Newborn resuscitation timelines: Accurately capturing treatment in the delivery room

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the use of newborn resuscitation timelines to assess the incidence, sequence, timing, duration of and response to resuscitative interventions.

METHODS

A population-based observational study conducted June 2019-November 2021 at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway. Parents consented to participation antenatally. Newborns ≥28 weeks' gestation receiving positive pressure ventilation (PPV) at birth were enrolled. Time of birth was registered. Dry-electrode electrocardiogram was applied as soon as possible after birth and used to measure heart rate continuously during resuscitation. Newborn resuscitation timelines were generated from analysis of video recordings.

RESULTS

Of 7466 newborns ≥28 weeks' gestation, 289 (3.9%) received PPV. Of these, 182 had the resuscitation captured on video, and were included. Two-thirds were apnoeic, and one-third were breathing ineffectively at the commencement of PPV. PPV was started at median (quartiles) 72 (44, 141) seconds after birth and continued for 135 (68, 236) seconds. The ventilation fraction, defined as the proportion of time from first to last inflation during which PPV was provided, was 85%. Interruption in ventilation was most frequently caused by mask repositioning and auscultation. Suctioning was performed in 35% of newborns, in 95% of cases after the initiation of PPV. PPV was commenced within 60 s of birth in 49% of apnoeic and 12% of ineffectively breathing newborns, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Newborn resuscitation timelines can graphically present accurate, time-sensitive and complex data from resuscitations synchronised in time. Timelines can be used to enhance understanding of resuscitation events in data-guided quality improvement initiatives.

Prevalence of bradycardia in 4876 newborns in the first minute after birth and association with positive pressure ventilation: a population-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of bradycardia in the first minute after birth and association with positive pressure ventilation (PPV).

METHOD

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2019 to December 2021 at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway. Parents consented to participation during pregnancy, and newborns ≥28 weeks' gestation were included at birth. Heart rate (HR) was captured immediately after birth and continuously for the first minute(s). Time of birth was registered on a tablet. Provision of PPV was captured using video.

RESULTS

Of 4876 included newborns, 164 (3.4%) did not breathe (two-thirds) or breathed ineffectively (one-third) and received PPV at birth. HR in the first minute had a wide distribution. The prevalence of first measured HR <100 and <60 beats/minute at median 16 s was 16.3% and 0.6%, respectively. HR increased in most cases. At 60 s, 3.7% had HR <100 beats/minute, of which 82% did not require PPV. In total, 25% of newborns had some registered HR <100 beats/minute during the first minute, of which 95% did not require PPV. Among newborns who received PPV, 76% and 62% had HR ≥100 beats/minute at 60 s and at start PPV, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Bradycardia with HR <100 bpm in the first minute of life was frequent, but mostly self-resolved. Among the 4% of newborns that remained bradycardic at 60 s, only 20% received PPV. Two-thirds of resuscitated newborns had HR ≥100 beats/minute at start PPV. None of the ventilated newborns were breathing adequately at start PPV.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03849781.

Virtual reality simulation training in stroke thrombectomy centers with limited patient volume-Simulator performance and patient outcome

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality simulation training may improve the technical skills of interventional radiologists when establishing endovascular thrombectomy at limited-volume stroke centers. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the technical thrombectomy performance of interventional radiologists improved after a defined virtual reality simulator training period. As part of the quality surveillance of clinical practice, we also assessed patient outcomes and thrombectomy quality indicators at the participating centers.

METHODS

Interventional radiologists and radiology residents from three thrombectomy-capable stroke centers participated in a five months thrombectomy skill-training curriculum on a virtual reality simulator. The simulator automatically registered procedure time, the number of predefined steps that were correctly executed, handling errors, contrast volume, fluoroscopy time, and radiation dose exposure. The design was a before-after study. Two simulated thrombectomy cases were used as pretest and posttest cases, while seven other cases were used for training. Utilizing the Norwegian Stroke Register, we investigated clinical results in thrombectomy during the study period.

RESULTS

Nineteen interventional radiologists and radiology residents participated in the study. The improvement between pretest and posttest cases was statistically significant for all outcome measures in both simulated cases, except for the contrast volume used in one case. Clinical patient outcomes in all three centers were well within the recommendations from multi-society consensus guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Performance on the virtual reality simulator improved after training. Virtual reality simulation may improve the learning curve for interventional radiologists in limited-volume thrombectomy centers. No correlation alleged, the clinical data indicates that the centers studied performed thrombectomy in accordance with guideline-recommended standards.

Incomplete Exhalation during Resuscitation-Theoretical Review and Examples from Ventilation of Newborn Term Infants

BACKGROUND

Newborn resuscitation guidelines recommend positive pressure ventilation (PPV) for newborns who do not establish effective spontaneous breathing after birth. T-piece resuscitator systems are commonly used in high-resource settings and can additionally provide positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Short expiratory time, high resistance, rapid dynamic changes in lung compliance and large tidal volumes increase the possibility of incomplete exhalation. Previous publications indicate that this may occur during newborn resuscitation. Our aim was to study examples of incomplete exhalations in term newborn resuscitation and discuss these against the theoretical background.

METHODS

Examples of flow and pressure data from respiratory function monitors (RFM) were selected from 129 term newborns who received PPV using a T-piece resuscitator. RFM data were not presented to the user during resuscitation.

RESULTS

Examples of incomplete exhalation with higher-than-set PEEP-levels were present in the recordings with visual correlation to factors affecting time needed to complete exhalation.

CONCLUSIONS

Incomplete exhalation and the relationship to expiratory time constants have been well described theoretically. We documented examples of incomplete exhalations with increased PEEP-levels during resuscitation of term newborns. We conclude that RFM data from resuscitations can be reviewed for this purpose and that incomplete exhalations should be further explored, as the clinical benefit or risk of harm are not known.

