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Frisendahl C, Looft-Trägårdh E, Cleeve A, Atuhairwe S, Larsson EC, Kakaire O, Kayiga H, Aronsson A, Kihara A, Temmerman M, Klingberg Allvin M, Byamugisha J, Gemzell Danielsson K. Two decades of research capacity strengthening and reciprocal learning on sexual and reproductive health in East Africa - a point of (no) return. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2353957. [PMID: 38826144 PMCID: PMC11149584 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2024.2353957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
As the world is facing challenges such as pandemics, climate change, conflicts, and changing political landscapes, the need to secure access to safe and high-quality abortion care is more urgent than ever. On 27th of June 2023, the Swedish government decided to cut funding resources available for developmental research, which has played a fundamental role in the advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) globally, including abortion care. Withdrawal of this funding not only threatens the fulfilment of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGS) - target 3.7 on ensuring universal access to SRHR and target 5 on gender equality - but also jeopardises two decades of research capacity strengthening. In this article, we describe how the partnerships that we have built over the course of two decades have amounted to numerous publications, doctoral graduates, and important advancements within the field of SRHR in East Africa and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Frisendahl
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emelie Looft-Trägårdh
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amanda Cleeve
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susan Atuhairwe
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elin C. Larsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Othman Kakaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Herbert Kayiga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Annette Aronsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne Kihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marie Klingberg Allvin
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kristina Gemzell Danielsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kapp N, Dijkerman S, Getachew A, Eckersberger E, Pearson E, Abubeker FA, Birara M. Can mid-level providers manage medical abortion after 12 weeks' gestation as safely and effectively as physicians? A non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 165:1268-1276. [PMID: 38282483 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether clinical outcomes among clients undergoing medical abortion after 12 weeks' gestation differ by provider cadre. METHODS Randomized controlled trial conducted among eligible clients seeking abortion between 13 and 20 weeks' gestation. Participants seeking in-facility abortion were randomized to receive care from a mid-level provider (nurse/midwife) or physician. The primary outcome was median time to expulsion with non-inferiority margin of -1.5 h between provider groups. Quantile median regression models assessed non-inferiority. Secondary outcomes included retained placenta, complications, and patient acceptability. RESULTS After randomization and eligibility assessment by the provider, 171 women participated in the study: 81 in the physician group and 90 in the mid-level provider group. Their average age was 24 years, the mean gestational age was 16 weeks, and 65% were nulliparous in both groups. The median time to expulsion did not differ significantly, being 8.1 h for the mid-level group and 6.6 h for the physician group. The adjusted median difference was 0.8 h (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.15 to 2.66), within the non-inferiority margin. Retained placenta occurred similarly: 30.0% (n = 24) of the physician group and 20.5% (n = 18) of the mid-level provider group (adjusted risk difference [ARD] 7.6%, 95% CI -2.81 to 18.06). Complications occurred in 7% of cases, including 5.0% (n = 4) of patients in the physician group and 8.9% (n = 8) in the mid-level provider group (ARD -4.7%, 95% CI -12.43 to 3.12). Patient acceptability did not differ by group. CONCLUSIONS Training mid-level providers to provide abortion services after 12 weeks' gestation independently of physicians is feasible and may result in comparable clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abrham Getachew
- St Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Ferid A Abubeker
- St Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Malede Birara
- St Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Ouedraogo R, Obure V, Kimemia G, Achieng A, Kadzo M, Shirima J, Dama SU, Wanjiru S, Both J. "I will never wish this pain to even my worst enemy": Lived experiences of pain associated with manual vacuum aspiration during post-abortion care in Kenya. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289689. [PMID: 37619217 PMCID: PMC10449468 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In Kenya, where abortion is legally restricted, most abortions are induced using unsafe procedures, and lead to complications treated in public health facilities. The introduction of Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) to treat incomplete abortion has improved the management of abortion complications. However, this technology comes with pain whose management has been a challenge. This paper explores the lived experiences of pain (management) during MVA to document the contributing factors. METHODS We used an ethnographic approach to explore girls and healthcare providers' experiences in offering and accessing post-abortion care in Kilifi County, Kenya. The data collection approach included participant observation and informal conversations in public health facilities and neighboring communities, as well as in-depth interviews with 21 girls and young women treated for abortion complication and 12 healthcare providers. RESULTS Our findings show that almost all patients described the MVA as the most painful procedure they have ever experienced. The unbearable pain was explained by various factors, including the lack of preparedness of health facilities to offer PAC services (i.e. lack of pain medicine, lack of training, inadequate knowledge and grasp of pain medication guidelines, and malfunctioning MVA kits). Moreover, the attitudes of healthcare providers and facilities management toward the MVA device limited the supply and replacement of MVA kits. Moreover, the scarcity of pain medicines also gave some providers the opportunity to abuse patients guided by their values, whereby they would deny patients pain medication as a form of "punishment" if they were suspected of inducing their abortion, especially adolescent girls. CONCLUSION The study findings suggest the need for clearer guidelines on pain medication, value clarification and attitude transformation training for providers, systematizing the use of medical uterine evacuation using medical abortion drug and strengthening the supply chain of pain medication and MVA kits to reduce the pain and improve the quality of post-abortion care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valleria Obure
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace Kimemia
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anne Achieng
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mercy Kadzo
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jane Shirima
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Liu Y, Lv W. The diagnostic value of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography plus serum β-HCG dynamic monitoring in intrauterine residue after medical abortion. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e31217. [PMID: 36749252 PMCID: PMC9901960 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To probe the diagnostic value of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography plus serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) dynamic monitoring in intrauterine residue after medical abortion.In total, 200 pregnant women undergoing medical abortion in our institution from January 2017 to December 2019 were picked, and assigned to either group A (n = 75, with residue) or group B (n = 125, without residue). We detected serum β-HCG, progesterone (P), follicle stimulating estrogen (FSH) levels and ultrasonic indicators endometrial thickness (ET), peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistance index (RI) values, dissected correlation of indicators using logistic linear regression analysis, and prospected the diagnostic value of relevant indicators in intrauterine residue after medical abortion utilizingreceiver operating characteristic curve.At 7 days after abortion (T3), total vaginal bleeding and visual analogue scalescore in group A were saliently higher in contrast to group B ( P < .05). At 72 hours after abortion (T2) and T3, serum β-HCG, P and FSH levels declined strikingly in both groups, but group B held plainly higher decrease rate than group A ( P HC.05). At T3, ET and PSV levels in both groups considerably waned, whereas RI levels notedly waxed, and group B owned markedly higher decrease/increase than group A ( P wa.05). At T3, serum β-HCG in group A possessed positive association with serum P, FSH, intrauterine ET, PSV levels separately ( P HC.05), whereas negative link with RI levels ( P , .05). The specificity and sensitivity of β-HCG, P, FSH, β-HCG/ET, β-HCG/PSV and β-HCG/RI in the diagnosis of intrauterine residue after medical abortion were high ( P < .05).Serum β-HCG dynamic monitoring plus transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography is of great value in diagnosing intrauterine residue after medical abortion. Serum β-HCG, P, FSH levels can be combined with the results of intrauterine ET, PSV, RI values, so as to boost the diagnostic accuracy of the intrauterine residue after medical abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbo Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Litongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen Lv
