health disparities. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between psychosocial resources, and mental and physical health among a prenatal sample, and to explore if these relationships vary by race.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>English-speaking pregnant individuals living in the United States were recruited using Centiment (n = 340). Participants completed a 121-item cross-sectional survey. We conducted a single- and multi-group structural equation model to test hypothesized relationships, and then investigated differences by pregnant White individuals versus Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our final single-group model exhibited good model fit (χ2 (43) = 99.07, p < .01, CFI = 0.97, SRMR = 0.04, and RMSEA = 0. 06 (0.05-0.08)). After controlling for demographic characteristics and social determinants of health, higher levels of mindfulness were statistically significantly related to lower anxiety and depression scores (both p < .01). Higher levels of social supports were statistically significantly related to lower anxiety scores. Scale measurement invariance was confirmed for the multi-group model and the structural model was statistically significantly different between pregnant White individuals and BIPOC in this sample (Δ χ2 (27) = 116.71, p < .01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Identification of core components of psychosocial resource interventions, consideration of upstream structural determinants, mindfulness and valued-living (MVL)-based strategies, cultural adaptation, and an emphasis on resilience rather than psychopathology may result in improved prenatal health among pregnant individuals traditionally underrepresented in research.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"11 1","pages":"16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12131562/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144210351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Maternal and perinatal outcomes of Somali migrant women in comparison to host populations in the Global North: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Muna Said, Itohan Osayande, Okikiolu Badejo, Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas","doi":"10.1186/s40748-025-00210-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-025-00210-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The enduring conflict in Somalia has precipitated significant humanitarian crises, including severely weakened health systems and poor health indicators. The situation has led to almost two million Somalis living abroad, often as refugees or asylum seekers in more high-resource settings in the Global North. To understand outcomes of care of pregnant women and their babies in host countries, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesise existing evidence on adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among Somali migrant women compared to host populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL Plus, and the Directory of Open Access Journals, using tailored keyword combinations. No language or date restrictions were applied, and the search concluded on June 30, 2024. Following data extraction and quality assurance using the STROBE Checklist, we conducted a meta-analysis for outcomes with sufficient data, using a random-effects model to account for heterogeneity across populations. Subgroup analyses were conducted by host country, with heterogeneity assessed using I<sup>2</sup> and τ<sup>2</sup> statistics. Potential publication bias was evaluated through Egger's test and funnel plots. The results provide pooled estimates of maternal and perinatal outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Across all databases, 116 articles were retrieved, with 17 meeting the eligibility criteria. From these articles, pregnancy-related data from 1978 to 2018 on 55,119 Somali migrant women and 5,190,459 women from the host population was extracted. Somali migrant women, compared to host populations, had significantly increased odds of emergency caesarean section (CS) (pooled OR 2.54, 95%CI: 2.22-2.86), non-progressing/induced labour (pooled OR 1.25, 95%CI: 1.19-1.31). Their babies had higher odds of small for gestational age (SGA) (pooled OR 2.03, 95%CI: 1.89-2.17), neonatal morbidity (pooled OR 1.51, 95%CI: 1.40-1.61), and neonatal mortality (pooled OR 1.39, 95%CI: 1.25-1.54). Conversely, Somali migrant women had lower odds of assisted instrumental delivery (OR 0.72, 95%CI: 0.66-0.78), post-partum depression (OR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12-0.63), preterm birth (OR 0.92, 95%CI: 0.88-0.96), and low birth weight (OR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80-0.94) compared to host populations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Significant disparities in maternal and perinatal outcomes between Somali migrant women and host populations exist. Though more research is needed, available evidence points to the need for more culturally aware obstetric services that address the specific needs of Somali migrant women.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"11 1","pages":"14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12131341/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144210350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Endalew Gemechu Sendo, Fekadu Aga, Lemi Abebe Gebrewold
