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Vinciguerra M, Cascardi E, Lamanna B, Marrone M, Pititto F, Macorano E, Sciorio R, Baldini GM, Malvasi A, Ballini A, Cazzato G, Vimercati A, Kumaran S, Cicinelli E, Scacco S, Dellino M. A Multi-Institutional Informed Consent Proposal as a Prevention Tool for Combined Oral Contraceptive Intake and Thrombotic Risk. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040584. [PMID: 37108970 PMCID: PMC10144716 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined oral contraceptives (COC), are among the most widely used contraceptive methods in the world today. Despite the different changes in terms of estrogen/progestogen combinations and dosages, the thromboembolic risk for a woman who takes combined oral contraceptives persists to date. Methods: The review of relevant literature and international guidelines on prescription of combined oral contraceptives made it possible to create a proposal for informed consent to be used for prescribing. Results: The several sections of our consent proposal were designed according to a rationale in order to cover all the aspects presented by worldwide guidelines: how to take, adverse effects, advertisements, extra-contraceptive benefits and effects, a checklist for condition at risk of thromboembolism, the signature of the woman. Conclusions: An informed consent to standardize combined oral contraceptives prescription can improve women’s eligibility, mitigate thromboembolic risk, and assure legal protection to healthcare providers. In this systematic review in particular, we refer to the Italian medical–legal scenario, to which our group of researchers belongs. However, the model proposed was designed in the respect of main healthcare organization guidelines, and it could be easily used by any center in the world.
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Pinto V, Dellino M, Santarsiero CM, Cormio G, Loizzi V, Griseta V, Vimercati A, Cazzato G, Cascardi E, Cicinelli E. Ultrasound Control of Cervical Regeneration after Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone: Results of an Innovative Measurement Technique. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13040791. [PMID: 36832279 PMCID: PMC9955376 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this research is to evaluate cervical regeneration after large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) through the identification of a new sonographic reference point at the level of the uterine margins. In the period March 2021-January 2022, a total of 42 patients affected by CIN 2-3 were treated with LLETZ at the University Hospital of Bari (Italy). Before performing LLETZ, cervical length and volume were measured with trans-vaginal 3D ultrasound. From the multiplanar images, the cervical volume was obtained using the Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL™) program with manual contour mode. The line that connects the points where the common trunk of the uterine arteries reaches the uterus splitting into the ascending major branch and the cervical branch was considered as the upper limit of the cervical canal. From the acquired 3D volume, the length and the volume of the cervix were measured between this line and the external uterine os. Immediately after LLETZ, the removed cone was measured using Vernier's caliper, and before fixation in formalin, the volume of the excised tissue was evaluated by the fluid displacement technique based on the Archimedes principle. The proportion of excised cervical volume was 25.50 ± 17.43%. The volume and the height of the excised cone were 1.61 ± 0.82 mL and 9.65 ± 2.49 mm corresponding to 14.74 ± 11.91% and 36.26 ± 15.49% of baseline values, respectively. The volume and length of the residual cervix were also assessed using 3D ultrasound up to the sixth month after excision. At 6 weeks, about 50% of cases reported an unchanged or lower cervical volume compared to the baseline pre-LLETZ values. The average percentage of volume regeneration in examined patients was equal to 9.77 ± 55.33%. In the same period, the cervical length regeneration rate was 69.41 ± 14.8%. Three months after LLETZ, a volume regeneration rate of 41.36 ± 28.31% was found. For the length, an average regeneration rate of 82.48 ± 15.25% was calculated. Finally, at 6 months, the percentage of regeneration of the excised volume was 90.99 ± 34.91%. The regrowth percentage of the cervical length was 91.07 ± 8.03%. The cervix measurement technique that we have proposed has the advantage of identifying an unequivocal reference point in 3D cervical measurement. Ultrasound 3D evaluation could be useful in the clinical practice to evaluate the cervical tissue deficit and express the "potential of cervical regeneration" as well as provide the surgeon useful information about the cervical length.