Impact of immediate and continuous heart rate feedback by dry electrode ECG on time to initiation of ventilation after birth: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

3%-8% of newborns need positive pressure ventilation (PPV) after birth. Heart rate (HR) is considered the most sensitive indicator of the newborns' condition and response to resuscitative interventions. According to guidelines, HR should be assessed and PPV initiated within 60 s after birth in non-breathing newborns. Dry electrode ECG can provide accurate feedback on HR immediately after birth and continuously during resuscitation. The impact of early and continuous HR feedback is unknown.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This single-centre randomised controlled trial seeks to determine if HR feedback by dry electrode ECG immediately after birth and continuously during newborn resuscitation results in more timely initiation of PPV, improved ventilation and short-term outcomes compared with standard HR assessment.In all newborns≥34 gestational weeks, the dry electrode ECG sensor is placed on the upper abdomen immediately after birth as an additional modality of HR assessment. The device records and stores HR signals. In intervention subjects, the HR display is visible to guide decision-making and further management, in control subjects the display is masked. Standard HR assessment is by stethoscope, gel-electrode ECG and/or pulse oximetry (PO).Time of birth is registered in the Liveborn app. Time of initiation and duration of PPV is calculated from video recordings. Ventilation parameters are retrieved from the ventilation monitor, oxygen saturation and HR from the PO and gel-electrode ECG monitors.The primary endpoint is proportion of resuscitated newborns who receive PPV within 60 s after birth. To detect a 50% increase with power of 90% using an overall significance level of 0.05 and 1 interim analysis, 169 newborns are needed in each group.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Approval by the Norwegian National Research Ethics Committee West (2018/338). Parental consent is sought at routine screening early in pregnancy. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03849781.

Exploring health service preparation for the COVID-19 crisis utilizing simulation-based activities in a Norwegian hospital: a qualitative case study

Introduction

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic caused stress in healthcare organizations worldwide. Hospitals and healthcare institutions had to reorganize their services to meet the demands of the crisis. In this case study, we focus on the role of simulation as part of the pandemic preparations in a large hospital in Norway. The aim of this study is to explore hospital leaders' and simulation facilitators' expectations of, and experiences of utilizing simulation-based activities in the preparations for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This is a qualitative case study utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews with hospital leaders and simulation facilitators in one large hospital in Norway. The data were sorted under three predefined research topics and further analyzed by inductive, thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke within these pre-defined topics.

Results

Eleven members of the hospital leadership and simulation facilitators were included in the study. We identified four themes explaining why COVID-19 related simulation-based activities were initiated, and perceived consequences of the activities; 1) a multifaceted method like simulation fitted a multifaceted crisis, 2) a well-established culture for simulation in the hospital was crucial for scaling up simulation-based activities during the crisis, 3) potential risks were outweighed by the advantages of utilizing simulation-based activities, and finally 4) hospital leaders and simulation facilitators retrospectively assessed the use of simulation-based activities as appropriate to prepare for a pandemic crisis.

Conclusions

The hospital leadership’s decision to utilize simulation-based activities in preparing for the COVID-19 crisis may be explained by many factors. First, it seems that many years of experience with systematic use of simulation-based activities within the hospital can explain the trust in simulation as a valuable tool that were easy to reach. Second, both hospital leaders and simulation facilitators saw simulation as a unique tool for the optimization of the COVID-19 response due to the wide applicability of the method. According to hospital leaders and simulation facilitators, simulation-based activities revealed critical gaps in training and competence levels, treatment protocols, patient logistics, and environmental shortcomings that were acted upon, suggesting that institutional learning took place.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07826-5.

Deciphering the inflection points to achieve proficiency for each procedure step during training in laparoscopic appendicectomy

Background

Laparoscopic appendicectomy is a common procedure early in surgical training. A minimum number is usually required for certification in general surgery. However, data on proficiency are scarce. This study aimed to investigate steps towards proficiency in laparoscopic appendicectomy.

Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study of laparoscopic appendicectomies performed by junior trainees under supervision scored on a six-point performance scale. Structured assessment was done within a defined programme. Procedures performed for uncomplicated appendicitis in adults were included. The procedures were evaluated with LOWESS graphs generated to investigate inflection points. Factors associated with proficiency rates were reported with odds ratios and 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Results

In total 142 laparoscopic procedures were included for 19 trainees (58 per cent female). The cumulative number of procedures during the study was a median of 20 (i.q.r. 8–33). For overall proficiency, an inflection point occurred at 30 procedures. Proficiency rate increased from 51 per cent for 30 or fewer procedures to 93 per cent for more than 30 procedures (odds ratio 11.9 (95 per cent c.i. 3.4 to 40.9); P < 0.001). Inflection points for proficiency for each procedure step varied considerably, with lowest numbers (fewer than 15 procedures) for removing the specimen, and highest for dividing the mesoappendix (more than 55 procedures). Operating time was significantly reduced by a median of 7 minutes after 30 procedures, from median 62 (i.q.r. 25–120) minutes to median 55 (i.q.r. 30–110) minutes for more than 30 procedures.

Conclusion

For junior trainees, variation in proficiency is related to specific procedure steps. Targeted training on specific procedure skills may reduce numbers needed to achieve proficiency in laparoscopic appendicectomy during training.

Nursing students' experiences with simulation-based education as a pedagogic method in low-resource settings: A mixed-method study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study introduced simulation-based education in nurse education programs in Tanzania and Madagascar and explored nursing students' experiences with this pedagogic method as a mode of learning.

BACKGROUND

Simulation-based education has barely been introduced to education programs in resource-constrained settings. The study was conducted in two nurse education programs: one in rural Tanzania and the other in the mid-land of Madagascar. Both institutions offer diploma programs in nursing. Simulation-based education has not been included in the teaching methods used in these nursing programs.

DESIGN

A descriptive and convergent mixed method design was employed.

METHODS

Ninety-nine nursing students were included in the study. Simulation sessions followed by data collection took place once in 2017 and twice in 2018. Data were collected by means of several questionnaires and six focus groups. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) was used to report the results.

