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Swaraj S, Tripathi S. Interference without interferon: interferon-independent induction of interferon-stimulated genes and its role in cellular innate immunity. mBio 2024:e0258224. [PMID: 39302126 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02582-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are multifaceted proteins that play pivotal roles in orchestrating robust antiviral immune responses and modulating the intricate landscape of host immunity. The major signaling pathway activated by IFNs is the JAK/STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway, which leads to the transcription of a battery of genes, collectively known as IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). While the well-established role of IFNs in coordinating the innate immune response against viral infections is widely acknowledged, recent years have provided a more distinct comprehension of the functional significance attributed to non-canonical, IFN-independent induction of ISGs. In this review, we summarize the non-conventional signaling pathways of ISG induction. These alternative pathways offer new avenues for developing antiviral strategies or immunomodulation in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shachee Swaraj
- Emerging Viral Pathogens Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
- Microbiology & Cell Biology Department, Biological Sciences Division, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Shashank Tripathi
- Emerging Viral Pathogens Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
- Microbiology & Cell Biology Department, Biological Sciences Division, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
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Bui MT, Nguyen Le CA, Duong KL, Hoang VT, Nguyen TK. Transplacental Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A Narrative Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1517. [PMID: 39336558 PMCID: PMC11434576 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60091517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The study aims to explore the potential for transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2, focusing on its pathophysiology, placental defense mechanisms, and the clinical implications for maternal and neonatal health. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of the current literature was conducted, analyzing studies on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy, the expression of key viral receptors (ACE2 and TMPRSS2) in placental cells, and the immune responses involved in placental defense. The review also examined the clinical outcomes related to maternal and neonatal health, including adverse pregnancy outcomes and neonatal infection. Results: The expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the placenta supports the biological plausibility of SARS-CoV-2 transplacental transmission. Histopathological findings from the infected placentas reveal inflammation, vascular changes, and the evidence of viral particles in placental tissues. Clinical reports indicate an increased risk of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal infection in pregnancies affected by COVID-19. However, the frequency and mechanisms of vertical transmission remain variable across studies, highlighting the need for standardized research protocols. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 can potentially infect placental cells, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes and neonatal infection. While evidence of transplacental transmission has been documented, the risk and mechanisms are not fully understood. Ongoing research is essential to clarify these aspects and inform obstetric care practices to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Trung Kien Nguyen
- Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh 410000, Vietnam; (M.T.B.); (C.A.N.L.); (K.L.D.); (V.T.H.)
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Huang Z, Zhong X, Shen T, Gu S, Chen M, Xu W, Chen R, Wu J, Yang X. Associations between PM 2.5, ambient heat exposure and congenital hydronephrosis in southeastern China. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1389969. [PMID: 39135922 PMCID: PMC11317401 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1389969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This research aims to analyze how exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ambient heat during pregnancy increases the risk of congenital hydronephrosis (CH) in newborns. Methods A case-control study was conducted to investigate the relationship between exposure to PM2.5 and ambient heat during pregnancy and the occurrence of CH in newborns. The study, which was conducted from 2015 to 2020, included 409 infants with CH as the case group and 409 infants without any abnormalities as the control group. Using spatial remote sensing technology, the exposure of each pregnant mother to PM2.5 concentration was meticulously mapped. Additionally, data on the ambient temperature of exposure for each participant were also collected. A logistics regression model was used to calculate the influence of exposure to PM2.5 and ambient heat on the occurrence of CH. Stratified analysis and interaction analysis were used to study the interaction between ambient heat exposure and PM2.5 on the occurrence of CH. Results At the 6th week of gestation, exposure to PM2.5 may increase the risk of CH. For every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure, the risk of CH increased by 2% (95%CI = 0.98, 1.05) at a p-value of >0.05, indicating that there was no significant relationship between the results. Exposure to intense heat at 6th and 7th weeks of gestation increased the risk of CH. Specifically, for every 1°C increase in heat exposure, the risk of CH in offspring increased by 21% (95%CI = 1.04, 1.41) during the 6th week and 13% during the 7th week (95%CI = 1.02, 1.24). At 5th and 6th weeks of gestation, the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) was greater than 0 at the 50th percentile (22.58°C), 75th percentile (27.25°C), and 90th percentile (29.13°C) of daily maximum temperature (Tmax) distribution, indicating that the risk of CH was higher when exposed to both ambient heat and PM2.5 at the same time compared to exposure to a single risk factor. Conclusion Exposure to higher levels of PM2.5 and ambient heat during pregnancy increases the risk of CH in infants. There was a positive interaction between exposure to intense heat and high concentration of PM2.5 on the occurrence of CH.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhiMeng Huang
- Department Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - XiaoHong Zhong
- Department Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Tong Shen
- Department Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - SongLei Gu
- Department Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - MengNan Chen
- Department Prenatal Diagnosis, School of Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - WenLi Xu
- Department Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - RuiQi Chen
- Department Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - JinZhun Wu
- Department Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - XiaoQing Yang
- Department Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Costa B, Gouveia MJ, Vale N. Safety and Efficacy of Antiviral Drugs and Vaccines in Pregnant Women: Insights from Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Integration of Viral Infection Dynamics. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:782. [PMID: 39066420 PMCID: PMC11281481 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070782] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Addressing the complexities of managing viral infections during pregnancy is essential for informed medical decision-making. This comprehensive review delves into the management of key viral infections impacting pregnant women, namely Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus/Hepatitis C Virus (HBV/HCV), Influenza, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). We evaluate the safety and efficacy profiles of antiviral treatments for each infection, while also exploring innovative avenues such as gene vaccines and their potential in mitigating viral threats during pregnancy. Additionally, the review examines strategies to overcome challenges, encompassing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine research, regulatory considerations, and safety protocols. Utilizing advanced methodologies, including PBPK modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and causal inference, we can amplify our comprehension and decision-making capabilities in this intricate domain. This narrative review aims to shed light on diverse approaches and ongoing advancements, this review aims to foster progress in antiviral therapy for pregnant women, improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Costa
- PerMed Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Maria João Gouveia
- Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal;
- Center for the Study in Animal Science (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- PerMed Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Demelash Abera B, Alefe Adimas M. Health benefits and health risks of contaminated fish consumption: Current research outputs, research approaches, and perspectives. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33905. [PMID: 39050454 PMCID: PMC11268356 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33905] [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] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fish contains high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals and due to this it is termed as an essential component of a balanced diet. But there have been concerns raised about the risks of consuming fish that is contaminated with toxins such as methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, pesticides, and plastic waste. Consumption of contaminated fish containing these pollutants is raising global mortality and morbidity rates. Scope and approaches The review examines the current research outputs on the health benefits and potential health risks of fish consumption. The review also discusses various approaches to mitigating the health problems caused by fish consumption, highlights the roles of balancing the risks and benefits when consuming fish. Key findings and conclusion Different findings indicated that contaminants cause cancer, kidney failure, adverse neurological effect, cardiovascular diseases, and so on to vulnerable groups such as pregnant, child breast-feeding and children. In conclusion, there is a need to get more tangible evidence about the advantages and disadvantages of fish consumption to safeguard the wellbeing of the society.
