A systematic review of maternal TORCH serology as a screen for suspected fetal infection

Clinical utility of maternal TORCH screening in fetal growth restriction: A retrospective two-centre study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications for maternal TORCH (Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV)) serology, with a focus on the yield in isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of antenatal TORCH testing between January 2014 and December 2018 was carried out at two hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. TORCH testing ordered for pregnancy losses and stillbirth was excluded.

RESULTS

Medical records of 718 pregnancies were reviewed, representing 760 fetuses. Isolated FGR was the indication for TORCH screening in 71.2% of pregnancies. Screens ordered for isolated FGR were positive in 7.4% (95% CI 5.5-10.0%). There were 49 positive maternal immunoglobulin M (CMV = 34, Toxoplasma = 15). Two acute maternal infections during pregnancy were diagnosed (CMV = 1, Toxoplasma = 1), with both screens ordered to assess symptomatic maternal illness. There was one neonatal CMV infection, born to a woman with symptomatic primary CMV. No maternal or neonatal rubella or HSV infections were identified. We found a diagnostic yield of TORCH screening for isolated FGR of 0.0% (95% CI 0.00-0.8%). An estimated AUD$64 269.75 was expended on maternal TORCH screens in this study.

CONCLUSION

Maternal TORCH testing for isolated FGR is of no diagnostic yield and should be abandoned.

Fetal Cytomegalovirus Infection in the Absence of Maternal Cytomegalovirus-IgM Seropositivity

The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal serological status and fetal sonographic findings of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. This is a retrospective study performed at Perinatology Department of Istanbul Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital. A computerized search was conducted to identify cases who underwent prenatal diagnosis of fetal CMV infection between September 2020 and December 2023. We identified nine cases with fetal CMV infection. The clinical data of the patients, gestational age at the time of diagnosis, serological, sonographic findings, and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. A computer search of the database was made for the seroprevalance of CMV-IgM and CMV-IgG in our population. The CMV-IgM and IgG results of the 1235 patients who underwent CMV screening in the first trimester between September 2020 and December 2023 were evaluated. Fetal CMV infection was identified in nine patients. None of the 9 cases showed maternal CMV-IgM positivity. Seven of the 9 patients showed high IgG avidity index. Pregnant population had 98 % positivity for CMV-IgG. The evaluation of serologic tests for CMV is not straightforward in the second and third trimester. IgM and IgG avidity should be interpreted with caution in the second and third trimester. In the presence of ultrasound findings suggesting fetal CMV infection and CMV-IgG positivity, invasive diagnostic tests rather than serological test should be discussed with the patient, and non-primary infections should always be considered to minimize overlooked fetal cytomegalovirus infections and missed antiviral treatment opportunity.

A Rare Case of Unilateral Fetal Cataract and Coincidental Polydactyly in Congenital Toxoplasmosis

Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by transplacental infection of Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy. We present a case of a congenital toxoplasma with intracranial calcifications, microcephaly, growth restriction, a unilateral cataract that developed in the third trimester, and a coincidental post-axial-polydactyly. Antenatal imaging findings are important to guide further testing and confirmation of diagnosis, it is important to know all possible associations and prognoses for timely counseling, testing, and intervention. To our knowledge, no case has been published with findings of unilateral cataract in congenital toxoplasmosis and associated coincidental polydactyly. Therefore, we wish to add this case to the current scientific literature.

The Utility of Maternal TORCH Screening Due to Obstetrical Indications in Detecting Congenital Infections: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic yield of TORCH screening for obstetrical indications is unclear. We evaluated TORCH testing results among women with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios; and associations with congenital infections in neonates.

METHOD

This retrospective single-center study included all the women diagnosed with IUGR, polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios who underwent serological TORCH testing during 2010-2019. TORCH screening included Toxoplasma, cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella IgM and IgG. The data, which were cross-referenced with data of neonates with congenital TORCH infections during the same period, included indications for neonatal testing, sonographic findings and neonatal ophthalmologic and hearing findings.