- Department of Gynecology, Litongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- * Correspondence: Wen Lv, Department of Gynecology, Litongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, 234 Gucui Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310012, China (e-mail: )
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Chakhame BM, Darj E, Mwapasa M, Kafulafula UK, Maluwa A, Odland JØ, Odland ML. Women's perceptions of and experiences with the use of misoprostol for treatment of incomplete abortion in central Malawi: a mixed methods study. Reprod Health 2023; 20:26. [PMID: 36732793 PMCID: PMC9893686 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01549-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abortion-related complications are among the common causes of maternal mortality in Malawi. Misoprostol is recommended for the treatment of first-trimester incomplete abortions but is seldom used for post-abortion care in Malawi. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study that used mixed methods was conducted in three hospitals in central Malawi. A survey was done on 400 women and in-depth interviews with 24 women receiving misoprostol for incomplete abortion. Convenience and purposive sampling methods were used and data were analysed using STATA 16.0 for quantitative part and thematic analysis for qualitative part. RESULTS From the qualitative data, three themes emerged around the following areas: experienced effects, support offered, and women's perceptions. Most women liked misoprostol and reported that the treatment was helpful and effective in expelling retained products of conception. Quantitative data revealed that the majority of participants, 376 (94%) were satisfied with the support received, and 361 (90.3%) believed that misoprostol was better than surgical treatment. The majority of the women 364 (91%) reported they would recommend misoprostol to friends. CONCLUSIONS The use of misoprostol for incomplete abortion in Malawi is acceptable and regarded as helpful and satisfactory among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha Magreta Chakhame
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ,Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Elisabeth Darj
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mphatso Mwapasa
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ,Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Alfred Maluwa
- grid.493103.c0000 0004 4901 9642Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
| | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ,grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002 South Africa ,grid.465487.cFaculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Maria Lisa Odland
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ,grid.52522.320000 0004 0627 3560Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway ,Malawi-Liverpool-Welcome Trust Research Institute, Blantyre, 312225 Malawi ,grid.10025.360000 0004 1936 8470Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX UK
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Mark A, Henderson J, Rodriguez M, Edelman A. Abortion research that matters: Using core outcomes to enable systematic review. Contraception 2022; 116:1-3. [PMID: 36055361 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Mark
- Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jillian Henderson
- Cochrane Fertility Regulation Review Group, Portland, OR, United States; Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Maria Rodriguez
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Portland, OR, United States; Department of OB/GYN, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Alison Edelman
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Portland, OR, United States; Department of OB/GYN, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
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Atuhairwe S, Hanson C, Atuyambe L, Byamugisha J, Tumwesigye NM, Ssenyonga R, Gemzell-Danielsson K. Evaluating women’s acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians: a mixed methods study. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:434. [PMID: 36335344 PMCID: PMC9637300 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02027-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies evaluating task sharing in postabortion care have mainly focused on women in first trimester and many lack a qualitative component. We aimed to evaluate patient acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians and also gained a deeper understanding of the patients’ lived treatment experiences in Uganda. Methods Our mixed methods study combined 1140 structured interview data from a randomized controlled equivalence trial and in-depth interviews (n = 28) among women managed with misoprostol for second trimester incomplete abortion at 14 public health facilities in Uganda. Acceptability, our main outcome, was measured at the 14-day follow-up visit using a structured questionnaire as a composite variable of: 1) treatment experience (as expected/ better than expected/ worse than expected), and 2) satisfaction - if patient would recommend the treatment to a friend or choose the method again. We used generalized mixed effects models to obtain the risk difference in acceptable post abortion care between midwife and physician groups. We used inductive content analysis for qualitative data. Results From 14th August 2018 to 16th November 2021, we assessed 7190 women for eligibility and randomized 1191 (593 to midwife and 598 to physician). We successfully followed up 1140 women and 1071 (94%) found the treatment acceptable. The adjusted risk difference was 1.2% (95% CI, − 1.2 to 3.6%) between the two groups, and within our predefined equivalence range of − 5 to + 5%. Treatment success and feeling calm and safe after treatment enhanced acceptability while experience of side effects and worrying bleeding patterns reduced satisfaction. Conclusions Misoprostol treatment of uncomplicated second trimester incomplete abortion was equally and highly acceptable to women when care was provided by midwives compared with physicians. In settings that lack adequate staffing levels of physicians or where midwives are available to provide misoprostol, task sharing second trimester medical PAC with midwives increases patient’s access to postabortion care services. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03622073. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-02027-y. Approximately 9.6% of abortion-related deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. These deaths can be prevented if unintended pregnancies are avoided, women can access safe abortions within the expectations of the country’s laws, and post abortion care (PAC) services are provided equitably. Previous research shows that women with abortion complications in the first trimester of pregnancy can be treated with misoprostol by either midwives or physicians. This sharing of tasks between the midwives and physicians is safe, effective, and acceptable. However, there is a gap in evidence on task sharing in the second trimester. To check practicability of task sharing in second trimester, we aimed to evaluate patient acceptability of treatment of incomplete second trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians and also gained a deeper understanding of the patients’ lived treatment experiences. Our study therefore combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. Women’s acceptability of misoprostol treatment for incomplete second trimester abortion was found to be equally acceptable when provided by midwives compared with physicians. Treatment success, feeling calm and safe after treatment increased acceptability, while experience of side effects and worrying bleeding patterns reduced satisfaction. Counselling of women may address some of these problems since it provides reassurance and reduces anxiety. In settings that lack adequate staffing levels of physicians or where midwives are available to provide misoprostol, task sharing second trimester medical PAC with midwives increases patient’s access to PAC services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Atuhairwe
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda ,Department of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Claudia Hanson
- grid.465198.7Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden ,grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XDepartment of disease control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lynn Atuyambe
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Ssenyonga
