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Kim CF, Carreon CK, James KE, Bates SV, Mueller SB, Boyd TK, Roberts DJ. Gross and Histologic Placental Abnormalities Associated With Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024; 27:123-131. [PMID: 37749054 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231195166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate particular placental pathology findings that are associated with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and determine which patterns are associated with adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Multi-institutional retrospective case-control study of newborns with HIE (2002-2022) and controls. Four perinatal pathologists performed gross and histologic evaluation of placentas of cases and controls. RESULTS A total of 265 placentas of neonates with HIE and 122 controls were examined. Infants with HIE were more likely to have anatomic umbilical cord abnormalities (19.7% vs 7.4%, P = .003), fetal inflammatory response in the setting of amniotic fluid infection (27.7% vs 13.9%, P = .004), and fetal vascular malperfusion (30.6% vs 9.0%, P = <.001) versus controls. Fetal vascular malperfusion with maternal vascular malperfusion was more common in those who died of disease (P = .01). CONCLUSION Placental pathology examination of neonates with HIE may improve our understanding of this disorder and its adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte F Kim
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chrystalle Katte Carreon
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E James
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara V Bates
- Department of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah B Mueller
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theonia K Boyd
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Drucilla J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Irmakci I, Nateghi R, Zhou R, Vescovo M, Saft M, Ross AE, Yang XJ, Cooper LAD, Goldstein JA. Tissue Contamination Challenges the Credibility of Machine Learning Models in Real World Digital Pathology. Mod Pathol 2024; 37:100422. [PMID: 38185250 PMCID: PMC10960671 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2024.100422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Machine learning (ML) models are poised to transform surgical pathology practice. The most successful use attention mechanisms to examine whole slides, identify which areas of tissue are diagnostic, and use them to guide diagnosis. Tissue contaminants, such as floaters, represent unexpected tissue. Although human pathologists are extensively trained to consider and detect tissue contaminants, we examined their impact on ML models. We trained 4 whole-slide models. Three operate in placenta for the following functions: (1) detection of decidual arteriopathy, (2) estimation of gestational age, and (3) classification of macroscopic placental lesions. We also developed a model to detect prostate cancer in needle biopsies. We designed experiments wherein patches of contaminant tissue are randomly sampled from known slides and digitally added to patient slides and measured model performance. We measured the proportion of attention given to contaminants and examined the impact of contaminants in the t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding feature space. Every model showed performance degradation in response to one or more tissue contaminants. Decidual arteriopathy detection--balanced accuracy decreased from 0.74 to 0.69 ± 0.01 with addition of 1 patch of prostate tissue for every 100 patches of placenta (1% contaminant). Bladder, added at 10% contaminant, raised the mean absolute error in estimating gestational age from 1.626 weeks to 2.371 ± 0.003 weeks. Blood, incorporated into placental sections, induced false-negative diagnoses of intervillous thrombi. Addition of bladder to prostate cancer needle biopsies induced false positives, a selection of high-attention patches, representing 0.033 mm2, and resulted in a 97% false-positive rate when added to needle biopsies. Contaminant patches received attention at or above the rate of the average patch of patient tissue. Tissue contaminants induce errors in modern ML models. The high level of attention given to contaminants indicates a failure to encode biological phenomena. Practitioners should move to quantify and ameliorate this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Irmakci
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ramin Nateghi
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rujoi Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mariavittoria Vescovo
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Madeline Saft
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ashley E Ross
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ximing J Yang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lee A D Cooper
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeffery A Goldstein
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
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103
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Jacobs A, Al-Juboori SI, Dobrinskikh E, Bolt MA, Sammel MD, Lijewski V, Post MD, Small JM, Su EJ. Placental differences between severe fetal growth restriction and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy requiring early preterm delivery: morphometric analysis of the villous tree supported by artificial intelligence. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024:S0002-9378(24)00370-3. [PMID: 38423447 PMCID: PMC11347726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.02.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The great obstetrical syndromes of fetal growth restriction and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can occur individually or be interrelated. Placental pathologic findings often overlap between these conditions, regardless of whether 1 or both diagnoses are present. Quantification of placental villous structures in each of these settings may identify distinct differences in developmental pathways. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine how the quantity and surface area of placental villi and vessels differ between severe, early-onset fetal growth restriction with absent or reversed umbilical artery Doppler indices and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy or the 2 conditions combined among subjects with disease severity that warrant early preterm delivery. We hypothesized that the trajectories of placental morphogenesis diverge after a common initiating insult of deep defective placentation. Specifically, we postulated that only villi are affected in pregnancy-related hypertension, whereas both villous and vascular structures are proportionally diminished in severe fetal growth restriction with no additional effect when hypertension is concomitantly present. STUDY DESIGN In this retrospective cohort study, paraffin-embedded placental tissue was obtained from 4 groups, namely (1) patients with severe fetal growth restriction with absent or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic velocities and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, (2) patients with severe fetal growth restriction with absent or reversed umbilical artery Doppler indices and no hypertension, (3) gestational age-matched, appropriately grown pregnancies with hypertensive disease, and (4) gestational age-matched, appropriately grown pregnancies without hypertension. Dual immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin-7 (trophoblast) and CD34 (endothelial cells) was performed, followed by artificial intelligence-driven morphometric analyses. The number of villi, total villous area, number of fetoplacental vessels, and total vascular area across villi within a uniform region of interest were quantified. Quantitative analyses of placental structures were modeled using linear regression. RESULTS Placentas from pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy exhibited significantly fewer stem villi (-282 stem villi; 95% confidence interval, -467 to -98; P<.01), a smaller stem villous area (-4.3 mm2; 95% confidence interval, -7.3 to -1.2; P<.01), and fewer stem villous vessels (-4967 stem villous vessels; 95% confidence interval, -8501 to -1433; P<.01) with no difference in the total vascular area. In contrast, placental abnormalities in cases with severe growth restriction were limited to terminal villi with global decreases in the number of villi (-873 terminal villi; 95% confidence interval, -1501 to -246; P<.01), the villous area (-1.5 mm2; 95% confidence interval, -2.7 to -0.4; P<.01), the number of blood vessels (-5165 terminal villous vessels; 95% confidence interval, -8201 to -2128; P<.01), and the vascular area (-0.6 mm2; 95% confidence interval, -1.1 to -0.1; P=.02). The combination of hypertension and growth restriction had no additional effect beyond the individual impact of each state. CONCLUSION Pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy exhibited defects in the stem villi only, whereas placental abnormalities in severely growth restricted pregnancies with absent or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic velocities were limited to the terminal villi. There were no significant statistical interactions in the combination of growth restriction and hypertension, suggesting that distinct pathophysiological pathways downstream of the initial insult of defective placentation are involved in each entity and do not synergize to lead to more severe pathologic consequences. Delineating mechanisms that underly the divergence in placental development after a common inciting event of defective deep placentation may shed light on new targets for prevention or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jacobs
- Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO
| | - Saif I Al-Juboori
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Evgenia Dobrinskikh
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Matthew A Bolt
- Center for Innovative Design and Analysis, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Center for Innovative Design and Analysis, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO
| | - Virginia Lijewski
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Miriam D Post
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - James M Small
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO
| | - Emily J Su
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
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Frimat M, Gnemmi V, Stichelbout M, Provôt F, Fakhouri F. Pregnancy as a susceptible state for thrombotic microangiopathies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1343060. [PMID: 38476448 PMCID: PMC10927739 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1343060] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent phases of heightened vulnerability to thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), as evidenced by distinct patterns of pregnancy-specific TMAs (e.g., preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome), as well as a higher incidence of nonspecific TMAs, such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or hemolytic uremic syndrome, during pregnancy. Significant strides have been taken in understanding the underlying mechanisms of these disorders in the past 40 years. This progress has involved the identification of pivotal factors contributing to TMAs, such as the complement system, ADAMTS13, and the soluble VEGF receptor Flt1. Regardless of the specific causal factor (which is not generally unique in relation to the usual multifactorial origin of TMAs), the endothelial cell stands as a central player in the pathophysiology of TMAs. Pregnancy has a major impact on the physiology of the endothelium. Besides to the development of placenta and its vascular consequences, pregnancy modifies the characteristics of the women's microvascular endothelium and tends to render it more prone to thrombosis. This review aims to delineate the distinct features of pregnancy-related TMAs and explore the contributing mechanisms that lead to this increased susceptibility, particularly influenced by the "gravid endothelium." Furthermore, we will discuss the potential contribution of histopathological studies in facilitating the etiological diagnosis of pregnancy-related TMAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Frimat
- CHU Lille, Nephrology Department, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
- Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | | | | | - François Provôt
- CHU Lille, Nephrology Department, Univ. Lille, Lille, France
| | - Fadi Fakhouri
- Service of Nephrology and Hypertension, CHUV and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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105
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Talia KL, Parra-Herran C, McCluggage WG. Macroscopic examination of gynaecological specimens: a critial and often underemphasised aspect of pathological reporting. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:190-203. [PMID: 38373782 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-208832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Pathological examination of surgical specimens and compilation of a surgical pathology report comprises a series of events which includes macroscopic examination and tissue sampling, either complete or selected. This step is critical but often overlooked in the literature and not given the attention it deserves. In this review, we discuss the macroscopic examination and grossing of gynaecological pathology specimens, with reference to national and international protocols. We provide guidance as to the degree of sampling necessary in different scenarios and stress that a common-sense approach is necessary with flexibility in the degree of sampling depending on a variety of factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Talia
- Department of Pathology, The Royal Children's Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carlos Parra-Herran
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - W Glenn McCluggage
- Department of Pathology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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106
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Stylianou N, Sebina I, Matigian N, Monkman J, Doehler H, Röhl J, Allenby M, Nam A, Pan L, Rockstroh A, Sadeghirad H, Chung K, Sobanski T, O'Byrne K, Almeida ACSF, Rebutini PZ, Machado‐Souza C, Stonoga ETS, Warkiani ME, Salomon C, Short K, McClements L, de Noronha L, Huang R, Belz GT, Souza‐Fonseca‐Guimaraes F, Clifton V, Kulasinghe A. Whole transcriptome profiling of placental pathobiology in SARS-CoV-2 pregnancies identifies placental dysfunction signatures. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1488. [PMID: 38322491 PMCID: PMC10846628 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus infection in pregnancy is associated with higher incidence of placental dysfunction, referred to by a few studies as a 'preeclampsia-like syndrome'. However, the mechanisms underpinning SARS-CoV-2-induced placental malfunction are still unclear. Here, we investigated whether the transcriptional architecture of the placenta is altered in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods We utilised whole-transcriptome, digital spatial profiling, to examine gene expression patterns in placental tissues from participants who contracted SARS-CoV-2 in the third trimester of their pregnancy (n = 7) and those collected prior to the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (n = 9). Results Through comprehensive spatial transcriptomic analyses of the trophoblast and villous core stromal cell subpopulations in the placenta, we identified SARS-CoV-2 to promote signatures associated with hypoxia and placental dysfunction. Notably, genes associated with vasodilation (NOS3), oxidative stress (GDF15, CRH) and preeclampsia (FLT1, EGFR, KISS1, PAPPA2) were enriched with SARS-CoV-2. Pathways related to increased nutrient uptake, vascular tension, hypertension and inflammation were also enriched in SARS-CoV-2 samples compared to uninfected controls. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the utility of spatially resolved transcriptomic analysis in defining the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy, particularly its role in placental dysfunction. Furthermore, this study highlights the significance of digital spatial profiling in mapping the intricate crosstalk between trophoblasts and villous core stromal cells, thus shedding light on pathways associated with placental dysfunction in pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Stylianou
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ismail Sebina
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | | | - James Monkman
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Hadeel Doehler
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Joan Röhl
- Faculty of Health Sciences and MedicineBond UniversityRobinaQLDAustralia
| | - Mark Allenby
- BioMimetic Systems Engineering Lab, School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Queensland (UQ)St LuciaQLDAustralia
| | - Andy Nam
- Nanostring Technologies, Inc.SeattleWAUSA
| | - Liuliu Pan
- Nanostring Technologies, Inc.SeattleWAUSA
| | - Anja Rockstroh
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Habib Sadeghirad
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Kimberly Chung
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Thais Sobanski
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- Princess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabbaQLDAustralia
| | | | - Patricia Zadorosnei Rebutini
- Postgraduate Program of Health Sciences, School of MedicinePontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná ´ –PUCPRCuritibaBrazil
| | - Cleber Machado‐Souza
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology Applied in Health of Children and AdolescentInstituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno PríncipeCuritibaBrazil
| | | | - Majid E Warkiani
- School of Life Sciences & Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Kirsty Short
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
| | - Lana McClements
- School of Life Sciences & Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Lucia de Noronha
- Postgraduate Program of Health Sciences, School of MedicinePontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná ´ –PUCPRCuritibaBrazil
| | - Ruby Huang
- School of Medicine, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Gabrielle T Belz
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | | | - Vicki Clifton
- Mater Medical Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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107
