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Lessons for low‐income regions following the reduction in hypertension‐related maternal mortality in high‐income countries
Author(s) -
Goldenberg Robert L.,
McClure Elizabeth M.,
MacGuire Emily R.,
Kamath Beena D.,
Jobe Alan H.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.01.002
Subject(s) - medicine , reduction (mathematics) , high income countries , low income , environmental health , demographic economics , developing country , economic growth , economics , geometry , mathematics
Objectives To evaluate pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia‐associated maternal mortality in high‐income countries to understand better the potential improvements in pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia‐related mortality in low‐income countries. Methods We searched Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database (1900–2010) using relevant search terms. Studies of the incidence of pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia and case fatality rates in various geographic regions were included. The incidence of pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia and the pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia‐associated case fatality rates are presented by location and year. Results Most declines in maternal mortality associated with pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia in high‐income countries occurred between 1940 and 1970 and were associated with a 90% reduction in the incidence of eclampsia and a 90% reduction in the case fatality rate in women with eclampsia. The most important interventions were widespread use of prenatal care with blood pressure and urine protein measurement, and increased access to hospital care for timely induction of labor or cesarean delivery for women with severe pre‐eclampsia or seizures. Conclusions A substantial reduction in pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia‐related mortality could be made in low‐income countries by widespread hypertension and proteinuria screening and early delivery of women with severe disease. Magnesium sulfate may reduce mortality, but should not be the cornerstone of maternal mortality reduction programs.