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Stokes S, Zahler-Miller C, Dunn K. Diagnosis and management of a herpes nipple infection that resulted in neonatal HSV encephalitis. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e257150. [PMID: 38991567 PMCID: PMC11268031 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257150] [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] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a case of a primigravida in her 30s who had a caesarean delivery of dichorionic diamniotic twins at 33 weeks of gestation. Her postpartum course was complicated by a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of her nipple, found after her neonates were diagnosed with HSV encephalitis. She was evaluated at her 3-week postpartum visit and reported that her neonates were concurrently admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with disseminated neonatal HSV-1. The patient and her partner were in a monogamous relationship with no known history of HSV. Physical examination demonstrated a vertical fissure on the face of her right nipple and a small cluster of vesicles on her left hand. PCR swabs of the lesions were positive for HSV-1 at both locations. The patient was started on oral valacyclovir 1000 mg two times per day, topical acyclovir ointment applied 4-6 times per day and mupirocin ointment applied 3 times per day to her breast with resolution of her breast lesions. She was able to continue expressing her breastmilk with the help of a pump and then resumed breastfeeding once her infection was cleared. Her infants recovered after prolonged parenteral antiviral therapy with age-appropriate development at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Stokes
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Katherine Dunn
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Markel M, Tse WH, De Leon N, Jank M, Albrechtsen J, Kahnamoui Zadeh S, Patel D, Ozturk A, Lacher M, Wagner R, Keijzer R. Experimental congenital diaphragmatic hernia features an alteration of DNA sensing targets cGAS and STING. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03277-2. [PMID: 38816442 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03277-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) depends on multiple factors. Activation of the DNA-sensing cyclic-GMP-AMP-synthase (cGAS) and Stimulator-of-Interferon-Genes (STING) pathway by double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) links environmental stimuli and inflammation. We hypothesized that nitrofen exposure alters cGAS and STING in human bronchial epithelial cells and fetal rat lungs. METHODS We used the Quant-IT™-PicoGreen™ assay to assess dsDNA concentration in BEAS-2B cells after 24 h of nitrofen-exposure and performed immunofluorescence of cGAS/STING. We used nitrofen to induce CDH and harvested control and CDH lungs at embryonic day E15, E18 and E21 for cGAS/STING immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR and RNA-Scope™ in-situ-hybridization (E18, E21). RESULTS We found a higher concentration of dsDNA following nitrofen treatment. Nitrofen-exposure to BEAS-2B cells increased cGAS and STING protein abundance. cGAS abundance was higher in nitrofen lungs at E15, E18 and E21. RNA-Scope in-situ-hybridization showed higher cGAS and STING expression in E18 and E21 lungs. RT-qPCR revealed higher mRNA expression levels of STING in E21 nitrofen-induced lungs. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that nitrofen-exposure increases dsDNA content which leads to stimulation of the cGAS/STING pathway in human BEAS-2B cells and the nitrofen rat model of CDH. Consequently, DNA sensing and the cGAS-STING-pathway potentially contribute to abnormal lung development in CDH. IMPACT STATEMENT We found an alteration of DNA sensing targets cGAS and STING in human BEAS-2B cells and experimental congenital diaphragmatic hernia with higher protein abundance and mRNA expression in cells and lung sections of nitrofen-treated rat pups. This is the first study to investigate DNA sensing, a potential link between environmental stimuli and inflammation, in experimental CDH. Our study extends the knowledge on the pathogenesis of experimental CDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Markel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Wai Hei Tse
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nolan De Leon
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marietta Jank
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jaida Albrechtsen
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shana Kahnamoui Zadeh
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Daywin Patel
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Arzu Ozturk
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Martin Lacher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Richard Wagner
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Richard Keijzer
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Departments of Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology & Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, and Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Magondo N, Meintjes EM, Warton FL, Little F, van der Kouwe AJW, Laughton B, Jankiewicz M, Holmes MJ. Distinct alterations in white matter properties and organization related to maternal treatment initiation in neonates exposed to HIV but uninfected. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8822. [PMID: 38627570 PMCID: PMC11021525 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58339-6] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV exposed-uninfected (HEU) infants and children are at risk of developmental delays as compared to HIV uninfected unexposed (HUU) populations. The effects of exposure to in utero HIV and ART regimens on the HEU the developing brain are not well understood. In a cohort of 2-week-old newborns, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography and graph theory to examine the influence of HIV and ART exposure in utero on neonate white matter integrity and organisation. The cohort included HEU infants born to mothers who started ART before conception (HEUpre) and after conception (HEUpost), as well as HUU infants from the same community. We investigated HIV exposure and ART duration group differences in DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD)) and graph measures across white matter. We found increased MD in white matter connections involving the thalamus and limbic system in the HEUpre group compared to HUU. We further identified reduced nodal efficiency in the basal ganglia. Within the HEUpost group, we observed reduced FA in cortical-subcortical and cerebellar connections as well as decreased transitivity in the hindbrain area compared to HUU. Overall, our analysis demonstrated distinct alterations in white matter integrity related to the timing of maternal ART initiation that influence regional brain network properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndivhuwo Magondo
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ernesta M Meintjes
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Cape Universities Body Imaging Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Fleur L Warton
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Francesca Little
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre J W van der Kouwe
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- A.A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MI, USA
| | - Barbara Laughton
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health and Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Family Centre for Research with Ubuntu, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Marcin Jankiewicz
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cape Universities Body Imaging Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- ImageTech, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada
| | - Martha J Holmes
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- ImageTech, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada
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Fortin O, DeBiasi RL, Mulkey SB. Congenital infectious encephalopathies from the intrapartum period to postnatal life. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2024:101526. [PMID: 38677956 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2024.101526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Congenital infections are a common but often underrecognized cause of fetal brain abnormalities, as well as fetal-neonatal morbidity and mortality, that should be considered by all healthcare professionals providing neurological care to fetuses and newborns. Maternal infection with various pathogens (cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasmosis, Rubella virus, Parvovirus B19, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, syphilis, Zika virus, varicella zoster virus) during pregnancy can be transmitted to the developing fetus, which can cause multisystem dysfunction and destructive or malformative central nervous system lesions. These can be recognized on fetal and neonatal imaging, including ultrasound and MRI. Imaging and clinical features often overlap, but some distinguishing features can help identify specific pathogens and guide subsequent testing strategies. Some pathogens can be specifically treated, and others can be managed with targeted interventions or symptomatic therapy based on expected complications. Neurological and neurodevelopmental complications related to congenital infections vary widely and are likely driven by a combination of pathophysiologic factors, alone or in combination. These include direct invasion of the fetal central nervous system by pathogens, inflammation of the maternal-placental-fetal triad in response to infection, and long-term effects of immunogenic and epigenetic changes in the fetus in response to maternal-fetal infection. Congenital infections and their neurodevelopmental impacts should be seen as an issue of public health policy, given that infection and the associated complications disproportionately affect woman and children from low- and middle-income countries and those with lower socio-economic status in high-income countries. Congenital infections may be preventable and treatable, which can improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Fortin
- Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington DC, USA
| | - Roberta L DeBiasi
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Children's National Hospital, Washington DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA; Department of Tropical Medicine, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA
| | - Sarah B Mulkey
- Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA; Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA.
