scholarly journals Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Vertical Transmission and Neonatal Complications

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 5253
Author(s):  
Cosmin Citu ◽  
Radu Neamtu ◽  
Virgiliu-Bogdan Sorop ◽  
Delia Ioana Horhat ◽  
Florin Gorun ◽  
...  

We designed and implemented a prospective study to analyze the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with COVID-19 and determine the likelihood of viral transmission to the fetus and newborn by collecting samples from amniotic fluid, placenta, umbilical cord blood, and breast milk. The study followed a prospective observational design, starting in July 2020 and lasting for one year. A total of 889 pregnant women were routinely tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection in an outpatient setting at our clinic, using nasal swabs for PCR testing. A total of 76 women were diagnosed with COVID-19. The positive patients who accepted study enrollment were systematically analyzed by collecting weekly nasal, urine, fecal, and serum samples, including amniotic fluid, placenta, umbilical cord, and breast milk at hospital admission and postpartum. Mothers with COVID-19 were at a significantly higher risk of developing gestational hypertension and giving birth prematurely by c-section than the general pregnant population. Moreover, their mortality rates were substantially higher. Their newborns did not have negative outcomes, except for prematurity, and an insignificant number of newborns were infected with SARS-CoV-2 (5.4%). No amniotic fluid samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, and only 1.01% of PCR tests from breast milk were confirmed positive. Based on these results, we support the idea that SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women do not expose their infants to an additional risk of infection via breastfeeding, close contact, or in-utero. Consequently, we do not support maternal–newborn separation at delivery since they do not seem to be at an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

2021 ◽  
pp. 35-47
Author(s):  
Tamara G. Denisova ◽  
Adelina I. Sergeeva ◽  
Alexandra S. Grigorieva ◽  
Enje E. Rechapova ◽  
Ivan I. Sergeev ◽  
...  

According to the WHO statement dated March 11, 2020, the coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2 has reached the scale of a pandemic and is currently a world health problem. A special group of the population that requires increased attention is pregnant women due to the fact that pneumonia occupies the third place in the structure of indirect causes of maternal mortality. Pregnant women whose immune system has changed appeared to be at an increased risk of infection. Pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of a more severe course of acute respiratory viral diseases and influenza. To date, the issue of intrauterine transmission of coronavirus disease remains completely unexplored, which causes fear among pregnant women for the future generation. Addition of a new coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2 has a negative impact on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, the health of newborns, especially in patients with a burdened obstetric history. Pregnancy itself and childbirth do not affect the course of COVID-19, but the infection addition can complicate the course of gestation, causing respiratory distress syndrome, premature birth and spontaneous miscarriages, congenital pneumonia and antenatal death of newborns born from covid-positive mothers. The literature published from December 1, 2019 to July 30, 2021 was searched in several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and the WHO COVID-19 database, of which 52 articles were selected for detailed consideration. The relevant literature was searched to understand the issues of infection transmission to newborns from infected mothers and the clinical manifestations of the disease in the former. As a result, it was found that newborns can become infected with SARS-Cov-2 in close contact with infected patients or asymptomatic virus carriers. However, based on the data of modern literature, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the questions posed, more facts are needed to solve the problem. The practical significance of the work is that the results of the study should be used for further studying the consequences of COVID-19 for the health of newborn children.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 1555-1569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thalia Manfrin Martins Deminice ◽  
Ivan Savioli Ferraz ◽  
Jacqueline Pontes Monteiro ◽  
Alceu Afonso Jordão ◽  
Lívia Maria Cordeiro Simões Ambrósio ◽  
...  

Objectives To analyse intake of vitamin A (VA) and retinol concentrations in maternal blood, breast milk (BM), and the umbilical cord (UC) of newborns, and to determine the associations among these variables. Methods We performed a cross-sectional, epidemiological study of 180 mother–newborn dyads. Maternal and UC blood samples and BM were collected. VA intake by the mother over 30 days was assessed using a questionnaire. Results Mean retinol concentrations in maternal serum, the UC, and BM were 0.65 ± 0.27, 0.36 ± 0.18, and 2.95 ± 2.70 µmol/L, respectively. Retinol concentrations <0.70 µmol/L were found in 57.2% of maternal blood samples and in 94.9% of UC samples. A total of 27.9% of BM samples showed retinol concentrations <1.05 µmol/L. Mean VA intake by the mothers was 1041.33 ± 1187.86 µg retinol activity equivalents/day and was inadequate (<550 µg retinol activity equivalents/day) in 44.7%. Conclusions High proportions of insufficient retinol concentrations were observed in the UC, maternal blood, and BM. A high percentage of pregnant women had inadequate VA intake. Mothers with insufficient serum retinol concentrations had newborns with lower retinol concentrations in the UC. Higher retinol concentrations were observed in maternal blood and the UC with a higher VA intake.