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Dellino M, Vimercati A, D’Amato A, Damiani GR, Laganà AS, Cicinelli E, Pinto V, Malvasi A, Scacco S, Ballini A, Resta L, Ingravallo G, Maiorano E, Cazzato G, Cascardi E. "GONE WITH THE WIND": The Transitory Effects of COVID-19 on the Gynecological System. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020312. [PMID: 36836546 PMCID: PMC9962077 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease no longer seems to represent an insurmountable global problem. This is thanks to the advent of coronavirus vaccines, which have alleviated the most serious symptoms associated with this disease. On the other hand, there are still many extrapulmonary symptoms of COVID-19, and among these also those of a gynecological nature. At the moment, there are several questions in this field, one above all concerns the causal link between COVID-19, vaccines and gynecological alterations. Furthermore, another important aspect is represented by the clinical impact of post-COVID-19 gynecological alterations on the female population which, to date, would seem to be mainly due to their duration, even if the extent of these symptoms is still poorly understood. Furthermore, it is not possible to foresee eventual long-term aggravations, or more serious symptoms caused by other viral variants that may arrive in the future. In this review, we focus on this theme and attempt to reorganize the different pieces of a puzzle which, to date, does not seem to have shown us its complete picture.
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Damiani G, Villa M, Falcicchio G, Cesana C, Malvasi A, Picardi N, Vergottini G, Piero P, Dellino M, Loizzi V, Vimercati A, Cicinelli E, Pellegrino A. Robotic sacrocolpopexy with autologous fascia lata: A case series. Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther 2023; 12:10-14. [PMID: 37025435 PMCID: PMC10071871 DOI: 10.4103/gmit.gmit_7_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Apical prolapse involves the upper vagina or vaginal vault after hysterectomy. Treatment is indicated for symptomatic women, and surgical approach is considered for women who failed or refused conservative therapy. We performed 10 pickups of autologous fascia, used for robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSCP). Materials and Methods We included patients between 60 and 80 years old who showed a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-q) over the second stage and with symptoms related to prolapse. Results All of them underwent autologous fascia lata (AFL) pickup from the right leg and after to RSCP. One patient underwent also posterior colporrhaphy. The mean intraoperative time was 199.2 min (183-230 min). No intra-operatory complications were reported. POP-q assessment during follow-up showed improvements: C point gained on average 7.6 points (5-8) and mean values went from -0.6 to - 8.2 cm (-7 to -9 cm). The three women who had anterior compartment defects shows good anatomical reconstitution with a mean Aa and Ba value of - 2.83 cm (-2.5 to -3 cm) and gained 4 points (average gain: 3.5-4.5 cm). Total vaginal lenght (TVL). Conclusion According to these data, in our experience, AFL employment showed a good anatomical result from the first to last follow-up.
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Malvasi A, Vinciguerra M, Lamanna B, Cascardi E, Damiani GR, Muzzupapa G, Kosmas I, Beck R, Falagario M, Vimercati A, Cicinelli E, Trojano G, Tinelli A, Cazzato G, Dellino M. Asynclitism and Its Ultrasonographic Rediscovery in Labor Room to Date: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2998. [PMID: 36553005 PMCID: PMC9776610 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12122998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Asynclitism, the most feared malposition of the fetal head during labor, still represents to date an unresolved field of interest, remaining one of the most common causes of prolonged or obstructed labor, dystocia, assisted delivery, and cesarean section. Traditionally asynclitism is diagnosed by vaginal examination, which is, however, burdened by a high grade of bias. On the contrary, the recent scientific evidence highly suggests the use of intrapartum ultrasonography, which would be more accurate and reliable when compared to the vaginal examination for malposition assessment. The early detection and characterization of asynclitism by intrapartum ultrasound would become a valid tool for intrapartum evaluation. In this way, it will be possible for physicians to opt for the safest way of delivery according to an accurate definition of the fetal head position and station, avoiding unnecessary operative procedures and medication while improving fetal and maternal outcomes. This review re-evaluated the literature of the last 30 years on asynclitism, focusing on the progressive imposition of ultrasound as an intrapartum diagnostic tool. All the evidence emerging from the literature is presented and evaluated from our point of view, describing the most employed technique and considering the future implication of the progressive worldwide consolidation of asynclitism and ultrasound.
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Damiani GR, Xuamin H, Vimercati A, DI Gennaro D, Loizzi V, Gaetani M, Trojano G, Cicinelli E. Management of a rare case of placenta trophotropism. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2022; 74:462-465. [PMID: 35107241 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.22.05015-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There are several variations of placental shape or implantation. Multilobed placentas are thought to arise due to implantation in areas of decreased uterine perfusion. An example is represented by lateral implantation in between the anterior and posterior walls of the uterus. Other local factors leading to multilobation are implantation over leiomyomas, in areas of previous surgery, in the cornu, or over the cervical os. After implantation, there is preferential growth in areas of superior perfusion and atrophy in areas of poor perfusion. This is called trophotropism. We described a singular case of uterine synechia, where is laid the succenturiate lobe from the anterior to the posterior wall, obstacles fetal head descent in the pelvis. Due of that synechia, a cesarean section is necessary for fetal transverse situation with reverse breech extraction.