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Gutiérrez NU, Vergara López MJ, Bustos CÁ, Vidal CC, Carvajal JA, Severino N, Giordano A, Baquedano SU, Feuerhake T, Rabagliati R, Balcells ME. Intra-amniotic Candida albicans Infection Treated With Liposomal Amphotericin B With a Successful Neonatal Outcome. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae047. [PMID: 38370293 PMCID: PMC10873704 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae047] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Intra-amniotic infection with Candida species is an uncommon but severe condition with high fetal morbimortality and no established clinical guidelines for its management. We report a Candida albicans intra-amniotic infection diagnosed in a 25-week pregnant woman, successfully treated with high-dose liposomal amphotericin B. Pregnancy was prolonged until 30 weeks, and despite persistently positive Candida cultures in amniotic fluid, a healthy newborn was delivered without evidence of systemic infection. Amphotericin concentration was determined at birth, revealing levels over 30 times higher in mother's and cord blood than in the amniotic fluid, probably explaining the clinical protection despite failure in obtaining fungal clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma Urbano Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María José Vergara López
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Álvarez Bustos
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Contreras Vidal
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge A Carvajal
- Departamento de Obstetricia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolás Severino
- Programa de Farmacología y Toxicología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina Intensiva, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ady Giordano
- Escuela de Química, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Soledad Urzúa Baquedano
- Departamento de Neonatología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Teo Feuerhake
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica deChile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Rabagliati
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas del Adulto, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Elvira Balcells
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas del Adulto, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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108
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Schaumann N, Suhren JT. An Update on COVID-19-Associated Placental Pathologies. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2024; 228:42-48. [PMID: 38330958 DOI: 10.1055/a-2220-7469] [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: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 pregnancies are associated with increased rates of premature delivery and stillbirths. It is still a matter of debate whether there is a COVID-19-associated pattern of placenta pathology. We updated our previously published results on a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 pregnancies. In total, 38 reports on 3677 placentas were evaluated regarding histopathological changes. Maternal vascular malperfusion (32%), fetal vascular malperfusion (19%), acute and chronic inflammation (20% and 22%) were frequent pathologies. In non-COVID-19 pregnancies, placentas show similar histologic patterns and mainly similar frequencies of manifestation. It has to be taken into account that there might be an observation bias, because some findings are diagnosed as a "pathology" that might have been classified as minor or unspecific findings in non-COVID-19 placentas. COVID-19 placentitis occurs in 1-2% of cases at the most. In conclusion, this updated meta-analysis indicates that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not result in an increased rate of a specific placenta pathology and COVID-19 placentitis is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Schaumann
- Institut für Pathologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan-Theile Suhren
- Institut für Pathologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Boulanger H, Bounan S, Mahdhi A, Drouin D, Ahriz-Saksi S, Guimiot F, Rouas-Freiss N. Immunologic aspects of preeclampsia. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100321. [PMID: 38586611 PMCID: PMC10994979 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2024.100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a syndrome with multiple etiologies. The diagnosis can be made without proteinuria in the presence of dysfunction of at least 1 organ associated with hypertension. The common pathophysiological pathway includes endothelial cell activation, intravascular inflammation, and syncytiotrophoblast stress. There is evidence to support, among others, immunologic causes of preeclampsia. Unlike defense immunology, reproductive immunology is not based on immunologic recognition systems of self/non-self and missing-self but on immunotolerance and maternal-fetal cellular interactions. The main mechanisms of immune escape from fetal to maternal immunity at the maternal-fetal interface are a reduction in the expression of major histocompatibility complex molecules by trophoblast cells, the presence of complement regulators, increased production of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, activation of regulatory T cells, and an increase in immune checkpoints. These immune protections are more similar to the immune responses observed in tumor biology than in allograft biology. The role of immune and nonimmune decidual cells is critical for the regulation of trophoblast invasion and vascular remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries. Regulatory T cells have been found to play an important role in suppressing the effectiveness of other T cells and contributing to local immunotolerance. Decidual natural killer cells have a cytokine profile that is favored by the presence of HLA-G and HLA-E and contributes to vascular remodeling. Studies on the evolution of mammals show that HLA-E, HLA-G, and HLA-C1/C2, which are expressed by trophoblasts and their cognate receptors on decidual natural killer cells, are necessary for the development of a hemochorial placenta with vascular remodeling. The activation or inhibition of decidual natural killer cells depends on the different possible combinations between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors, expressed by uterine natural killer cells, and the HLA-C1/C2 antigens, expressed by trophoblasts. Polarization of decidual macrophages in phenotype 2 and decidualization of stromal cells are also essential for high-quality vascular remodeling. Knowledge of the various immunologic mechanisms required for adequate vascular remodeling and their dysfunction in case of preeclampsia opens new avenues of research to identify novel biological markers or therapeutic targets to predict or prevent the onset of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Boulanger
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Clinique de l'Estrée, Stains, France (Drs Boulanger and Ahriz-Saksi)
| | - Stéphane Bounan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint-Denis Hospital Center, Saint-Denis, France (Drs Bounan and Mahdhi)
| | - Amel Mahdhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint-Denis Hospital Center, Saint-Denis, France (Drs Bounan and Mahdhi)
| | - Dominique Drouin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinique de l'Estrée, Stains, France (Dr Drouin)
| | - Salima Ahriz-Saksi
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Clinique de l'Estrée, Stains, France (Drs Boulanger and Ahriz-Saksi)
| | - Fabien Guimiot
- Fetoplacental Unit, Robert-Debré Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France (Dr Guimiot)
| | - Nathalie Rouas-Freiss
- Fundamental Research Division, CEA, Institut de biologie François Jacob, Hemato-Immunology Research Unit, Inserm UMR-S 976, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Paris University, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France (Dr Rouas-Freiss)
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110
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Scher MS, Agarwal S, Venkatesen C. Clinical decisions in fetal-neonatal neurology II: Gene-environment expression over the first 1000 days presenting as "four great neurological syndromes". Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 29:101522. [PMID: 38637242 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2024.101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) training considers a woman's reproductive and pregnancy health histories when assessing the "four great neonatal neurological syndromes". This maternal-child dyad exemplifies the symptomatic neonatal minority, compared with the silent majority of healthy children who experience preclinical diseases with variable expressions over the first 1000 days. Healthy maternal reports with reassuring fetal surveillance testing preceded signs of fetal distress during parturition. An encephalopathic neonate with seizures later exhibited childhood autistic spectrum behaviors and intractable epilepsy correlated with identified genetic biomarkers. A systems biology approach to etiopathogenesis guides the diagnostic process to interpret phenotypic form and function. Evolving gene-environment interactions expressed by changing phenotypes reflect a dynamic neural exposome influenced by reproductive and pregnancy health. This strategy considers critical/sensitive periods of neuroplasticity beyond two years of life to encompass childhood and adolescence. Career-long FNN experiences reenforce earlier training to strengthen the cognitive process and minimize cognitive biases when assessing children or adults. Prioritizing social determinants of healthcare for persons with neurologic disorders will help mitigate the global burden of brain diseases for all women and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Scher
- Pediatrics and Neurology, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Sonika Agarwal
- Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Charu Venkatesen
- Neurology and Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati School of Medicine, USA.
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111
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Than NG, Romero R, Posta M, Györffy D, Szalai G, Rossi SW, Szilágyi A, Hupuczi P, Nagy S, Török O, Tarca AL, Erez O, Ács N, Papp Z. Classification of preeclampsia according to molecular clusters with the goal of achieving personalized prevention. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 161:104172. [PMID: 38141514 PMCID: PMC11027116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The prevention of pre-eclampsia is difficult due to the syndromic nature and multiple underlying mechanisms of this severe complication of pregnancy. The current clinical distinction between early- and late-onset disease, although clinically useful, does not reflect the true nature and complexity of the pathologic processes leading to pre-eclampsia. The current gaps in knowledge on the heterogeneous molecular pathways of this syndrome and the lack of adequate, specific diagnostic methods are major obstacles to early screening and tailored preventive strategies. The development of novel diagnostic tools for detecting the activation of the identified disease pathways would enable early, accurate screening and personalized preventive therapies. We implemented a holistic approach that includes the utilization of different proteomic profiling methods of maternal plasma samples collected from various ethnic populations and the application of systems biology analysis to plasma proteomic, maternal demographic, clinical characteristic, and placental histopathologic data. This approach enabled the identification of four molecular subclasses of pre-eclampsia in which distinct and shared disease mechanisms are activated. The current review summarizes the results and conclusions from these studies and the research and clinical implications of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nándor Gábor Than
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Genesis Theranostix Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Roberto Romero
- Pregnancy Research Branch(1), NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Máté Posta
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Genesis Theranostix Group, Budapest, Hungary; Semmelweis University Doctoral School, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Györffy
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Genesis Theranostix Group, Budapest, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szalai
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary; Genesis Theranostix Group, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - András Szilágyi
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petronella Hupuczi
- Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Nagy
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Széchenyi István University, Győr, Hungary
| | - Olga Török
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Adi L Tarca
- Genesis Theranostix Group, Budapest, Hungary; Pregnancy Research Branch(1), NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Offer Erez
- Genesis Theranostix Group, Budapest, Hungary; Pregnancy Research Branch(1), NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Nándor Ács
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Papp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Maternity Private Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Budapest, Hungary
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112
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Avena-Zampieri CL, Hutter J, Uus A, Deprez M, Payette K, Hall M, Bafadhel M, Russell REK, Milan A, Rutherford M, Shennan A, Greenough A, Story L. Functional MRI assessment of the lungs in fetuses that deliver very Preterm: An MRI pilot study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 293:106-114. [PMID: 38141484 PMCID: PMC10929943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare mean pulmonary T2* values and pulmonary volumes in fetuses that subsequently spontaneously delivered before 32 weeks with a control cohort with comparable gestational ages and to assess the value of mean pulmonary T2* as a predictor of preterm birth < 32 weeks' gestation. METHODS MRI datasets scanned at similar gestational ages were selected from fetuses who spontaneously delivered < 32 weeks of gestation and a control group who subsequently delivered at term with no complications. All women underwent a fetal MRI on a 3 T MRI imaging system. Sequences included T2-weighted single shot fast spin echo and T2* sequences, using gradient echo single shot echo planar sequencing of the fetal thorax. Motion correction was performed using slice-to-volume reconstruction and T2* maps generated using in-house pipelines. Lungs were manually segmented and volumes and mean T2* values calculated for both lungs combined and left and right lung separately. Linear regression was used to compare values between the preterm and control cohorts accounting for the effects of gestation. Receiver operating curves were generated for mean T2* values and pulmonary volume as predictors of preterm birth < 32 weeks' gestation. RESULTS Datasets from twenty-eight preterm and 74 control fetuses were suitable for analysis. MRI images were taken at similar fetal gestational ages (preterm cohort (mean ± SD) 24.9 ± 3.3 and control cohort (mean ± SD) 26.5 ± 3.0). Mean gestational age at delivery was 26.4 ± 3.3 for the preterm group and 39.9 ± 1.3 for the control group. Mean pulmonary T2* values remained constant with increasing gestational age while pulmonary volumes increased. Both T2* and pulmonary volumes were lower in the preterm group than in the control group for all parameters (both combined, left, and right lung (p < 0.001 in all cases). Adjusted for gestational age, pulmonary volumes and mean T2* values were good predictors of premature delivery in fetuses < 32 weeks (area under the curve of 0.828 and 0.754 respectively). CONCLUSION These findings indicate that mean pulmonary T2* values and volumes were lower in fetuses that subsequently delivered very preterm. This may suggest potentially altered oxygenation and indicate that pulmonary morbidity associated with prematurity has an antenatal antecedent. Future work should explore these results correlating antenatal findings with long term pulmonary outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla L Avena-Zampieri
- Department of Women and Children's Health King's College London, United Kingdom; Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jana Hutter
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alena Uus
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Deprez
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly Payette
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Hall
- Department of Women and Children's Health King's College London, United Kingdom; Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom; Fetal Medicine Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
| | - Mona Bafadhel
- King's Centre for Lung Health, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard E K Russell
- King's Centre for Lung Health, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Milan
- Neonatal Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Rutherford
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Shennan
- Department of Women and Children's Health King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Greenough
- Department of Women and Children's Health King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Story
- Department of Women and Children's Health King's College London, United Kingdom; Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom; Fetal Medicine Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
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113
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Sundar PM, Gurusamy U, Natarajan L. Maternal COVID-19 infection and intrauterine fetal death: Impact on the placenta and fetus. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155139. [PMID: 38301365 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental damage due to viral infections increases risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Histopathologic examination of placenta can provide information regarding association between infection and outcome. There is paucity of data describing placental pathology with respect to intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) in pregnant mothers affected with COVID-19. METHODS 4 fetuses and 10 placentas, including one twin placenta from 9 women with history of IUFD and SARS-CoV-2 infection underwent evaluation. These findings were contrasted with 3 fetuses and 21 gestational age matched placentas from non-infected women with history of IUFD. RESULTS Extensive gross placental lesions, mixture of histologic features (maternal/ fetal vascular malperfusion) and isolated cases of massive perivillous fibrin depositon and chronic intervillositis were observed in COVID-IUFD group. There were no distinguishing histologic findings when compared to control. Three fetuses showed signs of intraventricular/intraparenchymal hemorrhage in autopsy. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that IUFD does not correspond with maternal symptoms and lacks distinctive lesion. However, there was significant placental damage which developed rapidly. These results show that SARS-CoV-2 infection results in rapid placental deterioration and fetal death. This information can be used to educate infected mothers and remind medical professionals, value of monitoring placental function especially following diagnosis of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Umamaheswari Gurusamy
- Department of Pathology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, India
| | - Lalitha Natarajan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, India.