Author(s):  
Aparna Rajesh ◽  
Vandana Muralidharan

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate upto 10% of pregnancies worldwide, and constitute one of the greatest causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study is to evaluate the serum beta hCG levels in pregnant women as a predictor of gestational hypertension.Methods: This is a prospective study done at K. S. Hegde Medical Academy during the month of November 2015 to January 2017. Serum beta hCG was estimated between 14-20 weeks of gestation in 90 women with singleton pregnancy irrespective of parity. Regular follow up of the cases were done till delivery. Results were analysed statistically.Results: Out of 90 women, 81 women were followed till term and 12 (14.8%) cases developed gestational hypertension. β HCG levels (Mean±SD) were higher (69808.66±54764.7 vs. 38126.49±97419.2; p<0.28) in subjects who developed gestational hypertension. Serum beta hCG (median >32726 mIU/ml) has a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 72.5% and accuracy of 72.8%.Conclusions: Our study indicate an increased risk of gestational hypertension in women with elevated levels of serum beta hCG. As yet there are no practically acceptable and reliable screening tests for gestational hypertension, serum beta hCG seems to be good noninvasive early predictor for the development of gestational hypertension.


1989 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph J. Lell&eacute; ◽  
Eberhard Henkel ◽  
Dieter Leinemann ◽  
Klaus Goeschen

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giampiero Capobianco ◽  
Alessandra Gulotta ◽  
Giulio Tupponi ◽  
Francesco Dessole ◽  
Giuseppe Virdis ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate maternal-foetal and neonatal clinical outcomes in a group of patients with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) such as diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1), diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), and maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY).MethodsOverall, 174 pregnant women, nulliparous and multiparous, with single pregnancy were enrolled. The selected patients were divided into two groups: PGDM (42 with DM1, 14 with DM2, and 2 with MODY); 116 patients with a negative pathological history of diabetes mellitus were the control.ResultsWe reported an incidence of preterm delivery of 55.2% in the PGDM group, of 59.5% in the DM1 group, and 42.9% in the DM2 group VS. 6% in the controls. Foetal growth disorders, such as intrauterine growth retardation, small for gestational age, and foetal macrosomia were found in 19% and 3.6% in the case and in the control group, respectively. A relationship between DM2 and gestational hypertension was found.Conclusionspatients with PGDM are at increased risk of perinatal and neonatal complications in comparison with pregnant women without PGDM.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0241908
Author(s):  
Amélia Nkutxi Vueba ◽  
Clarissa Perez Faria ◽  
Ricardo Almendra ◽  
Paula Santana ◽  
Maria do Céu Sousa

We report a study on toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Luanda, Angola, determining the seroprevalence, geospatial distribution and its association with socio-economic features, dietary habits and hygiene and health conditions. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM were quantified in serum samples of women attended at the Lucrecia Paim Maternity Hospital between May 2016 and August 2017. The IgG avidity test and qPCR assay were used for dating the primary infection. Data were collected by questionnaire after written consent, and spatial distribution was assessed through a Kernel Density Function. The potential risk factors associated with Toxoplasma infection were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were quantified in 878 pregnant women, and 346 (39.4%) samples were IgG positive, 2 (0.2%) positive for IgM and IgG, and 530 (60.4%) negative for both immunoglobulins. The longitudinal study showed that none of the seronegative women seroconverted during the survey. Regarding other infections, 226 (25.7%) were positive for hepatitis B, while 118 (13.4%) were HIV-positive. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was similar in most municipalities: 43.8% in Cazenga (28 of 64); 42.5% in Viana (88 of 207); 42.3% in Cacuaco (22 of 52); and 41.1% in Luanda ((179 of 435). In contrast, the seroprevalence in municipality of Belas was lower (25.8%; 31 of 120) and bivariate and multivariate analysis has shown a lower risk for toxoplasmosis in this area (OR 0.479, CI: 0.305–0.737; OR 0.471, CI: 0.299–0.728). The multivariate analysis has shown a significant increased risk for toxoplasmosis in women in the last trimester of pregnancy (OR 1.457, CI: 1.011–2.102), suffering spontaneous abortion (OR 1.863, CI: 1.014–3.465) and having pets at home (OR 1.658, CI: 1.212–2.269). Also, women who tested positive for hepatitis B (OR 1.375, CI: 1.008–1.874) and HIV (OR 1.833, CI: 1.233–2.730) had a significant increased risk for T. gondii infection. In conclusion, our study showed that a large number of pregnant women are not immunized for toxoplasmosis and identified the risk factors for this infection in Luanda. It is crucial to establish the diagnosis of primary maternal infection as well as the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Our results underlined the need for diagnostic and clinical follow-up of toxoplasmosis, HIV and hepatitis B during pregnancy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 204-210
Author(s):  
I. A. Olkhovskiy ◽  
J. G. Garber ◽  
A. S. Gorbenko ◽  
M. A. Stolyar ◽  
O. M. Miller ◽  
...  

