Infant mortality: comparison between two birth cohorts from Southeast and Northeast, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To obtain population estimates and profile risk factors for infant mortality in two birth cohorts and compare them among cities of different regions in Brazil. METHODS: In Ribeir?o Preto, southeast Brazil, infant mortality was determined in a third of hospital live births (2,846 singleton deliveries) in 1994. In S?o Luís, northeast Brazil, data were obtained using systematic sampling of births stratified by maternity unit (2,443 singleton deliveries) in 1997-1998. Mothers answered standardized questionnaires shortly after delivery and information on infant deaths was retrieved from hospitals, registries and the States Health Secretarys' Office. The relative risk (RR) was estimated by Poisson regression. RESULTS: In S?o Luís, the infant mortality rate was 26.6/1,000 live births, the neonatal mortality rate was 18.4/1,000 and the post-neonatal mortality rate was 8.2/1,000, all higher than those observed in Ribeir?o Preto (16.9, 10.9 and 6.0 per 1,000, respectively). Adjusted analysis revealed that previous stillbirths (RR=3.67 vs 4.13) and maternal age <18 years (RR=2.62 vs 2.59) were risk factors for infant mortality in the two cities. Inadequate prenatal care (RR=2.00) and male sex (RR=1.79) were risk factors in S?o Luís only, and a dwelling with 5 or more residents was a protective factor (RR=0.53). In Ribeir?o Preto, maternal smoking was associated with infant mortality (RR=2.64). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to socioeconomic inequalities, differences in access to and quality of medical care between cities had an impact on infant mortality rates.     

Prospective community-based cluster census and case-control study of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in the West Bank and Gaza Strip

Obstetric complications and newborn illnesses amenable to basic medical interventions underlie most perinatal deaths. Yet, despite good access to maternal and newborn care in many transitional countries, perinatal mortality is often not monitored in these settings. The present study identified risk factors for perinatal death and the level and causes of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Baseline and follow-up censuses with prospective monitoring of pregnant women and newborns from September 2001 to August 2002 were conducted in 83 randomly selected clusters of 300 households each. A total of 113 of 116 married women 15-49 years old with a stillbirth or neonatal death and 813 randomly selected women with a surviving neonate were interviewed, and obstetric and newborn care records of women with a stillbirth or neonatal death were abstracted. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rates, respectively, were 21.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.5, 25.9] and 14.7 [95% CI 10.2, 19.2] per 1000 livebirths. The most common cause (27%) of 96 perinatal deaths was asphyxia alone (21) or with neonatal sepsis (5), while 18/49 (37%) early and 9/19 (47%) late neonatal deaths were from respiratory distress syndrome (12) or sepsis (9) alone or together (6). Constraint in care seeking, mainly by an Israeli checkpoint, occurred in 8% and 10%, respectively, of 112 pregnancies and labours and 31% of 16 neonates prior to perinatal or late neonatal death. Poor quality care for a complication associated with the death was identified among 40% and 20%, respectively, of 112 pregnancies and labour/deliveries and 43% of 68 neonates. (Correction added after online publication 5 June 2008: The denominators 112 pregnancies, labours, and labour/deliveries, and 16 and 68 neonates were included; and 9% of labours was corrected to 10%.) Risk factors for perinatal death as assessed by multivariable logistic regression included preterm delivery (odds ratio [OR] = 11.9, [95% CI 6.7, 21.2]), antepartum haemorrhage (OR = 5.6, [95% CI 1.5, 20.9]), any severe pregnancy complication (OR = 3.4, [95% CI 1.8, 6.6]), term delivery in a government hospital and having a labour and delivery complication (OR = 3.8, [95% CI 1.2, 12.0]), more than one delivery complication (OR = 4.4, [95% CI 1.8, 10.5]), mother's age >35 years (OR = 2.9, [95% CI 1.3, 6.8]) and primiparity in a full-term pregnancy (OR = 2.6, [1.1, 6.3]). Stillbirths are not officially reportable in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and this is the first time that perinatal mortality has been examined. Interventions to lower stillbirths and neonatal deaths should focus on improving the quality of medical care for important obstetric complications and newborn illnesses. Other transitional countries can draw lessons for their health care systems from these findings.     

Why are Thai official perinatal and infant mortality rates so low?

