Using maternal and neonatal data collection systems for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines active safety surveillance in low- and middle-income countries: an international modified Delphi study

A core outcome set for maternal and neonatal health research and surveillance of emerging and ongoing epidemic threats (MNH-EPI-COS): a modified Delphi-based international consensus

Background

Disease outbreaks significantly affect maternal and neonatal health. Variability in reporting health outcomes hinder evidence generation. We aimed to develop a core outcome set (COS) for maternal and neonatal health research and surveillance during emerging and ongoing epidemic threats and to agree on outcomes' definitions.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of observational and experimental studies related to epidemics to identify outcomes, and a four-stage modified-Delphi consensus. 150 international stakeholders participated in online surveys, and 24 representatives in consensus meetings. The panels were diverse, with balanced representation of professional background, gender, and geography, including civil society representatives. Outcome were included if ≥ 80% of participants scored them as critically important and ≤10% rated them as not important.

Findings

The final COS includes seven main maternal outcomes-pregnancy outcome, maternal death, suspected symptomatic infection, confirmed infection, severe disease, preterm delivery, mode of birth; seven complementary maternal outcomes-antepartum haemorrhage, postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, maternal sepsis, admission to intensive care unit/special units, respiratory support, depression and anxiety; 11 main neonatal outcomes-neonatal death, neonatal suspected symptomatic infection, confirmed infection, severe disease, vertical transmission, low birth weight, prematurity, congenital disorder, respiratory support, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding; and, four complementary neonatal outcomes-admission to neonatal intensive care unit/special units, respiratory failure, birth asphyxia, sepsis.

Interpretation

This COS could contribute to standardize maternal and neonatal outcomes selection and reporting in observational and experimental studies, facilitating efficient data comparison and timely evidence-based decision-making in the context of ongoing and emerging epidemic threats.

Funding

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (grant INV-041181) and the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), a cosponsored programme executed by the World Health Organization (HQHRP2422779).

Using maternal and neonatal data collection systems for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines active safety surveillance in low- and middle-income countries: an international modified Delphi study

Background: Given that pregnant women are now included among those for receipt coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, it is important to ensure that information systems can be used (or available) for active safety surveillance, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to build consensus about the use of existing maternal and neonatal data collection systems in LMICs for COVID-19 vaccines active safety surveillance, a basic set of variables, and the suitability and feasibility of including pregnant women and LMIC research networks in COVID-19 vaccines pre-licensure activities. Methods: A three-stage modified Delphi study was conducted over three months in 2020. An international multidisciplinary panel of 16 experts participated. Ratings distributions and consensus were assessed, and ratings' rationale was analyzed. Results: The panel recommended using maternal and neonatal data collection systems for active safety surveillance in LMICs (median 9; disagreement index [DI] -0.92), but there was no consensus (median 6; DI 1.79) on the feasibility of adapting these systems. A basic set of 14 maternal, neonatal, and vaccination-related variables. Out of 16 experts, 11 supported a basic set of 14 maternal, neonatal, and vaccination-related variables for active safety surveillance. Seven experts agreed on a broader set of 26 variables. The inclusion of pregnant women for COVID-19 vaccines research (median 8; DI -0.61) was found appropriate, although there was uncertainty on its feasibility in terms of decision-makers' acceptability (median 7; DI 10.00) and regulatory requirements (median 6; DI 0.51). There was no consensus (median 6; DI 2.35) on the feasibility of including research networks in LMICs for conducting clinical trials amongst pregnant women. Conclusions: Although there was some uncertainty regarding feasibility, experts recommended using maternal and neonatal data collection systems and agreed on a common set of variables for COVID-19 vaccines active safety surveillance in LMICs.