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Malvasi A, Vimercati A, Ricci I, Picardi N, Cicinelli E, Kosmas I, Baldini GM, Tinelli A. Dystocic Labor and Adrenergic and Noradrenergic Neurotransmitters: A Morphological Experimental Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911379. [PMID: 36232680 PMCID: PMC9569786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Authors investigated the catecholaminergic neurotransmitters (chNs) quantitative modifications in pregnant uterine Lower Uterine Segment (LUS) during prolonged labor (PL) with the fetus in an occiput-posterior position (OPP), in occiput transverse position (OTP) and in fetal head asynclitism, all diagnosed by Intrapartum Ultrasonography (IU). The chNs neurotransmitters, particularly adrenaline (or epinephrine-A) and noradrenaline (or norepinephrine-N), were evaluated in LUS fragments sampled during CS of 34 patients undergoing urgent cesarean section (CS) in PL, compared to chNs fibers in the LUS of 36 women submitted to elective CS. All results were statistically analyzed to understand the differences in neurotransmitters morphological analysis by scanning electronic microscopy examination (SEM). The LUS fragments analysis revealed a reduction of A and N fibers in LUS during PL, compared with the expression of A and N fibers in LUS during elective CS. The PL for OPP, the OTP and asynclitism, all positions causing dystocia in labor lead to a reduction in neurotransmitters in LUS, with a uterine vascularization modification and a reduction in the contractility of smooth uterine cells. The A and N neurotransmitters reduction observed in PL negatively interferes with uterine contraction during labor.
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Dellino M, Crupano FM, He X, Malvasi A, Vimercati A. Uterine rupture after previous caesarean section with hysterotomy above the lower uterine segment. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2022; 93:e2022269. [PMID: 36129411 PMCID: PMC10510962 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v93is1.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background Spontaneous uterine rupture is a severe pregnancy complication. Several risk factors have been described, especially for women with a previous caesarean section. Method We reported two cases of uterine rupture (UR) occurring outside of labour in patients with a history of caesarean section (CS) due to placenta previa. Results: The current study evaluates how a higher hysterotomy, combined with some risk factors, can increase the prevalence of UR in the subsequent pregnancy. Conclusion This study supports that a careful evaluation of risk factors can identify patients who need a specific follow up to early diagnose and treat UR and thus improve the maternal-fetal outcome.
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Malvasi A, Tinelli A, Lupica G, Vimercati A, Spyropoulou K, Dellino M, Mynbaev O. Effects of a combination of resveratrol and alpha-lipoic acid on body weight and adipose composition in women with PCOS: a preliminary pilot study. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2022; 26:6578-6582. [PMID: 36196707 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with reproductive and metabolic dysfunction; in fact, treatment aims in PCOS focus on optimizing healthy weight, improving underlying hormonal disturbances, preventing future reproductive and metabolic complications, and improving quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS This pilot study considered 8 overweight females (BMI > 30) in reproductive age with PCOS. Patients were treated with a galenical preparation mixture containing resveratrol and alpha-lipoic acid in association with vitamin D, B and folic acid for 12 weeks, after which anthropometric assessment was conducted. RESULTS After 12 weeks of treatment, BMI, anthropometry and bioimpedance parameters were all reduced in the treated patients compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS The present nutraceutical combination resulted beneficial for improving the metabolic profile of women with PCOS, paving the way for new nutraceutical strategies for the management of metabolic disturbances in PCOS.