The accuracy of perinatal and infant mortality rates in most developing countries is questionable. We measured perinatal and infant mortality rates in a rural district of Thailand and compared them with the official statistics to assess accuracy. All births and infant deaths in a rural district of Thailand over a one-year period were surveyed. The corresponding official statistics were also collected. The mothers or the relatives of all stillbirths and infant deaths were interviewed about the registration of the stillbirths or infant deaths. The surveyed perinatal and infant mortality rates were 22.0 and 23.1 respectively. The under-registration of stillbirths was 100% and for infant deaths 45%. All the non-registered infant deaths were in situations in which the infant died before the registration of birth. These results document the degree and nature of under-reporting of perinatal and infant mortality in rural Thailand.     

Stillbirths and neonatal encephalopathy in Kathmandu, Nepal: an estimate of the contribution of birth asphyxia to perinatal mortality in a low-income urban population

We describe a prospective cross-sectional survey over a 12-month period in the principal maternity hospital of Kathmandu, Nepal, where over 50% of the local population deliver. The study aim was to estimate the contribution of birth asphyxia to perinatal mortality in this setting. During 1995, there were 14,371 livebirths and 400 stillbirths, a total stillbirth rate of 27 per 1000 total births. The fresh term (2000 g or more) stillbirth rate was 8.5 per 1000 total births [95% CI 7.1, 10.1]. Ninety-two cases of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) affecting term infants were detected (excluding those due to congenital malformations, hypoglycaemia and early neonatal sepsis). The birth prevalence of NE was 6.4 per 1000 livebirths [95% CI 5.2, 7.8]. There was evidence of intrapartum compromise in 63 (68%) of the cases of NE and 65 (76%) of the stillbirths, but only in 12 (12%) of controls. The cause-specific early neonatal mortality rate for NE was 2.1 per 1000 livebirths [95% CI 1.4, 3.0]. Combining the NE deaths and fresh stillbirths gives an upper estimate for term birth asphyxia perinatal mortality rate of 10.8 per 1000 total births [95% CI 9.2, 12.6], 24% of all perinatal deaths before hospital discharge. This study suggests that birth asphyxia remains an important cause of perinatal mortality in developing countries. The paper discusses the pros and cons of different strategies to reduce birth asphyxia in low-income countries.     

Maternal cigarette smoking and pregnancy outcome

Maternal smoking rates in pregnancy have declined, particularly in the non-manual social classes, and perinatal mortality rates have fallen over the last 20 years. We have therefore re-evaluated the relationship between maternal cigarette smoking and pregnancy outcome against this background. A total of 608 stillbirths and 634 infant deaths were identified using the All Wales Perinatal Survey. The cause of death was classified using the clinicopathological system. Maternal smoking rates and social class groupings were compared with those in a cohort of 16047 survivors born to women resident in South Glamorgan. The smoking rate was 37.8% in mothers of babies who died compared with 27.2% in mothers of survivors, an odds ratio (OR) of 1.63 [95% CI 1.44, 1.84]. The OR for unexplained stillbirth was 1.72 [95% CI 1.38, 2.13], placental abruption 2.07 [95% CI 1.29, 3.31], infection 3.70 [95% CI 2.23, 6.13] and sudden infant death syndrome 4.84 [95% CI 3.05, 7.69]. Maternal smoking was not associated with death due to prematurity or a congenital anomaly. Despite changes in smoking habits and the causes of perinatal death, smoking during pregnancy continues to be strongly associated with fetal and infant mortality. It is important that health promotion activities are effective in reducing smoking during pregnancy.     

Risk of stillbirth from occupational and residential exposures.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the risk of stillbirth from 12 residential and occupational maternal exposures during pregnancy. METHODS: Stillbirths and neonatal deaths in 1984 within 24 hours of birth from 10 California counties were identified from death certificates. Controls were randomly selected from live births born in 1984 and frequency matched to cases by maternal age and county. Data sources included vital statistics and a self-administered postal questionnaire. Logistic regression and proportional hazards modelling were performed; the proportional hazards considered the truncated opportunity for exposure among cases. Special focus was given to two cause of deaths groups: congenital anomalies (12% of deaths) and complications of the placenta, cord, and membranes (37% of deaths). RESULTS: Occupational exposure to pesticides during the first two months of gestation was positively associated with stillbirths due to congenital anomalies (odds ratio (OR) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.0 to 5.9), and during the first and second trimesters with stillbirths due to all causes of death (risk ratios (RR) 1.3-1.4, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.7) and stillbirths due to complications of the placenta, cord, and membranes (RR 1.6-1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3). Occupational exposure to video display terminals in the third trimester was found to have a modest inverse association with stillbirths (RR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6, 0.9). Home pesticide exposure was positively associated with stillbirths due to congenital anomalies (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.9). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to pesticides, especially during early pregnancy, had a clear positive association with stillbirths regardless of cause of death. Methodologically, this study of stillbirths is unique in its analysis of specific causes of death and use of time specific exposure windows.     