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114
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Chiu M, Mir I, Adhikari E, Heyne R, Ornelas N, Tolentino-Plata K, Thomas A, Burchfield P, Simcik V, Ramon E, Brown LS, Nelson DB, Wyckoff MH, Kakkilaya V. Risk Factors for Admission Hyperthermia and Associated Outcomes in Infants Born Preterm. J Pediatr 2024; 265:113842. [PMID: 37995929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Maternal, placental, and neonatal factors were compared between infants born at ≤29 weeks of gestational age with admission hyperthermia (>37.5○C) and euthermia (36.5-37.5○C). Admission hyperthermia was associated with longer duration of face-mask positive-pressure ventilation and infant's temperature ≥37.5○C in the delivery room. Infants born preterm with admission hyperthermia had greater odds of developing necrotizing enterocolitis and neurodevelopmental impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Chiu
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Imran Mir
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Emily Adhikari
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Roy Heyne
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Kristine Tolentino-Plata
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Anita Thomas
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Patti Burchfield
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Emma Ramon
- Parkland Health & Hospital Systems, Dallas, TX
| | | | - David B Nelson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Myra H Wyckoff
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Venkatakrishna Kakkilaya
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
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115
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Waller JA, Saade G. Stillbirth and the placenta. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151871. [PMID: 38199875 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Stillbirth affects a large proportion of pregnancies world-wide annually and continues to be a major public health concern. Several causes of stillbirth have been identified and include obstetrical complications, placental abnormalities, fetal malformations, infections, and medical complications in pregnancy. Placental abnormalities such as placental abruption, chorioangioma, vasa previa, and umbilical cord abnormalities have been identified as causes of death for a significant proportion of stillbirths. In the absence of placental abnormalities, the gross and histologic changes in the placenta in stillbirth are found when secondary to other etiologies. Here we describe both gross and histologic changes of the placenta that are associated with stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerri A Waller
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School.
| | - George Saade
- Department Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School
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116
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Thompson BB, Holzer PH, Kliman HJ. Placental Pathology Findings in Unexplained Pregnancy Losses. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:488-504. [PMID: 37725247 PMCID: PMC10827979 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
There are approximately 5 million pregnancies per year in the USA, with 1 million ending in miscarriage (a loss occurring prior to 20 weeks of gestation) and over 20,000 ending in stillbirth at or beyond 20 weeks of gestation. As many as 50% of these losses are unexplained. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of expanding the placental pathology diagnostic categories to include the explicit categories of (1) dysmorphic chorionic villi and (2) small placenta in examining previously unexplained losses. Using a clinical database of 1256 previously unexplained losses at 6-43 weeks of gestation, the most prevalent abnormality associated with each loss was determined through examination of its placental pathology slides. Of 1256 cases analyzed from 922 patients, there were 878 (69.9%) miscarriages and 378 (30.1%) antepartum stillbirths. We determined the pathologic diagnoses for 1150/1256 (91.6%) of the entire series, 777/878 (88.5%) of the miscarriages (< 20 weeks' gestation), and 373/378 (98.7%) of the stillbirths (≥ 20 weeks' gestation). The most common pathologic feature observed in unexplained miscarriages was dysmorphic chorionic villi (757 cases; 86.2%), a marker associated with genetic abnormalities. The most common pathologic feature observed in unexplained stillbirths was a small placenta (128 cases; 33.9%). Our classification system reinforced the utility of placental examination for elucidating potential mechanisms behind pregnancy loss. The improved rate of diagnosis appeared to be the result of filling a gap in previous pregnancy loss classification systems via inclusion of the categories of dysmorphic chorionic villi and small placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix B Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Parker H Holzer
- Department of Statistics & Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Spiff Incorporated, Sandy, UT, USA
| | - Harvey J Kliman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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117
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Colt S, Barry CV, Sagliba MJ, Amoylen AJ, Tallo V, Friedman JF, Gundogan F, McDonald EA. Associations between placental pathology and poor intrauterine growth among a cohort of mother-infant singleton pairs in Leyte, the Philippines. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:750-757. [PMID: 37589399 PMCID: PMC10841323 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poor intrauterine growth has negative impacts for child growth and development and disproportionately affects children living in low-resource settings. In the present study, we investigated relationships between placental pathologies and indicators of poor intrauterine growth. METHODS We enrolled a longitudinal cohort of 279 mother-infant pairs from Leyte, the Philippines. Placental measures included characteristics, pathological findings, and immunohistochemistry. At birth, intrauterine growth was assessed using anthropometric measures, weight-for-gestational age, and the clinical assessment of nutritional status score (CANSCORE) for determining fetal malnutrition. Multivariate linear regression and log-binomial regression models were applied, controlling for potential confounding factors. RESULTS Maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) was related to reduced birthweight (P < 0.0001), birth length (P = 0.002), head circumference (P = 0.001), and weight-to-length ratio (P = 0.016). MVM increased the risk for preterm delivery (P = 0.0005) and small for gestational age (SGA) (P = 0.016). Acute chorioamnionitis (P = 0.013) and MVM (P = 0.021) both led to an increased risk for fetal malnutrition defined by CANSORE<25. Villous tissue activated caspase-3 was associated with lower birth length (P = 0.0006), higher weight-to-length ratio (P = 0.004), reduced risks for SGA (P = 0.011) and low weight-to-length ratio for gestational age (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION The present study applied comprehensive measures for intrauterine growth and demonstrates that low placental weight and placental pathology, chiefly MVM, contribute to poor intrauterine growth. A better understanding of the mechanistic role of specific placental pathologies on adverse newborn outcomes will provide opportunities for reducing incidence of poor intrauterine growth and associated long-term morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Colt
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Christopher V. Barry
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | | | | | - Veronica Tallo
- Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, The Philippines
| | - Jennifer F. Friedman
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Fusun Gundogan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Emily A. McDonald
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
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118
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Lukose R, Mazaharally M, Redline RW, Cox BJ. The Placenta Pathology Tool: an online application for understanding histopathologic lesions. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:264-266. [PMID: 37531990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rini Lukose
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Mazaharally
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raymond W Redline
- Departments of Pathology and Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
| | - Brian J Cox
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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119
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Smith GCS. Predicting and preventing stillbirth at term. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151869. [PMID: 38135621 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Stillbirth at term affects ∼1 per 1000 pregnancies at term in high income countries. A range of maternal characteristics are associated with stillbirth risk. However, given the low a priori risk of stillbirth, the vast majority of women with clinical risk factors would not experience a stillbirth in the absence of intervention. Stillbirth is the end point of multiple pathways, including both fetal growth restriction and fetal overgrowth. In most term stillbirths there is no mechanistic understanding of the cause of death and a sizeable proportion are completely unexplained. Term stillbirth is potentially preventable by early delivery, providing a rationale for screening. "Omic" analyses of blood taken prior to the onset of some of the conditions associated with stillbirth may help identify women at high risk and allow the potentially harmful intervention of early term medically indicated delivery to be targeted to the pregnancies most likely to benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon C S Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0SW, UK.
