Double blind, randomised, placebocontrolled trial to evaluate the efficacy of esomeprazole to treat early onset pre-eclampsia (PIE Trial): A study protocol
Introduction: Pre-eclampsia is a major complication of pregnancy, globally responsible for 60 000 maternal deaths per year, and far greater numbers of fetal losses. There is no definitive treatment other than delivery. A drug that can quench the disease process could be useful to treat early onset pre-eclampsia, as it could allow pregnancies to safely […]
Protective role of Allium cepa Linn (onion) juice on maternal dexamethasone induced alterations in reproductive functions of female offspring of Wistar rats
Maternal treatment with dexamethasone induces oxidative stress in the reproductive structures of offspring. Consumption of Allium cepa Linn improves antioxidant status. This study was designed to evaluate the protective role of Allium cepa Linn juice on maternal dexamethasone induced alterations in reproductive functions of the female offspring of Wistar rats. Twenty lactating dams (180–200 g) […]
Utilisation of private general practitioners to provide caesarean deliveries in five rural district public hospitals in South Africa: a mixed-methods study
Objective Researching how public-private engagements may promote universal access to safe obstetric care including caesarean delivery is essential. The aim of this research was to document the utilisation of private general practitioners (GPs) contracted to provide caesarean delivery services in five rural district hospitals in the Western Cape, the profile and outcomes of caesarean deliveries. […]
Antibiotic use during pregnancy: A retrospective study of prescription patterns and birth outcomes at an antenatal clinic in rural Ghana
Background: Babies are increasingly being exposed to antibiotics intrapartum in the bid to reduce neonatal and maternal deaths. Intrapartum antibiotic exposure, including even those considered safe in pregnancy, have been associated with childhood obesity and compromised immunity. Data on the extent of antibiotic use, safety and its impact on birth outcomes and neonatal health in […]
Improving the coverage of the PMTCT programme through a participatory quality improvement intervention in South Africa
Background: Despite several years of implementation, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes in many resource poor settings are failing to reach the majority of HIV positive women. We report on a data driven participatory quality improvement intervention implemented in a high HIV prevalence district in South Africa. Methods: A participatory quality improvement intervention was implemented […]
Male responsibility and maternal morbidity: A cross-sectional study in two Nigerian states
Background: Nigeria continues to have high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. This is partly associated with lack of adequate obstetric care, partly with high risks in pregnancy, including heavy work. We examined actionable risk factors and underlying determinants at community level in Bauchi and Cross River States of Nigeria, including several related to male […]
APOL1 genotype associated risk for preeclampsia in African populations: Rationale and protocol design for studies in women of African ancestry in resource limited settings
Background Women of African ancestry are highly predisposed to preeclampsia which continues to be a major cause of maternal death in Africa. Common variants in the APOL1 gene are potent risk factor for a spectrum of kidney disease. Recent studies have shown that APOL1 risk variants contribute to the risk of preeclampsia. The aim of […]
Effectiveness of conditional cash transfers (Afya credits incentive) to retain women in the continuum of care during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period in Kenya: A cluster-randomised trial
Objectives Given high maternal and child mortality rates, we assessed the impact of conditional cash transfers (CCTs) to retain women in the continuum of care (antenatal care (ANC), delivery at facility, postnatal care (PNC) and child immunisation). Design We conducted an unblinded 1:1 cluster-randomised controlled trial. Setting 48 health facilities in Siaya County, Kenya were […]
Service delivery reform for maternal and newborn health in Kakamega County, Kenya: study protocol for a prospective impact evaluation and implementation science study
Background: Maternal and neonatal mortality remain elevated in low and middle income countries, and progress is slower than needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Existing strategies appear to be insufficient. One proposed alternative strategy, Service Delivery Redesign for Maternal and Neonatal Health (SDR), centers on strengthening higher level health facilities to provide rapid, definitive care […]
Protocol for a sequential, prospective metaanalysis to describe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the pregnancy and postpartum periods
We urgently need answers to basic epidemiological questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant and postpartum women and its effect on their newborns. While many national registries, health facilities, and research groups are collecting relevant data, we need a collaborative and methodologically rigorous approach to better combine these data and address knowledge gaps, especially those related […]