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Hsieh TYJ, Chen TYT, Liao PL, Huang JY, Ma KSK, Hung YM, Chang R, Wei JCC. Maternal human papillomavirus infection and the risk of congenital malformations: A nationwide population-based cohort study. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29549. [PMID: 38563352 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29549] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has explored theories regarding the vertical transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its association with adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. However, the impact of maternal HPV infection on congenital anomalies (CAs) in offspring remains relatively understudied. We conducted a population-based cohort study linking the Taiwan Birth Registry, Taiwan Death Registry, and National Health Insurance Research Database, in which newborns born in Taiwan between 2009 and 2015 were included. We established a maternal HPV infection cohort comprising 37 807 newborns and matched them with a comparison group of 151 228 newborns at a 1:4 ratio based on index year, age, and sex. The study examined a composite outcome and subgroups of different types of congenital malformations. Differences in cumulative incidence of CAs were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regressions. No significant association was found between HPV infection and the broad spectrum of CAs (aHR: 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98-1.10; log-rank test p = 0.14). However, we observed a 19% increased risk of musculoskeletal CAs in the maternal HPV infection group (aHR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05-1.34) compared to those without maternal HPV exposure. Other factors, including the type of HPV (aHR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.16-2.63), the timing of exposure (during or before pregnancy), and maternal age (aHR for <30 years: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.94-1.1; aHR for 30-39 years: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.99-1.11; aHR for ≥40 years: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.67-1.17), did not significantly affect the risk for any CA. In conclusion, gestation detection of HPV infection was associated with musculoskeletal CAs but not other major CAs. Prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the necessity of prenatal screening in populations at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Yi Jin Hsieh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas Yen Ting Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lun Liao
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Health Data Science, Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yang Huang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Health Data Science, Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kevin Sheng-Kai Ma
- Center for Global Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yao-Min Hung
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital Taitung Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
- Master Program in Biomedicine, College of Science and Engineering, National Taitung University, Taitung, Taiwan
- College of Health and Nursing, Meiho University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Renin Chang
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Recreation and Sports Management, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - James Cheng-Chung Wei
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Abedin S, Adeleke OA. State of the art in pediatric nanomedicines. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01532-x. [PMID: 38324166 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01532-x] [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] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the continuous development of innovative nanopharmaceuticals is expanding their biomedical and clinical applications. Nanomedicines are being revolutionized to circumvent the limitations of unbound therapeutic agents as well as overcome barriers posed by biological interfaces at the cellular, organ, system, and microenvironment levels. In many ways, the use of nanoconfigured delivery systems has eased challenges associated with patient differences, and in our opinion, this forms the foundation for their potential usefulness in developing innovative medicines and diagnostics for special patient populations. Here, we present a comprehensive review of nanomedicines specifically designed and evaluated for disease management in the pediatric population. Typically, the pediatric population has distinguishing needs relative to those of adults majorly because of their constantly growing bodies and age-related physiological changes, which often need specialized drug formulation interventions to provide desirable therapeutic effects and outcomes. Besides, child-centric drug carriers have unique delivery routes, dosing flexibility, organoleptic properties (e.g., taste, flavor), and caregiver requirements that are often not met by traditional formulations and can impact adherence to therapy. Engineering pediatric medicines as nanoconfigured structures can potentially resolve these limitations stemming from traditional drug carriers because of their unique capabilities. Consequently, researchers from different specialties relentlessly and creatively investigate the usefulness of nanomedicines for pediatric disease management as extensively captured in this compilation. Some examples of nanomedicines covered include nanoparticles, liposomes, and nanomicelles for cancer; solid lipid and lipid-based nanostructured carriers for hypertension; self-nanoemulsifying lipid-based systems and niosomes for infections; and nanocapsules for asthma pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Abedin
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Oluwatoyin A Adeleke
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
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12
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Mand N, König F, Pecks U, Keil CN, Backes C, Hütten M, Maier RF, Ruediger M. Long-Term Outcome of Neonates and Infants whose Mothers Tested Positive for SARS-CoV-2 during Pregnancy - a Pilot of the Post-CRONOS Project. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2024; 228:97-101. [PMID: 38330964 DOI: 10.1055/a-2213-9061] [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
OBJECTIVE Long-term effects on infants of mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy are increasingly discussed in the literature. Besides potential neurodevelopment impairments after intrauterine SARS-CoV-2 exposure, there might be differences in the postnatal pediatric care of those children, like the timing of preventive medical examinations (PME) or vaccinations. In this first national long-term follow-up study of women included in the CRONOS registry, we describe maternal impressions of their child´s development and the prevalence of regulatory disorders, and we analyze the timing of PMEs and vaccinations. METHODS 773 women who were enrolled between April 3, 2020, and August 24, 2021, in the CRONOS registry were eligible to be contacted by the study coordinators and asked to fill out a web-based questionnaire. RESULTS 110/773 (14%) women completed the questionnaire. Their children were between the ages of 12 and 31 months (median 20 months). All mothers were satisfied with their child´s development, milestones were achieved in a timely fashion. The reported prevalence for excessive crying, sleeping, and feeding disorders was 11%, 18-32%, and 7%, respectively. PMEs were mostly not delayed, but only 54% of infants received their first vaccination within their first 60 days of life. DISCUSSION In summary, our exploratory findings suggest that developmental milestones in infancy are reached in time after maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. However, there are effects on the implementation of PMEs and vaccinations. EINFüHRUNG: In der Literatur werden zunehmend potenzielle Langzeitfolgen für Säuglinge nach intrauteriner SARS-CoV-2-Exposition diskutiert. Neben möglichen Beeinträchtigungen der neurologischen Entwicklung können Unterschiede in der pädiatrischen postnatalen Betreuung bei diesen Kindern z. B. bei der Durchführung von Vorsorgeuntersuchungen (sog. U´s) oder Impfungen bestehen. In dieser ersten nationalen Langzeit-Follow-up-Studie aus dem CRONOS-Register beschreiben wir mütterliche Eindrücke zur Entwicklung ihres Kindes, sowie die Prävalenz von Regulationsstörungen. Wir analysieren den Zeitpunkt von U´s und Impfungen. METHODEN 773 Frauen, die zwischen dem 03.04.2020 und dem 24.08.2021 in CRONOS aufgenommen wurden, wurden von den Studienkoordinatoren kontaktiert und gebeten, einen webbasierten Fragebogen auszufüllen. ERGEBNISSE 110/773 (14%) Frauen füllten den Fragebogen aus, ihre Kinder waren zwischen 12 und 31 Monate alt (Median 20 Monate). Alle Mütter waren mit der Entwicklung ihres Kindes zufrieden, Meilensteine der Entwicklung wurden zeitgerecht erreicht. Die berichtete Prävalenz für exzessives Schreien, Schlaf- und Fütterstörungen betrug 11%, 18-32% bzw. 7%. U´s wurden meist zeitgerecht durchgeführt, aber nur 54% der Säuglinge erhielten ihre erste Impfung innerhalb der ersten 60 Lebenstage. DISKUSSION Zusammenfassend deuten unsere explorativen Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass Entwicklungsmeilensteine im Säuglingsalter nach mütterlicher SARS-CoV-2-Infektion in der Schwangerschaft rechtzeitig erreicht werden. Es zeigen sich jedoch Auswirkungen auf die Durchführung von Vorsorgen und Impfungen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Mand
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Franziska König
- Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Pecks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Würzburg, Maternal Health and Midwifery Science, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Nora Keil
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Clara Backes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Munich Hospital Harlaching, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Hütten
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rolf Felix Maier
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Mario Ruediger
- Department of Neonatology, Dresden University Hospital, Dresden, Germany
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13
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Joseph TT, Schuch V, Hossack DJ, Chakraborty R, Johnson EL. Melatonin: the placental antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1339304. [PMID: 38361952 PMCID: PMC10867115 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indolamine hormone with many physiological and biological roles. Melatonin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenger, circadian rhythm regulator, and sleep hormone. However, its most popular role is the ability to regulate sleep through the circadian rhythm. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that melatonin is an important and essential hormone during pregnancy, specifically in the placenta. This is primarily due to the placenta's ability to synthesize its own melatonin rather than depending on the pineal gland. During pregnancy, melatonin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which is necessary to ensure a stable environment for both the mother and the fetus. It is an essential antioxidant in the placenta because it reduces oxidative stress by constantly scavenging for free radicals, i.e., maintain the placenta's integrity. In a healthy pregnancy, the maternal immune system is constantly altered to accommodate the needs of the growing fetus, and melatonin acts as a key anti-inflammatory by regulating immune homeostasis during early and late gestation. This literature review aims to identify and summarize melatonin's role as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation to maintain a favorable homeostatic environment in the placenta throughout gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyana T. Joseph
- Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Viviane Schuch
- Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Daniel J. Hossack
- Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rana Chakraborty
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Erica L. Johnson
- Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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14
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Magondo N, Meintjes EM, Warton FL, Little F, van der Kouwe AJ, Laughton B, Jankiewicz M, Holmes MJ. Distinct alterations in white matter properties and organization related to maternal treatment initiation in neonates exposed to HIV but uninfected. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.11.575169. [PMID: 38260347 PMCID: PMC10802593 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.11.575169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
HIV exposed-uninfected (HEU) infants and children are at risk of developmental delays as compared to uninfected unexposed (HUU) populations. The effects of exposure to in utero HIV and ART regimens on the HEU the developing brain are not well understood. In a cohort of 2-week-old newborns, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography and graph theory to examine the influence of HIV and ART exposure in utero on neonate white matter integrity and organisation. The cohort included HEU infants born to mothers who started ART before conception (HEUpre) and after conception (HEUpost), as well as HUU infants from the same community. We investigated HIV exposure and ART duration group differences in DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD)) and graph measures across white matter. We found increased MD in white matter connections involving the thalamus and limbic system in the HEUpre group compared to HUU. We further identified reduced nodal efficiency in the basal ganglia. Within the HEUpost group, we observed reduced FA in cortical-subcortical and cerebellar connections as well as decreased transitivity in the hindbrain area compared to HUU. Overall, our analysis demonstrated distinct alterations in white matter integrity related to the timing of maternal ART initiation that influence regional brain network properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndivhuwo Magondo
- Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ernesta M. Meintjes
- Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cape Universities Body Imaging Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Fleur L. Warton
- Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Francesca Little
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre J.W. van der Kouwe
- Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- A.A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA,USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MI, USA
| | - Barbara Laughton
- Family Centre for Research with Ubuntu, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health and Tygerberg Children’s Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch,South Africa
| | - Marcin Jankiewicz
- Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cape Universities Body Imaging Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- ImageTech, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada
| | - Martha J. Holmes
- Biomedical Engineering Research Centre, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- ImageTech, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada
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15
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Goh M, Joy C, Gillespie AN, Soh QR, He F, Sung V. Asymptomatic viruses detectable in saliva in the first year of life: a narrative review. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:508-531. [PMID: 38135726 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections are common in children. Many can be asymptomatic or have delayed health consequences. In view of increasing availability of point-of-care viral detection technologies, with possible application in newborn screening, this review aimed to (1) identify potentially asymptomatic viruses detectable in infants under one year old, via saliva/nasopharyngeal swab, and (2) describe associations between viruses and long-term health conditions. We systematically searched Embase(Ovid), Medline(Ovid) and PubMed, then further searched the literature in a tiered approach. From the 143 articles included, 28 potentially asymptomatic viruses were identified. Our second search revealed associations with a range of delayed health conditions, with most related to the severity of initial symptoms. Many respiratory viruses were linked with development of recurrent wheeze or asthma. Of note, some potentially asymptomatic viruses are linked with later non-communicable diseases: adenovirus serotype 36 and obesity, Enterovirus-A71 associated Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Ebstein Barr Virus (EBV) and malignancy, EBV and multiple sclerosis, HHV-6 and epilepsy, HBoV-1 and lung fibrosis and Norovirus and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Our review identified many potentially asymptomatic viruses, detectable in early life with potential delayed health consequences, that could be important to screen for in the future using rapid point-of-care viral detection methods. IMPACT: Novel point-of-care viral detection technologies enable rapid detection of viruses, both old and emerging. In view of increasing capability to screen for viruses, this is the first review to explore which potentially asymptomatic viruses, that are detectable using saliva and/or nasopharyngeal swabs in infants less than one year of age, are associated with delayed adverse health conditions. Further research into detecting such viruses in early life and their delayed health outcomes may pave new ways to prevent non-communicable diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Goh
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Prevention Innovation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Charissa Joy
- Prevention Innovation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Monash Children's Hospital Clayton, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Alanna N Gillespie
- Prevention Innovation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Community Child Health, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Qi Rui Soh
- Prevention Innovation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fan He
- Prevention Innovation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, La Trobe University, Wodonga, VIC, Australia
| | - Valerie Sung
- Prevention Innovation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Monash Children's Hospital Clayton, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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16
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Jasim MB, Al-Obaidi AB, Abdulrasul EA, Ghazi HF. Serostatus of Coxsackie B in a sample of women with miscarriage in Baghdad, Iraq. Hum Antibodies 2024; 32:61-65. [PMID: 38669524 DOI: 10.3233/hab-240005] [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: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antibody that crosses transplacentally from mother to fetus is very important origin of protective passive immunity against infection neonatal with enterovirus. Important varieties of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) are responsible for infections in newborns. The purpose from this study is to investigate in the prevalence of Coxsackie B virus in a sample of Iraqi women with miscarriage and potential role of miscarriage risk. METHODS Between November 2022 and June 2023, we included 91 parturient women (gestational age: 4-20 weeks) who were between the ages of 15 and 40. Every participant completed a questionnaire, and blood was drawn to assess maternal antibodies against CVB3. RESULTS The blood seropositive rates were 46 out 91(50.54%), 2 out 46 were IgM positive (4.34%), (8-12 weeks) 23 from 46 (50%) (p-value 0.0294) gestational age more frequent among aborted women that positive for anti-coxsackie B antibody, The 25-35 age group was significantly overrepresented (51/91, 56%) compared to other age groups. CONCLUSION This investigation posits Coxsackie B virus (CBV) as a possible etiology for miscarriage in the Iraqi female population. Further studies employing larger cohorts and robust methodologies, beyond the current detection technique, are warranted to corroborate these observations and elucidate the potential mechanisms by which CBV might induce miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asmaa B Al-Obaidi
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Enas Adnan Abdulrasul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Haider Faisal Ghazi
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
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17
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Jo S, Alejandro EU. RISING STARS: Mechanistic insights into maternal-fetal cross talk and islet beta-cell development. J Endocrinol 2023; 259:e230069. [PMID: 37855321 PMCID: PMC10692651 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The metabolic health trajectory of an individual is shaped as early as prepregnancy, during pregnancy, and lactation period. Both maternal nutrition and metabolic health status are critical factors in the programming of offspring toward an increased propensity to developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Pancreatic beta-cells, part of the endocrine islets, which are nutrient-sensitive tissues important for glucose metabolism, are primed early in life (the first 1000 days in humans) with limited plasticity later in life. This suggests the high importance of the developmental window of programming in utero and early in life. This review will focus on how changes to the maternal milieu increase offspring's susceptibility to diabetes through changes in pancreatic beta-cell mass and function and discuss potential mechanisms by which placental-driven nutrient availability, hormones, exosomes, and immune alterations that may impact beta-cell development in utero, thereby affecting susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokwon Jo
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emilyn U Alejandro
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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18
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Patalon T, Saciuk Y, Trotzky D, Pachys G, Ben-Tov A, Segal Y, Gazit S. An Outbreak of Parvovirus B19 in Israel. Viruses 2023; 15:2261. [PMID: 38005937 PMCID: PMC10674631 DOI: 10.3390/v15112261] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) has a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from an asymptomatic infection to a life threatening one. During pregnancy, it can lead to fetal loss and hydrops fetalis. This retrospective study examined the incidence rates of B19V in Israel, analyzing anonymized electronic medical records of 2.7 million individuals between January 2015 and September 2023. A generalized linear model with a Poisson distribution was fit to the data, adjusting for potential confounders. A marked increase in B19V was observed in 2023, with an adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 6.6 (95% CI 6.33-6.89) when comparing 2023 to previous years. When specifically comparing 2023 to COVID-19 years (2020-2022), adjusted IRR climbs to 9.21 (8.66-9.80). Moreover, in 2023, previously existing seasonality has largely disappeared. High SES characterized most infected individuals with a marked discrepancy in social sectors; the Arab population was significantly less likely to be found B19V positive, even when adjusting for SES. Most infections occurred in school-aged children (6-11 years old). Pregnant women experienced the most significant rise in B19V, with an adjusted IRR of 11.47 (9.44-13.97) in 2023 compared to previous years; most cases were diagnosed in the first trimester. This study demonstrates that Israel is currently experiencing the largest and longest reported outbreak of B19V to date. Policymakers should consider setting screening policies in place, at least for populations at risk, while specifically studying and potentially targeting low socioeconomic populations and specific social sectors to avoid health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Patalon