{"title":"Retention of knowledge and skills among midwives one year after completing helping babies breathe pre-service training in Ethiopia: a non-randomized quasi-experimental study.","authors":"Endalew Gemechu Sendo, Fekadu Aga, Lemi Abebe Gebrewold","doi":"10.1186/s40748-025-00201-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-025-00201-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Neonatal mortality remains a significant public health challenge in Ethiopia, often attributed to asphyxia at birth. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB), an evidence-based neonatal resuscitation program aims to address this issue. However, the sustainability of knowledge and skills acquired during pre-service training is less understood.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study assessed the retention of knowledge and skills among midwives one year after completing the HBB pre-service training in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A non-randomized quasi-experimental study was conducted involving a cohort of midwifery graduates who completed HBB training during their final year. Knowledge was assessed using a multiple-choice questionnaire, while skills were evaluated using Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). Data were collected immediately post-training, six months later, and one year later. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyze changes over time.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 60 midwives initially trained, 50 (83.3%) participated in the follow-up assessment. The median knowledge score decreased significantly from 98% immediately post-training to 74% one year later (p < 0.01). Similarly, OSCE performance declined, with 36% of participants demonstrating proficiency compared to 62% at baseline (p < 0.05). A paired t-test was performed to evaluate whether students' psychomotor skills significantly declined 12 months after initial training. The results of the analysis showed a highly significant decline in psychomotor skills during this time, with a mean difference of -2.29 (SE = 0.29; p < 0.001). This negative mean difference, with pre-test scores averaging 27.59 (SD = 2.78) and post-test scores after 12 months averaging 25.31 (SD = 2.11), indicates a noticeable drop in skill levels following training.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While midwives retained moderate knowledge and skills one year after completing HBB training, significant attrition highlights the need for periodic refresher training and improved access to resuscitation tools. Strengthening these aspects may enhance the long-term impact of HBB in reducing neonatal mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"11 1","pages":"15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12128283/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144201014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K Sonnichsen, P-E Isberg, J Elers, M Zaigham, Nana Wiberg
{"title":"The PLUS study: efficacy of triclosan coated suture (VicrylPlus<sup>®</sup>) to reduce infection in primary suture of childbirth related perineal tears - a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"K Sonnichsen, P-E Isberg, J Elers, M Zaigham, Nana Wiberg","doi":"10.1186/s40748-025-00211-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-025-00211-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preventing infection in primary sutured perineal tears after childbirth is crucial to avoid systemic antibiotic use and potential complications from poor healing. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an antibacterial, triclosan-coated suture (VicrylPlus<sup>®</sup>) in reducing infection in primary sutured childbirth-related perineal tears.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The PLUS study was a single-center, single-blinded, adaptive parallel-group randomized trial conducted at Lund University Hospital, Sweden. Women aged ≥ 18 years with a perineal tear at childbirth were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the control group (conventional-absorbable suture, Vicryl<sup>®</sup>) or the intervention group (triclosan-coated- absorbable suture, VicrylPlus<sup>®</sup>).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 1921 eligible women, 1890 were randomized to either Vicryl<sup>®</sup> (n = 953) or VicrylPlus<sup>®</sup> (n = 937). There were no significant demographic differences between the groups. The most common type of tear in both groups was a second-degree tear (Vicryl<sup>®</sup> 66.2% (n = 625), VicrylPlus<sup>®</sup> 67.5% (n = 625)). Encompassing all types of deeper tears in the analysis there was a significantly decrease in infection after suturing with VicrylPlus<sup>®</sup> 4% (n = 28) versus Vicryl<sup>®</sup> 6.8% (n = 47); (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35-0.91, P = 0.024). When analyzing different tears separately, there was a non-significant increase in infection for first-degree tears with VicrylPlus<sup>®</sup> 0.8% (n = 2) versus Vicryl<sup>®</sup> 3.9% (n = 8); (OR 4.75, 95% CI 1.00-22.63, P = 0.050). However, for second-degree tears, the infection rate was significantly reduced with VicrylPlus<sup>®</sup> 4.4% (n = 27) versus Vicryl<sup>®</sup> 7.2% (n = 44); (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.36-0.98, P = 0.05) and for third-degree and unclassified tears there was a non-significant decrease in infections with VicrylPlus<sup>®</sup> 5.3% (n = 1) versus Vicryl<sup>®</sup> 14.3% (n = 2); (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.03-4.10, P = 0.561), respectively, VicrylPlus<sup>®</sup> 0% versus Vicryl<sup>®</sup> 1.7% (n = 1); (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95-1.02, P = 0.462).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The use of triclosan coated sutures significantly reduces the risk of infection in primary sutured childbirth-related perineal tears by 43%, except for first-degree tears. Further research is needed to determine whether their effectiveness remains consistent across the other specific types of deeper tears in a larger study population.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials (NCT02863874), posted 11/08/2016, retrospectively registered. Approved by the regional ethical committee before start of enrollment (Dnr 2015/774).</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"11 1","pages":"13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12051262/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143994069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oliver Norton, Prashant Jha, Seke Kazuma, Mumbi Lupupa, Esther Mmwamba