RESULT

Six women of 771 (0.8%) were diagnosed with primary TORCH infection: 4 (0.5%) with toxoplasmosis, and 2 (0.3%) with CMV. None had a confirmed congenital infection. The rates of positive maternal TORCH screening in IUGR and polyhydramnios were 2.1% and 0.6%, respectively. Maternal TORCH infection was not identified in any woman with oligohydramnios or severe polyhydramnios. None of the neonates with congenital infection were screened for TORCH during pregnancy due to polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios or IUGR. Among the neonates with congenital CMV, the most common indication for performing neonatal CMV polymerase chain reaction was suspected primary maternal infection during pregnancy due to symptomatic CMV. No incidences of congenital rubella were noted in the last decade in our medical center.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that routine TORCH screening in pregnancies complicated with IUGR, polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios should be avoided. Suggestive maternal symptoms and specific fetal sonographic features should prompt testing for CMV and Toxoplasma infection.

Percutaneous fetal endoscopic third ventriculostomy for severe isolated cerebral ventriculomegaly

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the feasibility and preliminary results of percutaneous fetal endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in human fetuses (pfETV) with isolated progressive and/or severe bilateral cerebral ventriculomegaly (IPSBV).

METHODS

The initial results of pfETV for IPSBV were described. Perioperative, perinatal and postnatal variables were described. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), 3rd edition (ASQ-3) was used for follow-up of all infants.

RESULTS

Successful pfETV was performed in 10/11 (91%) fetuses, at a median gestational age (GA) of 28.7 weeks (25.3-30.7). There were no perioperative complications. After pfETV, 70% (7/10) of the fetuses had a decreased or stabilized lateral ventricle atria|lateral ventricle's atria. The median GA at delivery was 38.2 weeks (35.9-39.3). There were no perinatal complications. The postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunt rate was 80% (8/10). Among neonates/infants who had prenatal stabilization or a decrease in the LVAs, 4 (4/7: 57.1%) had abnormal scores on the ASQ-3. Among neonates/infants that experienced prenatal increases in the LVAs, all of them (3/3: 100%) had abnormal scores on the ASQ-3.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous ETV is feasible in human fetuses with progressive and/or severe cerebral ventriculomegaly and seems to be a safe procedure for both the mother and the fetus.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in congenital and perinatal infections

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Congenital infections are a major cause of childhood multidomain neurodevelopmental disabilities. They contribute to a range of structural brain abnormalities that can cause severe neurodevelopmental impairment, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and neurosensory impairments. New congenital infections and global viral pandemics have emerged, with some affecting the developing brain and causing neurodevelopmental concerns. This review aims to provide current understanding of fetal infections and their impact on neurodevelopment.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are a growing list of congenital infections causing neurodevelopmental issues, including cytomegalovirus, Zika virus, syphilis, rubella, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, and toxoplasmosis. Fetal exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 may also pose risk to the developing brain and impact neurodevelopmental outcomes, although studies have conflicting results. As Zika virus was a recently identified congenital infection, there are several new reports on child neurodevelopment in the Caribbean and Central and South America. For many congenital infections, children with in-utero exposure, even if asymptomatic at birth, may have neurodevelopmental concerns manifest over time.

SUMMARY

Congenital infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child with neurodevelopmental impairments. Detailed pregnancy history, exposure risk, and testing should guide diagnosis and multidisciplinary evaluation. Children with congenital infections should have long-term follow-up to assess for neurodevelopmental delays and other neurosensory impairments. Children with confirmed delays or high-risk should be referred for rehabilitation therapies.

Directive clinique no 442 : Retard de croissance intra-utérin : Dépistage, diagnostic et prise en charge en contexte de grossesse monofœtale

OBJECTIF

Le retard de croissance intra-utérin est une complication obstétricale fréquente qui touche jusqu'à 10 % des grossesses dans la population générale et qui est le plus souvent due à une pathologie placentaire sous-jacente. L'objectif de la présente directive clinique est de fournir des déclarations sommaires et des recommandations pour appuyer un protocole clinique de dépistage, diagnostic et prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin pour les grossesses à risque ou atteintes.