- Kahn Sagol Maccabi (KSM) Research & Innovation Center, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel
- Maccabitech Institute for Research and Innovation, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel
| | - Yaki Saciuk
- Kahn Sagol Maccabi (KSM) Research & Innovation Center, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel
| | - Daniel Trotzky
- Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin 70300, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Gal Pachys
- Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh Medical Center), Zerifin 70300, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Amir Ben-Tov
- Kahn Sagol Maccabi (KSM) Research & Innovation Center, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yaakov Segal
- Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel
| | - Sivan Gazit
- Kahn Sagol Maccabi (KSM) Research & Innovation Center, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel
- Maccabitech Institute for Research and Innovation, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel
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19
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Ketabi K, Soleimanjahi H, Habibian A, Abroun S. Pregnancy and SARS-CoV-2 infection with a focus on its vertical transmission, breastfeeding, cord blood banking, and vaccination during COVID-19 infection. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2023; 44:361-380. [PMID: 37794764 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2023.2259454] [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: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak led to a health crisis worldwide. This infection can infect individuals, particularly pregnant women. In this review, we tried to find the possibility of vertical transmission of COVID-19 and investigate the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy, breastfeeding, cord blood banking, and the effects of recommended vaccines on pregnant and lactating women. Keywords include COVID-19, congenital infection, SARS-CoV-2, pregnancy, and COVID-19 vaccines. Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was searched in scientific databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The criteria for including studies in this article are the study of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women, fetuses, and neonates during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and also the effect of COVID-19 vaccines on them. There are several conflicting results in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from the maternal-fetal interface. Since many neonates born from COVID-19-infected mothers had no signs of this infection, the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 congenital transmission cannot be confirmed. Also, SARS-CoV-2-infected women can breastfeed their babies if they have mild symptoms. Up till now, no adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccines has been identified on mothers, infants, and the fertility of men or women. Even so, more investigations are needed on the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana Ketabi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoorieh Soleimanjahi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ala Habibian
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saied Abroun
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Fortin
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Sarah B. Mulkey
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
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21
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Peng L, Zhao W, Yin T, Xu C, Wang G, Du M. The unique expression pattern of human leukocyte antigen in trophoblasts potentially explains the key mechanism of maternal-fetal tolerance and successful pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103980. [PMID: 37390630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103980] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The success of pregnancy mainly depends on immune tolerance of the mother for the semi-allogeneic fetus. The placenta carrying paternal antigens develops in the maternal uterus without suffering immune attack, making the underlying mechanism of maternal tolerance an enduring mystery. As we all know, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) plays an important role in antigen processing and presentation, thus inducing specific immune responses. Therefore, it is reasonable to speculate that the absence of classical HLA class-I(HLA-I) and HLA class-II (HLA-II) molecules in trophoblasts may account for the maternal-fetal tolerance. Here, we review the HLA-involved interactions between trophoblast cells and decidual immune cells, which contribute to the immunotolerance in the development of normal pregnancy. We also compare the similarity between the maternal-fetal interface and tumor-immune microenvironment because the important role of HLA molecules in tumor immune invasion can provide some references to studies of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Besides, the abnormal HLA expression is likely to be associated with unexplained miscarriage, making HLA molecules potential therapeutic targets. The advances reported by these studies may exert profound influences on other research areas, including tumor immunity, organ transplantation and autoimmune disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijin Peng
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijie Zhao
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingxuan Yin
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfang Xu
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangchuan Wang
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Meirong Du
- The Lab of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.
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22
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Ruan LL, Chen MX, Adu-Gyamfi EA, Geng LH, Fu LJ, Wan Q, Ding YB. Maternal Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Pregnancy Outcomes of Freeze-Thaw Embryo Transfer. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2323495. [PMID: 37450305 PMCID: PMC10349339 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.23495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This cohort study assesses the association of maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) serostatus with pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing freeze-thaw embryo transfer (FET).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Ruan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming-Xing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Li-Hong Geng
- The Reproductive Center, Chengdu Xinan Gynecology Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Li-Juan Fu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Academician Workstation, Department of Pharmacology, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Wan
- The Reproductive Center, Chengdu Xinan Gynecology Hospital, Chengdu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University (Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education), Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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23
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Shi Y, Wang M, Wu L, Li X, Liao Z. COVID-19 associated liver injury: An updated review on the mechanisms and management of risk groups. LIVER RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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24
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Hernandez-Lopez JM, Hernandez-Medina C, Medina-Corvalan C, Rodenas M, Francisca A, Perez-Garcia C, Echevarria D, Carratala F, Geijo-Barrientos E, Martinez S. Neuronal progenitors of the dentate gyrus express the SARS-CoV-2 cell receptor during migration in the developing human hippocampus. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:140. [PMID: 37149825 PMCID: PMC10164240 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04787-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world is due to the enormous capacity of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus to be transmitted between humans, causing a threat to global public health. It has been shown that the entry of this virus into cells is highly facilitated by the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the cell membrane. Currently, we have no precise knowledge of how this receptor expresses in the brain of human fetus and, as a consequence, we do not know how susceptible the neural cells in the developing brain are to being infected through the vertical transmission of this virus, from mother to fetus. In this work, we describe the expression of ACE2 in the human brain at 20 weeks of gestation. This stage corresponds to the period of neuronal generation, migration, and differentiation in the cerebral cortex. We describe the specific expression of ACE2 in neuronal precursors and migratory neuroblasts of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus. This finding implies that SARS-CoV-2 infection during the fetal period may affect neuronal progenitor cells and alter the normal development of the brain region where memory engrams are generated. Thus, although vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in few cases, the massive infection rate of young people in terms of the new variants leads to the possibility of increasing the ratio of congenital infections and originating cognitive alterations, as well as neuronal circuit anomalies that may represent vulnerability to mental problems throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Medina-Corvalan
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Avda. Ramon y Cajal sn, 03550, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Cátedra de Neurosciencia, UCAM-San Antonio, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Almagro Francisca
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Avda. Ramon y Cajal sn, 03550, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Claudia Perez-Garcia
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Avda. Ramon y Cajal sn, 03550, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Cátedra de Neurosciencia, UCAM-San Antonio, Murcia, Spain
| | - Diego Echevarria
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Avda. Ramon y Cajal sn, 03550, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Emilio Geijo-Barrientos
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Avda. Ramon y Cajal sn, 03550, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Salvador Martinez
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Avda. Ramon y Cajal sn, 03550, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.