{"title":"A multisite inventory study of neonatal syringe pumps in Zambia.","authors":"Oliver Norton, Prashant Jha, Seke Kazuma, Mumbi Lupupa, Esther Mmwamba","doi":"10.1186/s40748-024-00192-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-024-00192-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The global neonatal mortality rate is due to miss the third Sustainable Development Goal of 12 deaths per 100 live births by 2030. However, medical devices can play a crucial role in improving the quality of care given to neonates, helping to reduce the rate further.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study focuses on quantifying the availability of syringe pumps to newborns at key hospital locations in Zambia. Inventories of syringe pumps on neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) were conducted at 7 different hospitals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Syringe pumps were only available on 3 of the 8 NICUs. Only 1 of the 13 syringe pumps were found in the Copperbelt region, despite 5 of the hospitals being located there. The largest syringe pump-to-bed ratio was 0.17 at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In Zambia, there is a disproportionate availability of syringe pumps, for neonatal care, in the Lusaka and Southern regions compared to the Copperbelt region in the north.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"11 1","pages":"12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12046926/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143999714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Umbilical venous catheter misplacement due to unexpected supernumerary patent umbilical artery.","authors":"Paola Papoff, Benedetto D'Agostino, Antonella Bitti, Valentina Pennetta, Valeria Avarino, Elena Caresta","doi":"10.1186/s40748-025-00209-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-025-00209-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Umbilical vein catheterization is relatively straightforward procedure because the vein is easily recognized as a single, large, thin-walled vessel. However, anomalies of the umbilical vessels, such as the multivessel cord, which embeds more than two arteries or more than one vein, can result in catheter misplacement.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We present a unique case of a supernumerary patent umbilical artery in an asphyxiated term neonate, which resulted in the misplacement of the umbilical venous catheter in one of the three arteries. The diagnosis of artery cannulation was made through a comprehensive analysis of the patient's blood gases, the use of a pressure transducer to confirm the presence of a pulsatile arterial signal, and the interpretation of a chest X-ray. Subsequently, the catheter was removed without complication. A more detailed examination of the umbilical cord revealed the presence of three arteries and a vein, which was then successfully cannulated.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case reinforces the notion that the umbilical cord may include more than three vessels, and that umbilical vein cannulation requires prior meticulous observation of the number of vessels to prevent misplacement of the catheter.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"11 1","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12044977/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144060699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence and associated factors of stillbirth among women at extreme ages of reproductive life in Sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis of the recent demographic and health survey.","authors":"Alebachew Ferede Zegeye, Enyew Getaneh Mekonen, Tadesse Tarik Tamir, Berhan Tekeba, Tewodros Getaneh Alemu, Mohammed Seid Ali, Almaz Tefera Gonete, Alemneh Tadesse Kassie, Mulugeta Wassie, Belayneh Shetie Workneh","doi":"10.1186/s40748-025-00205-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40748-025-00205-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stillbirth is one of the biggest adverse pregnancy outcomes in countries with low and middle incomes. If current trends continue, 15.9 million babies will be stillborn; nearly half of these (7.7 million, or 48%) will occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Although stillbirth is one of the health care indicators, its prevalence and determinates are not well studied in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stillbirth among people at extreme ages of reproductive life in Sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys, which covered 23 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2015 to 2022, were used for secondary data analysis. The study used a total of 76,451 women. STATA 14 was used to analyze the data. The associated factors of stillbirth were determined using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic retrogression model. Significant factors associated with stillbirth were declared significant at p- value < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of stillbirth in Sub-Saharan Africa was 6.18% (95% CI: 6.01, 6.35). Higher odds of stillbirth were observed among women at advanced age (35-49 years) (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI: 2.57, 5.41), those who consumed alcohol during pregnancy (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.00), and those who underwent cesarean section delivery (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.37). Additionally, rural residence (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.23), high community levels of illiteracy (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.32), and residing in South sub-Saharan Africa (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.38) were positively associated with stillbirth.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study concludes that stillbirth among women at extreme ages of reproductive life is high compared to the UNICEF 2022 report. The study identified that both individual and community-level variables were associated factors of stillbirth. Therefore, the ministries of health in Sub-Saharan African countries should give attention to those women at the extreme ages of reproductive life and to women from rural areas while designing policies and strategies targeting reducing stillbirth rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":74120,"journal":{"name":"Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology","volume":"11 1","pages":"10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11967143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143774745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}