RESULTS

The quantitative data revealed that the students rated all the questions related to the simulation design elements, educational practices, and students' satisfaction and self-confidence in learning with scores of above four on a 5-point Likert scale. The qualitative data from the first theme, building competence and confidence, further emphasized and outlined the quantitative results. Additionally, the qualitative data revealed a second theme, improving through encouragement and corrections. The students clearly expressed that they wanted to be aware of their weaknesses to be able to improve; however, the provision of feedback should be carried out in an encouraging way.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicated that the nursing students were satisfied with simulation as a pedagogic method, as it improved their competence and prepared them for professional practice. Further research is necessary to explore whether the students are able to transfer their knowledge into clinical practice.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Simulation as a pedagogic method is valuable for the learning of clinical skills and preparation for clinical practice.

Global surgery, obstetric, and anaesthesia indicator definitions and reporting: An Utstein consensus report

BACKGROUND

Indicators to evaluate progress towards timely access to safe surgical, anaesthesia, and obstetric (SAO) care were proposed in 2015 by the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery. These aimed to capture access to surgery, surgical workforce, surgical volume, perioperative mortality rate, and catastrophic and impoverishing financial consequences of surgery. Despite being rapidly taken up by practitioners, data points from which to derive the indicators were not defined, limiting comparability across time or settings. We convened global experts to evaluate and explicitly define-for the first time-the indicators to improve comparability and support achievement of 2030 goals to improve access to safe affordable surgical and anaesthesia care globally.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

The Utstein process for developing and reporting guidelines through a consensus building process was followed. In-person discussions at a 2-day meeting were followed by an iterative process conducted by email and virtual group meetings until consensus was reached. The meeting was held between June 16 to 18, 2019; discussions continued until August 2020. Participants consisted of experts in surgery, anaesthesia, and obstetric care, data science, and health indicators from high-, middle-, and low-income countries. Considering each of the 6 indicators in turn, we refined overarching descriptions and agreed upon data points needed for construction of each indicator at current time (basic data points), and as each evolves over 2 to 5 (intermediate) and >5 year (full) time frames. We removed one of the original 6 indicators (one of 2 financial risk protection indicators was eliminated) and refined descriptions and defined data points required to construct the 5 remaining indicators: geospatial access, workforce, surgical volume, perioperative mortality, and catastrophic expenditure. A strength of the process was the number of people from global institutes and multilateral agencies involved in the collection and reporting of global health metrics; a limitation was the limited number of participants from low- or middle-income countries-who only made up 21% of the total attendees.

CONCLUSIONS

To track global progress towards timely access to quality SAO care, these indicators-at the basic level-should be implemented universally as soon as possible. Intermediate and full indicator sets should be achieved by all countries over time. Meanwhile, these evolutions can assist in the short term in developing national surgical plans and collecting more detailed data for research studies.

Development and clinical implementation of a structured, simulation-based training programme in laparoscopic appendectomy: description, validation and evaluation

Background

Laparoscopic appendectomy is a common procedure in general surgery but is likely underused in structured and real-life teaching. This study describes the development, validation and evaluation of implementing a structured training programme for laparoscopic appendectomy.

Study design

A structured curriculum and simulation-based programme for trainees and trainers was developed. All general surgery trainees and trainers were involved in laparoscopic appendectomies. All trainees and trainers underwent the structured preprocedure training programme before real-life surgery evaluation. A standardised form evaluated eight technical steps (skills) of the procedure as well as an overall assessment, and nine elements of communication (feedback), and was used for bilateral evaluation by each trainee and trainer. A consecutive, observational cohort over a 12-month period was used to gauge real-life implementation.

Results

During 277 eligible real-life appendectomies, structured evaluation was performed in 173 (62%) laparoscopic appendectomies, for which 165 forms were completed by 19 trainees. Construct validity was found satisfactory. Inter-rater reliability demonstrated good correlation between trainee and trainer. The trainees’ and trainers’ stepwise and overall assessments of technical skills had an overall good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.88). The vast majority (92.2%) of the trainees either agreed or strongly agreed that the training met their expectations.

Conclusion

Structured training for general surgery residents can be implemented for laparoscopic appendectomy. Skills assessment by trainees and trainers indicated reliable self-assessment. Overall, the trainees were satisfied with the training, including the feedback from the trainers.

Changes in heart rate from 5 s to 5 min after birth in vaginally delivered term newborns with delayed cord clamping

OBJECTIVE

To determine heart rate centiles during the first 5 min after birth in healthy term newborns delivered vaginally with delayed cord clamping.

DESIGN

Single-centre prospective observational study.

SETTING

Stavanger University Hospital, Norway, March-August 2019.

PATIENTS

Term newborns delivered vaginally were eligible for inclusion. Newborns delivered by vacuum or forceps or who received any medical intervention were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

A novel dry electrode electrocardiography monitor (NeoBeat) was applied to the newborn's chest immediately after birth. The newborns were placed on their mother's chest or abdomen, dried and stimulated, and cord clamping was delayed for at least 1 min.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Heart rate was recorded at 1 s intervals, and the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th centiles were calculated from 5 s to 5 min after birth.

RESULTS

898 newborns with a mean (SD) birth weight 3594 (478) g and gestational age 40 (1) weeks were included. The heart rate increased rapidly from median (IQR) 122 (98-146) to 168 (146-185) beats per minute (bpm) during the first 30 s after birth, peaking at 175 (157-189) bpm at 61 s after birth, and thereafter slowly decreasing. The third centile reached 100 bpm at 34 s, suggesting that heart rates <100 bpm during the first minutes after birth are uncommon in healthy newborns after delayed cord clamping.

CONCLUSION

This report presents normal heart rate centiles from 5 s to 5 min after birth in healthy term newborns delivered vaginally with delayed cord clamping.

Comparison of Performance Score for Female and Male Residents in General Surgery Doing Supervised Real-Life Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Is There a Norse Shield-Maiden Effect?

BACKGROUND

Gender bias may represent a threat to resident assessment during surgical training, and there have been concerns that women might be disadvantaged. There is a lack of studies investigating gender differences in 'entry-level' real-life procedures, such as laparoscopic appendectomy. We aimed to explore potential gender disparities in self-evaluation and faculty evaluation of a basic surgical procedure performed by junior surgical residents in general surgery.

