The global maternal sepsis study and awareness campaign (GLOSS): study protocol

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Maternal sepsis is a leading cause of maternal mortality, contributing to 11% of all deaths.
• Effective prevention, early identification, and management of maternal and neonatal infections are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop and validate criteria for identifying severe maternal infection and sepsis.
• Assess the use of recommended practices for sepsis prevention, identification, and management.
• Investigate mother-to-child transmission of bacterial infections.
• Evaluate healthcare provider awareness of maternal and neonatal sepsis.
• Establish a network for quality improvement in sepsis management.

Main Methods:

• A facility-based, prospective, one-week inception cohort study.
• Inclusion of pregnant women or those within 42 days postpartum/post-abortion with suspected/confirmed infection.
• Data collection across diverse geographical regions and WHO regions.
• Follow-up until hospital discharge, death, or transfer, with a maximum intra-hospital follow-up of 42 days.

Main Results:

• The study will provide actionable criteria for identifying severe maternal infection and sepsis.
• Data on the incidence of maternal sepsis and the uptake of interventions will be generated.
• Links between interventions, maternal, and perinatal outcomes will be explored.

Conclusions:

• The Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS) will yield criteria for identifying severe maternal infection and sepsis.
• Findings will inform strategies to improve maternal and neonatal sepsis care globally.
• Priority areas for intervention will be identified to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.