Publications by authors named "Lorraine Garg"

Article Synopsis
  • Maternal mortality rates in Kenya are alarming, with 342 deaths per 100,000 live births, largely due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), which accounts for 40% of these deaths and is the leading cause globally, especially in poorer countries.* -
  • Primary health care facilities (PHCs) play a vital role in managing PPH, but face challenges like being poorly equipped and having ineffective referral systems, which complicates timely care delivery.* -
  • The study highlights that structural issues aren't the only problem; poor collaboration and communication between healthcare providers also hinder effective referral processes, suggesting a need for improved training and strategic interventions to enhance emergency response in maternal health.*
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Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in Kenya. The aim of this study was to measure quality and timeliness of care for PPH in a sample of deliveries in referral hospitals in Kenya. We conducted direct observations of 907 vaginal deliveries in three Kenyan hospitals from October 2018 through February 2019, observing the care women received from admission for labor and delivery through hospital discharge.

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Objective: To evaluate the impact of introducing a uterine balloon tamponade (ESM-UBT) device for managing severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), mainly due to uterine atony, in health facilities in India on the rates of PPH-related maternal death and invasive procedures for PPH control.

Methods: We used a quasi-experimental, difference-in-difference (DID) design to compare changes in the rates of a composite outcome (PPH-related maternal death and/or artery ligation, uterine compression sutures, or hysterectomy) among women delivering in nine intervention facilities compared with those delivering in two control facilities, before and after the introduction of ESM-UBT.

Results: The study sample included 214 123 deliveries (n = 78 509 before ESM-UBT introduction; n = 47 211 during ESM-UBT introduction; and n = 88 403 after ESM-UBT introduction).

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Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal death in Tanzania. The Every Second Matters for Mothers and Babies- Uterine Balloon Tamponade (ESM-UBT) device was developed to address this problem in women with atonic uterus. The objective of this study was to understand the barriers and facilitators to optimal use of the device, in Dar es Salaam Tanzania 1 year after implementation.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to create evidence-based care bundles for managing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) through an international consultation with maternal health experts.
  • The consultation led to defining two specific care bundles: one for initial response to PPH (involving medications and uterine massage) and another for severe cases (involving compressive methods and balloon tamponade).
  • Future research is needed to explore the feasibility, effectiveness, and best implementation strategies for these bundles, along with resolving ongoing debates about certain interventions.
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Introduction The purpose of this article is to present the collective experiences of six federally-funded critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) newborn screening implementation projects to assist federal and state policy makers and public health to implement CCHD screening. Methods A qualitative assessment and summary from six demonstration project grantees and other state representatives involved in the implementation of CCHD screening programs are presented in the following areas: legislation, provider and family education, screening algorithms and interpretation, data collection and quality improvement, telemedicine, home and rural births, and neonatal intensive care unit populations. Results The most common challenges to implementation include: lack of uniform legislative and statutory mandates for screening programs, lack of funding/resources, difficulty in screening algorithm interpretation, limited availability of pediatric echocardiography, and integrating data collection and reporting with existing newborn screening systems.

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Objective: Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) was recently added to the U.S. Recommended Uniform Screening Panel for newborns.

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Background And Objective: New Jersey was the first state to implement legislatively mandated newborn pulse oximetry screening (POxS) in all licensed birthing facilities to detect critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs). The objective of this report was to evaluate implementation of New Jersey's statewide POxS mandate.

Methods: A 2-pronged approach was used to collect data on infants screened in all New Jersey birthing facilities from August 31, 2011, through May 31, 2012.

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Background And Objective: Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is endorsed by the US Secretary of Health and Human Services as part of the recommended uniform screening panel for newborns. Although initial recommendations for implementation exist, as states and hospitals have moved forward with implementation of screening, new challenges and areas for additional focus have been identified. The objective of this study was to develop recommendations to address current challenges and areas of focus surrounding CCHD newborn screening.

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