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Women and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705WHO Collaborating Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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Chakhame BM, Darj E, Mwapasa M, Kafulafula UK, Maluwa A, Chiudzu G, Malata A, Odland JØ, Odland ML. Experiences of Using Misoprostol in the Management of Incomplete Abortions: A Voice of Healthcare Workers in Central Malawi. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12045. [PMID: 36231358 PMCID: PMC9565130 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Complications after abortion are a major cause of maternal death. Incomplete abortions are common and require treatment with surgical or medical uterine evacuation. Even though misoprostol is a cheaper and safer option, it is rarely used in Malawi. To improve services, an intervention was performed to increase the use of misoprostol in post-abortion care. This study explored healthcare providers' perceptions and experiences with misoprostol in the Malawian setting and their role in achieving effective implementation of the drug. A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted in three hospitals in central Malawi. Focus group discussions were conducted with healthcare workers in centres where the training intervention was offered. Participants were purposefully sampled, and thematic analysis was done. Most of the healthcare workers were positive about the use of misoprostol, knew how to use it and were confident in doing so. The staff preferred misoprostol to surgical treatment because it was perceived safe, effective, easy to use, cost-effective, had few complications, decreased hospital congestion, reduced workload, and saved time. Additionally, misoprostol was administered by nurses/midwives, and not just physicians, thus enhancing task-shifting. The results showed acceptability of misoprostol in post-abortion care among healthcare workers in central Malawi, and further implementation of the drug is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha Magreta Chakhame
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
| | - Elisabeth Darj
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mphatso Mwapasa
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
| | - Ursula Kalimembe Kafulafula
- School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
| | - Alfred Maluwa
- Department of Research and Postgraduate Outreach, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo 310106, Malawi
| | - Grace Chiudzu
- School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
| | - Address Malata
- Department of Research and Postgraduate Outreach, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo 310106, Malawi
| | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Maria Lisa Odland
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Olav’s Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
- Malawi-Liverpool-Welcome Trust Research Institute, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical abortion became an alternative method of pregnancy termination following the development of prostaglandins and antiprogesterone in the 1970s and 1980s. Recently, synthesis inhibitors of oestrogen (such as letrozole) have also been used to enhance efficacy. The most widely researched drugs are prostaglandins (such as misoprostol, which has a strong uterotonic effect), mifepristone, mifepristone with prostaglandins, and letrozole with prostaglandins. More evidence is needed to identify the best dosage, regimen, and route of administration to optimise patient outcomes. This is an update of a review last published in 2011. OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness and side effects of different medical methods for first trimester abortion. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and LILACs on 28 February 2021. We also searched Clinicaltrials.gov and the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and reference lists of retrieved papers. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared different medical methods for abortion before the 12th week of gestation. The primary outcome is failure to achieve complete abortion. Secondary outcomes are mortality, surgical evacuation, ongoing pregnancy at follow-up, time until passing of conceptus, blood transfusion, side effects and women's dissatisfaction with the method. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected and evaluated studies for inclusion, and assessed the risk of bias. We processed data using Review Manager 5 software. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 99 studies in the review (58 from the original review and 41 new studies). 1. Combined regimen mifepristone/prostaglandin Mifepristone dose: high-dose (600 mg) compared to low-dose (200 mg) mifepristone probably has similar effectiveness in achieving complete abortion (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.33; I2 = 0%; 4 RCTs, 3494 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Prostaglandin dose: 800 µg misoprostol probably reduces abortion failure compared to 400 µg (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.78; I2= 0%; 3 RCTs, 4424 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Prostaglandin timing: misoprostol administered on day one probably achieves more success on complete abortion than on day three (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.58; 1489 women; 1 RCT; moderate-certainty evidence). Administration strategy: there may be no difference in failure of complete abortion with self-administration at home compared with hospital administration (RR 1.63, 95% CI 0.68 to 3.94; I2 = 84%; 2263 women; 4 RCTs; low-certainty evidence), but failure may be higher when administered by nurses in hospital compared to by doctors in hospital (RR 2.69, 95% CI 1.39 to 5.22; I2 = 66%; 3 RCTs, 3056 women; low-certainty evidence). Administration route: oral misoprostol probably leads to more failures than the vaginal route (RR 2.38, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.87; I2 = 39%; 3 RCTs, 1704 women; moderate-certainty evidence) and may be associated with more frequent side effects such as nausea (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.26; I2 = 0%; 2 RCTs, 1380 women; low-certainty evidence) and diarrhoea (RR 1.80 95% CI 1.49 to 2.17; I2 = 0%; 2 RCTs, 1379 women). Compared with the vaginal route, complete abortion failure is probably lower with sublingual (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.22 to 2.11; I2 = 59%; 2 RCTs, 3229 women; moderate-certainty evidence) and may be lower with buccal administration (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.46; I2 = 0%; 2 RCTs, 479 women; low-certainty evidence), but sublingual or buccal routes may lead to more side effects. Women may experience more vomiting with sublingual compared to buccal administration (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.77; low-certainty evidence). 2. Mifepristone alone versus combined regimen The efficacy of mifepristone alone in achieving complete abortion compared to combined mifepristone/prostaglandin up to 12 weeks is unclear (RR of failure 3.25, 95% CI 0.81 to 13.09; I2 = 83%; 3 RCTs, 273 women; very low-certainty evidence). 3. Prostaglandin alone versus combined regimen Nineteen studies compared prostaglandin alone to a combined regimen (prostaglandin combined with mifepristone, letrozole, estradiol valerate, tamoxifen, or methotrexate). Compared to any of the combination regimens, misoprostol alone may increase the risk for failure to achieve complete abortion (RR of failure 2.39, 95% CI 1.89 to 3.02; I2 = 64%; 18 RCTs, 3471 women; low-certainty evidence), and with more diarrhoea. 4. Prostaglandin alone (route of administration) Oral misoprostol alone may lead to more failures in complete abortion than the vaginal route (RR 3.68, 95% CI 1.56 to 8.71, 2 RCTs, 216 women; low-certainty evidence). Failure to achieve complete abortion may be slightly reduced with sublingual compared with vaginal (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.28; I2 = 87%; 5 RCTs, 2705 women; low-certainty evidence) and oral administration (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.11 to 2.99; I2 = 66%; 2 RCTs, 173 women). Failure to achieve complete abortion may be similar or slightly higher with sublingual administration compared to buccal administration (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.74; 1 study, 401 women). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Safe and effective medical abortion methods are available. Combined regimens (prostaglandin combined with mifepristone, letrozole, estradiol valerate, tamoxifen, or methotrexate) may be more effective than single agents (prostaglandin alone or mifepristone alone). In the combined regimen, the dose of mifepristone can probably be lowered to 200 mg without significantly decreasing effectiveness. Vaginal misoprostol is probably more effective than oral administration, and may have fewer side effects than sublingual or buccal. Some results are limited by the small numbers of participants on which they are based. Almost all studies were conducted in settings with good access to emergency services, which may limit the generalisability of these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kunyan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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10
