Search

Objective: To evaluate the impact of introducing a uterine balloon tamponade (ESM‐UBT) device for managing severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), mainly due to uterine atony, in health facilities in India on the rates of PPH‐related maternal death and invasive procedures for PPH control. Methods: We used a quasi‐experimental, difference‐in‐difference (DID) design to compare changes in the rates of a composite outcome (PPH‐related maternal death and/or artery ligation, uterine compression sutures, or hysterectomy) among women delivering in nine intervention facilities compared with those delivering in two control facilities, before and after the introduction of ESM‐UBT. Results: The study sample included 214 123 deliveries (n = 78 509 before ESM‐UBT introduction; n = 47 211 during ESM‐UBT introduction; and n = 88 403 after ESM‐UBT introduction). After introduction of ESM‐UBT, there was a significant decline in the rate of the primary composite outcome in intervention facilities (21.0–11.4 per 10 000 deliveries; difference −9.6, 95% confidence interval −14.0 to −5.4). Change in the rate of the primary composite outcome was not significant in control facilities (11.7–17.2 per 10 000 deliveries; difference 5.4, 95% confidence interval −3.9 to 14.9). DID analyses showed there was a significant reduction in the rate of the primary composite outcome in intervention facilities relative to control facilities (adjusted DID estimate −15.0 per 10 000 points, 95% confidence interval −23.3 to −6.8; P = 0.005). Conclusion: Introduction of the ESM‐UBT in health facilities in India was associated with a significant reduction in PPH‐related maternal death and/or invasive procedures for PPH control. Introduction of a uterine balloon tamponade device for managing severe postpartum hemorrhage in health facilities in India significantly reduced maternal death and/or invasive procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a ketamine-based anesthesia package to support emergency cesarean section when no anesthetist is available. Methods: A prospective case-series was conducted between December 11, 2013 and September 30, 2021 across nine sub-county hospitals in Kenya. Non-anesthetist healthcare providers undertook an evidence-based five-day training course. A structured instrument was used to collect preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data, and patients were contacted 6 months following the surgery to collect outcomes. The primary outcome measures were maternal and newborn survival and the ability of the ketamine package (ESM-Ketamine) to safely support cesarean deliveries. Results: A total of 401 emergency cesarean sections were performed using ketamine, administered by 54 non-anesthetist providers. All mothers survived to discharge. Brief oxygen desaturations were recorded among 33 (8.2%) mothers, and agitation and hallucinations occurred among 13 (3.2%). There were no maternal serious adverse events. At 6-month follow-up, 94.2% of mothers who could be reached reported no complaints. Additionally, 402 (92.4%) of the 435 operative births survived to discharge. Conclusion: The ESM-Ketamine package can be used by trained non-anesthetist providers to support emergency cesarean sections when no anesthetist is available. Ketamine has significant potential to increase access to emergency cesarean deliveries in resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Disparities in PPH‐associated survival between high and low‐/middle‐income countries reflect an imperative for low‐resource countries to improve strategies for rapid diagnosis and treatment. A review of current PPH diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and access to care in low‐income countries has been used to understand, extract, and report the challenges that public health systems face in trying to solve the marked global disparity in PPH outcomes. Improvement in PPH survival begins with holistic strengthening of each step along the continuum of care in health systems and should include performance feedback measures and quality‐of‐care research. Synopsis: Improvement in postpartum hemorrhage survival requires holistic strengthening of each step along the continuum of care and should include performance feedback measures and quality‐of‐care research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the impact of the PPH Emergency Care package (PPH EmC)—a holistic intervention that uses a bundle approach that has been implemented in Kenya, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Central America—in a low‐resource setting. Methods: The feasibility and impact of PPH EmC implementation in Migori County, Kenya was studied using a qualitative research design. In March and April 2022 key informants were identified using purposive sampling. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted over Zoom from March to May 2022 until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for emerging themes. Results: PPH EmC has positively impacted facility and health system preparedness, referral coordination, teamwork and communication, and overall capacity to provide quality PPH emergency care. Participants reported that PPH EmC is sustainable because of its low cost and support from local partners. Conclusion: Implementation of PPH EmC in Migori County, Kenya was feasible and positively impacted PPH emergency care. Synopsis: Implementation of the Postpartum Hemorrhage Emergency Care Bundle (PPH EmC) in Migori County, Kenya was feasible and positively impacted postpartum hemorrhage emergency care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand facilitators, barriers, and perceptions of the Every Second Matters uterine balloon tamponade (ESM‐UBT) package implemented across 10 medical colleges in India, 3 years after the program was introduced. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted until thematic saturation in March 2020. Multiple provider cadres, including nurses, Obstetrics/Gynecology residents, professors, and program leads, were eligible. Interviews were transcribed and thematically coded using an inductive method. Results: Sixty‐two obstetric providers were interviewed. Facilitators of implementation included recurrent training, improved teamwork and communication, strong program leadership, and involvement of lower‐level facilities. Barriers to implementation included administrative hurdles, high staff turnover, language barriers, and resources required to reach and train lower‐level facilities. Overall, the majority of clinicians viewed the ESM‐UBT package as a useful intervention in aiding efforts to reduce maternal deaths from postpartum hemorrhage. Conclusions: Among 10 medical colleges in India the ESM‐UBT package is seen as a beneficial intervention for managing refractory atonic postpartum hemorrhage, and for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Identified facilitators of and barriers to implementation of the ESM‐UBT package in India should be used to guide future implementation efforts. Identified facilitators to implementation of the Every Second Matters uterine balloon tamponade should be leveraged for future implementation in other low‐resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]