- Cátedra de Neurosciencia, UCAM-San Antonio, Murcia, Spain.
- Center of Biomedical Network Research on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
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25
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Foetal Intrapartum Compromise at Term: Could COVID-19 Infection Be Involved? A Case Report. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030552. [PMID: 36984557 PMCID: PMC10054388 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy has been studied and many reports have been published, mainly focussing on complications and in utero transmission with neonatal consequences. Although the effects of other viruses on foetuses are well known, the impact of maternal COVID-19 during pregnancy is not completely understood. We report a case of acute foetal intrapartum hypoxia without other risk factors than maternal COVID-19 disease 2 weeks previous to birth at term. Placental histological changes suggested that the viral infection could have been the culprit for the unfavourable outcome during labour. The neonate was promptly delivered by Caesarean section. Neonatal intensive care was started, including therapeutic hypothermia. The procedure was successful, the evolution of the neonate was favourable, and she was discharged after 10 days. Follow-up at 2 months of life indicated a normal neurological development but a drop in head growth. The case raises the idea that pregnancies with even mild COVID-19 symptoms may represent the cause of neonate compromise in a low-risk pregnancy. An important follow-up in the neonatal period and infancy is required to identify and treat any subsequent conditions. Further long-term studies are necessary to identify a cause–effect relationship between COVID-19 pregnancies and the whole spectrum of neonatal and infant consequences.
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26
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Growth Velocity and Nutritional Status in Children Exposed to Zika Virus during Pregnancy from Amazonas Cohort, Brazil. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030662. [PMID: 36992371 PMCID: PMC10056230 DOI: 10.3390/v15030662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in the period of 2015–2016 in Brazil may have affected linear height growth velocity (GV) in children exposed in utero to ZIKV. This study describes the growth velocity and nutritional status based on the World Organization (WHO) standards of children exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy and followed up in a tertiary unit, a reference for tropical and infectious diseases in the Amazon. Seventy-one children born between March 2016 and June 2018 were monitored for anthropometric indices: z-score for body mass index (BMI/A); weight (W/A); height (H/A) and head circumference (HC/A); and growth velocity. The mean age at the last assessment was 21.1 months (SD ± 8.93). Four children had congenital microcephaly and severe neurological impairment. The other 67 were non-microcephalic children (60 normocephalic and 7 macrocephalic); of these; 24.2% (16 children) had neurological alterations, and 28.8% (19 children) had altered neuropsychomotor development. Seventeen (24.2%) children had inadequate GV (low growth velocity). The frequencies of low growth among microcephalic and non-microcephalic patients are 25% (1 of 4 children) and 23.9% (16 of 67 children); respectively. Most children had normal BMI/A values during follow-up. Microcephalic patients showed low H/A and HC/A throughout the follow-up, with a significant reduction in the HC/A z-score. Non-microcephalic individuals are within the regular ranges for H/A; HC/A; and W/A, except for the H/A score for boys. This study showed low growth velocity in children with and without microcephaly, highlighting the need for continuous evaluation of all children born to mothers exposed to ZIKV during pregnancy.
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Agarwal S, Tarui T, Patel V, Turner A, Nagaraj U, Venkatesan C. Prenatal Neurological Diagnosis: Challenges in Neuroimaging, Prognostic Counseling, and Prediction of Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 142:60-67. [PMID: 36934462 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal brain abnormalities is rapidly evolving with the advancement of neuroimaging techniques, thus adding value to prognostic counseling and perinatal management. However, challenges and uncertainties persist in prenatal counseling due to limitations of prenatal imaging, continued development and maturation of the brain structure, and the heterogeneity and paucity of outcome studies. This topical review of fetal neurological consultations highlights prenatally diagnosed brain abnormalities that challenged prognostic counseling and perinatal management. Representative cases across multiple centers that highlighted diagnostic challenges were selected. Charts were reviewed for neuroimaging, genetic evaluation, prenatal prognostic discussion, postnatal imaging and testing, and infant outcome. We present case studies with prenatal and postnatal information discussing prenatal testing, fetal MRI interpretation, and complexities in the prognostic counseling process. Advocating for large-scale multicenter studies and a national collaborative fetal neurological registry to help guide the ever-expanding world of prenatal diagnostics and prognostic counseling is critical to this field. Study of large-scale outcomes data from such a registry can better guide fetal neurological consultations and facilitate comprehensive multidisciplinary planning and program development for educational curriculum for fetal-neonatal neurology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonika Agarwal
- Division of Neurology & Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Tomo Tarui
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Virali Patel
- Division of Neurology & Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Abigail Turner
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Usha Nagaraj
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Charu Venkatesan
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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28
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Narang K, Miller M, Trinidad C, Wick M, Theiler R, Weaver AL, Mehta RA, Schenone M. Impact of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 infection on fetal growth during pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 281:63-67. [PMID: 36549070 PMCID: PMC9760615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During pregnancy, certain viral infections are known to significantly affect fetal development. Data regarding the impact of COVID-19 viral infection in pregnancy, specifically in asymptomatic or mild cases, remains limited. This presents a challenge in providing prenatal counseling and antepartum surveillance in pregnancies complicated by COVID-19 infection. Placenta studies have demonstrated that vascular malperfusion patterns attributed to COVID-19 appear to depend on the timing of infection. Given these placental changes, we aim to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on fetal growth in pregnant patients with asymptomatic or mild disease, stratified by trimester of infection. We hypothesize that COVID-19 infection, especially early in pregnancy, increases the risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR). STUDY DESIGN This is a single institution, retrospective cohort study of patients ages 16-55 years old with a singleton delivery between December 10, 2020, and April 19, 2021 who had not received a COVID-19 vaccination prior to delivery. COVID-19 infection during pregnancy was defined as a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test. FGR was defined as an estimated fetal weight less than the 10th percentile for gestational age or abdominal circumference less than the 10th percentile for gestational age. Maternal and fetal characteristics, including FGR, were compared between women with versus without COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. RESULTS Among 1971 women with a singleton delivery, 208 (10.6 %) had a prior asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. With the exception in the median prenatal BMI being significantly higher in the COVID-19 group (median, 27.5 vs 26.3, p = 0.04), there were no significant differences in demographics, baseline maternal comorbidities or gestational age between those with versus without COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, or in the proportion of their offspring with FGR (3.4 % (7/208) vs 4.8 % (84/1763), p = 0.36). When the 208 women were stratified by the timing of their COVID-19 infection, the proportion with an offspring with FGR was 8.7 % (2/23), 1.2 % (1/84), and 4.0 % (4/101), for those first diagnosed with COVID-19 during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters, respectively (p = 0.72 Cochran-Armitage test for trend). CONCLUSION Asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infection in pregnancy, regardless of timing of infection, does not appear to be associated with FGR. Routine serial fetal growth assessment may not be warranted solely for history of COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Narang
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States,Corresponding author
| | - Megan Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Charisse Trinidad
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Myra Wick
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Regan Theiler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Amy L. Weaver
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
| | - Ramila A. Mehta
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, United States
| | - Mauro Schenone
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
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29
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Doktor F, Antounians L, Miller J, Harb M, Meats T, Bercovitch R, Ireland D, Zani A. Seasonal Variation of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Review of the Literature and Database Report from the United States and Canada. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2023; 33:11-16. [PMID: 35858641 DOI: 10.1055/a-1905-4808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The etiology of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains unknown and only 10 to 30% of patients have a genetic cause. Seasonal variation is known to contribute to the development of some congenital anomalies. Our aim was to investigate whether CDH births have seasonal variation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature review was conducted for CDH and seasonality. Moreover, data from the CDH International Patient Registry Database were collected for infants with due dates between 2008 and 2014. Due dates were used to determine seasonal distribution of births. Birth rates per month in the United States and Canada were extracted from publicly available databases. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and contingency tables. RESULTS First, the literature review revealed 11 articles, of which 3 were eligible for inclusion. These studies reported conflicting results on seasonality of CDH. Second, we extracted due dates from the CDH International Patient Registry Database (1,259 patients) and found that there were fewer due dates in winter months (12.1 ± 4 patients/month) than in summer (16.7 ± 6 patients/month; p = 0.011) and fall months (16.3 ± 5 patients/month; p = 0.022). Although this trend was similar to that of all births in the United States and Canada, a lower incidence was observed in winter for CDH infants (20.2%) than for the general population (24.1%, p = 0.0012). CDH survival rate did not vary by season. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for a seasonal variation of CDH births. No causative link was established between CDH development and seasonality. Population-based studies with a focus on exposome data are needed to explain seasonal variation in CDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Doktor