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Resta L, Vimercati A, Cazzato G, Fanelli M, Scarcella SV, Ingravallo G, Colagrande A, Sablone S, Stolfa M, Arezzo F, Lettini T, Rossi R. SARS-CoV-2, Placental Histopathology, Gravity of Infection and Immunopathology: Is There an Association? Viruses 2022; 14:v14061330. [PMID: 35746801 PMCID: PMC9227044 DOI: 10.3390/v14061330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: As the pandemic months progress, more and more evidence shows that the placenta acts as a “barrier” to SARS-CoV-2, although rare cases of vertical transmission have been described. (2) Methods: In an attempt to investigate whether the symptoms’ severity was related to different placental histological characteristics and the immune microenvironment, we subdivided 29 placentas from 29 mothers positive for SARS-CoV-2 into two groups, depending on the symptomatology (moderate/severe vs. asymptomatic/mild), performing immunohistochemical investigations for CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes, as well as for CD68 + macrophage. We also evaluated the immuno-expression of the ACE2 receptor at the placental level. These two groups were compared to a control group of 28 placentas from 28 SARS-CoV-2-negative healthy mothers. (3) Results: The symptoms (likely to be related to viremia) were statistically significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with histopathological changes, such as maternal malperfusion, decidual arteriopathy, blood vessel thrombus of fetal relevance. Furthermore, the immuno-expression of ACE2 was significantly lower in SARS-CoV-2-positive groups vs. control group (p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: There is still much to study and discover regarding the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and histological changes in placentas and how the latter might contribute to various neonatal clinical outcomes, such as prematurity.
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Mangialardi K, Fanelli M, Cazzato G, Marzullo A, Baldassarre ME, Vimercati A, Resta L. Laminar Necrosis and Hypoxic Damage of the Placenta: A Case-Control Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073891. [PMID: 35409574 PMCID: PMC8997949 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to verify the role of laminar necrosis (LN) in the diagnosis of hypoxic damage of the placenta. This is a retrospective case-control study in which 50 cases with laminar necrosis were compared with 100 gestational age-matched controls without laminar necrosis in a 1:2 ratio. The parameters analyzed were: the presence of other placental lesions, obstetric characteristics and neonatal outcome. For each of the 50 cases, the area affected by the lesion was detected, and the lesions were classified into three groups based on the morphology and time of onset of the lesion in order to understand whether these characteristics of the lesion had a clinical-pathology. The results showed that including the search for LN among placental lesions generally examined is useful to guide the pathologist in the diagnosis of placental dysfunction of hypoxic origin.
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Malvasi A, Vimercati A. Is it time for midwives to do intrapartum ultrasound in the delivery ward? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:9568-9569. [PMID: 35253577 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2047927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Grandone E, Vimercati A, Sorrentino F, Colaizzo D, Ostuni A, Ceci O, Capozza M, Tiscia G, De Laurenzo A, Mastroianno M, Cappucci F, Fischetti L, Margaglione M, Cicinelli E, Nappi L. Obstetric outcomes in pregnant COVID-19 women: the imbalance of von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13 axis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:142. [PMID: 35189860 PMCID: PMC8860294 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thrombotic microangiopathy has been invoked as one of the most important mechanisms of damage in COVID-19 patients. Protease ADAMTS13 is a marker of microangiopathy responsible for controlling von Willebrand multimers size. Von Willebrand factor/ADAMTS13 ratio has been found impaired in COVID-19 patients outside pregnancy. Methods We prospectively investigated 90 pregnant women admitted to two tertiary academic hospitals in Italy with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Demographic, clinical information and routine laboratory data were collected at the hospital admission and until discharge. We investigated whether vonWillebrand /ADAMTS13 axis imbalance is a predictor of adverse outcomes. Logistic regression analysis, which controlled for potential confounders, was performed to evaluate the association between laboratory parameters and clinical outcomes. Results Most women (55.6%) were parae, with median gestational age at admission of 39 weeks. At hospital admission, 63.3% were asymptomatic for COVID-19 and 24.4% showed more than one sign or symptom of infection. Nulliparae with group O showed Willebrand / ADA MTS-13 ratios significantly lower than non-O, whereas in multiparae this difference was not observed. Logistic regression showed that ratio von Willebrand to ADAMTS13 was significantly and independently associated with preterm delivery (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.1–3.5). Conclusion This study shows an imbalance of vonWillebrand /ADAMTS13 axis in pregnant women with COVID-19, leading to a significantly higher and independent risk of preterm delivery. Monitoring these biomarkers might support decision making process to manage and follow-up pregnancies in this setting.
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Cicinelli R, Cicinelli E, Crupano F, Vinciguerra M, Lamanna B, Vimercati A. A rare but troublesome complication of cesarean section: the uterocutaneous fistula. Report of two cases and review of literature. CASE REPORTS IN PERINATAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/crpm-2021-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The occurrence of a uterocutaneous fistula (UCF) as an uncommon and severe complication of caesarean section (CS). The aim of this study was to describe two cases of UCFs after CS and to discuss about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Case presentation
Both women few days after CS had surgical site infection, fever and elevation of lab inflammation markers. bacterial culture of the wound drainage was positive for Escherichia Coli and Enterococcus Faecalis.