POPULATION CIBLE

Toutes les patientes enceintes menant une grossesse monofœtale. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en application des recommandations de la présente directive devrait améliorer la compétence des cliniciens quant à la détection du retard de croissance intra-utérin et à la réalisation des interventions indiquées. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée a été colligée par des recherches effectuées jusqu'en septembre 2022 dans les bases de données PubMed, Medline, CINAHL et Cochrane Library en utilisant un vocabulaire contrôlé au moyen de termes MeSH pertinents (fetal growth retardation and small for gestational age) et de mots-clés (fetal growth, restriction, growth retardation, IUGR, FGR, low birth weight, small for gestational age, Doppler, placenta, pathology). Seuls les résultats de revues systématiques, d'essais cliniques randomisés ou comparatifs et d'études observationnelles ont été retenus. La littérature grise a été obtenue par des recherches menées dans des sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, des registres d'essais cliniques et des sites Web de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Obstétriciens, médecins de famille, infirmières, sages-femmes, spécialistes en médecine fœto-maternelle, radiologistes et autres professionnels de la santé qui prodiguent des soins aux patientes enceintes. RéSUMé POUR TWITTER: Mise à jour de la directive sur le dépistage, le diagnostic et la prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin pour les grossesses à risque ou atteintes. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS: Prédiction du retard de croissance intra-utérin Prévention du retard de croissance intra-utérin Détection du retard de croissance intra-utérin Examens en cas de retard de croissance intra-utérin soupçonné Prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin précoce Prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin tardif Prise en charge du post-partum et consultations préconception.

Guideline No. 442: Fetal Growth Restriction: Screening, Diagnosis, and Management in Singleton Pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

Fetal growth restriction is a common obstetrical complication that affects up to 10% of pregnancies in the general population and is most commonly due to underlying placental diseases. The purpose of this guideline is to provide summary statements and recommendations to support a clinical framework for effective screening, diagnosis, and management of pregnancies that are either at risk of or affected by fetal growth restriction.

TARGET POPULATION

All pregnant patients with a singleton pregnancy.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

Implementation of the recommendations in this guideline should increase clinician competency to detect fetal growth restriction and provide appropriate interventions.

EVIDENCE

Published literature in English was retrieved through searches of PubMed or MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library through to September 2022 using appropriate controlled vocabulary via MeSH terms (fetal growth retardation and small for gestational age) and key words (fetal growth, restriction, growth retardation, IUGR, FGR, low birth weight, small for gestational age, Doppler, placenta, pathology). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Grey literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Table A1 for definitions and Table A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations).

INTENDED AUDIENCE

Obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, radiologists, and other health care providers who care for pregnant patients.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Updated guidelines on screening, diagnosis, and management of pregnancies at risk of or affected by FGR.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS: Prediction of FGR Prevention of FGR Detection of FGR Investigations in Pregnancies with Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction Management of Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction Management of Late-Onset FGR Postpartum management and preconception counselling.

Seroprevalence of Infections with TORCH Agents in Romania: A Systematic Review

Maternal-fetal infectious pathology-notably the TORCH panel (Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses)-critically impacts maternal and neonatal health. This review collates data on the seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against TORCH agents in Romanian women, aiming to discern regional and population differences and identify risk factors. Twenty studies were included in the review, revealing variable seroprevalence rates across the country. Regions such as Moldavia and Banat showed higher anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence rates than Bihor, with notable declines in Banat. Rural, older, and multiparous women showed elevated T. gondii IgG rates. Anti-rubella vaccine introduction significantly reduced the prevalence of anti-rubella IgG antibodies, but recent vaccination coverage decreases raise concerns. CMV and HSV seroprevalence varied geographically, with rural areas generally showing higher CMV rates and HSV influenced by factors like education level and number of sexual partners. Concurrent seroprevalence of multiple TORCH components in some cases underscores potential common risk factors. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and preventive measures such as vaccinations and awareness campaigns to mitigate the health impact on the pregnant population.

Amniotic Fluid Disorders: From Prenatal Management to Neonatal Outcomes

Amniotic fluid volume assessment has become standard in the surveillance of fetal well-being, especially in high-risk pregnancies. Amniotic fluid disorders are a frequent and important topic in fetal and perinatal medicine. However, although important advances have been achieved, many important and challenging questions remain unanswered to date. An abnormally low amniotic fluid volume, referred to as oligohydramnios, has been traditionally considered a possible indicator of placental insufficiency or fetal compromise and is associated with an increased rate of obstetric interventions. An excess of amniotic fluid, referred to as polyhydramnios, may be secondary to fetal or maternal conditions and has been associated with a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially when it is severe. The ultrasonographic detection of an amniotic fluid disorder should prompt a proper workup to identify the underlying etiology. Data on the association of isolated oligohydramnios or idiopathic polyhydramnios with adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes are conflicting. While the management of secondary oligohydramnios is usually guided by the underlying condition, the management of isolated oligohydramnios is poorly defined. Similarly, the management of idiopathic and secondary polyhydramnios is not yet standardized. There is an urgent need for randomized clinical trials to provide stronger recommendations on the management of these two common conditions.