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120
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Kummer J, Ameli G, Jebens A, Königbauer J, Mihajlov V, Nacke AK, Pham MH, Rickert C, Simon L, Schellenberg T, Hellmeyer L. Covid-19 during Pregnancy - Histopathological Lesions of the Placenta. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2024; 228:49-56. [PMID: 37918832 DOI: 10.1055/a-2180-7302] [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: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women and their offspring represented a vulnerable patient collective during the Covid-19 pandemic. Beyond the direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 via vertical transmission, an indirect impact on the fetus can occur through placental lesions deteriorating placental villous function. We performed a histopathological analysis of placentas of parturients with SARS-CoV-2 compared to healthy controls. METHODS AND MATERIALS Between February 2022 and July 2022 we conducted a prospective case-control study analyzing placental specimens of parturients with SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to specimens of placentas of healthy controls. Patient history, Covid-19-specific symptoms, and obstetric outcomes were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS During the observation period 71 patients were included with a gestational age 37 1/7-41 5/7 weeks. Thirty-six patients presented with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The control group consisted of 35 patients and showed no placental abnormalities. Among SARS-CoV-2-positive parturients, 66.7% of placentas of the case group showed histopathological abnormalities classified as vascular or inflammatory abnormalities. 22.2% of placentas showed acute ischemic infarction areas. 8.3% of placentas showed subchorionic layered thrombi. There was one case of severe acute subchorionitis. SARS-CoV-2 increased the risk of placental lesions significantly (OR 3.000, CI 1.890-4.762, p=0.0001). Placental lesions had no significant impact on perinatal acidosis (OR 0.455, CI 0.044-4.667, p=0.498) or number of cesarean sections (OR 2.314, CI 0.717-7.473, p=0.156). CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 infection during labor and delivery increased the risk of adverse outcomes. Histopathological analysis indicated that the placenta as a maternal-fetal interface was affected by SARS-CoV-2, leading to systemic vasculopathy and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kummer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giada Ameli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Jebens
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Valentin Mihajlov
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Kaarina Nacke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - My Hanh Pham
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Rickert
- Department of Pathology, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luisa Simon
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Schellenberg
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Hellmeyer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
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Scher MS. The science of uncertainty guides fetal-neonatal neurology principles and practice: diagnostic-prognostic opportunities and challenges. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1335933. [PMID: 38352135 PMCID: PMC10861710 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1335933] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal-neonatal neurologists (FNNs) consider diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic decisions strengthened by interdisciplinary collaborations. Bio-social perspectives of the woman's health influence evaluations of maternal-placental-fetal (MPF) triad, neonate, and child. A dual cognitive process integrates "fast thinking-slow thinking" to reach shared decisions that minimize bias and maintain trust. Assessing the science of uncertainty with uncertainties in science improves diagnostic choices across the developmental-aging continuum. Three case vignettes highlight challenges that illustrate this approach. The first maternal-fetal dyad involved a woman who had been recommended to terminate her pregnancy based on an incorrect diagnosis of an encephalocele. A meningocele was subsequently identified when she sought a second opinion with normal outcome for her child. The second vignette involved two pregnancies during which fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma was identified, suggesting tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). One woman sought an out-of-state termination without confirmation using fetal brain MRI or postmortem examination. The second woman requested pregnancy care with postnatal evaluations. Her adult child experiences challenges associated with TSC sequelae. The third vignette involved a prenatal diagnosis of an open neural tube defect with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. The family requested prenatal surgical closure of the defect at another institution at their personal expense despite receiving a grave prognosis. The subsequent Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) would not have recommended this procedure. Their adult child requires medical care for global developmental delay, intractable epilepsy, and autism. These three evaluations involved uncertainties requiring shared clinical decisions among all stakeholders. Falsely negative or misleading positive interpretation of results reduced chances for optimal outcomes. FNN diagnostic skills require an understanding of dynamic gene-environment interactions affecting reproductive followed by pregnancy exposomes that influence the MPF triad health with fetal neuroplasticity consequences. Toxic stressor interplay can impair the neural exposome, expressed as anomalous and/or destructive fetal brain lesions. Functional improvements or permanent sequelae may be expressed across the lifespan. Equitable and compassionate healthcare for women and families require shared decisions that preserve pregnancy health, guided by person-specific racial-ethnic, religious, and bio-social perspectives. Applying developmental origins theory to neurologic principles and practice supports a brain health capital strategy for all persons across each generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Steven Scher
- Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Mestan KK, Sharma A, Lazar S, Pandey S, Parast MM, Laurent LC, Prince LS, Sahoo D. Macrophage Polarizations in the Placenta and Lung are Associated with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.26.577443. [PMID: 38352616 PMCID: PMC10862768 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.577443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The intricate interplay between macrophage polarization and placenta vascular dysfunction has garnered increasing attention in the context of placental inflammatory diseases. This study delves into the complex relationship between macrophage polarization within the placenta and its potential impact on the development of vascular dysfunction and inflammatory conditions. The placenta, a crucial organ in fetal development, relies on a finely tuned balance of immune responses for proper functioning. Disruptions in this delicate equilibrium can lead to pathological conditions, including inflammatory diseases affecting the fetus and newborn infant. We explored the interconnectedness between placental macrophage polarization and its relevance to lung macrophages, particularly in the context of early life lung development. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the most common chronic lung disease of prematurity, has been associated with abnormal immune responses, and understanding the role of macrophages in this context is pivotal. The investigation aims to shed light on how alterations in placental macrophage polarization may contribute to lung macrophage behavior and, consequently, influence the development of BPD. By unraveling the intricate mechanisms linking macrophage polarization, placental dysfunction and BPD, this research seeks to provide insights that could pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions. The findings may offer novel perspectives on preventing and managing placental and lung-related pathologies, ultimately contributing to improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K. Mestan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Abhineet Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Neonatology and Pediatric Pulmonology, University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Omaha, NE
| | - Sarah Lazar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Sonalisa Pandey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Mana M. Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Louise C. Laurent
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | | | - Debashis Sahoo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jacob’s School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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123
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Hindle S, Depatureaux A, Fortin-Dion S, Dieumegard H, Renaud C, Therrien C, Fallet-Bianco C, Lamarre V, Soudeyns H, Boucoiran I. Zika virus infection during pregnancy and vertical transmission: case reports and peptide-specific cell-mediated immune responses. Arch Virol 2024; 169:32. [PMID: 38243006 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05952-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnant women is associated with birth defects, which are more prevalent and severe the earlier in pregnancy the infection occurs. Pregnant women at risk of possible ZIKV exposure (n = 154) were screened using ELISA for ZIKV IgM and IgG. Nine of 154 (5.84%) pregnant women who underwent screening exhibited positive ZIKV serology. Of these, two maternal infections were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR and five were considered probable, but only three of those were retained for further analysis based on strict diagnostic criteria. Plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT) confirmed ZIKV infection in nine cases (5.84%). Two cases of vertical ZIKV transmission were confirmed by PCR. One infant showed no signs of congenital ZIKV syndrome and had a normal developmental profile despite first-trimester maternal infection. In the second case, pregnancy was terminated. Production of interferon γ (IFN-γ) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from pregnant women and umbilical cord blood was measured using enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISpot) after stimulation with panels of synthetic peptides derived from the sequence of ZIKV proteins. This analysis revealed that, among all peptide pools tested, those derived from the ZIKV envelope protein generated the strongest IFN-γ response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Hindle
- Centre d'infectiologie mère-enfant (CIME), Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Room 7. 9. 61, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Agnès Depatureaux
- Unité d'immunopathologie virale, Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Samuel Fortin-Dion
- Unité d'immunopathologie virale, Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hinatea Dieumegard
- Unité d'immunopathologie virale, Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christian Renaud
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christian Therrien
- Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Catherine Fallet-Bianco
- Departement of Pathology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Valérie Lamarre
- Infectious Diseases Service, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hugo Soudeyns
- Centre d'infectiologie mère-enfant (CIME), Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Room 7. 9. 61, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1C5, Canada.
- Unité d'immunopathologie virale, Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Isabelle Boucoiran
- Centre d'infectiologie mère-enfant (CIME), Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Room 7. 9. 61, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1C5, Canada
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Scher MS. Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology training applies neural exposome perspectives to neurology principles and practice. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1321674. [PMID: 38288328 PMCID: PMC10824035 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1321674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
An interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) program over the first 1,000 days teaches perspectives of the neural exposome that are applicable across the life span. This curriculum strengthens neonatal neurocritical care, pediatric, and adult neurology training objectives. Teaching at maternal-pediatric hospital centers optimally merges reproductive, pregnancy, and pediatric approaches to healthcare. Phenotype-genotype expressions of health or disease pathways represent a dynamic neural exposome over developmental time. The science of uncertainty applied to FNN training re-enforces the importance of shared clinical decisions that minimize bias and reduce cognitive errors. Trainees select mentoring committee participants that will maximize their learning experiences. Standardized questions and oral presentations monitor educational progress. Master or doctoral defense preparation and competitive research funding can be goals for specific individuals. FNN principles applied to practice offer an understanding of gene-environment interactions that recognizes the effects of reproductive health on the maternal-placental-fetal triad, neonate, child, and adult. Pre-conception and prenatal adversities potentially diminish life-course brain health. Endogenous and exogenous toxic stressor interplay (TSI) alters the neural exposome through maladaptive developmental neuroplasticity. Developmental disorders and epilepsy are primarily expressed during the first 1,000 days. Communicable and noncommunicable illnesses continue to interact with the neural exposome to express diverse neurologic disorders across the lifespan, particularly during the critical/sensitive time periods of adolescence and reproductive senescence. Anomalous or destructive fetal neuropathologic lesions change clinical expressions across this developmental-aging continuum. An integrated understanding of reproductive, pregnancy, placental, neonatal, childhood, and adult exposome effects offers a life-course perspective of the neural exposome. Exosome research promises improved disease monitoring and drug delivery starting during pregnancy. Developmental origins of health and disease principles applied to FNN practice anticipate neurologic diagnoses with interventions that can benefit successive generations. Addressing health care disparities in the Global South and high-income country medical deserts require constructive dialogue among stakeholders to achieve medical equity. Population health policies require a brain capital strategy that reduces the global burden of neurologic diseases by applying FNN principles and practice. This integrative neurologic care approach will prolong survival with an improved quality of life for persons across the lifespan confronted with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Scher
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Lothert PK, Fedyshyn B, Girard S, Chakraborty R, Norgan AP, Enninga EAL. Spatial proteomics reveals phenotypic and functional differences in T cell and macrophage subsets during villitis of unknown etiology. Sci Rep 2024; 14:914. [PMID: 38195710 PMCID: PMC10776790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51545-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) is a prevalent inflammatory pathology of the placenta characterized by infiltration of maternal T cells and accumulation of fetal macrophages into chorionic villi. VUE is associated with a variety of adverse clinical outcomes, including fetal growth restriction and fetal demise. Evaluation of the phenotypic and functional differences between two immune cell types associated with this pathology, namely T cells and macrophages, was completed to gain a deeper understanding of the immuno-pathogenesis of VUE. GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiling was performed on placental tissue from 4 high grade VUE cases and 4 controls with no underlying pathology. Placental tissues were fluorescently labeled with CD3 and CD68 antibodies and oligo-conjugated antibodies against 48 protein targets. Overall, T cells in VUE exhibited upregulated markers of activation, memory, and antigen experience compared to controls and were altered based on placental location (villi vs. decidua). Additionally, villous macrophages in VUE upregulated costimulatory and major histocompatibility complex class I and II molecules compared to controls and macrophage subtypes in the decidua. Data herein provides new mechanistic insights into T cell and macrophage biology in VUE which contribute to this abnormal immune response to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra K Lothert
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bohdana Fedyshyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sylvie Girard
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rana Chakraborty
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andrew P Norgan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ann L Enninga
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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126
