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09-08-2023 | Review Article

Burden, Differentials and Causes of Stillbirths in India: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

Authors: Bharti Sharma, Chandrakant Lahariya, Marie Gilbert Majella, Anita Upadhyay, Sapna Yadav, Ankit Raina, Tamkin Khan, Neelam Aggarwal

Published in: Indian Journal of Pediatrics | Special Issue 1/2023

Abstract

India contributes the highest absolute number of stillbirths in the world. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the burden, timing and causes of stillbirths in India. Forty-nine reports from 46 studies conducted in 21 Indian states and Union Territories were included. It was found that there was no uniformity/standardization in the definition of stillbirths and in the classification system used to assign the cause. The share of antepartum stillbirths was estimated to be two-third while remaining were intrapartum stillbirths. Maternal conditions and fetal causes were found to be the leading cause of stillbirth in India. The maternal condition was assigned as the commonest cause (25%) followed by fetal (14%), placental cause (13%), congenital malformation (6%) and intrapartum complications (4%). Approximately 20% of the stillbirths were assigned as unknown or unexplained. This review demonstrates that there is a paucity of quality stillbirth data in India. Other than the state level differences in stillbirth rates, no other data is available on inequities in stillbirths in India. There is an urgent need for strengthening availability and quality of stillbirth data in India on both stillbirth rates as well as the causes. There is a need to conduct additional research to know the timing of the stillbirths, causes of death and actual burden. India needs to strengthen stillbirth audits along with registry to find out the modifiable factors and delays for making country specific preventive strategies. The policy makers, academic community and researchers need to work together to ensure accelerated and equitable reduction in stillbirths in India.

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Title: Burden, Differentials and Causes of Stillbirths in India: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Authors: Bharti Sharma
Chandrakant Lahariya
Marie Gilbert Majella
Anita Upadhyay
Sapna Yadav
Ankit Raina
Tamkin Khan
Neelam Aggarwal
Publication date: 09-08-2023
Publisher: Springer India
Published in: Indian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue Special Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 0019-5456
Electronic ISSN: 0973-7693
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-023-04749-9

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Burden, Differentials and Causes of Stillbirths in India: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

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