Fetal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection Associated with and without Fetal Growth Restriction

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) can cause fetal growth restriction (FGR) and severe sequelae in affected infants. Clinicians generally suspect cCMV based on multiple ultrasound (US) findings associated with cCMV. However, no studies have assessed the diagnostic accuracy of fetal US for cCMV-associated abnormalities in FGR. Eight FGR and 10 non-FGR fetuses prenatally diagnosed with cCMV were examined by undergoing periodic detailed US examinations, as well as postnatal physical and imaging examinations. The diagnostic accuracy of prenatal US for cCMV-associated abnormalities was compared between FGR and non-FGR fetuses with cCMV. The diagnostic sensitivity rates of fetal US for cCMV-related abnormalities in FGR vs. non-FGR fetuses were as follows: ventriculomegaly, 66.7% vs. 88.9%; intracranial calcification, 20.0% vs. 20.0%; cysts and pseudocysts in the brain, 0% vs. 0%; ascites, 100.0% vs. 100.0%; hepatomegaly, 40.0% vs. 100.0%; splenomegaly, 0% vs. 0%. The diagnostic sensitivity of fetal US for hepatomegaly and ventriculomegaly in FGR fetuses with cCMV was lower than that in non-FGR fetuses with cCMV. The prevalence of severe long-term sequelae (e.g., bilateral hearing impairment, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and severe developmental delay) in the CMV-infected fetuses with FGR was higher, albeit non-significantly. Clinicians should keep in mind the possibility of overlooking the symptoms of cCMV in assessing fetuses with FGR.

Fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly: What do we tell the prospective parents?

Fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly is a relatively common finding, observed during approximately 1% of obstetric ultrasounds. In the second and third trimester, mild (≥10 mm) and severe ventriculomegaly (≥15 mm) are defined according to the measurement of distal lateral ventricles that is included in the routine sonographic examination of central nervous system. A detailed neurosonography and anatomy ultrasound should be performed to detect other associated anomalies in the central nervous system and in other systems, respectively. Fetal MRI might be useful when neurosonography is unavailable or suboptimal. The risk of chromosomal and non-chromosomal genetic disorders associated with ventriculomegaly is high, therefore invasive genetic testing, including microarray, is recommended. Screening for prenatal infections, in particular cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis, should also be carried out at diagnosis. The prognosis is determined by the severity of ventriculomegaly and/or by the presence of co-existing abnormalities. Fetal ventriculoamniotic shunting in progressive isolated severe ventriculomegaly is an experimental procedure. After delivery, ventricular-peritoneal shunting or ventriculostomy are the two available options to treat hydrocephalus in specific conditions with similar long-term outcomes. A multidisciplinary fetal neurology team, including perinatologists, geneticists, pediatric neurologists, neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons, can provide parents with the most thorough prenatal counseling. This review outlines the latest evidence on diagnosis and management of pregnancies complicated by fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly.

An Overview of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnancy

The objective of this review was to bring to attention cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy, taking into consideration all relevant aspects, such as maternal diagnosis, fetal infection and prevention, prenatal diagnosis, and postnatal prognosis. A literature review was performed regarding adult and congenital infection. General information regarding this viral infection and potential related medical conditions was provided, considering the issues of maternal infection during pregnancy, transmission to the fetus, and associated congenital infection management. Prenatal diagnosis includes maternal serum testing and the confirmation of the infection in amniotic fluid or fetal blood. Additionally, prenatal diagnosis requires imaging techniques, ultrasound, and complementary magnetic resonance to assess cortical and extracortical anomalies. Imaging findings can predict both fetal involvement and the postnatal prognosis of the newborn, but they are difficult to assess, even for highly trained physicians. In regard to fetal sequelae, the early diagnosis of a potential fetal infection is crucial, and methods to decrease fetal involvement should be considered. Postnatal evaluation is also important, because many newborns may be asymptomatic and clinical anomalies can be diagnosed when sequelae are permanent.

Current Resources for Evidence-Based Practice, May 2022

An extensive review of new resources to support the provision of evidence-based care for women and infants. The current column includes a discussion of the roles of researchers and clinicians in fostering evidence-based practice, diagnostic test accuracy in suspected preeclampsia, and the effectiveness of decision-making tools in patients with pre-pregnancy morbidities.