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Aldahmash W, Aljerian K, Alwasel S. Prevalence of Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Villitis of Unknown Etiology in the Placenta of Saudi Women and Their Association with Baby Sex. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:79. [PMID: 38255694 PMCID: PMC10817354 DOI: 10.3390/life14010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term health consequences are influenced by circumstances that occur during pregnancy. The convergence of the maternal and fetal circulations occurs in the placenta, which is the first organ to develop. Placental pathology provides an accurate diagnosis of amniotic sac inflammation, and pathological alterations in preterm placentas provide evidence for the causes of numerous perinatal pathologies, including spontaneous preterm births. This retrospective study aimed to re-examine placentas regarded as normal by the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at our institution. Thirty-seven male and forty-seven female placentas were collected following full-term delivery, and the grading and staging of any evident inflammatory responses were evaluated and correlated with the babies' sex. Full-thickness placental samples that were considered normal and not sent to the histopathology department were obtained from the central and marginal regions of placental discs. Morphological examination of the fresh placenta was conducted, and fetal and maternal inflammatory response syndromes were assessed. In addition, placental villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) and chronic deciduitis were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the patterns of inflammation in the placenta using anti-CD8 and anti-CD68 antibodies. The correlation between silent pathologies and clinical complications or the development of fetal inflammatory response syndrome was measured. In this study, 17 (20%) maternal and 10 (12%) fetal samples showed inflammatory responses. The frequencies of chronic deciduitis and VUE were higher among pregnant Saudi women than previously reported, probably because fetal inflammatory response syndrome goes unnoticed in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the prevalence of fetal and maternal inflammatory responses was higher in the placentas of the mothers of males than in those of females, suggesting that differences occur in the inflammatory response in the placenta depending on the sex of the newborn. Grading placental inflammation (in cases of VUE) typically predicts the degree of maternal anti-fetal cellular rejection; therefore, increasing the number of placental samples sent for microscopic inspection may be preferable because of their significance in identifying the causes of chronic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed Aldahmash
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Khaldoon Aljerian
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Alwasel
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
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Chu TW, Shannon P, Parks T. Skeletal Growth Arrest Lines in Fetal Remains: Histopathology and Correlative Placental Pathology. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024; 27:23-31. [PMID: 37818682 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231195750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Skeletal growth arrest lines (GAL) are transverse lines of metaphyseal radiodensity accompanying episodic severe physiological stress. They are poorly described in fetal remains. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched our autopsy practice for instances of fetal GAL in post mortem radiology, and correlated them with long bone histology and placental pathology. We describe the appearance, distribution, and pathology of GAL in a cohort of fetal autopsies, and compare the placental pathology accompanying GAL to the placental pathology of asymmetrical growth restriction (AGR) in the same time period. RESULTS In 2108 consecutive fetal post mortems, we found 20 cases with GAL. About 16 were in singletons with AGR. In these 16, the distribution of placental pathologies was similar to a contemporaneous cohort of 113 cases with AGR. Of the remaining 4, two twins out of 9 sets of monochorionic twins with AGR demonstrated GAL. One case of GAL had symmetrical growth restriction with cytomegalovirus infection, and one case had no AGR and an old, unexplained retroplacental hemorrhage. On histology, GAL are characterized by a region of mineralized chondroid, which is variably incorporated into irregular trabecular bone. DISCUSSION GALs accompany a variety of placental pathologies and twin-twin transfusion, suggesting episodic disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Wing Chu
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Shannon
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tony Parks
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
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128
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Ravikumar G, Liza V. Clinical and Histological Associations of Chronic Inflammatory Lesions in Preterm Placentas: Uncovering the Hidden Dangers. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024; 27:59-66. [PMID: 37801627 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231194161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic placental inflammatory lesions (CPIL) include chronic deciduitis (CD), villitis of unknown etiology (VUE), and chronic chorioamnionitis (CCA). The frequency of these lesions and their relationship with various clinicopathological parameters in preterm birth (PTB) is presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS Preterm placentas from April 2018 to December 2020 were reviewed for presence of CPIL. PTB was classified as spontaneous, indicated, or mixed phenotype. The association of CPIL with clinical parameters like gestational age, birth weight, obstetric complications, and placental parameters like placental dimensions, weight, vascular malperfusion, acute inflammatory lesions, and basal plate myometrial fibers were analyzed. RESULTS The study included 538 preterm placentas with 54.3% from indicated PTB. CD was more common (28.4%) than VUE (17.8%) and CCA (12.6%). CD showed significant association with VUE and CCA (both P = .0001) and VUE with CCA (P = .0001). CD was more common in indicated PTB (33.8%, P = .002) and associated with lower birth weight (1591 g vs 1705 g, P = .003), lower placental weight (270.7 g vs 296.9 g, P = .004), length (14.2 cm vs 14.8 cm, P = .006), breadth (11.7 cm vs 12.2 cm, P = .007), maternal vascular malperfusion (P = .004), and basal plate myometrial fibers (P = .02). High-grade and multifocal low-grade VUE was associated with reduced placental length (13.9 cm vs 14.6 cm, P = .02)and breadth (11.5 cm vs 12.1 cm, P = .01). CCA did not show any other association. CONCLUSION CPIL are common in PTB and their coexistence suggested a common pathogenic mechanism. Placental examination is the only definite way to identify as they lack clinical signs and symptoms. The smaller placental size associated with these lesions may suggest alter mechanisms for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Ravikumar
- Department of Pathology, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Victoria Liza
- Department of Pathology, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Stanek J. Placental fetal vascular malperfusion in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:83-91. [PMID: 37439836 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03600-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The success of in-utero or intrapartum treatment for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can be impacted by poor placental function; however, this relationship has not yet been studied. To analyze placental histomorphology in CDH, the frequencies of 24 independent clinical and 48 placental phenotypes were compared. Slides from 103 CDH placentas (group 1) and 133 clinical umbilical cord (UC) compromise/anatomical UC abnormality placentas without CDH (group 2) were subjected to hematoxylin/eosin staining and CD34 immunostaining and then examined. CD34 immunostaining was performed to identify clustered distal villi with endothelial fragmentation of recent fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM). Cesarean delivery and ex utero intrapartum treatment were more common in group 1, but group 2 showed a higher frequency of statistically significant increases in other clinical phenotypes. The frequencies of large vessels and distal villous FVMs (clustered endothelial fragmentation by CD34 immunostaining, stromal vascular karyorrhexis, avascular, or mineralized villi) did not differ between the groups, but low-grade distal villous FVMs were statistically significantly more common in group 1 than in group 2, while high-grade distal villous FVMs were significantly more common in group 2 than group 1. Large vessel and distal villous FVMs were manyfold more common in both the CDH and UC compromise groups than in the general population. However, CDH placentas were more likely to show low-grade distal villous FVMs and less likely to show high-grade distal villous FVMs in UC compromise placentas. FVM of CDH may therefore be caused by a similar pathomechanism as that of UC compromise, resulting in impaired placental fetal blood outflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Stanek
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and Department of Pathology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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130
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Manasova GS, Stasy YA, Kaminsky VV, Gladchuk IZ, Nitochko EA. Histological and immunohistochemical features of the placenta associated with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. WIADOMOSCI LEKARSKIE (WARSAW, POLAND : 1960) 2024; 77:1434-1455. [PMID: 39241144 DOI: 10.36740/wlek202407120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aim: To make a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data on the study of histological and immunohistochemical features of the placenta in women who had acute coronavirus infection associated with SARS-CoV-2 ("Covid" placentas) during pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and Methods: The search for literature data is based on the PRISMA methodology); the MEDLINE database (PubMed®) was searched using Medical Subject Headings terms from January 2020 to July 2023. The project was registered in the Open Sience Frame (Project Identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/GDR3S, Registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/H2KPU). Preference was given to studies in which the description of placentas met the requirements of the Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus Statement. RESULTS Results: A total of 31 studies were included; the number of participants whose morphological and histological description of the placentas could be subjected to meta-analysis was 2401, respectively, in the group with a "Covid" history and 1910 - conditionally healthy pregnant women. Pathological changes in the placental complex were not detected in 42±19.62% of pregnant women with a history of Covid. Immunohistochemical examination of placentas preferably focuses on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein or ACE2. According to currently available studies, in the placentas of women who have had COVID-19 during pregnancy, there are no pathognomic histological patterns specific to this infection and direct damage to the placenta is rarely observed. Histological patterns in "covid" placentas are isolated, most often a combination of lesions in both the maternal and fetal malperfusion. CONCLUSION Conclusions: According to currently available studies, in the placentas of women who have had COVID-19 during pregnancy, there are no pathognomic histological patterns specific to this infection and direct damage to the placenta is rarely observed. The probability of infection of the intrauterine fetus by the transplacental hematogenous route is the lowest compared to other routes, which, in our opinion, is a possible explanation for the high frequency of MVM without subsequent infection of the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yana A Stasy
- ODESA NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, ODESA, UKRAINE
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131
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Cersonsky TEK, Cersonsky RK, Silver RM, Dudley DJ, Pinar H. Placental Lesions Associated With Stillbirth by Gestational Age, as Related to Cause of Death: Follow-Up Results From the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024; 27:39-44. [PMID: 37749052 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231197349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously identified placental lesions associated with stillbirths of varying gestational ages (GA) using advanced feature analysis. We further investigated the relationships between placental lesions and cause of death in stillbirths within these GA ranges. METHODS Using data from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network, we derived a sample of stillbirths who underwent placental examination and Initial Causes of Fetal Death (INCODE) evaluation for determining cause of death. We then compared the rates of causes of death within and among GA ranges (extreme preterm stillbirth [PTSB] [<28 weeks], early PTSB [28-336/7 weeks], late PTSB [34-366/7 weeks], term stillbirth [≥37 weeks]) according to the presence of these lesions. RESULTS We evaluated 352 stillbirths. In extreme PTSB, obstetric complications and infections were associated with acute funisitis. In early PTSB, uteroplacental insufficiency was associated with parenchymal infarcts. In term stillbirth (vs early PTSB), increased syncytial knots were associated with umbilical cord causes and infection. CONCLUSIONS Placental lesions of high importance in distinguishing stillbirths at different GAs are associated with specific causes of death. This information is important in relating the presence of placental lesions and fetal death and in helping to understand etiologies of stillbirths at different GAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rose K Cersonsky
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Robert M Silver
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Donald J Dudley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Halit Pinar
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Pathology, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
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de Graaff E, Anderson N, Sadler L, Lakhdhir H, Simon-Kumar R, Peiris-John R, Burgess W, Okesene-Gafa K, Cronin R, McCowan L, Bartlett K. A validation of placental pathology reports by ethnicity in New Zealand, through systematic analysis of histological slides. Placenta 2024; 145:162-168. [PMID: 38142649 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reliability studies of placental examination have shown differing interobserver agreement for certain pathological features, a lack of uniform reporting criteria and variable experience among pathologists. In previous analyses we have shown that placental pathology differs by ethnicity. This validation study was performed to investigate whether bias related to ethnicity is a feature of placental pathology reporting in New Zealand (NZ). METHODS 199 of 1726 eligible perinatal death cases between 2008 and 2017 were selected at random for this audit-type study, including 51 cases from South Asian, Māori and NZ European ethnicity and 46 cases from Pacific mothers. Stored histology slides were blinded and re-examined by an experienced perinatal pathologist, and linked to the corresponding original pathology report. Interobserver agreement (overall, by ethnicity and by gestational age) was described by proportional differences and kappa coefficients. RESULTS Total interobserver agreement between original placental reporting and the validation review was 89.7 %, which differed by pathological feature. There was generally more underreporting than overreporting (3.6 % and 6.7 %, respectively). There was little disagreement by ethnicity (decidual vasculopathy [p = 0.03]), although there were more differences by gestational age (villous morphology [p < 0.01], chorioamnionitis [p = 0.03], high-grade villitis of unknown etiology [p < 0.01], and placental haemorrhage [p = 0.03]). DISCUSSION No systematic bias in placental pathology reporting in NZ was identified by ethnicity or gestational age, as observed differences could be related to the underlying prevalence of pathology. We identified more underreporting than overreporting of pathology in the original reports, emphasizing the importance of placental investigation by specialised perinatal pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esti de Graaff
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Building 507, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Ngaire Anderson
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Building 507, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Lynn Sadler
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Building 507, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand; Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, 2 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Heena Lakhdhir
- Counties Manukau District, Division of Women's Health, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, 100 Hospital Road, Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, 2025, New Zealand.
| | - Rachel Simon-Kumar
- The University of Auckland School of Population Health, Building 507, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Roshini Peiris-John
- The University of Auckland Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Building 507, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Wendy Burgess
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Building 507, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Karaponi Okesene-Gafa
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Building 507, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand; Counties Manukau District, Division of Women's Health, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, 100 Hospital Road, Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, 2025, New Zealand.
| | - Robin Cronin
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Building 507, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand; Counties Manukau District, Division of Women's Health, Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, 100 Hospital Road, Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, 2025, New Zealand.
| | - Lesley McCowan
- The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Building 507, 22-30 Park Avenue, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Kate Bartlett
- Auckland District Health Board LabPlus, Auckland City Hospital, Building 31, Gate 4 Grafton Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1148, New Zealand.