Conclusions
Fistula between uterine and skin is a rare condition but should be considered with signs of inflammation after cesarean section; 2D/3D ultrasound evaluation appears to be useful for diagnosis of UCFs when combined with CT fistulography and MRI in order to obtain early diagnosis and, consequently, a conservative surgery.
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Vimercati A, De Nola R, Trerotoli P, Metta ME, Cazzato G, Resta L, Malvasi A, Lepera A, Ricci I, Capozza M, Laforgia N, Cicinelli E. COVID-19 Infection in Pregnancy: Obstetrical Risk Factors and Neonatal Outcomes-A Monocentric, Single-Cohort Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020166. [PMID: 35214625 PMCID: PMC8879809 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on pregnant women and neonates are mainly unknown, since limited data are available in the literature. We conducted a monocentric and cross-sectional study enrolling 122 un-vaccinated pregnant women with COVID-19 infection tested by RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab. Only 4.1% of the patients had severe COVID-19 symptoms together with major respiratory symptoms and intensive care unit admission, whereas 35.25% of women had comorbidities and two-thirds of them were overweight or obese. COVID-19 was detected mainly in the third trimester (98.36%) and multiparous women (59.02%). The mode of delivery was influenced by mild-severe COVID-19 symptoms, with a higher number of urgent or emergent cesarean sections than spontaneous or operative vaginal births. Preterm births were associated with high BMI, mode of delivery (higher among cesarean sections), nulliparity, and severe COVID-19 symptoms. In cases of severe COVID-19 symptoms, there was a higher rate of respiratory distress syndrome among newborns. In the end, only the presence of a severe COVID-19 infection worsened the obstetrical and neonatal outcomes, with higher rates of urgent or emergent cesarean section, preterm births, and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
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Ghi T, Conversano F, Ramirez Zegarra R, Pisani P, Dall'Asta A, Lanzone A, Lau W, Vimercati A, Iliescu DG, Mappa I, Rizzo G, Casciaro S. Novel artificial intelligence approach for automatic differentiation of fetal occiput anterior and non-occiput anterior positions during labor. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 59:93-99. [PMID: 34309926 DOI: 10.1002/uog.23739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe a newly developed machine-learning (ML) algorithm for the automatic recognition of fetal head position using transperineal ultrasound (TPU) during the second stage of labor and to describe its performance in differentiating between occiput anterior (OA) and non-OA positions. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study including singleton term (> 37 weeks of gestation) pregnancies in the second stage of labor, with a non-anomalous fetus in cephalic presentation. Transabdominal ultrasound was performed to determine whether the fetal head position was OA or non-OA. For each case, one sonographic image of the fetal head was then acquired in an axial plane using TPU and saved for later offline analysis. Using the transabdominal sonographic diagnosis as the gold standard, a ML algorithm based on a pattern-recognition feed-forward neural network was trained on the TPU images to discriminate between OA and non-OA positions. In the training phase, the model tuned its parameters to approximate the training data (i.e. the training dataset) such that it would identify correctly the fetal head position, by exploiting geometric, morphological and intensity-based features of the images. In the testing phase, the algorithm was blinded to the occiput position as determined by transabdominal ultrasound. Using the test dataset, the ability of the ML algorithm to differentiate OA from non-OA fetal positions was assessed in terms of diagnostic accuracy. The F1 -score and precision-recall area under the curve (PR-AUC) were calculated to assess the algorithm's performance. Cohen's kappa (κ) was calculated to evaluate the agreement between the algorithm and the gold standard. RESULTS Over a period of 24 months (February 2018 to January 2020), at 15 maternity hospitals affiliated to the International Study group on Labor ANd Delivery Sonography (ISLANDS), we enrolled into the study 1219 women in the second stage of labor. On the basis of transabdominal ultrasound, they were classified as OA (n = 801 (65.7%)) or non-OA (n = 418 (34.3%)). From the entire cohort (OA and non-OA), approximately 70% (n = 824) of the patients were assigned randomly to the training