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Exploring health care providers’ experiences of and perceptions towards the use of misoprostol for management of second trimester incomplete abortion in Central Uganda. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268812. [PMID: 35587492 PMCID: PMC9119526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Women living in low- and middle-income countries still have limited access to quality second trimester post abortion care. We aim to explore health care providers’ experiences of and perceptions towards the use of misoprostol for management of second trimester incomplete abortion. Methods This qualitative study used the phenomenology approach. We conducted 48 in-depth interviews for doctors and midwives at 14 public health facilities in central Uganda using a flexible interview guide. We used inductive content analysis and made code frequencies based on health care provider cadre, and health facility level and then abstracted themes from categories. Results Well trained midwives were perceived as competent to manage second trimester post abortion care stable patients, however doctor’s supervision in case of complications was considered important. Sometimes, midwives were seen as offering better care than doctors given their stronger presence in the facilities. Misoprostol received unanimous support and viewed as: safe, effective, cheap, convenient, readily available, maintained patient privacy, and saved resources. Challenges faced included: side effects, prolonged hospital stay, treatment failure, inclination to surgical evacuation, heavy work load, inadequate space, lack of medical commodities, frequent staff rotations which affects the quality of patient care. To address these challenges, respondents coped by: giving patients psychological support, analgesics, close patient monitoring, staff mentorship, commitment to work, team work and patient involvement in care. Conclusion Misoprostol is perceived as an ideal uterine evacuation method for second trimester post abortion care of uncomplicated patients and trained midwives are considered competent managing these patients in a health facility setting with a back-up of a doctor. Health care providers require institutional and policy environment support for improved service delivery.
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11
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Maruf F, Tappis H, Lu E, Yaqubi GS, Stekelenburg J, van den Akker T. Health facility capacity to provide postabortion care in Afghanistan: a cross-sectional study. Reprod Health 2021; 18:160. [PMID: 34321023 PMCID: PMC8317397 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01204-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Afghanistan has one of the highest burdens of maternal mortality in the world, estimated at 638 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017. Infections, obstetric hemorrhage, and unsafe abortion are the three leading causes of maternal death. Contraceptive prevalence rate has fluctuated between 10 and 20% since 2006. The 2016 Afghanistan National Maternal and Newborn Health Quality of Care Assessment evaluated facility readiness to provide quality routine and emergency obstetric and newborn care, including postabortion care services. Methods Accessible public health facilities with at least five births per day (n = 77), a nationally representative sample of public health facilities with fewer than five births per day (n = 149), and 20 purposively selected private health facilities were assessed. Assessment components examining postabortion care included a facility inventory and record review tool to verify drug, supply, equipment, and facility record availability, and an interview tool to collect information on skilled birth attendants’ knowledge and perceptions. Results Most facilities had supplies, equipment, and drugs to manage postabortion care, including family planning counseling and services provision. At public facilities, 36% of skilled birth attendants asked to name essential actions to address abortion complications mentioned manual vacuum aspiration (23% at private facilities); fewer than one-quarter mentioned counseling. When asked what information should be given to postabortion clients, 73% described family planning counseling need (70% at private facilities). Nearly all high-volume public health facilities with an average of five or more births per day and less than 5% of low volume public health facilities with an average of 0–4 deliveries per day reported removal of retained products of conception in the past 3 months. Among the 77 high volume facilities assessed, 58 (75%) reported using misoprostol for removal of retained products of conception, 59 (77%) reported using manual vacuum aspiration, and 67 (87%) reported using dilation and curettage. Conclusions This study provides evidence that there is room for improvement in postabortion care services provision in Afghanistan health facilities including post abortion family planning. Access to high-quality postabortion care needs additional investments to improve providers’ knowledge and practice, availability of supplies and equipment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-021-01204-w. Afghanistan has one of the highest burdens of maternal mortality in the world. Infections, bleeding around childbirth, and unsafe abortion are the three leading causes of mortality in the country. The uptake of contraceptives is low, and only one-fifth of married women use contraceptives. A National Maternal and Newborn Health Quality of Care Assessment was conducted in 2016 at a selected number of public and private health facilities (n = 226; n = 20) to evaluate health facilities’ capacity to provide postabortion care, and skilled birth attendants’ knowledge and perceptions with regard to such care. Postabortion care is an essential package of services to make women survive complications of miscarriage and abortion and reduce unplanned pregnancies by providing postabortion family planning counseling and services, community empowerment, and mobilization. The result of this study showed that most facilities had supplies, equipment, and drugs to give postabortion care, including family planning services provision. However, there are gaps in birth attendants’ knowledge and their capacity to deliver high-quality postabortion care services at public and private facilities. This study provides evidence that there is room for improvement in postabortion care services provision at health facilities in Afghanistan. Access to high-quality postabortion care needs additional investments to improve providers’ knowledge and practice, and availability of supplies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Maruf
- Jhpiego Afghanistan, Kabul, Afghanistan. .,Global Financing Facility, World Bank Group, Kabul, Afghanistan. .,Athena Institute, Vrije Universitate, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | - Jelle Stekelenburg
- University Medical Centre Groningen/University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Leeuwarden Medical Centre, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas van den Akker
- Athena Institute, Vrije Universitate, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Ghosh J, Papadopoulou A, Devall AJ, Jeffery HC, Beeson LE, Do V, Price MJ, Tobias A, Tunçalp Ö, Lavelanet A, Gülmezoglu AM, Coomarasamy A, Gallos ID. Methods for managing miscarriage: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 6:CD012602. [PMID: 34061352 PMCID: PMC8168449 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012602.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Miscarriage, defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks' gestation, is common with approximately 25% of women experiencing a miscarriage in their lifetime. An estimated 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriage can lead to serious morbidity, including haemorrhage, infection, and even death, particularly in settings without adequate healthcare provision. Early miscarriages occur during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and can be managed expectantly, medically or surgically. However, there is uncertainty about the relative effectiveness and risks of each option. OBJECTIVES To estimate the relative effectiveness and safety profiles for the different management methods for early miscarriage, and to provide rankings of the available methods according to their effectiveness, safety, and side-effect profile using a network meta-analysis. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (9 February 2021), ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (12 February 2021), and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials assessing the effectiveness or safety of methods for miscarriage management. Early miscarriage was defined as less than or equal to 14 weeks of gestation, and included missed and incomplete miscarriage. Management of late miscarriages after 14 weeks of gestation (often referred to as intrauterine fetal deaths) was not eligible for inclusion in the review. Cluster- and quasi-randomised trials were eligible for inclusion. Randomised trials published only as abstracts were eligible if sufficient information could be retrieved. We excluded non-randomised trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least three review authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. We estimated the relative effects and rankings for the primary outcomes of complete miscarriage and composite outcome of death or serious complications. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Relative effects for the primary outcomes are reported subgrouped by the type of miscarriage (incomplete and missed miscarriage). We also performed pairwise meta-analyses and network meta-analysis to determine the relative effects and rankings of all available methods. MAIN RESULTS Our network meta-analysis included 78 randomised trials involving 17,795 women from 37 countries. Most trials (71/78) were conducted in hospital settings and included women with missed or incomplete miscarriage. Across 158 trial arms, the following methods were used: 51 trial arms (33%) used misoprostol; 50 (32%) used suction aspiration; 26 (16%) used expectant management or placebo; 17 (11%) used dilatation and curettage; 11 (6%) used mifepristone plus misoprostol; and three (2%) used suction aspiration plus cervical preparation. Of these 78 studies, 71 (90%) contributed data in a usable form for meta-analysis. Complete miscarriage Based on the relative effects from the network meta-analysis of 59 trials (12,591 women), we found that five methods may be more effective than expectant management or placebo for achieving a complete miscarriage: · suction aspiration after cervical preparation (risk ratio (RR) 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41 to 3.20, low-certainty evidence), · dilatation and curettage (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.75, low-certainty evidence), · suction aspiration (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.62, low-certainty evidence), · mifepristone plus misoprostol (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.66, moderate-certainty evidence), · misoprostol (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.46, low-certainty evidence). The highest ranked surgical method was suction aspiration after cervical preparation. The highest ranked non-surgical treatment was mifepristone plus misoprostol. All surgical methods were ranked higher than medical methods, which in turn ranked above expectant management or placebo. Composite outcome of death and serious complications Based on the relative effects from the network meta-analysis of 35 trials (8161 women), we found that four methods with available data were compatible with a wide range of treatment effects compared with expectant management or placebo: · dilatation and curettage (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.06, low-certainty evidence), · suction aspiration (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.32, low-certainty evidence), · misoprostol (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.15, low-certainty evidence), · mifepristone plus misoprostol (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.84, low-certainty evidence). Importantly, no deaths were reported in these studies, thus this composite outcome was entirely composed of serious complications, including blood transfusions, uterine perforations, hysterectomies, and intensive care unit admissions. Expectant management and placebo ranked the lowest when compared with alternative treatment interventions. Subgroup analyses by type of miscarriage (missed or incomplete) agreed with the overall analysis in that surgical methods were the most effective treatment, followed by medical methods and then expectant management or placebo, but there are possible subgroup differences in the effectiveness of the available methods. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Based on relative effects from the network meta-analysis, all surgical and medical methods for managing a miscarriage may be more effective than expectant management or placebo. Surgical methods were ranked highest for managing a miscarriage, followed by medical methods, which in turn ranked above expectant management or placebo. Expectant management or placebo had the highest chance of serious complications, including the need for unplanned or emergency surgery. A subgroup analysis showed that surgical and medical methods may be more beneficial in women with missed miscarriage compared to women with incomplete miscarriage. Since type of miscarriage (missed and incomplete) appears to be a source of inconsistency and heterogeneity within these data, we acknowledge that the main network meta-analysis may be unreliable. However, we plan to explore this further in future updates and consider the primary analysis as separate networks for missed and incomplete miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Ghosh
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Argyro Papadopoulou
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Adam J Devall
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hannah C Jeffery
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Leanne E Beeson
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vivian Do
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Malcolm J Price
- Test Evaluation Research Group, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Aurelio Tobias
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Özge Tunçalp
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonella Lavelanet
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ioannis D Gallos
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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13
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Coomarasamy A, Gallos ID, Papadopoulou A, Dhillon-Smith RK, Al-Memar M, Brewin J, Christiansen OB, Stephenson MD, Oladapo OT, Wijeyaratne CN, Small R, Bennett PR, Regan L, Goddijn M, Devall AJ, Bourne T, Brosens JJ, Quenby S. Sporadic miscarriage: evidence to provide effective care. Lancet 2021; 397:1668-1674. [PMID: 33915095 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00683-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The physical and psychological effect of miscarriage is commonly underappreciated. The journey from diagnosis of miscarriage, through clinical management, to supportive aftercare can be challenging for women, their partners, and caregivers. Diagnostic challenges can lead to delayed or ineffective care and increased anxiety. Inaccurate diagnosis of a miscarriage can result in the unintended termination of a wanted pregnancy. Uncertainty about the therapeutic effects of interventions can lead to suboptimal care, with variations across facilities and countries. For this Series paper, we have developed recommendations for practice from a literature review, appraisal of guidelines, and expert group discussions. The recommendations are grouped into three categories: (1) diagnosis of miscarriage, (2) prevention of miscarriage in women with early pregnancy bleeding, and (3) management of miscarriage. We recommend that every country reports annual aggregate miscarriage data, similarly to the reporting of stillbirth. Early pregnancy services need to focus on providing an effective ultrasound service, as it is central to the diagnosis of miscarriage, and be able to provide expectant management of miscarriage, medical management with mifepristone and misoprostol, and surgical management with manual vacuum aspiration. Women with the dual risk factors of early pregnancy bleeding and a history of previous miscarriage can be recommended vaginal micronised progesterone to improve the prospects of livebirth. We urge health-care funders and providers to invest in early pregnancy care, with specific focus on training for clinical nurse specialists and doctors to provide comprehensive miscarriage care within the setting of dedicated early pregnancy units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ioannis D Gallos
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Argyro Papadopoulou
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rima K Dhillon-Smith
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Maya Al-Memar
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jane Brewin
- Tommy's Charity, Laurence Pountney Hill, London, UK
| | - Ole B Christiansen
- Centre for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss of Western Denmark, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mary D Stephenson
- University of Illinois Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Olufemi T Oladapo
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Rachel Small
- Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lesley Regan
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mariëtte Goddijn
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Adam J Devall
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tom Bourne
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Imperial College London, London, UK; KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
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14
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Kristiansen MB, Shayo BC, Philemon R, Khan KS, Rasch V, Linde DS. Medical management of induced and incomplete first-trimester abortion by non-physicians in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2021; 100:718-726. [PMID: 33724458 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unsafe abortion is the cause of a substantial number of maternal mortalities and morbidities globally, but specifically in low- and middle-income countries. Medical abortion methods provided by non-physicians may be a way to reduce the burden of unsafe abortions. Currently, only one systematic review comparing non-physicians with physicians for medical abortion exists. However, the review does not have any setting restrictions and newer evidence has since been published. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability, and safety of first-trimester abortion managed by non-physicians compared with physicians in low- and middle-income countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Global Health Library, and EMBASE were searched using a structured search strategy. Further, the trial registries clinicaltrials.gov and The International Clinical Trial Registry Platform were searched for published and unpublished trials. Randomized controlled trials comparing provision of medical abortion by non-physicians with that by physicians in low- or middle-income countries were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Trials that reported effect estimates on the effectiveness of medical methods on complete abortion were included in the meta-analysis. The protocol was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database, ID: CRD42020176811. RESULTS Six papers from four different randomized controlled trials with a total of 4021 participants were included. Two of the four included trials were assessed to have overall low risk of bias. Four papers had outcome data on complete abortion and were included in the meta-analyses. Medical management of first-trimester abortion and medical treatment of incomplete abortion were found to be equally effective when provided by a non-physician as when provided by a physician (risk ratio 1.00; 95% CI 0.99-1.01). Further, the treatment was equally safe, and women were equally satisfied when a non-physician provided the treatment compared with a physician. CONCLUSIONS Provision of medical abortion or medical treatment for incomplete abortion in the first trimester is equally effective, safe, and acceptable when provided by non-physicians compared with physicians in low- and middle-income countries. We recommend that the task of providing medical abortion and medical treatment for incomplete abortion in low- and middle-income countries should be shared with non-physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin C Shayo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania.,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Rune Philemon