METHODS

A structured training program in laparoscopic appendectomy was implemented before undertaking evaluation of real-life consecutive laparoscopic appendectomies by junior residents in general surgery. Resident and faculty gender-pairs were assessed. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated using a single-rater, consistency, 2-way mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 165 paired sessions were completed to evaluate resident-faculty scores for the procedure. Overall, 19 residents participated (43% women) and 26 faculty (42% women) were involved. The overall correlation between faculty and residents was good (ICC > 0.8). The female-female pairs scored higher for most steps, achieving excellent (ICC ≥ 0.9) for several steps and for overall performance. Female residents were more likely to give a higher self-evaluated score on own performance particularly if evaluated by a female faculty. Also, female trainees had highest correlation-score with male faculty.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found higher performance scores in female surgical residents evaluated during real-time laparoscopic appendectomy. No negative gender bias toward women was demonstrated. Better insight into the dynamics of gender-based interaction and dynamics in both training, feedback and influence on evaluation during training is needed when evaluating surgical training programs.

The use of simulation to prepare and improve responses to infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19: practical tips and resources from Norway, Denmark, and the UK

In this paper, we describe the potential of simulation to improve hospital responses to the COVID-19 crisis. We provide tools which can be used to analyse the current needs of the situation, explain how simulation can help to improve responses to the crisis, what the key issues are with integrating simulation into organisations, and what to focus on when conducting simulations. We provide an overview of helpful resources and a collection of scenarios and support for centre-based and in situ simulations.

Delivery of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Using Self-Inflating Bags during Newborn Resuscitation Is Possible Despite Mask Leak

BACKGROUND

Ventilation is the key intervention to resuscitate non-breathing newborns. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may facilitate lung-liquid clearance and help establish functional residual capacity.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe how mask leak and ventilation rates affect delivered PEEP and tidal volumes during newborn resuscitations using a self-inflating bag with an integrated PEEP valve.

METHODS

This was an observational study including near-term/term newborns who received bag-mask ventilation (BMV) with a new self-inflating bag with a novel 6 mbar PEEP valve, without external gas flow, between October 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018 in rural Tanzania. Helping Babies Breathe-trained midwives performed most of the resuscitations. Pressures and flow were continuously measured and recorded by resuscitation monitors.

RESULTS

In total, 198 newborns with a median gestation of 39 weeks (25th, 75th percentiles 37, 40) and birth weight of 3,100 g (2,580, 3,500) were included. The median delivered PEEP and expired (tidal) volume at different levels of mask leak were 6.0 mbar and 11.3 mL/kg at 0-20% mask leak, 5.5 mbar and 9.3 mL/kg at 20-40%, 5.2 mbar and 7.8 mL/kg at 40-60%, 4.6 mbar and 5.0 mL/kg at 60-80%, and 1.0 mbar and 0.6 mL/kg at 80-100% mask leak. A high ventilation rate (>60/min) nearly halved expired volumes compared to <60/min for 0-60% leak. The BMV rate had a negligible effect on peak inflation pressure (PIP) and PEEP.

CONCLUSIONS

Mask leak up to 80% did not impair the provision of recommended PEEP or tidal volumes during BMV with a self-inflating bag. High or low ventilation rates did not significantly affect PIP or PEEP. Expired volumes were reduced at ventilation rates >60/min.

Compliance with Guidelines and Efficacy of Heart Rate Monitoring during Newborn Resuscitation: A Prospective Video Study

OBJECTIVE

Newborn resuscitation guidelines recommend initial assessment of heart rate (HR) and initiation of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) within 60 s after birth in non-breathing newborns. Pulse oximeter (PO) and electrocardiogram (ECG) are suggested methods for continuous HR monitoring during resuscitation. Our aim was to evaluate compliance with guidelines and the efficacy of PO versus ECG monitoring in real-life newborn resuscitations.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, we video recorded resuscitations of newborns ≥34 weeks of gestation receiving PPV at birth.

RESULTS

104 resuscitations were analysed. Median (IQR) time from birth to arrival at the resuscitation bay was 48 (22-68) s (n = 62), to initial HR assessment 70 (47-118) s (n = 61), and to initiation of PPV 78 (42-118) s (n = 62). Initial HR assessment (stethoscope or palpation) and initiation of PPV were achieved within 60 s for 35% of the resuscitated newborns. Time to initial HR assessment and initiating PPV was significantly longer following vaginal deliveries than caesarean sections: 84 (70-139) versus 44 (30-66) s (p < 0.001) and 93 (73-139) versus 38 (30-66) s (p < 0.001). Time from birth and sensor application to provision of a reliable HR signal from PO versus ECG was 348 (217-524) (n = 42) versus 174 (105-277) s (n = 30) (p < 0.001) and 199 (77-352) (n = 65) versus 16 (11-22) s (n = 52) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Initial HR assessment and initiation of PPV were achieved within 60 s after birth in only 1/3 of newborn resuscitations. When applied for continuous HR monitoring, ECG was superior to PO in time to achieve reliable HR signals in real-life resuscitations.

Frequent refresher training on newborn resuscitation and potential impact on perinatal outcome over time in a rural Tanzanian hospital: an observational study

OBJECTIVES

Globally, perinatal mortality remains high, especially in sub-Saharan countries, mainly because of inadequate obstetric and newborn care. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) resuscitation training as part of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) programme may improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe observed changes in perinatal survival during a 6-year period, while adjusting for relevant perinatal risk factors.

SETTING

Delivery rooms and operating theatre in a rural referral hospital in northern-central Tanzania providing comprehensive obstetric and basic newborn care 24 hours a day. The hospital serves approximately 2 million people comprising low social-economic status.

PARTICIPANTS

All newborns (n=31 122) born in the hospital from February 2010 through January 2017; 4893 were born in the 1-year baseline period (February 2010 through January 2011), 26 229 in the following CQI period.