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Herrera CL, Kadari PS, Pruszynski JE, Mir I. Impact of maternal infection on outcomes in extremely preterm infants. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:573-578. [PMID: 37985865 PMCID: PMC10872487 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants born less than 29 weeks, or extremely preterm (EPT), experience increased morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that exposure to maternal infection might contribute to neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) or death at 2 years of age. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of EPT infants from January 2010 to December 2020. Maternal data extracted included maternal infections, classified as extrauterine or intrauterine. Placental pathologic and infant data were extracted. The primary outcome was NDI or death at 2 years of age. RESULTS 548 EPT infants were born to 496 pregnant people: 379 (69%) were not exposed to any documented maternal infection prenatally, 124 (23%) to extrauterine infection, and 45 (8%) to intrauterine infection. Neither diagnosis of maternal extrauterine nor intrauterine infection was associated with NDI or death at 2 years of age (p > 0.05). Acute histologic chorioamnionitis was associated with NDI or death at 2 years of age (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS Maternal infection was not associated with NDI or death at 2 years of age in EPT infants. However, acute histologic chorioamnionitis was associated with this outcome. Further work should investigate the differential influence of infection and immune response with this pathology as relates to outcomes in EPT infants. IMPACT Maternal infection was not associated with neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) or death at 2 years of age in extremely preterm (EPT) infants. This is reassuring support that mechanisms at the maternal-fetal interface largely protect the EPT infant. However, pathologic findings of acute histologic chorioamnionitis were associated with NDI and death at 2 years of age. Further work should investigate the differential influence of infection and immune response with acute histologic chorioamnionitis on pathology as relates to outcomes in EPT infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Herrera
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Parkland Health, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | | | - Jessica E Pruszynski
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Imran Mir
- Parkland Health, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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134
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Davis DL, Lechner AC, Chapel DB, Slack JC, Carreon CK, Quade BJ, Parra-Herran C. Outcome-Based Risk Stratification Model for the Diagnosis of Placental Maternal Vascular Malperfusion. Mod Pathol 2024; 37:100370. [PMID: 38015042 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The Amsterdam Consensus Statement introduced the term maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) to group a constellation of findings associated with impaired maternal-placental circulation. In isolation, these findings are relatively common in placentas from normal gestations, and there is uncertainty on how many, and which, are required. We aimed to determine the criteria essential for MVM diagnosis in correlation with obstetrical outcomes. A total of 200 placentas (100 with a reported diagnosis of MVM and 100 controls matched by maternal age and gravida-para-abortus status) were reviewed to document MVM features. Obstetrical outcomes in the current pregnancy were recorded including hypertension, pre-eclampsia with or without severe features, gestational diabetes, prematurity, fetal growth restriction, and intrauterine fetal demise. On univariate logistic regression analysis, adverse outcome was associated with low placental weight (LPW, <10% percentile for gestational age), accelerated villous maturation (AVM), decidual arteriopathy (DA), infarcts (presence and volume), distal villous hypoplasia, and excess multinucleated trophoblast in basal plate ≥2 mm (all P < .01) but not with retroplacental hemorrhage. In a multivariable model DA, infarcts and AVM were significantly associated with adverse outcomes, whereas LPW showed a trend toward significance. A receiver-operating characteristic curve including these 4 parameters showed good predictive ability (area under the curve [AUC], 0.8256). Based on the probability of an adverse outcome, we recommend consistent reporting of DA, AVM, infarcts, and LPW, summarizing them as "diagnostic of MVM" (DA or AVM plus any other feature, yielding a probability of 65%-97% for adverse obstetrical outcomes) or "suggestive of MVM" (if only 1 feature is present, or only 2 features are infarcts plus LPW, yielding a probability of up to 52%). Other features such as distal villous hypoplasia, excess (≥2 mm) multinucleated trophoblast, and retroplacental hemorrhage can also be reported, and their role in MVM diagnosis should be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale L Davis
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Adam C Lechner
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
| | - David B Chapel
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jonathan C Slack
- Robert J. Tomsich Institute of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Bradley J Quade
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carlos Parra-Herran
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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135
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Ryan EE, Brar N, Allard G, Wang A, Winn VD, Folkins A, Yang EJ, Tan S, Hazard FK, Howitt BE. Clinical Features of SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy and Associated Placental Pathologies. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2024; 43:15-24. [PMID: 36811832 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000948] [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: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY We reviewed the clinicopathologic findings of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-exposed placentas at our institution. We identified patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy (March-October 2020). Clinical data included gestational age at diagnosis and delivery and maternal symptoms. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed for maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, chronic villitis, amniotic fluid infection, intervillous thrombi, fibrin deposition, and infarction. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for coronavirus spike protein and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) for SARS-CoV-2 was performed on a subset of blocks. A review of placentas from age-matched patients received March-October 2019 was conducted as a comparison cohort. A total of 151 patients were identified. Placentas in the 2 groups were similar in weight for gestational age and had similar rates of maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, amniotic fluid infection, intervillous thrombi, fibrin deposition, and infarction. Chronic villitis was the only significantly different pathologic finding between cases and controls (29% of cases showed chronic villitis vs. 8% of controls, P <0.001). Overall, 146/151 (96.7%) cases were negative for IHC and 129/133 (97%) cases were negative for RNA ISH. There were 4 cases that stained positively for IHC/ISH, 2 of which showed massive perivillous fibrin deposition, inflammation, and decidual arteriopathy. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive patients were more likely to self-identify as Hispanic and more likely to have public health insurance. Our data suggests SARS-CoV-2 exposed placentas that stain positively for SARS-CoV-2 show abnormal fibrin deposition, inflammatory changes, and decidual arteriopathy. The group of patients with clinical COVID-19 are more likely to show chronic villitis. IHC and ISH evidence of viral infection is rare.
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Johng S, Licht DJ, Hedrick HL, Rintoul N, Linn RL, Gebb JS, Xiao R, Massey SL. Prenatal Brain Maturation is Delayed in Neonates with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. J Pediatr 2024; 264:113738. [PMID: 37722557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess brain development in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) using a fetal Total Maturation Score (fTMS). STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study using data from a single-center clinical registry. Neonates with an antenatal diagnosis of CDH between 2014 and 2020 and prenatal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (n = 48) were included. We compared our study sample with historical healthy controls (n = 48). The relationship between fTMS and gestational age (GA), as well as the association between fTMS and key prenatal variables and placental pathologic findings, were evaluated. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, neonates with CDH had a significant delay in fTMS (P value <.001). Within the CDH cohort, there was no significant difference in fTMS based on CDH severity, intrathoracic liver position, right vs left CDH, sex, presence of abnormal echocardiogram findings, treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or in-hospital mortality. Placentas of neonates with CDH had a high proportion of fetal vascular malperfusion (56%) and chronic inflammation (67%), and relatively large placentas had a protective effect on prenatal brain maturation (P value = .025). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal brain maturation in neonates with CDH is delayed. Placental pathology may influence fetal brain development. The etiology and clinical impact of prenatal brain immaturity in neonates with CDH warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Johng
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Daniel J Licht
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Holly L Hedrick
- Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Natalie Rintoul
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rebecca L Linn
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Juliana S Gebb
- Richard D Wood, Jr Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rui Xiao
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Shavonne L Massey
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
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Patnaik P, Khodaee A, Vasam G, Mukherjee A, Salsabili S, Ukwatta E, Grynspan D, Chan ADC, Bainbridge S. Automated detection of microscopic placental features indicative of maternal vascular malperfusion using machine learning. Placenta 2024; 145:19-26. [PMID: 38011757 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) are common obstetrical complications, often with pathological features of maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) in the placenta. Currently, clinical placental pathology methods involve a manual visual examination of histology sections, a practice that can be resource-intensive and demonstrates moderate-to-poor inter-pathologist agreement on diagnostic outcomes, dependant on the degree of pathologist sub-specialty training. METHODS This study aims to apply machine learning (ML) feature extraction methods to classify digital images of placental histopathology specimens, collected from cases of HDP [pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia (PE), PE + FGR], normotensive FGR, and healthy pregnancies, according to the presence or absence of MVM lesions. 159 digital images were captured from histological placental specimens, manually scored for MVM lesions (MVM- or MVM+) and used to develop a support vector machine (SVM) classifier model, using features extracted from pre-trained ResNet18. The model was trained with data augmentation and shuffling, with the performance assessed for patch-level and image-level classification through measurements of accuracy, precision, and recall using confusion matrices. RESULTS The SVM model demonstrated accuracies of 70 % and 79 % for patch-level and image-level MVM classification, respectively, with poorest performance observed on images with borderline MVM presence, as determined through post hoc observation. DISCUSSION The results are promising for the integration of ML methods into the placental histopathological examination process. Using this study as a proof-of-concept will lead our group and others to carry ML models further in placental histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purvasha Patnaik
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Afsoon Khodaee
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Goutham Vasam
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anika Mukherjee
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sina Salsabili
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Eranga Ukwatta
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - David Grynspan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Adrian D C Chan
- Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon Bainbridge
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Bultmann CR, Qiu J, Belmonte B, Fairchild KD, Sullivan BA. Heart rate and oxygen saturation patterns in very low birth weight infants with early onset sepsis and histologic chorioamnionitis. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2024; 17:209-215. [PMID: 38578905 PMCID: PMC11450634 DOI: 10.3233/npm-230093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chorioamnionitis and early onset sepsis (EOS) in very low birth weight (VLBW,< 1500 g) infants may cause a systemic inflammatory response reflected in patterns of heart rate (HR) and oxygenation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2). Identification of these patterns might inform decisions about duration of antibiotic therapy after birth. OBJECTIVE Compare early HR and SpO2 patterns in VLBW infants with or without early onset sepsis (EOS) or histologic chorioamnionitis (HC). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study of placental pathology and HR and SpO2 in the first 72 h from birth in relation to EOS status for inborn VLBW NICU patients 2012-2019. RESULT Among 362 VLBW infants with HR and SpO2 data available, clinical, or culture-positive EOS occurred in 91/362 (25%) and HC in 81/355 (22%). In univariate analysis, EOS was associated with higher mean HR, lower mean SpO2, and less negative skewness of HR in the first 3 days after birth. HC was associated with higher standard deviation and skewness of HR but no difference in SpO2. In multivariable modeling, significant risk factors for EOS were mean HR, gestational age, HC, mean SpO2, and skewness of SpO2. CONCLUSION HR and SpO2 patterns differ shortly after birth in VLBW infants exposed to HC or with EOS, likely reflecting a systemic inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiaxang Qiu
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Briana Belmonte
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Karen D Fairchild
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brynne A Sullivan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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139
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Stanek J. Single Umbilical Artery Umbilical Cord Is Associated With High-Grade Distal Fetal Vascular Malperfusion. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024; 27:52-58. [PMID: 37771135 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231200013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE AND CONTEXT Umbilical cord abnormalities with clinical signs of cord compromise are frequently associated with fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM). Single umbilical artery (SUA) has been reported to be associated with high-grade FVM in fetal growth restriction but not in an unselected population; our study aimed to address this issue. METHODS Clinical and placental phenotypes of 55 consecutive placentas with SUA (Group 1) were compared with those of 655 placentas with 3-vessel umbilical cord (Group 2) from patients who were in the second half of their pregnancy. The placentas were histologically examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and CD 34 immunostaining. KEY RESULTS Several umbilical cord phenotypes and high-grade distal FVM, based on H&E staining and endothelial fragmentation by CD34 were significantly more common in Group 1, whereas decidual clusters of multinucleate trophoblasts were more common in Group 2. Notably, H&E staining or CD34 immunostaining evaluated separately showed that high-grade distal FVM was more common in Group 1 than in Group 2, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS SUA predisposes to remote, advanced, and recent high-grade distal villous FVM, with a pathogenesis partly different from that of stasis-induced FVM, likely related to fetal anomalies associated with SUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Stanek
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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140
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Chang Y, Zhou Y, Zhou J, Li W, Cao J, Jing Y, Zhang S, Shen Y, Lin Q, Fan X, Yang H, Dong X, Zhang S, Yi X, Shuai L, Shi L, Liu Z, Yang J, Ma X, Hao J, Chen K, Li MJ, Wang F, Huang D. Unraveling the causal genes and transcriptomic determinants of human telomere length. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8517. [PMID: 38129441 PMCID: PMC10739845 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44355-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) shortening is a pivotal indicator of biological aging and is associated with many human diseases. The genetic determinates of human TL have been widely investigated, however, most existing studies were conducted based on adult tissues which are heavily influenced by lifetime exposure. Based on the analyses of terminal restriction fragment (TRF) length of telomere, individual genotypes, and gene expressions on 166 healthy placental tissues, we systematically interrogate TL-modulated genes and their potential functions. We discover that the TL in the placenta is comparatively longer than in other adult tissues, but exhibiting an intra-tissue homogeneity. Trans-ancestral TL genome-wide association studies (GWASs) on 644,553 individuals identify 20 newly discovered genetic associations and provide increased polygenic determination of human TL. Next, we integrate the powerful TL GWAS with placental expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping to prioritize 23 likely causal genes, among which 4 are functionally validated, including MMUT, RRM1, KIAA1429, and YWHAZ. Finally, modeling transcriptomic signatures and TRF-based TL improve the prediction performance of human TL. This study deepens our understanding of causal genes and transcriptomic determinants of human TL, promoting the mechanistic research on fine-grained TL regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chang
- Tianjin Key Lab of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Junrui Zhou
- Department of Genetics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Li
- Tianjin Key Lab of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiasong Cao
- Tianjin Key Lab of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaqing Jing
- Department of Genetics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongmei Shen
- Tianjin Key Lab of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qimei Lin
- Tianjin Key Lab of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xutong Fan
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongxi Yang
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaobao Dong
- Department of Genetics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shijie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianfu Yi
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling Shuai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mulin Jun Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Genetics and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University School of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital; Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China.