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lina Antounians
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Miller
- CDH Patient Registry, CDH International, Wake Forest, North Carolina, United States
| | - Maria Harb
- CDH Patient Registry, CDH International, Wake Forest, North Carolina, United States
| | - Tracy Meats
- CDH Patient Registry, CDH International, Wake Forest, North Carolina, United States
| | - Rachel Bercovitch
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dawn Ireland
- CDH Patient Registry, CDH International, Wake Forest, North Carolina, United States
| | - Augusto Zani
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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30
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Ali FEM, Abd El-Aziz MK, Ali MM, Ghogar OM, Bakr AG. COVID-19 and hepatic injury: cellular and molecular mechanisms in diverse liver cells. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:425-449. [PMID: 36688024 PMCID: PMC9850933 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i3.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a global health and economic challenge. Hepatic injuries have been approved to be associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The viral tropism pattern of SARS-CoV-2 can induce hepatic injuries either by itself or by worsening the conditions of patients with hepatic diseases. Besides, other factors have been reported to play a crucial role in the pathological forms of hepatic injuries induced by SARS-CoV-2, including cytokine storm, hypoxia, endothelial cells, and even some treatments for COVID-19. On the other hand, several groups of people could be at risk of hepatic COVID-19 complications, such as pregnant women and neonates. The present review outlines and discusses the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and hepatic injury, hepatic illness comorbidity, and risk factors. Besides, it is focused on the vaccination process and the role of developed vaccines in preventing hepatic injuries due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Osama M Ghogar
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Assiut, Egypt
| | - Adel G Bakr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
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31
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De Rose DU, Ronchetti MP, Tzialla C, Giuffré M, Auriti C. Editorial: Congenital and perinatal infections: How to prevent sequelaes in neonates and children. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1142636. [PMID: 36861073 PMCID: PMC9969152 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1142636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chryssoula Tzialla
- Neonatal and Pediatric Unit, Polo Ospedaliero Oltrepò, ASST Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Giuffré
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Auriti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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32
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Rahimzadeh G, Safar MJ, Rezai S, Rezai MS, Movahedi FS. Seroepidemiology of HBV, HCV, HIV, HTLV, and CMV in Pregnant Women Referring to Sari Birth Cohort. Adv Biomed Res 2022; 11:97. [PMID: 36660762 PMCID: PMC9843599 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_334_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital infections are among the most important conditions threatening human fetal health, the majority of which are caused by viral agents. Screening pregnant women for viral infections is essential because such infections can cause serious consequences for both the mother and the infant. So, this study aimed to serologically investigate sexually transmitted viral infections in pregnant women and also find the association between the prevalence of viral infections and epidemiological parameters in pregnant women of Sari, Iran. Materials and Methods This descriptive, observational study was performed in pregnant women referring to Sari Birth Cohort Center between 2018 and 2020. A total of 1092 blood samples were investigated for hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) serological markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The prevalence of HBsAg positivity, HCV, HIV, and HTLV was 0.2%, 0.09%, 0.09%, and 0.2%, respectively. The percentage of participants with CMV-IgM and -IgG antibody titers above normal was 0.2% and 91.8%, respectively. Pregnant women whose educational level was bachelor's degree or lower, those who did not use a male condom before pregnancy, or those with a family history of infectious disease were found to be more likely to have HBV, HCV, HIV, HTLV, and CMV infections. Conclusion Family history, maternal age, pregnancy stage, and not using a male condom are among the risk factors for sexually transmitted viral infections in pregnant women in Sari.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnar Rahimzadeh
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jafar Safar
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Rezai
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Rezai
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran,Address for correspondence: Prof. Mohammad Sadegh Rezai, Professor, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. E-mail:
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33
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Borges-Vélez G, Arroyo JA, Cantres-Rosario YM, Rodriguez de Jesus A, Roche-Lima A, Rosado-Philippi J, Rosario-Rodríguez LJ, Correa-Rivas MS, Campos-Rivera M, Meléndez LM. Decreased CSTB, RAGE, and Axl Receptor Are Associated with Zika Infection in the Human Placenta. Cells 2022; 11:3627. [PMID: 36429055 PMCID: PMC9688057 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) compromises placental integrity, infecting the fetus. However, the mechanisms associated with ZIKV penetration into the placenta leading to fetal infection are unknown. Cystatin B (CSTB), the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and tyrosine-protein kinase receptor UFO (AXL) have been implicated in ZIKV infection and inflammation. This work investigates CSTB, RAGE, and AXL receptor expression and activation pathways in ZIKV-infected placental tissues at term. The hypothesis is that there is overexpression of CSTB and increased inflammation affecting RAGE and AXL receptor expression in ZIKV-infected placentas. Pathological analyses of 22 placentas were performed to determine changes caused by ZIKV infection. Quantitative proteomics, immunofluorescence, and western blot were performed to analyze proteins and pathways affected by ZIKV infection in frozen placentas. The pathological analysis confirmed decreased size of capillaries, hyperplasia of Hofbauer cells, disruption in the trophoblast layer, cell agglutination, and ZIKV localization to the trophoblast layer. In addition, there was a significant decrease in CSTB, RAGE, and AXL expression and upregulation of caspase 1, tubulin beta, and heat shock protein 27. Modulation of these proteins and activation of inflammasome and pyroptosis pathways suggest targets for modulation of ZIKV infection in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Borges-Vélez
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Juan A. Arroyo
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | - Ana Rodriguez de Jesus
- Center for Collaborative Research in Health Disparities, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Abiel Roche-Lima
- Center for Collaborative Research in Health Disparities, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Julio Rosado-Philippi
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Lester J. Rosario-Rodríguez
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - María S. Correa-Rivas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Maribel Campos-Rivera
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Loyda M. Meléndez
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
- Center for Collaborative Research in Health Disparities, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
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Exploring Clinical and Biological Features of Premature Births among Pregnant Women with SARS-CoV-2 Infection during the Pregnancy Period. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111871. [PMID: 36579593 PMCID: PMC9694165 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies observed that women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy had a higher risk of preterm birth. Although it is likely that COVID-19 during the late trimester of pregnancy can trigger premature birth, prematurity remains a concern, and it is vital to study additional clinical and biological patient factors that are highly associated with this negative pregnancy outcome and allow for better management based on the existing predictors. In order to achieve this goal, the current study retrospectively recruited 428 pregnant patients that were separated into three study groups using a 1:2:4 matching ratio and a nearest-neighbor matching method. Sixty-one pregnant patients had a history of COVID-19 during pregnancy and gave birth prematurely; 124 pregnant patient controls had COVID-19 and gave birth full-term, while the second control group of 243 pregnant patients had a premature birth but no history of COVID-19. It was observed that a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third trimester was significantly more likely to be associated with premature birth. Even though the rate of ICU admission was higher in these cases, the mortality rate did not change significantly in the COVID-19 groups. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection alone did not show statistical significance in determining a premature birth (β = 1.09, CI = 0.94−1.15, p-value = 0.067). Maternal anemia was the strongest predictor for prematurity in association with SARS-CoV-2 infection (β = 3.65, CI = 1.46−5.39, p-value < 0.001), followed by elevated CRP (β = 2.11, CI = 1.20−3.06, p-value < 0.001), and respectively IL-6 (β = 1.92, CI = 1.20−2.47, p-value = 0.001. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, as shown by our data. If SARS-CoV-2 infection arises during the third trimester, it is recommended that these patients be hospitalized for surveillance of clinical evolution and biological parameters, such as anemia and high inflammatory markers, which have a multiplicative influence on the pregnancy result.