INTERVENTIONS

The HBB CQI project, including frequent HBB training, was implemented from February 2011. This is a quality assessment analysis of prospectively collected observational data including patient, process and outcome measures of every delivery. Logistic regression modelling was used to construct risk-adjusted variable life adjusted display (VLAD) and cumulative sum (CUSUM) plots to monitor changes in perinatal survival (primary outcome).

RESULTS

During the 6-year CQI period, the unadjusted number of extra lives saved according to the VLAD plot was 150 despite more women admitted with pregnancy and labour complications and more caesarean deliveries. After adjusting for these risk factors, the risk-adjusted VLAD plot indicated that an estimated 250 extra lives were saved. The risk-adjusted CUSUM plot confirmed a persistent and steady increase in perinatal survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk-adjusted statistical process control methods indicate significant improvement in perinatal survival after initiation of the HBB CQI project with continuous focus on newborn resuscitation training during the period, despite a concomitant increase in high-risk deliveries. Risk-adjusted VLAD and CUSUM are useful methods to quantify, illustrate and demonstrate persistent changes in outcome over time.

Predictors for expired CO2 in neonatal bag-mask ventilation at birth: observational study

BACKGROUND

Expired carbon dioxide (ECO2) indicates degree of lung aeration immediately after birth. Favourable ventilation techniques may be associated with higher ECO2 and a faster increase. Clinical condition will however also affect measured values. The aim of this study was to explore the relative impact of ventilation factors and clinical factors on ECO2 during bag-mask ventilation of near-term newborns.

METHODS

Observational study performed in a Tanzanian rural hospital. Side-stream measures of ECO2, ventilation data, heart rate and clinical information were recorded in 434 bag-mask ventilated newborns with initial heart rate <120 beats per minute. We studied ECO2 by clinical factors (birth weight, Apgar scores and initial heart rate) and ventilation factors (expired tidal volume, ventilation frequency, mask leak and inflation pressure) in random intercept models and Cox regression for time to ECO2 >2%.

RESULTS

ECO2 rose non-linearly with increasing expired tidal volume up to >10 mL/kg, and sufficient tidal volume was critical for the time to reach ECO2 >2%. Ventilation frequency around 30/min was associated with the highest ECO2. Higher birth weight, Apgar scores and initial heart rate were weak, but significant predictors for higher ECO2. Ventilation factors explained 31% of the variation in ECO2 compared with 11% for clinical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that higher tidal volumes than currently recommended and a low ventilation frequency around 30/min are associated with improved lung aeration during newborn resuscitation. Low ECO2 may be used to identify unfavourable ventilation technique. Clinical factors are also associated with persistently low ECO2 and must be accounted for in the interpretation.

Incidence of newborn resuscitative interventions at birth and short-term outcomes: a regional population-based study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence and characteristics of resuscitative interventions at different gestational ages and short-term outcomes after resuscitation.

DESIGN SETTING AND PATIENTS

A prospective observational study in an unselected population at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway, from October 2016 until September 2017.

INTERVENTIONS

Using a data collection form and video recordings, we registered and analysed resuscitative interventions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), positive pressure ventilation (PPV), intubation, chest compressions and intravenous fluid or epinephrine boluses. Short-term outcomes of resuscitated newborns.

RESULTS

All 4693 newborns in the study period were included in the study. Two hundred and ninety-one (6.2%) newborns received interventions in the first minutes of life beyond drying and stimulation. PPV was provided in 170 (3.6%) while CPAP (without PPV) was provided in 121 (2.6%) newborns. Duration of PPV was median (IQR) 106 s (54-221). Intubations were performed in 19 (0.4%) newborns, with a mean (SD) intubation time of 47 (21) s. Ten (0.2%) newborns received chest compressions and epinephrine was administrated in three (0.1%) newborns. Sixty-three per cent of the treated newborns from 34 weeks' gestational age were returned to parental care without further follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for resuscitative interventions after birth was frequent in this unselected population in a high-resource setting, but full cardiopulmonary resuscitation was rare. Short-term outcomes were good, suggesting that most newborns treated with resuscitative interventions were not severely affected.

Predictors of 24-h outcome in newborns in need of positive pressure ventilation at birth

BACKGROUND

Birth asphyxia, defined as 5-minute Apgar score <7 in apneic newborns, is a major cause of newborn mortality. Heart rate (HR) response to ventilation is considered an important indicator of effective resuscitation.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the relationship between initial HR in apneic newborns, HR responses to ventilation and 24-h survival or death.

METHODS

In a Tanzanian hospital, data on all newborns ≥34 weeks gestational age resuscitated between June 2013-January 2017 were recorded using self-inflating bags containing sensors measuring ventilation parameters and expired CO₂, dry-electrode electrocardiography sensors, and trained observers.

RESULTS

757 newborns of gestational age 38 ± 2 weeks and birthweight 3131 ± 594 g were included; 706 survived and 51 died. Fetal HR abnormalities (abnormal, undetectable or not assessed) increased the risk of death almost 2-fold (RR = 1.77; CI: 1.07, 2.96, p = 0.027). For every beat/min increase in first detected HR after birth the risk of death was reduced by 2% (RR = 0.98; CI: 0.97, 0.99, p < 0.001). A decrease in HR to <100 beats/minute when ventilation was paused increased the risk of death almost 2-fold (RR = 1.76; CI: 0.96, 3.20, p = 0.066). An initial rapid increase in HR to >100 beats/min in response to treatment reduced the risk of dying by 75% (RR = 0.25; CI: 0.14, 0.44, p < 0.001). A 1% increase in expired CO₂ was associated with 28% reduced risk of death (RR = 0.72; CI: 0.62,0.85, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of death in apneic newborns can be predicted by the fetal HR (absent or abnormal), initial newborn HR (bradycardia), and the HR response to ventilation. These findings stress the importance of reliable fetal HR monitoring during labor and providing effective ventilation following birth to enhance survival.