A prospective study of maternal,fetal and neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries

Objective

To quantify maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries, to identify when deaths occur and to identify relationships between maternal deaths and stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

Methods

A prospective study of pregnancy outcomes was performed in 106 communities at seven sites in Argentina, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Pakistan and Zambia. Pregnant women were enrolled and followed until six weeks postpartum.

Findings

Between 2010 and 2012, 214 070 of 220 235 enrolled women (97.2%) completed follow-up. The maternal mortality ratio was 168 per 100 000 live births, ranging from 69 per 100 000 in Argentina to 316 per 100 000 in Pakistan. Overall, 29% (98/336) of maternal deaths occurred around the time of delivery: most were attributed to haemorrhage (86/336), pre-eclampsia or eclampsia (55/336) or sepsis (39/336). Around 70% (4349/6213) of stillbirths were probably intrapartum; 34% (1804/5230) of neonates died on the day of delivery and 14% (755/5230) died the day after. Stillbirths were more common in women who died than in those alive six weeks postpartum (risk ratio, RR: 9.48; 95% confidence interval, CI: 7.97–11.27), as were perinatal deaths (RR: 4.30; 95% CI: 3.26–5.67) and 7-day (RR: 3.94; 95% CI: 2.74–5.65) and 28-day neonatal deaths (RR: 7.36; 95% CI: 5.54–9.77).

Conclusion

Most maternal, fetal and neonatal deaths occurred at or around delivery and were attributed to preventable causes. Maternal death increased the risk of perinatal and neonatal death. Improving obstetric and neonatal care around the time of birth offers the greatest chance of reducing mortality.     

A Case Series Study of Perinatal Deaths at One Referral Center in Rural Post-conflict Liberia

The overall objective of this study was to further our understanding of the factors contributing to the high perinatal mortality rates at a busy rural, referral hospital in Liberia. The specific aims were to: (1) analyze the records of women who experienced a perinatal loss for both medical and nonmedical contributing factors; (2) describe the timing and causes of all documented stillbirths and early neonatal deaths; and (3) understand the factors surrounding stillbirth and early neonatal death in this context. This case series study was conducted through a retrospective hospital-based record review of all perinatal deaths occurring at the largest rural referral hospital in north-central Liberia during the 2010 calendar year. A record review of 1,656 deliveries identified 196 perinatal deaths; 143 classified as stillbirth and 53 were classified as early neonatal death. The majority of stillbirths (56.6 %) presented as antenatal stillbirths with no fetal heart tones documented upon admission. Thirty-one percent of cases had no maternal or obstetrical diagnosis recorded in the chart when a stillbirth occurred. Of the 53 early neonatal deaths, 47.2 % occurred on day one of the infant’s life with birth asphyxia/poor Apgar scores being the diagnosis listed most frequently. Clear and concise documentation is key to understanding the high perinatal death rates in low resource countries. Standardized, detailed documentation is needed to inform changes to clinical practice and develop feasible solutions to reduce the number of perinatal deaths worldwide.     

Declining vulnerability to temperature-related mortality in London over the 20th century

The degree to which population vulnerability to outdoor temperature is reduced by improvements in infrastructure, technology, and general health has an important bearing on what realistically can be expected with future changes in climate. Using autoregressive Poisson models with adjustment for season, the authors analyzed weekly mortality in London, United Kingdom, during four periods (1900-1910, 1927-1937, 1954-1964, and 1986-1996) to quantify changing vulnerability to seasonal and temperature-related mortality throughout the 20th century. Mortality patterns showed an epidemiologic transition over the century from high childhood mortality to low childhood mortality and towards a predominance of chronic disease mortality in later periods. The ratio of winter deaths to nonwinter deaths was 1.24 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 1.34) in 1900-1910, 1.54 (95% CI: 1.42, 1.68) in 1927-1937, 1.48 (95% CI: 1.35, 1.64) in 1954-1964, and 1.22 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.31) in 1986-1996. The temperature-mortality gradient for cold deaths diminished progressively: The increase in mortality per 1 degree C drop below 15 degrees C was 2.52% (95% CI: 2.00, 3.03), 2.34% (95% CI: 1.72, 2.96), 1.64% (1.10, 2.19), and 1.17% (95% CI: 0.88, 1.45), respectively, in the four periods. Corresponding population attributable fractions were 12.5%, 11.2%, 8.7%, and 5.4%. Heat deaths also diminished over the century. There was a progressive reduction in temperature-related deaths over the 20th century, despite an aging population. This trend is likely to reflect improvements in social, environmental, behavioral, and health-care factors and has implications for the assessment of future burdens of heat and cold mortality.     