Aim: to assess the prevalence of V617F somatic mutation of the JAK2 gene in pregnant women.Materials and methods. This non-interventional study was performed in the framework of routine clinical practice and included 1532 samples of venous blood from pregnant women who applied for medical assistance at Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Center for Maternal and Child Welfare. We used blood samples left after all routine laboratory tests had been done. These leftovers were pooled in the way that ensured an equal ratio of nucleated cells. Each pool contained 7 separate blood samples. The unused samples that remained after the pooling were frozen and stored at –20°C until the end of entire testing procedure. The V617F JAK2 mutation was detected by the real-time allele-specific polymerase chain reaction test.Results. Among the examined pregnant women, 6 (0.4 %) were identified as carriers of V617F JAK2 mutation. Three women with this mutation suffered from infertility for 4, 5, and 10 years; two of them had repeated miscarriages in the first trimester of pregnancy. The 6 women – carriers of this mutations had no concomitant genetic polymorphisms typical of thrombophilia (factors FII, FV), and no abnormal coagulation characteristics. Analysis of their medical records showed that in the past, two of these women had gestational hypertension, one developed a clinical picture of preeclampsia, and another one (with the maximum presence of the mutant allele) had a history of acute lymphoblastic leukemia followed by stable remission.Conclusion. The routine laboratory detection of the V617F JAK2 mutation can facilitate timely identification of the increased risk of pregnancy pathology, as well as timely diagnosis of hematological cancer.


Author(s):  
Jackeline Alger ◽  
Pierre Buekens ◽  
Maria Luisa Cafferata ◽  
Zulma Alvarez ◽  
Mabel Berrueta ◽  
...  

The impact of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection on pregnancies shows regional variation emphasizing the importance of studies in different geographical areas. We conducted a prospective study in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, recruiting 668 pregnant women between July 20, 2016, and December 31, 2016. We performed Trioplex real-time reverse transcriptase–PCR (rRT-PCR) in 357 serum samples taken at the first prenatal visit. The presence of ZIKV was confirmed in seven pregnancies (7/357, 2.0%). Nine babies (1.6%) had microcephaly (head circumference more than two SDs below the mean), including two (0.3%) with severe microcephaly (head circumference [HC] more than three SDs below the mean). The mothers of both babies with severe microcephaly had evidence of ZIKV infection. A positive ZIKV Trioplex rRT-PCR was associated with a 33.3% (95% CI: 4.3–77.7%) risk of HC more than three SDs below the mean.


Author(s):  
Dr. Girdhar Gopal Nagar ◽  
Dr. Sanjana Jourwal ◽  
Dr. Nishu Goyal

Polyhydramnios is defined as excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid in relation to gestational age usually more than 2000 ml. More recently when Amniotic Fluid Index is more than 95th and 97th percentile for the gestational age condition is called as polyhydramnios. It is frequently associated with congenital anomalies of the fetus. The aim of our study was to observe prevalence of congenital anomalies in polyhydramnios. The present study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Umaid Hospital attached to Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur. In this study patients of polyhydramnios with gestational age between 20 to 42 weeks with amniotic fluid index more than 24 were enrolled after taking informed written consent. Degree of polyhydramnios was graded as mild, moderate and severe. Detail study of fetus was done for possible congenital anomalies. Congenital anomalies were confirmed with post-natal findings. There were 196 pregnant women with amniotic fluid index (AFI) > 24 cm. Prevalence of polyhydramnios was 1.66%. Congenital anomalies were present in 16.84% out of total 196 cases of polyhydroamnios. In pregnant women with severe polyhydramnios 51.51 % and in moderate 45.45% had congenital anomalies. Most common congenital anomaly was anencephaly (3.57%) followed by Hydrops (3.57%), Central nervous system, gastrointestinal and skeletal anomalies. Polyhydramnios is associated with increased risk of congenital anomalies hence Intrauterine condition of fetus should be monitored by using various diagnostic facilities like USG, Doppler, Echo-cardiography, amniocentesis and cordocentesis for possible congenital anomalies.


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