Midwives' perceptions on using a fetoscope and Doppler for fetal heart rate assessments during labor: a qualitative study in rural Tanzania

Background

The Doppler is thought to be more comfortable and effective compared to the fetoscope for assessing the fetal heart rate (FHR) during labor. However, in a rural Tanzanian hospital, midwives who had easy access to both devices mostly used fetoscope. This study explored midwives’ perception of factors influencing their preference for using either a Pinard fetoscope or a FreePlay wind-up Doppler for intermittent FHR monitoring.

Methods

Midwives who had worked for at least 6 months in the labor ward were recruited. Focus group discussion (FGD) was used to collect data. Five FGDs were conducted between December 2015 and February 2016. Qualitative content analysis was employed using NVivo 11.0.

Results

Three main themes emerged as factors perceived by midwives as influencing their preference; 1) Sufficient training and experience with using a device; Midwives had been using fetoscopes since their midwifery training, and they had vast experience using it. The Doppler was recently introduced in the maternity ward, and midwives had insufficient training in how to use it. 2) Ability of the device to produce reliable measurements; Using a fetoscope, one must listen for the heartbeat, count using a watch, and calculate, the Doppler provides both a display and sound of the FHR. Fetoscope measurements are prone to human errors, and Doppler measurements are prone to instrumental errors. 3) Convenience of use and comfort of a device; Fetoscopes do not need charging, and while it is possible to “personalize/hide” the measurements, and may be painful for mothers. Dopplers need charging and do not cause pain, but provide limited privacy.

Conclusion

Midwives’ preferences of FHR monitoring devices are influenced by the level of device training, experience with using a device, reliable measurements, and convenience and comfort during use. Fetoscopes and Dopplers should be equally available during midwifery training and in clinical practice.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-018-1736-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Neonatal ventilation with a manikin model and two novel PEEP valves without an external gas source

OBJECTIVE

Positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) is beneficial when ventilating preterm newborns. The aim was to study whether inexperienced providers were able to generate PEEP during simulated neonatal ventilation, using two novel prototype PEEP valves, on a self-inflating bag without an external gas source.

DESIGN

Forty-six nursing students in Tanzania were trained in ventilation with a new Laerdal Upright resuscitator and mask on a NeoNatalie manikin with a newborn resuscitation monitor. Ventilation was studied with and without PEEP valve 1 (anticipated level 4-5 cm H₂O) and with and without PEEP valve 2 (anticipated level 9-10 cm H₂O) in random order for normal and low 'lung' compliance. The PEEP valves were concave silicone valves with a small slit that would open to let expiratory air out.

RESULTS

Mean PEEP with PEEP1 was 4.4 cm H₂O (SD 2.2) and with PEEP2 was 4.9 cm H₂O (SD 3.1). PEEP ≥4 cm H₂O was generated with 70% of inflations with PEEP1 and 65% with PEEP2. Mean airway pressure was 16.3 cm H₂O with both PEEP valves compared with 14.2 without PEEP (p<0.001). Mean mask leak was similar with and without PEEP (48% with PEEP1, 58% with PEEP2, 55% without PEEP). Mask leak and PEEP were inversely correlated. Findings with normal and low 'lung' compliance were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

PEEP between 4 cm H₂O and 5 cm H₂O was achieved when ventilating a neonatal manikin using a self-inflating bag and novel PEEP valves. Valves that can generate PEEP without external gas sources may aid resuscitation in resource-limited settings.

Randomised comparison of two neonatal resuscitation bags in manikin ventilation

OBJECTIVE

To compare ventilation properties and user preference of a new upright neonatal resuscitator developed for easier cleaning, reduced complexity, and possibly improved ventilation properties, with the standard Laerdal neonatal resuscitator.

DESIGN

Eighty-seven Tanzanian and Norwegian nursing and medical students without prior knowledge of newborn resuscitation were briefly trained in bag-mask ventilation. The two resuscitators were used in random order on a manikin connected to a test lung with normal or low lung compliance. Data were collected with the Laerdal Newborn Resuscitation Monitor. The students graded mask seal and ease of air entry on a four-point scale ranging from 1 ('difficult') to 4 ('easy') and stated which device they preferred. (Equipment from Laerdal Global Health and Laerdal Medical).

RESULTS

For upright versus standard resuscitator and normal lung compliance, mean expiratory lung volume was 15.5 mL vs 13.9 mL (p=0.001), mean mask leakage 48% vs 58% (p<0.001), and mean airway pressure 20 cm H2O vs 19 cm H2O (p=0.003), respectively. For low lung compliance, mean expiratory lung volume was 8.6 mL vs 8.1 mL (p=0.045), mean mask leakage 53% vs 62% (p<0.001), and mean airway pressure 21 cm H2O vs 20 cm H2O (p=0.004) for upright versus standard. The upright resuscitator was preferred by 82% and 68% of students during ventilation with normal and low lung compliance, respectively (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Expiratory volumes were higher, mask leakage lower, and mean airway pressure slightly higher with upright versus standard resuscitator when ventilating a manikin. The majority of students preferred the upright resuscitator.

Automatic Detection and Parameterization of Manual Bag-Mask Ventilation on Newborns

OBJECTIVES

Birth asphyxia is a condition where a fetus suffers from lack of oxygen during birth. Intervention by manual ventilation should start within one minute after birth. Bag-mask resuscitators are commonly used in situations where ventilation is provided by a single health care worker. Due to a high complexity of interactions between physiological conditions of the newborns and the clinical treatment, the recommendations for bag-mask ventilation of infants remains controversial. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the processing and parameterization of ventilation signals recorded from the Laerdal newborn resuscitation monitor into meaningful data.

METHODS

Basic signal processing approaches are applied on various signal channels (airway pressure, flow, CO ₂, and ECG) to detect events related to ventilation activities.

RESULTS

Different types of events are detected and parameterized to describe the characteristics of ventilation procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficient detection algorithms as well as parameterization of ventilation events could be useful for retrospective analysis of resuscitation data, for example, by finding the association between different ventilation parameters and positive responses of newborns.