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania.,Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Khalid Saeed Khan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain
| | - Vibeke Rasch
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ditte Søndergaard Linde
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
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15
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Kagaha A, Manderson L. Medical technologies and abortion care in Eastern Uganda. Soc Sci Med 2020; 247:112813. [PMID: 32058197 PMCID: PMC7613281 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Manual Vacuum Aspirators (MVA), Dilation and Curettage (D&C), and medical abortifacients (Misoprostol, Mifepristone and Divabo) are available in clinical settings that offer abortion and post-abortion care in Uganda. While these technologies imply appropriate and safe abortion care, legal and policy ambiguities impact health outcomes. In this article, we draw on an ethnography of abortion care delivery practice conducted in one district in Eastern Uganda between August 2018 and March 2019, with data from interviews and observations, both of interactions and during quality of care improvement and training meetings. We illuminate how, in the context of a financialized healthcare system and legal restrictions, the meanings and use of medical technologies and abortion care vary across different health facility types. In public health facilities, health workers become state agents in the control of women's bodies. In private health facilities, they become transgressors, who use medical technologies to help women attain termination surreptitiously. Health workers offset risks associated with any involvement in termination, such that pecuniary interests dominate their motivation. Normalized and disciplinary power enact and reproduce unsafe and risky conditions, leading to poor abortion care outcomes. We illustrate the mechanisms of domination and tactics of resistance in abortion care, and expose conditions upon which unsafe and risky outcomes are contingent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kagaha
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Lenore Manderson
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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Påfs J, Rulisa S, Klingberg-Allvin M, Binder-Finnema P, Musafili A, Essén B. Implementing the liberalized abortion law in Kigali, Rwanda: Ambiguities of rights and responsibilities among health care providers. Midwifery 2019; 80:102568. [PMID: 31698295 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.102568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rwanda amended its abortions law in 2012 to allow for induced abortion under certain circumstances. We explore how Rwandan health care providers (HCP) understand the law and implement it in their clinical practice. DESIGN Fifty-two HCPs involved in post-abortion care in Kigali were interviewed by qualitative individual in-depth interviews (n =32) and in focus group discussions (n =5) in year 2013, 2014, and 2016. All data were analyzed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS HCPs express ambiguities on their rights and responsibilities when providing abortion care. A prominent finding was the uncertainties about the legal status of abortion, indicating that HCPs may rely on outdated regulations. A reluctance to be identified as an abortion provider was noticeable due to fear of occupational stigma. The dilemma of liability and litigation was present, and particularly care providers' legal responsibility on whether to report a woman who discloses an illegal abortion. CONCLUSION The lack of professional consensus is creating barriers to the realization of safe abortion care within the legal framework, and challenge patients right for confidentiality. This bring consequences on girl's and women's reproductive health in the setting. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE To implement the amended abortion law and to provide equitable maternal care, the clinical and ethical guidelines for HCPs need to be revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Påfs
- Department of Women's and Children's Health/ IMCH, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Stephen Rulisa
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, P.O.Box 3286, Kigali, Rwanda; Department of Clinical Research, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, BP 655 Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Marie Klingberg-Allvin
- School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, SE-791 88 Falun, Sweden
| | - Pauline Binder-Finnema
- Department of Women's and Children's Health/ IMCH, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aimable Musafili
- Department of Women's and Children's Health/ IMCH, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Rwanda, P.O.Box 217 Butare, Huye, Rwanda
| | - Birgitta Essén
- Department of Women's and Children's Health/ IMCH, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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Cleeve A, Nalwadda G, Zadik T, Sterner K, Klingberg-Allvin M. Morality versus duty - A qualitative study exploring midwives' perspectives on post-abortion care in Uganda. Midwifery 2019; 77:71-77. [PMID: 31255911 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore midwives' perspectives on post-abortion care (PAC) in Uganda. Specifically, we sought to improve understanding of the quality of care. DESIGN This was a qualitative study using individual in-depth interviews and an inductive thematic analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Interviews were conducted with 22 midwives (the 'informants') providing PAC in a public hospital in Kampala, Uganda. The narratives were based on experiences in current and previous workplaces, in rural and urban settings. FINDINGS The findings comprise one main theme - morality versus duty to provide quality post-abortion care - and three sub-themes. Our findings confirm that the midwives were committed to saving women's lives but had conflicting personal morality in relation to abortion and sense of professional duty, which seemed to influence their quality of care. Midwives were proud to provide PAC, which was described as a natural part of midwifery. However, structural challenges, such as lack of supplies and equipment and high patient loads, hampered provision of good quality care and left informants feeling frustrated. Although abortion was often implied to be immoral, the experience of PAC provision appeared to shape views on legality, leading to an ambiguous, yet more liberal, stance. Abortion stigma was reported to exist within communities and the health workforce, extending to both providers and care-seeking women. Informants had witnessed mistreatment of women seeking care due to abortion complications, through deliberate care delays and denial of pain medication. KEY CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Midwives in PAC were dedicated to saving women's lives; however, conflicting morality and duty and poor working conditions seemed to impede good-quality care. Enabling midwives to provide good quality care includes increasing the patient-midwife ratio and ensuring essential resources are available. Additionally, efforts that de-stigmatise abortion and promote accountability are needed. Implementation of policies on respectful post-abortion care could aid in ensuring all women are treated with respect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Cleeve
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women's and Children's Health, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gorette Nalwadda
- Department of Nursing, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tove Zadik
- School of Education, Health and Social Sciences, Dalarna University, 791 88, Falun, Sweden
| | - Kathy Sterner
- School of Education, Health and Social Sciences, Dalarna University, 791 88, Falun, Sweden
| | - Marie Klingberg-Allvin
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women's and Children's Health, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden; School of Education, Health and Social Sciences, Dalarna University, 791 88, Falun, Sweden.