dataset and the rest (n = 395) were used as the test dataset. The ML-based algorithm correctly classified the fetal occiput position in 90.4% (357/395) of the test dataset, including 224/246 with OA (91.1%) and 133/149 with non-OA (89.3%) fetal head position. Evaluation of the algorithm's performance gave an F1 -score of 88.7% and a PR-AUC of 85.4%. The algorithm showed a balanced performance in the recognition of both OA and non-OA positions. The robustness of the algorithm was confirmed by high agreement with the gold standard (κ = 0.81; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This newly developed ML-based algorithm for the automatic assessment of fetal head position using TPU can differentiate accurately, in most cases, between OA and non-OA positions in the second stage of labor. This algorithm has the potential to support not only obstetricians but also midwives and accoucheurs in the clinical use of TPU to determine fetal occiput position in the labor ward. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Capozza M, Salvatore S, Baldassarre ME, Inting S, Panza R, Fanelli M, Perniciaro S, Morlacchi L, Vimercati A, Agosti M, Laforgia N. Perinatal Transmission and Outcome of Neonates Born to SARS-CoV-2-Positive Mothers: The Experience of 2 Highly Endemic Italian Regions. Neonatology 2021; 118:665-671. [PMID: 34628414 PMCID: PMC8678243 DOI: 10.1159/000518060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, responsible of the pandemic declared in March 2020 and still ongoing. COVID-19 affects all ages but presents less complications and fatalities in children. Neonatal infections have rarely been reported worldwide, and vertical transmission is uncertain. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study of all infants born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers admitted to 2 hospitals in South (Bari) and North (Varese) of Italy from April to December 2020. A molecular nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 using a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was made at birth for all enrolled newborns to evaluate vertical transmission of infection. We also evaluated postnatal transmission with a second nasopharyngeal swab made at 1 month of life and described maternal and neonatal clinical findings and short-term outcomes. RESULTS 176/179 (97%) newborns were SARS-CoV-2 negative at birth and 151/156 (97%) infants were still negative at 1 month of life. All newborns were asymptomatic. Seventy percent of newborns were breastfed during hospitalization. At 1 month of life, 76% of infants were breastfed. CONCLUSION According to our results, vertical and perinatal infection is very rare. Breastfeeding does not increase the risk of COVID-19 and should be encouraged.
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Tinelli A, Kosmas IP, Carugno JT, Carp H, Malvasi A, Cohen SB, Laganà AS, Angelini M, Casadio P, Chayo J, Cicinelli E, Gerli S, Palacios Jaraquemada J, Magnarelli G, Medvediev MV, Metello J, Nappi L, Okohue J, Sparic R, Stefanović R, Tzabari A, Vimercati A. Uterine rupture during pregnancy: The URIDA (uterine rupture international data acquisition) study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 157:76-84. [PMID: 34197642 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the characteristics and peripartum outcomes of patients diagnosed with uterine rupture (UR) by an observational cohort retrospective study on 270 patients. METHODS Demographic information, surgical history, symptoms, and postoperative outcome of women and neonates after UR were collected in a large database. The statistical analysis searched for correlation between UR, previous uterine interventions, fibroids, and the successive perinatal outcomes in women with previous UR. RESULTS Uterine rupture was significantly associated with previous uterine surgery, occurring, on average, at 36 weeks of pregnancy in women also without previous uterine surgery. UR did not rise exponentially with an increasing number of uterine operations. Fibroids were related to UR. The earliest UR occurred at 159 days after hysteroscopic myomectomy, followed by laparoscopic myomectomy (251 days) and laparotomic myomectomy (253 days). Fertility preservation was feasible in several women. Gestational age and birth weight seemed not to be affected in the subsequent pregnancy. CONCLUSION Data analysis showed that previous laparoscopic and abdominal myomectomies were associated with UR in pregnancy, and hysteroscopic myomectomy was associated at earlier gestational ages. UR did not increase exponentially with an increasing number of previous scars. UR should not be considered a contraindication to future pregnancies.