| | - Dandan Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
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141
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Budal EB, Bentsen MHL, Kessler J, Ebbing C, Lindemann PC, Haugen OH, Aukland SM, Eide GE, Halvorsen T, Collett K. Histologic chorioamnionitis in extremely preterm births, microbiological findings and infant outcome. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2196599. [PMID: 37031964 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2196599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) is most often caused by ascending bacterial infection originating from the cervicovaginal tract. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether HCA with a fetal inflammatory response (FIR) has a worse clinical outcome than HCA alone. Further, if FIR or a positive maternal microbiologic culture obtained prior to birth were related to adverse neonatal outcomes in a cohort of extremely preterm (EP) neonates. METHODS Prospective observational cohort study recruiting EP singleton pregnancies (gestational age at birth ≤28 weeks) with confirmed HCA. FIR was defined by fetal neutrophils in the chorionic vessels and/or umbilical vessels. Positive culture was defined as growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria in a sample from the cervicovaginal tract prior to birth, or if a cervicovaginal culture was lacking, a culture result from the placenta was used. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations between FIR, a positive culture result and adverse outcomes, defined as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), brain pathology assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, early-onset neonatal sepsis, and perinatal death. A composite outcome variable included one or more adverse outcomes. RESULTS We included 71 cases with HCA, of which 51 (72%) had FIR. Maternal age, rate of clinical chorioamnionitis (CCA), preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM), the number of women receiving antenatal steroids and antibiotics, and the rate of positive maternal cultures of potentially pathogenic bacteria were all significantly higher in the HCA with FIR. Neonates in the FIR group had significantly higher levels of blood leukocytes compared to those without. FIR was associated with a longer interval from PPROM to delivery (log-rank test: p = .022). Microbiological sampling had been performed in 63 (89%) cases, of which 60 (95%) were cervicovaginal samples. No associations were found between a positive culture and adverse neonatal outcomes, in contrast to FIR, that was significantly associated to BPD and brain pathology. CONCLUSIONS In a cohort of EP pregnancies with confirmed HCA, the presence of FIR was associated with advanced maternal age, CCA, PPROM, antenatal steroids and antibiotics, and a positive maternal culture of potentially pathogenic bacteria. However, the presence of FIR, and not a positive culture, was associated with adverse neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Berge Budal
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mariann Haavik Lysfjord Bentsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jørg Kessler
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Cathrine Ebbing
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Olav Henrik Haugen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stein Magnus Aukland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Geir Egil Eide
- Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Halvorsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Karin Collett
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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142
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Dehner LP. The Placenta and Neonatal Encephalopathy with a Focus on Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2023; 42:950-971. [PMID: 37766587 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2023.2261051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background: Placental examination is important for its diagnostic immediacy to correlate with maternal and/or fetal complications and parturitional difficulties. In a broader context, clinicopathologic studies of the placenta have addressed a range of pathogenetic questions that have led to conclusive and inconclusive results and interpretations. Methods: Recent standardized morphologic criteria and terminology of placental lesions have facilitated the ability to compare findings from studies that have focused on complications and outcomes of pregnancy. This review is an evaluation of recent studies on placental lesions associated with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Conclusion: No apparent consensus exists on whether it is fetal inflammation with the release of cytokines or chronic maternal and/or fetal vascular malperfusion is responsible for HIE with a lowering of the threshold for hypoxic ischemia. The counter argument is that HIE occurs solely as an intrapartum event. Additional investigation is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis P Dehner
- Lauren V. Ackerman Laboratory of Surgical Pathology, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals, State of Washington University in St. Louis Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
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143
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Beneventi F, Bellingeri C, De Maggio I, Cavagnoli C, Fumanelli S, Ligari E, Fiandrino G, Cesari S, Spinillo A. Placental pathologic features in obesity. Placenta 2023; 144:1-7. [PMID: 37922644 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity in pregnancy is associated with adverse long-term consequences both in the mother and in offspring. Maternal obesity induces a metabolic-inflammatory state that could impact on placental function and could mediate the adverse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the major placental histological characteristics of non-diabetic obese women to lean controls, focusing on uncomplicated pregnancies. METHODS Prospective case-control study comparing placental histopathological features between 122 non-diabetic obese women and 185 non-obese controls. The analysis was performed on overall subjects, then uncomplicated pregnancies from both groups were analyzed. Placenta pathologic findings were recorded according to standard classification. RESULTS Both in overall analysis and among the subset of subjects with an uncomplicated pregnancy, obese subjects had higher risks of maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) (respectively OR=2.2, 95%CI =1.3-3.7 and OR=4.2, 95%CI=2.1-8.5), fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) (respectively OR=6.3, 95%CI=3.1-12.5 and OR=7.2, 95%CI=3-17.2), maternal and fetal inflammatory response placental lesions and villitis (VUE) (respectively OR=2.5, 95%CI=1.1-5.6 and OR=10.8, 95%CI=3.3-35.3) compared to controls. Among uncomplicated pregnancies and after adjustment for confounders, first trimester BMI was significantly associated with overall MVM, overall FVM, maternal inflammatory, fetal inflammatory response and VUE. DISCUSSION Placentas from obese women showed a significantly higher risk of maternal and fetal vascular and inflammatory placental lesions, both in overall population and in the subgroup with uncomplicated pregnancies. The metabolic and inflammatory dysfunctions typical of obesity could have an impact on placental development and function, which could be a mediator of the detrimental effects of obesity on pregnancy outcome and on future health of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausta Beneventi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Corso Strada Nuova 65, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Camilla Bellingeri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Irene De Maggio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Cavagnoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fumanelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Corso Strada Nuova 65, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Elisa Ligari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Corso Strada Nuova 65, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Fiandrino
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Stefania Cesari
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Arsenio Spinillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Corso Strada Nuova 65, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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144
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Long Y, Huang C, Cui Y, Xie Z, Zhou Y, Shi X, Song Y, Tian X, Li M, Liu J, Liu X, Zeng X, Zhao J. Cluster analysis of antiphospholipid antibodies-associated adverse pregnancy outcome patients: based on a 13-years cohort study. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:5377-5388. [PMID: 37821708 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01195-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are the leading causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). We conducted cluster analysis to identify distinct phenotypes among aPLs-associated APOs patients. This approach aims to facilitate risk stratification and improve pregnancy outcomes for obstetric APS. This was a retrospective study of persistent aPLs positive women cohort in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Baseline demographic characteristics, clinical manifestation, previous APOs and antibodies profiles were included for hierarchical cluster analysis. Placentae from portions of patients were collected and performed the histopathologic diagnoses. Four clusters among 209 patients with 477 pregnancies were identified. Cluster 1 comprised patients with triple aPLs positivity and demonstrates a high incidence of gestational hypertension (34.92%, P < 0.05) and preterm delivery (20.63%, P < 0.05). Patients in cluster 2 were characterized by lupus anticoagulant (LA) positivity, with high risk of whole gestational APOs. Cluster 3 included patients with isolated aPLs-IgM isotype combined with early miscarriage (60.92%, P = 0.016). Patients in cluster 4 majorly presented aPLs-IgG isotype combined with placenta insufficiency (22.73%). During the follow-up, the live birth rate in cluster 1 and 2 was only 69.20%. Placenta pathology revealed the most severe impairment within cluster 1, whereas clusters 3 and 4 exhibited relatively milder damage. By cluster analysis, we identified four clinical subtypes of aPLs-associated APOs patients. Patients with triple antibodies or high-risk lupus characteristics were prone to occurred gestational hypertension and premature delivery. Isolated LA or aCL/aβ2GPI positivity were found to be more frequently associated with early-stage fetal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Long
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Can Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- Ministry of Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yixin Cui
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhijuan Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yangzhong Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- Ministry of Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaohua Shi
- Department of Pathology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yijun Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xinping Tian
- National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- Ministry of Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- Ministry of Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xinyan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Ministry of Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Jiuliang Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Ministry of Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, No. 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Wangfu Jing Street, Beijing, 100730, China.