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18
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Atuhairwe S, Byamugisha J, Klingberg-Allvin M, Cleeve A, Hanson C, Tumwesigye NM, Kakaire O, Danielsson KG. Evaluating the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of treatment of incomplete second-trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians: study protocol for a randomized controlled equivalence trial. Trials 2019; 20:376. [PMID: 31227019 PMCID: PMC6588936 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large proportion of abortion-related mortality and morbidity occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy. The Uganda Ministry of Health policy restricts management of second-trimester incomplete abortion to physicians who are few and unequally distributed, with most practicing in urban regions. Unsafe and outdated methods like sharp curettage are frequently used. Medical management of second-trimester post-abortion care by midwives offers an advantage given the difficulty in providing surgical management in low-income settings and current health worker shortages. The study aims to assess the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of treatment of incomplete second-trimester abortion using misoprostol provided by midwives compared with physicians. METHODS A randomized controlled equivalence trial implemented at eight hospitals and health centers in Central Uganda will include 1192 eligible women with incomplete abortion of uterine size > 12 weeks up to 18 weeks. Each participant will be randomly assigned to undergo a clinical assessment and treatment by either a midwife (intervention arm) or a physician (control arm). Enrolled participants will receive 400 μg misoprostol administered sublingually every 3 h up to five doses within 24 h at the health facility until a complete abortion is confirmed. Women who do not achieve complete abortion within 24 h will undergo surgical uterine evacuation. Pre discharge, participants will receive contraceptive counseling and information on what to expect in terms of side effects and signs of complications, with follow-up 14 days later to assess secondary outcomes. Analyses will be by intention to treat. Background characteristics and outcomes will be presented using descriptive statistics. Differences between groups will be analyzed using risk difference (95% confidence interval) and equivalence established if this lies between the predefined range of - 5% and + 5%. Chi-square tests will be used for comparison of outcome and t tests used to compare mean values. P ≤ 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. DISCUSSION Our study will provide evidence to inform national and international policies, standard care guidelines and training program curricula on treatment of second-trimester incomplete abortion for improved access. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03622073 . Registered on 9 August 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Atuhairwe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Marie Klingberg-Allvin
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Education, Health and Social Sciences, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Amanda Cleeve
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claudia Hanson
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Othman Kakaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kristina Gemzell Danielsson
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Smith PP, Dhillon-Smith RK, O'Toole E, Cooper N, Coomarasamy A, Clark TJ. Outcomes in prevention and management of miscarriage trials: a systematic review. BJOG 2019; 126:176-189. [PMID: 30461160 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a substantial body of research evaluating ways to prevent and manage miscarriage, but all studies do not report on the same outcomes. OBJECTIVE To review systematically, outcomes reported in existing miscarriage trials. SEARCH STRATEGY MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane were searched from inception until January 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting prevention or management of miscarriage. Miscarriage was defined as a pregnancy loss in the first trimester. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data about the study characteristics, primary, and secondary outcomes were extracted. MAIN RESULTS We retrieved 1553 titles and abstracts, from which 208 RCTs were included. For prevention of miscarriage, the most commonly reported primary outcome was live birth and the top four reported outcomes were pregnancy loss/stillbirth (n = 112), gestation of birth (n = 68), birth dimensions (n = 65), and live birth (n = 49). For these four outcomes, 58 specific measures were used for evaluation. For management of miscarriage, the most commonly reported primary outcome was efficacy of treatment. The top four reported outcomes were bleeding (n = 186), efficacy of miscarriage treatment (n = 105), infection (n = 97), and quality of life (n = 90). For these outcomes, 130 specific measures were used for evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Our review found considerable variation in the reporting of primary and secondary outcomes along with the measures used to assess them. There is a need for standardised patient-centred clinical outcomes through the development of a core outcome set; the work from this systematic review will form the foundation of the core outcome set for miscarriage. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT There is disparity in the reporting of outcomes and the measures used to assess them in miscarriage trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Smith
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Tommy's Centre for Miscarriage Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - R K Dhillon-Smith
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Tommy's Centre for Miscarriage Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - E O'Toole
- Women's Voices Involvement Panel, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
| | - Nam Cooper
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, UK
| | - A Coomarasamy
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Tommy's Centre for Miscarriage Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - T J Clark
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Tommy's Centre for Miscarriage Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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20
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Odland ML, Membe-Gadama G, Kafulafula U, Odland JØ, Darj E. "Confidence comes with frequent practice": health professionals' perceptions of using manual vacuum aspiration after a training program. Reprod Health 2019; 16:20. [PMID: 30782201 PMCID: PMC6381708 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0683-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malawi has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with unsafe abortion as a major contributor. Curettage is most frequently used as the surgical method for treating incomplete abortions, even though it is costly for an impoverished health system and the less expensive and safe manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) method is recommended. METHODS The aim of this 2016-17 study is to explore health worker's perception of doing MVA 1 year after an educational intervention. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis for interpreting the findings. A knowledge, attitude and practice survey was administered to health professionals to obtain background information before the MVA training program was introduced. RESULTS Prior to the training sessions, the participants demonstrated knowledge on abortion practices and had positive attitudes about participating in the service, but preferred curettage over MVA. The training was well received, and participants felt more confident in doing MVA after the intervention. However, focus group discussions revealed obstacles to perform MVA such as broken equipment and lack of support. Additionally, the training could have been more comprehensive. Still, the participants appreciated task-sharing and team work. CONCLUSION Training sessions are considered useful in increasing the use of MVA. This study provides important insight on how to proceed in improving post-abortion care in a country where complications of unsafe abortion are common and the health system is low on resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lisa Odland
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | | | | | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.,University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Elisabeth Darj
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Olav's Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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21
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The Use of Manual Vacuum Aspiration in the Treatment of Incomplete Abortions: A Descriptive Study from Three Public Hospitals in Malawi. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020370. [PMID: 29466308 PMCID: PMC5858439 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Malawi has a high maternal mortality rate, of which unsafe abortion is a major cause. About 140,000 induced abortions are estimated every year, despite there being a restrictive abortion law in place. This leads to complications, such as incomplete abortions, which need to be treated to avoid further harm. Although manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) is a safe and cheap method of evacuating the uterus, the most commonly used method in Malawi is curettage. Medical treatment is used sparingly in the country, and the Ministry of Health has been trying to increase the use of MVA. The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment of incomplete abortions in three public hospitals in Southern Malawi during a three-year period. All medical files from the female/gynecological wards from 2013 to 2015 were reviewed. In total, information on obstetric history, demographics, and treatment were collected from 7270 women who had been treated for incomplete abortions. The overall use of MVA at the three hospitals during the study period was 11.4% (95% CI, 10.7-12.1). However, there was a major increase in MVA application at one District Hospital. Why there was only one successful hospital in this study is unclear, but may be due to more training and dedicated leadership at this particular hospital. Either way, the use of MVA in the treatment of incomplete abortions continues to be low in Malawi, despite recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Malawi Ministry of Health.