SIGNIFICANCE

Information about ventilation events and ventilation parameters could potentially be useful during a resuscitation situation by giving immediate feedback to the health care provider.

Normal Newborn Heart Rate in the First Five Minutes of Life Assessed by Dry-Electrode Electrocardiography

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence regarding the heart rate (HR) during the first minutes of life. Nonetheless, resuscitative actions within the first minute are partly guided by different HR levels. The advent of an electrocardiographic (ECG) HR sensor with early HR detection has provided the opportunity to study changes immediately following delivery.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives were to determine immediately following delivery: (i) the time to achievement of reliable ECG signals using dry electrodes, (ii) changes in HR, and (iii) the influence of the onset of breathing and cord clamping on the HR.

METHODS

Healthy term neonates were randomly included between July and October 2013. The HR was recorded by the ECG sensor, placed over the abdomen immediately after birth.

RESULTS

Fifty-five newborns were included. The median time from birth to placement of the HR sensor was 3 s (quartiles: 2 and 5), and the median time to the start of breathing was 6 s (quartiles: 2 and 15). The HR was around 120 beats/min (bpm) in the first seconds of life. As determined via breakpoint analysis, the HR increased by 1 beat in the first 40 s to 149 ± 33 bpm, followed by a moderate increase until 130 s and stabilization thereafter. After the onset of breathing, the HR decreased for 10 s and then increased. Minimal HR changes were observed after cord clamping.

CONCLUSION

A dry-electrode ECG sensor detected reliable ECG signals almost immediately after birth. The normal HR increased significantly in spontaneously breathing infants during the first minute, influenced by the onset of breathing. Delayed cord clamping had a minimal impact on the HR, likely reflecting an earlier onset of breathing.

Neonatal outcome following cord clamping after onset of spontaneous respiration

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Evolving data indicate that cord clamping (CC) beyond 30 to 60 seconds after birth is of benefit for all infants. Recent experimental data demonstrated that ventilation before CC improved cardiovascular stability by increasing pulmonary blood flow. The objective was to describe the relationship between time to CC, onset of spontaneous respirations (SR), and 24-hour neonatal outcome.

METHODS

In a rural Tanzanian hospital, trained research assistants, working in shifts, have observed every delivery (November 2009-February 2013) and recorded data including time interval from birth to SR and CC, fetal heart rate, perinatal characteristics and outcome (normal, death, admission).

RESULTS

Of 15,563 infants born, 12,780 (84.3%) initiated SR at 10.8 ± 16.7 seconds, and CC occurred at 63 ± 45 seconds after birth. Outcomes included 12,730 (99.7%) normal, 31 deaths, and 19 admitted; 11,967 were of birth weight (BW) ≥2500 g and 813 <2500 g. By logistic modeling, the risk of death/admission was consistently higher if CC occurred before SR. Infants of BW <2500 g were more likely to die or be admitted. The risk of death/admission decreased by 20% for every 10-second delay in CC after SR; this risk declined at the same rate in both BW groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthy self-breathing neonates are more likely to die or be admitted if CC occurs before or immediately after onset of SR. These clinical observations support the experimental findings of a smoother cardiovascular transition when CC is performed after initiation of ventilation.

Resuscitation in resource-limited settings

Intrapartum-related hypoxia leading to deaths and disabilities continues to be a global challenge, especially in resource-limited settings. Primary prevention during labour is likely to have a significant impact, but secondary prevention with focus on immediate basic stabilization at birth can effectively reduce a large proportion of these adverse outcomes as demonstrated in the resource-rich settings. Infants who fail to initiate and establish spontaneous respirations at birth often respond to early interventions such as drying, stimulation, clearing the airways, as well as bag mask ventilation applied within the first minute after birth. Simple resuscitation education such as 'Helping Babies Breathe', which focuses on the very basic steps and pays attention to comprehensive program development with local ownership and accountability, can help transfer competency into clinical practice and lead to sustainable programs impacting neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Newborn mortality and fresh stillbirth rates in Tanzania after helping babies breathe training

BACKGROUND

Early neonatal mortality has remained high and unchanged for many years in Tanzania, a resource-limited country. Helping Babies Breathe (HBB), a novel educational program using basic interventions to enhance delivery room stabilization/resuscitation, has been developed to reduce the number of these deaths.

METHODS

Master trainers from the 3 major referral hospitals, 4 associated regional hospitals, and 1 district hospital were trained in the HBB program to serve as trainers for national dissemination. A before (n = 8124) and after (n = 78 500) design was used for implementation. The primary outcomes were a reduction in early neonatal deaths within 24 hours and rates of fresh stillbirths (FSB).

RESULTS

Implementation was associated with a significant reduction in neonatal deaths (relative risk [RR] with training 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43-0.65; P ≤ .0001) and rates of FSB (RR with training 0.76; 95% CI 0.64-0.90; P = .001). The use of stimulation increased from 47% to 88% (RR 1.87; 95% CI 1.82-1.90; P ≤ .0001) and suctioning from 15% to 22% (RR 1.40; 95% CI 1.33-1.46; P ≤ .0001) whereas face mask ventilation decreased from 8.2% to 5.2% (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.60-0.72; P ≤ .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

HBB implementation was associated with a significant reduction in both early neonatal deaths within 24 hours and rates of FSB. HBB uses a basic intervention approach readily applicable at all deliveries. These findings should serve as a call to action for other resource-limited countries striving to meet Millennium Development Goal 4.

Birth asphyxia: a major cause of early neonatal mortality in a Tanzanian rural hospital

OBJECTIVE

Early neonatal mortality within the first 24 hours contributes substantially to overall neonatal mortality rates. The definition of birth asphyxia (BA) is imprecise, and reliable cause-specific mortality data are limited; thus the estimated proportion of BA-related deaths globally remains questionable. The objective was to determine the presumed causes of neonatal death within the first 24 hours in a rural hospital in Northern Tanzania.