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Vimercati A, Olivieri C, Dellino M, Gentile M, Tinelli R, Cicinelli E. Prenatal diagnosis of Pfeiffer syndrome and role of three-dimensional ultrasound: case report and review of literature. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:7840-7843. [PMID: 34182859 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1937984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose/aim of the study: We report a rare case of autosomal dominant genetic syndrome "Pfeiffer", which is part of the group of acrocephalosyndactyly, with an annual incidence <1/100,000. Three forms are known. Type I is the less common form and it is characterized by moderate-severe mediofacial hypoplasia usually with normal cognitive development. Conversely, types 2 and 3 are more common and they are associated with more severe signs and complications with a more unfavorable prognosis. The type 3 form due to the presence of a cloverleaf skull distinguishes type 2.Materials and methods: Thirty-eight-year-old primigravida was referred to our center, at 28 weeks of gestation due to borderline ventriculomegaly, macrocrania, and a short femur. First trimester screening for chromosomopathies and CF-DNA was low risk; II trimester screening ultrasound showed the presence of "short femur" and macrocrania.Result: Our ultrasound evaluation, assisted by 3D ultrasound, showed cloverleaf skull, turricephaly, moderate ventriculomegaly (13 mm), hypertelorism and exophthalmos, low ear implantation, mild rhizomelia. Ultrasound depicts Pfeiffer syndrome or other acrocephalosyndactyly syndromes (Apert syndromes, Saethre-Chotzen) or other syndromic forms of craniosynostosis like Crouzon syndrome. The NGS panel for molecular analysis of genes involved in skeletal dysplasias showed the mutation of the FGFR2 gene, de novo.Conclusions: Using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound, it is easier to distinguish rare syndromes characterized by facial dysmorphisms such as exophthalmos, mediofacial hypoplasia, and craniosynostosis.
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Resta L, Vimercati A, Sablone S, Marzullo A, Cazzato G, Ingravallo G, Mazzia G, Arezzo F, Colagrande A, Rossi R. Is the First of the Two Born Saved? A Rare and Dramatic Case of Double Placental Damage from SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2021; 13:v13060995. [PMID: 34073492 PMCID: PMC8230224 DOI: 10.3390/v13060995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The current coronavirus pandemic has affected, in a short time, various and different areas of medicine. Among these, the obstetric field has certainly been touched in full, and the knowledge of the mechanisms potentially responsible for placental damage from SARS-CoV-2 occupy a certain importance. Here we present here a rare case of dichorionic twins born at 30 weeks and 4 days of amenorrhea, one of whom died in the first few hours of life after placental damages potentially related to SARS-CoV-2. We also propose a brief review of the current literature giving ample emphasis to similar cases described.
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Resta L, Vimercati A, Cazzato G, Mazzia G, Cicinelli E, Colagrande A, Fanelli M, Scarcella SV, Ceci O, Rossi R. SARS-CoV-2 and Placenta: New Insights and Perspectives. Viruses 2021; 13:723. [PMID: 33919284 PMCID: PMC8143362 DOI: 10.3390/v13050723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women is of some importance for gynecologists, obstetricians, neonatologists and women themselves. In recent months, new works have tried to clarify what happens at the fetal-placental level in women positive for the virus, and different pathogenesis mechanisms have been proposed. Here, we present the results of a large series of placentas of Coronavirus disease (COVID) positive women, in a reference center for COVID-positive pregnancies, on which we conducted histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopy investigations. A case-control study was conducted in order to highlight any histopathological alterations attributable to SARS-CoV-2. The prevalence of maternal vascular malperfusion was not significantly different between cases and controls (54.3% vs. 43.7% p = 0.19), whereas the differences with regard to fetal vascular malperfusion (21.1% vs. 4.2% p < 0.001) were significant. More frequent in cases with respect to controls were decidual arteriopathy (40.9% vs. 1.4% p < 0.0001), decidual inflammation (32.4% vs. 0.7% p < 0.0001), perivillous fibrin deposition (36.6% vs. 3.5% p < 0.0001) and fetal vessel thrombi (22.5% vs. 0.7% p < 0.0001). No significant differences in the percentage of terminal villous hyperplasia and chorioamnionitis were observed between the two groups. As the pandemic continues, these studies will become more urgent in order to clarify the possible mechanism of maternal-fetal transmission of the virus.
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Vimercati A, Dellino M, Crupano FM, Gargano G, Cicinelli E. Ultrasonic assessment of cesarean section scar to vesicovaginal fold distance: an instrument to estimate pre-labor uterine rupture risk. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:4370-4374. [PMID: 33397168 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1849121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of Cesarean sections (CS) is growing worldwide, intensifying the risk of complications in subsequent pregnancies and leading to increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality . In particular, the literature shows a higher risk of uterine rupture (UR) in subsequent pregnancy with trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) Furthermore, there are few data about pre-labor UR in scarred uteri. OBJECTIVE Since the key factor for management is timing, the aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of prenatal ultrasound (US) of scars in the early determining of pre-labor UR risk in women with a previous CS during their subsequent pregnancy. METHODS From April 2014 to November 2018 a retrospective analysis was performed in order to evaluate the scar to vesicovaginal fold (VVF) distance in three patients with pre-labor UR and in 60 cases of the control group. RESULTS The periconceptional CS scar-VVF distance in the three UR cases resulted significantly increased compared to the controls (23.7 ± 3.5 mm vs 2.3 ± 2.7 mm, p < 005); moreover, a time interval of less than 18 months and a previous pre-labor preterm CS were found as known risk factors. CONCLUSION In this study, a higher uterine incision due to placenta previa or isthmic myoma seems to be correlated with a major risk of UR. Therefore, periconceptional US examination of CS-VVF distance, (which represents the level of the previous CS), seems to be a useful predictive factor of pre-labor UR in subsequent pregnancies.