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22
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Sjöström S, Dragoman M, Fønhus MS, Ganatra B, Gemzell‐Danielsson K. Effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of first-trimester medical termination of pregnancy performed by non-doctor providers: a systematic review. BJOG 2017; 124:1928-1940. [PMID: 28445596 PMCID: PMC5724486 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous systematic reviews have concluded that medical termination of pregnancy (TOP) performed by non-doctor providers may be as effective and safe as when provided by doctors. Medical treatment of incomplete miscarriage by non-doctor providers and the treated women's acceptance of non-doctor providers of TOP has not previously been reviewed. OBJECTIVES To review the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of first-trimester medical TOP, including medical treatment for incomplete miscarriage, by trained non-doctor providers. SEARCH STRATEGY AND SELECTION CRITERIA A search strategy using appropriate medical subject headings was developed. Electronic databases (PubMed, Popline, Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched from inception through April 2016. Randomised controlled trials and comparative observational studies were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Meta-analyses were performed for included randomised controlled trials regarding the outcomes of effectiveness and acceptability to women. Certainty of evidence was established using the GRADE approach assessing study limitations, consistency of effect, imprecision, indirectness and publication bias. MAIN RESULTS Six papers were included. Medical TOP and medical treatment of incomplete miscarriage is probably equally effective when performed by non-doctor providers as when performed by doctors (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99-1.01). Women's acceptance, reported as overall satisfaction with the allocated provider, is probably equally high between groups (RR 1.00; 95% CI 1.00-1.01). CONCLUSION Medical TOP and medical treatment of incomplete miscarriage provided by trained non-doctor providers is probably equally as effective and acceptable to women as when provided by doctors. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Medical termination of pregnancy performed by doctors and non-doctors can be equally effective and acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sjöström
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthKarolinska InstitutetKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - M Dragoman
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of ResearchDevelopment and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP)Department of Reproductive HealthWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - MS Fønhus
- Norwegian Institute of Public HealthOsloNorway
| | - B Ganatra
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of ResearchDevelopment and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP)Department of Reproductive HealthWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - K Gemzell‐Danielsson
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthKarolinska InstitutetKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
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23
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Constant D, Harries J, Malaba T, Myer L, Patel M, Petro G, Grossman D. Clinical Outcomes and Women's Experiences before and after the Introduction of Mifepristone into Second-Trimester Medical Abortion Services in South Africa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161843. [PMID: 27583448 PMCID: PMC5008795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To document clinical outcomes and women’s experiences following the introduction of mifepristone into South African public sector second-trimester medical abortion services, and compare with historic cohorts receiving misoprostol-only. Methods Repeated cross-sectional observational studies documented service delivery and experiences of women undergoing second-trimester medical abortion in public sector hospitals in the Western Cape, South Africa. Women recruited to the study in 2008 (n = 84) and 2010 (n = 58) received misoprostol only. Those recruited in 2014 (n = 208) received mifepristone and misoprostol. Consenting women were interviewed during hospitalization by study fieldworkers with respect to socio-demographic information, reproductive history, and their experiences with the abortion. Clinical details were extracted from medical charts following discharge. Telephone follow-up interviews to record delayed complications were conducted 2–4 weeks after discharge for the 2014 cohort. Results The 2014 cohort received 200 mg mifepristone, which was self-administered 24–48 hours prior to admission. For all cohorts, following hospital admission, initial misoprostol doses were generally administered vaginally: 800 mcg in the 2014 cohort and 600 mcg in the earlier cohorts. Women received subsequent doses of misoprostol 400 mcg orally every 3–4 hours until fetal expulsion. Thereafter, uterine evacuation of placental tissue was performed as needed. With one exception, all women in all cohorts expelled the fetus. Median time-to-fetal expulsion was reduced to 8.0 hours from 14.5 hours (p<0.001) in the mifepristone compared to the 2010 misoprostol-only cohort (time of fetal expulsion was not recorded in 2008). Uterine evacuation of placental tissue using curettage or vacuum aspiration was more often performed (76% vs. 58%, p<0.001) for those receiving mifepristone; major complication rates were unchanged. Hospitalization duration and extreme pain levels were reduced (p<0.001), but side effects of medication were similar or more common for the mifepristone cohort. Overall satisfaction remained unchanged (95% vs. 91%), while other acceptability measures were higher (p<0.001) for the mifepristone compared to the misoprostol-only cohorts. Conclusion The introduction of a combined mifepristone-misoprostol regimen into public sector second-trimester medical abortion services in South Africa has been successful with shorter time-to-abortion events, less extreme pain and greater acceptability for women. High rates of uterine evacuation for placental tissue need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Constant
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Jane Harries
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thokozile Malaba
- Women’s Health Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Malika Patel
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gregory Petro
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town and New Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daniel Grossman
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Oakland, California, United States of America
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