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145
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Barber E, Ganer Herman H, Kovo M, Tairy D, Schreiber L, Horowitz E, Weissman A, Weiner E, Raziel A. Placenta previa in in vitro fertilization and unassisted pregnancies-is there a difference in perinatal outcomes and placental histology? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2221763. [PMID: 37286205 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2221763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In-vitro-fertilization (IVF) is an independent risk factor for placenta previa (PP). Our aim was to study this link by comparing the clinical characteristics and placental histology of pregnancies complicated by PP in IVF versus unassisted pregnancies. METHODS A retrospective-cohort study of deliveries with PP between 2008 and 2021. Placental histology, obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between IVF and unassisted pregnancies. Included, were singleton deliveries complicated by PP at gestational weeks (GA) >24. RESULTS A total of 182 pregnancies were included - 23 IVF pregnancies (IVF group) and 159 unassisted pregnancies (Control group). The control group was characterized by higher gravidity (p = .007) and parity (p < .001) and a trend of more past cesarean deliveries, whereas the IVF group- by a higher rate of nulliparity (p < .001) and diabetes mellitus (p = .04). The control group was characterized by a higher rate of placental weight below the 10th percentile (47.8 versus 13.9%, p = .001) and by a trend of a lower overall placental weight. No differences were noted in maternal and fetal vascular lesions. DISCUSSION While PP in non-assisted pregnancies is probably associated with previous CDs, in IVF it is more "sporadic," and may complicate any index pregnancy. A lower placental weight was more prevalent in the control group, supporting the concept that pregnancies complicated by PP following IVF can be attributed to initial abnormal location of placentation, rather than an underlying pathological uterine segment of implantation. Nevertheless, IVF and unassisted pregnancies entail similar perinatal outcomes in cases of PP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Barber
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadas Ganer Herman
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Kovo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Tairy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Letizia Schreiber
- Department of Pathology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Horowitz
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Weissman
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Weiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Arieh Raziel
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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146
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Osborne B, Mitra S, Karol D, Azzi P, Ou K, Alibhai KM, Murphy MSQ, El-Chaâr D. Etiology of stillbirth in a tertiary care center: a retrospective cohort study assessing ultrasound, laboratory, and pathology investigations. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2277131. [PMID: 37926910 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2277131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canadian stillbirth data are limited, and a significant proportion of pregnancies resulting in stillbirth have no attributable cause. The objective of this study was to characterize stillbirth case investigations and management at a tertiary care hospital in Ontario, Canada. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review study of all cases of singleton stillbirth at The Ottawa Hospital between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2017. Terminations and multiples stillbirths were excluded. Chart reviews were conducted to extract maternal sociodemographic, obstetrical, and fetal characteristics, including results from antenatal ultrasounds, autopsy, placenta pathology, and laboratory investigations. RESULTS A total of 155 eligible cases of stillbirth were identified, resulting in a 6-year stillbirth rate of 4.2 per 1000 total births. The median maternal age was 31.0 years (IQR: 29.0, 35.0) and the median gestational age at delivery was 28 weeks (IQR: 24, 35). A total of 9 (5.8%) pregnant individuals had a history of previous stillbirth. Of the 155 stillbirths, 35% underwent the full suite of post-loss laboratory, placental, and fetal autopsy investigations. 63.2% of cases had post-loss laboratory investigations completed. 76% and 71% of cases had fetal autopsy and placenta pathology evaluations completed, respectively. Antenatal characteristics associated with stillbirth included fetal anomalies/genetic markers (27.1%), umbilical cord and placental anomalies (24.5%), fetal growth abnormalities (27.7%), cervical/uterine abnormalities (11.6%), and amniotic fluid abnormalities (25.1%). The most common autopsy findings included evidence of infection (22.7%), fetal anomalies (12.6%), and fetal hypoxia (10%). The most common placental pathology findings included features of placental insufficiency (21.8%), retroplacental abnormalities (16.3%), and umbilical cord accident/infarct (15.4%). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that as many as two-thirds of singleton stillbirth cases at our center did not receive the post-perinatal loss investigations recommended by clinical practice guidelines. More thorough collection of post-stillbirth data at all levels (institutional, provincial, national) is warranted to improve our understanding of stillbirth epidemiology, etiology, and management in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenden Osborne
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sohini Mitra
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Dalia Karol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pierre Azzi
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kelsie Ou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Kameela M Alibhai
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Malia S Q Murphy
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Darine El-Chaâr
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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147
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Edelson PK, Cao D, James KE, Ngonzi J, Roberts DJ, Bebell LM, Boatin AA. Maternal anemia is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in Mbarara, Uganda. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2190834. [PMID: 37312571 PMCID: PMC10419325 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2190834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Maternal anemia is a significant risk factor for maternal morbidity and mortality, increasing risk of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth, and death. Moderate and severe anemia in pregnancy is defined as hemoglobin (Hb) <10 g/dl and Hb < 7 g/dl, respectively. We aimed to characterize the association of maternal anemia with maternal, neonatal, and placental outcomes in a resource-limited setting. METHODS Data were collected from a prospective cohort of 352 pregnant women at a tertiary academic Ugandan hospital. One hundred and seventy-six (50%) of women were living with HIV. Hemoglobin was measured in labor, and placentas were collected postpartum. Maternal outcomes included mode of delivery, hemorrhage, blood transfusion, intensive care unit admission, and maternal mortality. Neonatal outcomes included gestational age at delivery, birthweight, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality. Placental descriptors included weight and thickness. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS Hemoglobin < 10 g/dl, was present in 17/352 (5%) of women. Significantly more women with moderate or severe anemia were HIV-infected: 14/17 (82%) versus 162/335 (48%) (p = .006). Blood transfusions (2/17, 12% versus 5/335, 2%, p = .04) and neonatal deaths (2/17, 12% versus 9/335, 3%, p = .01) were more common in the anemia group. Placental thickness was lower in the anemia group (1.4 cm versus 1.7 cm, p = .04). CONCLUSIONS Moderate and severe anemia was associated with maternal HIV infection, maternal blood transfusion, neonatal death, and decreased placental thickness. The overall rate of moderate and severe anemia among this cohort was lower than previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Kaitlyn Edelson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Danni Cao
- Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E. James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Ngonzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Lisa M. Bebell
- Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adeline A. Boatin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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148
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Keenan-Devlin L, Miller GE, Ernst LM, Freedman A, Smart B, Britt JL, Singh L, Crockett AH, Borders A. Inflammatory markers in serum and placenta in a randomized controlled trial of group prenatal care. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:101200. [PMID: 37875178 PMCID: PMC11325478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and socioeconomic disparities in preterm birth and small for gestational age births are growing in the United States, increasing the burden of morbidity and mortality particularly among Black women and birthing persons and their infants. Group prenatal care is one of the only interventions to show potential to reduce the disparity, but the mechanism is unclear. OBJECTIVE The goal of this project was to identify if group prenatal care, when compared with individual prenatal care, was associated with a reduction in systemic inflammation during pregnancy and a lower prevalence of inflammatory lesions in the placenta at delivery. STUDY DESIGN The Psychosocial Intervention and Inflammation in Centering Study was a prospective cohort study that exclusively enrolled participants from a large randomized controlled trial of group prenatal care (the Cradle study, R01HD082311, ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02640638) that was performed at a single site in Greenville, South Carolina, from 2016 to 2020. In the Cradle study, patients were randomized to either group prenatal care or individual prenatal care, and survey data were collected during the second and third trimesters. The Psychosocial Intervention and Inflammation in Centering Study cohort additionally provided serum samples at these 2 survey time points and permitted collection of placental biopsies for inflammatory and histologic analysis, respectively. We examined associations between group prenatal care treatment and a composite of z scored serum inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor α) in both the second and third trimesters and the association with the prevalence of acute and chronic maternal placental inflammatory lesions. Analyses were conducted using the intent to treat principle, and the results were also examined by attendance of visits in the assigned treatment group (modified intent to treat and median or more number of visits) and were stratified by race and ethnicity. RESULTS A total of 1256 of 1375 (92%) Cradle participants who were approached enrolled in the Psychosocial Intervention and Inflammation in Centering Study, which included 54% of all the Cradle participants. The Psychosocial Intervention and Inflammation in Centering Study cohort did not differ from the Cradle cohort by demographic or clinical characteristics. Among the 1256 Psychosocial Intervention and Inflammation in Centering Study participants, 1133 (89.6%) had placental data available for analysis. Among those, 549 were assigned to group prenatal care and 584 of 1133 were assigned to individual prenatal care. In the intent to treat and modified intent to treat cohorts, participation in group prenatal care was associated with a higher serum inflammatory score, but it was not associated with an increased prevalence of placental inflammatory lesions. In the stratified analyses, group prenatal care was associated with a higher second trimester inflammatory biomarker composite (modified intent to treat: B=1.17; P=.02; and median or more visits: B=1.24; P=.05) among Hispanic or Latine participants. CONCLUSION Unexpectedly, group prenatal care was associated with higher maternal serum inflammation during pregnancy, especially among Hispanic or Latine participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Keenan-Devlin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL (Drs Keenan-Devlin and Freedman, Ms Smart, and Dr Borders); University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (Dr Ernst and Drs Keenan-Devlin, Freedman, and Dr Borders).
| | - Gregory E Miller
- Institute for Policy Research and Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (Dr Miller)
| | - Linda M Ernst
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL (Dr Ernst); University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (Dr Ernst and Drs Keenan-Devlin, Freedman, and Dr Borders)
| | - Alexa Freedman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL (Drs Keenan-Devlin and Freedman, Ms Smart, and Dr Borders); University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (Dr Ernst and Drs Keenan-Devlin, Freedman, and Dr Borders)
| | - Britney Smart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL (Drs Keenan-Devlin and Freedman, Ms Smart, and Dr Borders)
| | - Jessica L Britt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC (Dr Britt)
| | - Lavisha Singh
- Department of Biostatistics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL (Ms. Singh)
| | - Amy H Crockett
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health/University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville SC (Dr Crockett)
| | - Ann Borders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL (Drs Keenan-Devlin and Freedman, Ms Smart, and Dr Borders); University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (Dr Ernst and Drs Keenan-Devlin, Freedman, and Dr Borders)
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149
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Spinillo A, Dominoni M, Mas FD, Cesari S, Fiandrino G, Gardella B. Placental fetal vascular malperfusion, neonatal neurologic morbidity, and infant neurodevelopmental outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:632-640.e2. [PMID: 37315755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the association of placental fetal vascular malperfusion lesions with neonatal brain injury and adverse infant neurodevelopmental outcomes. DATA SOURCES PubMed and Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to July 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included cohort and case-control studies reporting the associations of fetal vascular malperfusion lesions with neonatal encephalopathy, perinatal stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and infant neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes. METHODS Data were analyzed by including fetal vascular malperfusion lesions as an exposure variable and brain injuries or neurodevelopmental impairment as outcomes using random-effects models. The effect of moderators, such as gestational age or study type, was assessed by subgroup analysis. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed by applying the Observational Study Quality Evaluation method. RESULTS Out of the 1115 identified articles, 26 were selected for quantitative analysis. The rates of neonatal central nervous system injury (neonatal encephalopathy or perinatal stroke) in term or near-term infants were more common among fetal vascular malperfusion cases (n=145) than among controls (n=1623) (odds ratio, 4.00; 95% confidence interval, 2.72-5.90). In premature deliveries, fetal vascular malperfusion lesions did not influence the risk of intracranial hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia (odds ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-2.18). Fetal vascular malperfusion-associated risk of abnormal infant neurodevelopmental outcome (314 fetal vascular malperfusion cases and 1329 controls) was modulated by gestational age being higher in term infants (odds ratio, 5.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-15.91) than in preterm infants (odds ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-2.56). Abnormal infant cognitive development and mental development were more common among fetal vascular malperfusion cases (n=241) than among controls (n=2477) (odds ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-3.27). The type of study (cohort vs case-control) did not influence the association between fetal vascular malperfusion and subsequent infant brain injury or abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome. CONCLUSION The findings of cohort and case-control studies indicate a considerable association between fetal vascular malperfusion placental lesions and increased risk of brain injury in term neonates, and neurodevelopmental impairment in both term and preterm infants. A diagnosis of placental fetal vascular malperfusion should be taken into consideration by both pediatricians and neurologists during the follow-up of infants at risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsenio Spinillo
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mattia Dominoni
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Dal Mas
- Department of Management, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Stefania Cesari
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Fiandrino
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Gardella
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
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150
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Osborne B, Dancey SR, Mery E, Oltean I, Bijelić V, de Nanassy J, Lawrence SL, Moretti F, El Demellawy D. Impact of villitis of unknown etiology and adverse acute neonatal outcomes in Eastern Ontario. Placenta 2023; 144:23-28. [PMID: 37952366 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) is a histopathological lesion associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. We seek to define the obscure relationship between the severity and distribution of VUE and adverse neonatal outcomes. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted of pathologic findings from singleton placentas diagnosed with VUE between 2013 and 2019. Control placentas were matched 1:1 for gestational age and presence/absence of fetal IUGR. Neonatal outcomes of interest included: newborn resuscitation, NICU admission, Apgar scores and cord blood acidosis. Odds ratio and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated with controls as the reference. RESULTS 452 placentas were included. 35 % of pregnancies were complicated by IUGR. When analyzed by severity (low-grade: OR = 4.75 [2.86-8.14]; high-grade: OR = 4.76 [2.71-8.79]) and distribution (focal: OR = 5.24 [2.87-10.17]; multifocal: OR = 4.90 [2.90-8.59]), VUE was significantly associated with need for newborn resuscitation. No other neonatal outcomes of interest were significantly associated with VUE diagnosis. DISCUSSION We determined a statistically significant association between VUE severity and distribution and the need for newborn resuscitation. VUE lesions were not associated with any additional neonatal outcomes of interest. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these associations for obstetric and neonatal case management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenden Osborne
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Sonia R Dancey
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Erika Mery
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Irina Oltean
- Clinical Research Unit, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Vid Bijelić
- Clinical Research Unit, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Joseph de Nanassy
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Sarah L Lawrence
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Felipe Moretti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ottawa Hospital, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Dina El Demellawy
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada.
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