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Floridia M, Ravizza M, Masuelli G, Tassis B, Savasi VM, Liuzzi G, Sansone M, Simonazzi G, Franceschetti L, Meloni A, Vimercati A, Guaraldi G, Pinnetti C, Dalzero S, Tamburrini E. Prevalence, Correlates and Outcomes of Smoking in Pregnant Women with HIV: A National Observational Study in Italy. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 55:1165-1172. [PMID: 32100603 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1729204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: Few studies have evaluated in pregnant women with HIV the prevalence of smoking and its associations with maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objectives: to assess the prevalence of smoking among women with HIV in early pregnancy and the association between smoking and pregnancy outcomes in this particular population. Methods: We used data from a multicenter observational study to define the prevalence of smoking in women with HIV in early pregnancy, and the role of smoking status and intensity as risk factors for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Main outcome measures were fetal growth restriction [FGR], preterm delivery [PD] and low birthweight [LB], evaluated in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The overall (2001-2018) prevalence of reported smoking (at least one cigarette/day) was 25.6% (792/3097), with a significant decrease in recent years (19.0% in 2013-2018). Women who smoked were less commonly African, had lower body mass index, older age, a longer history of HIV infection and higher CD4 counts. In univariate analyses, smokers were significantly more likely to have PD, LB, FGR and detectable HIV viral load at third trimester. Multivariable analyses confirmed for smokers a significantly higher risk of LB (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.69, 95%CI 1.22-2.34) and FGR (AOR 1.88, 95%CI 1.27-2.80), while the associations with detectable HIV and PD were not maintained. Conclusions: The common prevalence of smoking among pregnant women with HIV and its association with adverse outcomes indicates that smoking cessation programs in this population may have a significant impact on neonatal and maternal health.
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Floridia M, Dalzero S, Giacomet V, Tamburrini E, Masuelli G, Savasi V, Spinillo A, Tassis B, Franceschetti L, Degli Antoni AM, Sansone M, Guaraldi G, Vimercati A, Meloni A, Ravizza M. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women with HIV-1 exposed to integrase inhibitors, protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: an observational study. Infection 2020; 48:249-258. [PMID: 31893354 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-019-01384-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recommended regimens for pregnant women with HIV-1 are composed of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) plus either a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI) or an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (ISTI), with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) representing an alternative drug class. The study's purpose was to compare these three options in terms of pregnancy outcomes. METHODS Data from a national observational study of pregnant women with HIV-1 were used. The analysis included all pregnancies reported between 2008 and 2018, ending in live births and exposed within 32 weeks of gestation to three-drug regimens composed of a NRTI backbone plus a PI, a NNRTI or a ISTI, without class switching during pregnancy. Clinical and laboratory outcomes were evaluated in univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS Overall, 794 exposed pregnancies were analyzed (PI 78.4%, NNRTI 15.4%, ISTI 6.2%). Almost all outcomes had similar rates in the three groups. Women who received PI in pregnancy were less likely to be virologically suppressed at third trimester. PI use was associated with higher bilirubin and triglyceride levels, and ISTI use with a lower rate of low birthweight. The differences in viral suppression at third trimester and in low birthweight were not maintained in multivariable analyses that were adjusted for confounders. DISCUSSION We found no major differences in a wide range of outcomes relevant for pregnant women with HIV. Such results are reassuring, and this information may be helpful in a context of preconception counseling when therapeutic choices for pregnancy are discussed between women and care providers.
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Vimercati A, Crupano FM, Del Vecchio V, Cicinelli E. A Rare Case of an Arteriovenous Malformation Scar Pregnancy Treated With a Combined and Conservative Approach. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2019; 38:1921-1924. [PMID: 30480326 DOI: 10.1002/jum.14876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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