METHODS

This is a prospective descriptive observational study conducted in the delivery room and adjacent neonatal area. Research assistants were trained to observe and record events related to labor, neonatal resuscitation, and 24-hour postnatal course. BA was defined as failure to initiate spontaneous respirations and/or 5-minute Apgar score <7, prematurity as gestational age <36 weeks, and low birth weight (LBW) as birth weight <3rd centile for gestational age. Data were analyzed with χ(2) and Student's t tests.

RESULTS

Over 1 year, 4720 infants were born and evaluated. Of these, 256 were admitted to the neonatal area. Forty-nine infants died secondary to BA (61%), prematurity (18%), LBW (8%), infection (2%), congenital abnormalities (8%), and unclear reason (2%). The 5-minute Apgar score was ≥7 in 50% of the infants who died secondary to BA.

CONCLUSIONS

Most cases of early neonatal mortality were related to BA, and prematurity and LBW are additional important considerations. Reducing perinatal mortality requires a multifaceted approach with attention to issues related to BA, potential complications of prematurity, and LBW. The 5-minute Apgar score is a poor surrogate of BA.

Intermittent detection of fetal heart rate abnormalities identify infants at greatest risk for fresh stillbirths, birth asphyxia, neonatal resuscitation, and early neonatal deaths in a limited-resource setting: a prospective descriptive observational study at Haydom Lutheran Hospital

BACKGROUND

Intermittent fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring during labor using an acoustic stethoscope is the most frequent method for fetal assessment of well-being in low- and middle-income countries. Evidence concerning reliability and efficacy of this technique is almost nonexistent.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the value of routine intermittent FHR monitoring during labor in the detection of FHR abnormalities, and the relationship of abnormalities to the subsequent fresh stillbirths (FSB), birth asphyxia (BA), need for neonatal face mask ventilation (FMV), and neonatal deaths within 24 h.

METHODS

This is a descriptive observational study in a delivery room from November 2009 through December 2011. Research assistants/observers (n = 14) prospectively observed every delivery and recorded labor information including FHR and interventions, neonatal information including responses in the delivery room, and fetal/neonatal outcomes (FSB, death within 24 h, admission neonatal area, or normal).

RESULTS

10,271 infants were born. FHR was abnormal (i.e. <120 or >160 beats/min) in 279 fetuses (2.7%) and absent in 200 (1.9%). Postnatal outcomes included FSB in 159 (1.5%), need for FMV in 695 (6.8%), BA (i.e. 5-min Apgar score <7) in 69 (0.7%), and deaths in 89 (0.9%). Abnormal FHR was associated with labor complications (OR = 31.4; 95% CI: 23.1-42.8), increased need for FMV (OR = 7.8; 95% CI: 5.9-10.1), BA (OR = 21.7; 95% CI: 12.7-37.0), deaths (OR = 9.9; 95% CI: 5.6-17.5), and FSB (OR = 35; 95% CI: 20.3-60.4). An undetected FHR predicted FSB (OR = 1,983; 95% CI: 922-4,264).

CONCLUSIONS

Intermittent detection of an absent or abnormal FHR using a fetal stethoscope is associated with FSB, increased need for neonatal resuscitation, BA, and neonatal death in a limited-resource setting. The likelihood of an abnormal FHR is magnified with labor complications.

Symphysiotomy in Zimbabwe; postoperative outcome, width of the symphysis joint, and knowledge, attitudes and practice among doctors and midwives

BACKGROUND

Obstructed labour remains one of the leading causes of maternal and foetal death and morbidity in poorly resourced areas of the world, where the 24 hours availability of a caesarean section (CS) cannot be guaranteed, and the CS related mortality rate is still high. In these settings, reinstatement of symphysiotomy has been advocated. The objectives were, in1994; to study perioperative and long-term complications of symphysiotomy and compare them to those related to CS for similar indications, in 1996; to measure the symphyseal width after symphysiotomy and compare it to that after normal vaginal delivery, and, in 1998; to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice related to symphysiotomy among doctors and midwives in Zimbabwe.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Thirty-four women who had undergone symphysiotomy and 29 women who had undergone a CS for obstructed labour were interviewed. The symphyseal widths of 19 women with a previous symphysiotomy were compared to that of 92 women with previous normal vaginal deliveries, using ultrasound technique. Forty-one doctors and 39 midwives, in three central hospitals and seven district hospitals in Zimbabwe, were interviewed about symphysiotomy. None of the 34 women reported serious soft tissue injuries or infections post symphysiotomy. Long-term complications after symphysiotomy do not differ notably from those after CS for similar indications. The intra-articular width of the symphysis pubis is increased after a symphysiotomy. Seventy-nine of the 80 interviewed health care workers knew about symphysiotomy. One obstetrician had performed symphysiotomies. Two-thirds of the participants considered symphysiotomy an obsolete and second-class operation, but lifesaving and appropriate in remote areas of Zimbabwe. Ten of 13 midwives in remote areas wanted to carry out symphysiotomies themselves.

CONCLUSIONS

No severe complications due to symphysiotomy were revealed in this study. The results suggest that a modest permanent enlargement of the pelvis post symphysiotomy (together with the absence of a scarred uterus) may facilitate subsequent vaginal delivery. Doctors and midwives working in district hospitals have a more positive attitude to symphysiotomies than the colleagues in central hospitals. Obstetricians (who would have to do the teaching), working in the large urban hospitals almost exclude symphysiotomy as an alternative management in Zimbabwe.

[Symphysiotomy. A thought-provoking example of appropriate technique in the Third World]

Cutting through the symphysis pubis cartilage as a means of widening the birth canal during long, drawn-out deliveries was probably common in Europe at the turn of the century and presumably occurred even later. As a result of progress in hygiene and clinical practice, Caesarean section has become much more common in such situations. In developing countries, where supervision of pregnant women is non-existent or extremely poor, Caesarean section can be a dangerous operation. Mortality figures around 1-3% are common, and the women are left with the unfavourable prognosis of a uterine scar. Therefore, symphysiotomy is still practised in settings where neither hygiene nor material resources permit. Caesarean section, because it is simple to perform and makes a negligible demand on resources.