Association of alcohol-related laws with deaths due to motor vehicle and motorcycle crashes in the United States, 1980-1997

The authors compared US motor vehicle and motorcycle mortality rates during periods when each of several alcohol-related laws were in effect with mortality rates during other periods. During the period 1980-1997, there were 792,184 deaths due to motor vehicle crashes and 63,052 deaths due to motorcycle crashes. An estimated 26% and 49% of these fatalities, respectively, were attributable to alcohol use. The incidence of alcohol-related mortality in motor vehicle crashes was lower when laws specifying a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dl per se (laws stating that it is a criminal offense to drive with a blood alcohol concentration above the state's legal limit) were in effect (adjusted rate ratio (RR) = 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83, 0.88). For motorcycle deaths, the adjusted rate ratio was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79, 0.95). The incidence of alcohol-related mortality in motor vehicle crashes was also lower during periods when two other types of laws were in effect: zero tolerance laws (adjusted RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.86, 0.90) and administrative license revocation laws (adjusted RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93, 0.98). Overall motorcycle mortality was lower when administrative license revocation laws were in effect (adjusted RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.98).     

Modelling the unidentified mortality burden from thirteen infectious pathogenic microorganisms in infants

Official statistics routinely underestimate mortality from specific microorganisms and deaths are assigned to non-specific syndromes. Here we estimate mortality attributed to specific pathogens by modelling non-specific infant deaths from laboratory reports and codes on death certificates for these pathogens, 1993-2000 in England and Wales using a generalized linear model. In total, 22.4-59.8% of non-specific deaths in infants (25-66 deaths a year) are attributable to specific pathogens. Yearly deaths from Bordetella pertussis in neonates are 6.8 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-11.9]. In post-neonates 9.4 (95% CI 2.3-16.6) deaths a year are attributable to Neisseria meningitidis, 7.3 (95% CI 2.4-12.3) to Streptococcus pneumoniae, from 2.8 (95% CI 0.8-4.9) to 15.1 (95% CI 9.4-20.9) to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and 3 (95% CI 0.3-5.9) to parainfluenza type 2. Our results suggest there is substantial hidden mortality for a number of pathogens in infants. A considerable proportion of deaths classified to infectious syndromes are non-infectious, suggesting low specificity of death certification. Laboratory reports were the more reliable source, reinforcing the asset of strong surveillance systems.     

Risk factors for perinatal deaths in rural Bangladesh

Perinatal mortality refers to stillbirths and deaths which occur during the first week of life. 7 million such deaths occur annually worldwide, almost all of which are in developing countries. Rates as high as 75-100 deaths/1000 births have been documented in developing countries. The 3 leading causes of perinatal mortality are complications of pre-term birth, birth asphyxia and birth trauma, and bacterial infections. The other causes of perinatal mortality are largely unknown due to difficulties in documenting stillbirths in developing countries. In many developing country societies, it is culturally unacceptable to acknowledge a birth until it has survived its first week of life. This study identified and quantified the risk factors for perinatal deaths in a rural community in Manikganj district, Bangladesh. Cases were mothers whose infants died in the perinatal period, while comparison mothers were those whose infants survived the perinatal period. Of the 186 infant deaths recorded, 130 (69.9%) were in the perinatal period, and included 53 stillbirths. The perinatal death rate was 64.5/1000 births. Logistic regression confirmed that maternal age, parity, and mal-presentation were significantly associated with perinatal deaths. Mal-presentation was independently associated with a increased risk of perinatal death.     

