IntroductionAlthough growing, evidence on the impact, access, utility, effectiveness, and cost-benefit of obstetric ultrasound in resource-constrained settings is still somewhat limited. Hence, questions around the purpose and the intended benefit as well as potential challenges across various domains must be carefully reviewed prior to implementation and scale-up of obstetric ultrasound technology in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).Main BodyThis narrative review discusses these issues for those trying to implement or scale-up ultrasound technology in LMICs. Issues addressed in this review include health personnel capacity, maintenance, cost, overuse and misuse of ultrasound, miscommunication between the providers and patients, patient diagnosis and care management, health outcomes, patient perceptions and concerns about fetal sex determination.ConclusionAs cost of obstetric ultrasound becomes more affordable in LMICs, it is essential to assess the benefits, trade-offs and potential drawbacks of large-scale implementation. Additionally, there is a need to more clearly identify the capabilities and the limitations of ultrasound, particularly within the context of limited training of providers, to ensure that the purpose for which an ultrasound is intended is actually feasible. We found evidence of obstetric uses of ultrasound improving patient management. However, there was evidence that ultrasound use is not associated with reducing maternal, perinatal or neonatal mortality. Patients in various studies reported to have both positive and negative perceptions and experiences related to ultrasound and lastly, illegal use of ultrasound for determining fetal sex was raised as a concern.
Active management of the third stage of labour with and without controlled cord traction: a randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial. Lancet, 379 (9827 A Metin Gülmezoglu, Pisake Lumbiganon, Sihem Landoulsi, Mariana Widmer, Hany Abdel-Aleem, Mario Festin, Guillermo Carroli, Zahida Qureshi, João Paulo Souza, Eduardo Bergel, Gilda Piaggio, Shivaprasad S Goudar, John Yeh, Deborah Armbruster, Mandisa Singata, Cristina Pelaez-Crisologo, Fernando Althabe, Peter Sekweyama, Justus Hofmeyr, Mary-Ellen Stanton, Richard Derman, Diana Elbourne
SummaryBackground Active management of the third stage of labour reduces the risk of post-partum haemorrhage. We aimed to assess whether controlled cord traction can be omitted from active management of this stage without increasing the risk of severe haemorrhage.
Objective
To systematically develop evidence‐based bundles for care of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).
Methods
An international technical consultation was conducted in 2017 to develop draft bundles of clinical interventions for PPH taken from the WHO's 2012 and 2017 PPH recommendations and based on the validated “GRADE Evidence‐to‐Decision” framework. Twenty‐three global maternal‐health experts participated in the development process, which was informed by a systematic literature search on bundle definitions, designs, and implementation experiences. Over a 6‐month period, the expert panel met online and via teleconferences, culminating in a 2‐day in‐person meeting.
Results
The consultation led to the definition of two care bundles for facility implementation. The “first response to PPH bundle” comprises uterotonics, isotonic crystalloids, tranexamic acid, and uterine massage. The “response to refractory PPH bundle” comprises compressive measures (aortic or bimanual uterine compression), the non‐pneumatic antishock garment, and intrauterine balloon tamponade (IBT). Advocacy, training, teamwork, communication, and use of best clinical practices were defined as PPH bundle supporting elements.
Conclusion
For the first response bundle, further research should assess its feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness; and identify optimal implementation strategies. For the response to refractory bundle, further research should address pending controversies, including the operational definition of refractory PPH and effectiveness of IBT devices.
Cynthia Stanton and colleagues conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial in rural Ghana to assess whether oxytocin given by injection by community health officers at home births was a feasible and safe option in preventing postpartum hemorrhage.
Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary
Most surveyed countries have many supportive policies and program elements, but issues remain that impede maternal health efforts, including: inconsistent availability of essential commodities, particularly misoprostol; limitations on midwives' scope of practice; incomplete or out-of-date service delivery guidelines; and weak reporting systems.
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