Quantity and quality of obstetrical care in Baross Street Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between 1990 and 2006

AIM AND METHODS: Authors report data from 48,794 deliveries in Semmelweis University, I. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2006. Data were analyzed based on their computer database, showing complexity of obstetrics, genetic counseling and neonatology. RESULTS: In the last 17 years the delivery number is increasing, from 2,299 in 1990 to 3,861 in 2006. Early neonatal mortality rate is decreasing (22 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 compared with 6 in 2006). If we do not take those < or =1,000 grams, intrauterine death outside the institute, and induction of labour because of malformation, perinatal mortality is very low, below 6/1,000 deliveries in the last 7 years, 2.8 in 2004, 1.8-1.9 in 2005 and 2006. Neonatal and infant mortality is also decreasing. There is an increase in the frequency of cesarean sections, 15-20% in 1990-1991, and approximately 35% in the last years. Main indications are previous cesarean section, threatened fetal hypoxia, dystocia, cephalopelvic disproportion, twin pregnancy, hypertension/preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome, breech presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the progressive system in obstetrics care in Hungary, in this leading institute approximately one fifth of the deliveries are preterm, furthermore they also have numerous severe pathological cases, though there are favorable changes in perinatal statistics in the last 17 years, showing the continuous improvement in obstetrical and neonatological care.     

Suicide risk among chernobyl cleanup workers in estonia still increased: an updated cohort study

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to examine the mortality experience among Chernobyl cleanup workers. METHODS: A cohort study of 4786 men from Estonia who participated in the Chernobyl cleanup from 1986 to 1991 and were traced until December 31, 2002. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and adjusted mortality rate ratio (RR) derived through Poisson regression analysis were calculated. RESULTS: During follow-up, 550 deaths occurred, yielding an SMR of 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-1.09). Increased risks were observed for suicide alone (SMR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.03-1.67) and suicide combined with undetermined injury (SMR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.60). One leukemia death occurred, and no thyroid cancer deaths were found. Elevated mortality also was observed for brain cancer (SMR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.02-6.05). The adjusted RR for suicide remained stable over the time passed since return from the Chernobyl area, showing RRs of 1.09 (95% CI, 0.56-2.10) for 5 to 9 years and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.48-2.05) for 10 or more years compared with less than 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: During the 17 years after the accident, suicide risk in the cohort was greater than in the general male population. No elevated risk in overall mortality and radiation-related cancers was observed. The long-term nature of this elevated risk provides concrete evidence that psychological consequences represent the largest public health problem caused by the accident to date.     

Challenge of reducing perinatal mortality in rural Congo: findings of a prospective, population-based study

Each year, an estimated six million perinatal deaths occur worldwide, and 98% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. These estimates are based on surveys in both urban and rural areas, and they may underrepresent the problem in rural areas. This study was conducted to quantify perinatal mortality, to identify the associated risk factors, and to determine the most common causes of early neonatal death in a rural area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Data were collected on 1,892 births. Risk factors associated with perinatal deaths were identified using multivariate analysis with logistic regression models. Causes of early neonatal deaths were determined by physician-review of information describing death. The perinatal mortality rate was 61 per 1,000 births; the stillbirth rate was 30 per 1,000 births; and the early neonatal death rate was 32 per 1,000 livebirths. Clinically-relevant factors independently associated with perinatal death included: low birthweight [odds ratio (OR)=13.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.82-23.35], breech presentation (OR)=12.41; 95% CI 4.62-33.33), lack of prenatal care (OR=2.70, 95% CI 1.81-4.02), and parity greater than 4 (OR=1.93 95% CI 1.11-3.37). Over one-half of early neonatal deaths (n=37) occurred during the first two postnatal days, and the most common causes were low birthweight/prematurity (47%), asphyxia (34%), and infection (8%). The high perinatal mortality rate in rural communities in the DRC, approximately one-half of which is attributable to early neonatal death, may be modifiable. Specifically, deaths due to breech presentation, the second most common risk factor, may be reduced by making available emergency obstetric care. Most neonatal deaths occur soon after birth, and nearly three-quarters are caused by low birthweight/prematurity or asphyxia. Neonatal mortality might be reduced by targeting interventions to improve neonatal resuscitation and care of larger preterm infants.     

Use of oral contraceptives and mortality during 14 years' follow-up of Norwegian women

AIMS: The aim was to evaluate total and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in relation to use of oral contraceptives (OC) in a cohort of women with a relatively high prevalence of smoking and high serum lipid levels. METHODS: In all 29,053 women aged 20-49 years were invited to a health survey in 1985-88. Of the total 82% attended and 20,282 women free of known CVD were included in this analysis. The relative risk (RR) of mortality during 14 years of follow-up was compared between OC users and non-users by means of proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: About 50% of 827 OC users were daily cigarette smokers, and the mean total cholesterol level in the cohort was 5.9 mmol/l. There were 518 deaths, of which 10 occurred among the women taking OC at baseline. Of three deaths from CVD among OC users, two occurred in the first year of follow-up. Among non-smokers using OC three women died during the follow-up; none of the deaths was due to CVD. Women using OC of any type had no different adjusted total mortality (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.46-1.65) or CVD mortality (RR 1.41; 95% CI 0.44-4.56) compared with non-users. CONCLUSIONS: The results were consistent with previous evidence which does not indicate that mortality from all causes or CVD is elevated in women using OC.     

A Population‐based Study of Perinatal Infection Risk in Women with and without Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and their Infants

Background

Increased risk of adverse birth outcomes is well described in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but risk of maternal or infant infection in the peripartum period has not been well studied. We conducted a population‐based cohort study of infection risk in women with and without SLE and their infants.

Methods

Linked birth‐hospital discharge data identified 1297 deliveries to women with SLE and a 4:1 comparison cohort of deliveries to women without SLE in Washington State, 1987–2013. Maternal and infant infections during the first 30 days after delivery were identified. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.

Results

Women with SLE were 1.7 times more likely (95% CI 1.4, 2.0) to have an infection during the birth hospitalisation and more likely to receive antibiotics during labour (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.5), though there was no increased risk of chorioamnionitis in women with SLE. Infants of women with SLE had an increased risk for an infection during the birth hospitalisation (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3, 3.5), although the size of the difference was smaller when adjusted for gestational age (RR 1.4, 95% CI 0.9, 2.1). Risks of neonatal infection, sepsis, receipt of antibiotics, and admission to neonatal intensive care were also increased, and were also attenuated after adjustment for gestational age.

Conclusions

Women with SLE have an increased risk of peripartum infections and antibiotic exposure. Their neonates have a greater likelihood of infection, much of which is attributable to preterm birth.     

Effect of education on overall and cause-specific mortality in injecting drug users, according to HIV and introduction of HAART

BACKGROUND: We assessed the impact of education on long-term overall and cause-specific mortality among 6575 injecting drug users (IDUs) according to HIV status and introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS: Community-based cohort study of IDUs recruited in three AIDS prevention centres (1987-1996). Causes of death were ascertained in clinical centres and Mortality Registry and classified as AIDS, drug use related, injuries, or liver diseases. Poisson regression models including education and calendar period interaction and adjusted by sex, age, and HIV were used. RESULTS: In 73 901 person-years of follow-up, there were 1493 deaths (20.2/1000 person-years): 761 related to AIDS, 234 to drug use, 179 to injuries, and 93 to liver diseases. IDUs with university studies had a lower risk of death (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.36-0.77) than those without studies: this difference was higher after (RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.25-0.80) than before 1997 (RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.41-1.13). Compared to before 1997, while decreases in the risk of AIDS mortality were seen during 1997-2004 for both lower (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.41-0.58) and higher (RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.23-0.48) educated, only those higher educated experienced a reduction in drug-use mortality (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.28-1.05) and death from injuries (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.23-1.21). CONCLUSIONS: Independently of HIV status, lower education predicts a higher risk of death in IDUs and its impact is stronger after 1997. Education has a protective effect on most causes of death and it cannot be entirely attributable to the access or use of HAART.     

Completeness of a Maternal and Perinatal Mortality Enhanced Surveillance System in Pakistan: Evidence from Capture–Recapture Methods

Objectives An enhanced surveillance system that integrated health information systems and extended surveillance to previously uncovered areas to capture all births, perinatal and maternal deaths in a rural district of Pakistan was established in 2015, and this study uses capture–recapture methodology to assess completeness. Methods Births and deaths collected by the survey were matched with the data captured by the enhanced surveillance system. Capture–recapture methodology was used to estimate the total number of births and deaths, measure the degree of underestimation, and adjust mortality rates. Results Of all births, 99% were captured by the enhanced surveillance system. Ninety percent of neonatal deaths and 86% of early neonatal deaths were recorded. The recorded neonatal mortality rate was 40 per 1000 live births (95% CI 35–44), and after adjustment for under-enumeration was 42 per 1000 live births (95% CI 37–46). Recorded rates underestimated neonatal mortality by 5% and perinatal mortality by 7%. Five stillbirths were recorded by the survey and all were matched to recorded stillbirths. The one maternal death recorded by the survey was matched with the maternal death captured by the enhanced surveillance system. The maternal mortality ratio prior to adjustment for under-enumeration was 247 per 100,000 live births (95% CI 147–391), whereas after adjustment it was 246 per 100,000 live births (95% CI 146–389). Conclusion Application of capture–recapture methods to the enhanced surveillance system indicated a high completeness of birth and death recording by the surveillance system.