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Arredondo Montero J, Bronte Anaut M, Caballero Martínez MC, Fernández Seara MP, Martín-Calvo N. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection with brainstem hemorrhage and polymicrogyria: Necropsic and histopathological findings. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2022; 62:248-253. [PMID: 35941838 PMCID: PMC9805181 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can cause severe neurological sequelae or even fetal death. We present a 17-year-old pregnant woman with fetal CMV infection, leading to voluntary termination of pregnancy. Fetopsy demonstrated a brainstem hemorrhage and focal polymicrogyria. CMV inclusions were observed in the lung, liver, thyroid, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal, placenta, and central nervous system. Intracranial hemorrhage is a rare finding in the context of congenital CMV infection, with isolated brainstem hemorrhage being an exceptional form of presentation. Polymicrogyria appears to be a more frequent finding, although its actual incidence is unknown. Future studies are needed to determine the causal association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Arredondo Montero
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Nerea Martín-Calvo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Health institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
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Auriti C, Bucci S, De Rose DU, Coltella L, Santisi A, Martini L, Maddaloni C, Bersani I, Lozzi S, Campi F, Pacifico C, Balestri M, Longo D, Grimaldi T. Maternal-Fetal Infections (Cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasma, Syphilis): Short-Term and Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children Infected and Uninfected at Birth. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111278. [PMID: 36365029 PMCID: PMC9692284 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Infections in pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, infections in newborns, and developmental disabilities in babies. Infected infants, symptomatic at birth, can have long-term sequelae, and asymptomatic babies are also at increased risk of developing long-term sensorineural outcomes. Targeted therapy of the pregnant mother can reduce fetal and neonatal harm. (2) Aim of the study: To explore the association between symptoms and time of onset of long-term sequelae in infected children born from mothers who contracted an infection during pregnancy, by a long-term multidisciplinary follow-up. (3) Methods: For up to 2−4 years, we evaluated cognitive, motor, audiological, visual, and language outcomes in infants with symptomatic and asymptomatic congenital infections and in uninfected infants. (4) Results: 186 infants born from women who acquired Cytomegalovirus infection (n = 103), Toxoplasma infection (n = 50), and Syphilis (n = 33) during pregnancy were observed. Among them, 119 infants acquired the infection in utero. Infected infants, symptomatic at birth, obtained lower scores on the Cognitive and Motor Scale on Bayley-III compared to asymptomatic and uninfected infants (p = 0.026; p = 0.049). Many severe or moderate sequelae rose up within the first year of life. At 24 months, we observed sequelae in 24.6% (14/57) of infected children classified as asymptomatic at birth, compared to 68.6% (24/35) of symptomatic ones (χ2 = 15.56; p < 0.001); (5) Conclusions: Infected babies symptomatic at birth have a worse prognosis than asymptomatic ones. Long-term sequelae may occur in infected children asymptomatic at birth after the first year of life. Multidisciplinary follow-up until 4−6 years of age should be performed in all infected children, regardless of the presence of symptoms at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Auriti
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0668592427
| | - Silvia Bucci
- Department of Neurosciences, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Umberto De Rose
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Coltella
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santisi
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Martini
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Maddaloni
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Iliana Bersani
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Lozzi
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Campi
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Concettina Pacifico
- Audiology and Otosurgery Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Balestri
- Department of Neurosciences, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Department of Imaging, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Grimaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
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Sánchez-García JC, Carrascosa Moreno NP, Tovar-Gálvez MI, Cortés-Martín J, Liñán-González A, Alvarado Olmedo L, Rodríguez-Blanque R. COVID-19 in Pregnant Women, Maternal-Fetal Involvement, and Vertical Mother-to-Child Transmission: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102554. [PMID: 36289816 PMCID: PMC9599127 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women are included in the COVID-19 risk groups even if they do not have any pathology. This requires an analysis of research focused on pregnant women to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on their condition. There is also a need to know whether there is vertical mother-to-child transmission, as well as other consequences in case the pregnant woman is infected and COVID-19 positive. A systematic review was carried out to analyze the existing information on the complications of a pregnant woman infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and the possibility of vertical transmission from mother to child, registered in the PROSPERO website and searched in the PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases. Finally, 22 articles were included in the review. The review suggests that vertical transmission from mother to child could be exceptionally possible at the time of delivery or breastfeeding, but not through the placenta. It is interesting to point out the good acceptance of vaccination by pregnant women, which may be the reason for the low infectivity. Further research on pregnant women should be carried out to provide evidence on vertical mother-to-child transmission and the role of breast milk in relation to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Sánchez-García
- Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, 41006 Sevilla, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | | | - María Isabel Tovar-Gálvez
- Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, 41006 Sevilla, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences in Ceuta, University of Granada, 51001 Ceuta, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Jonathan Cortés-Martín
- Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, 41006 Sevilla, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Liñán-González
- Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, 41006 Sevilla, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences in Melilla, University of Granada, Melilla Campus, 52005 Melilla, Spain
| | - Leticia Alvarado Olmedo
- Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, 41006 Sevilla, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences in Ceuta, University of Granada, 51001 Ceuta, Spain
| | - Raquel Rodríguez-Blanque
- Research Group CTS1068, Andalusia Research Plan, Junta de Andalucía, 41006 Sevilla, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Plotogea M, Isam AJ, Frincu F, Zgura A, Bacinschi X, Sandru F, Duta S, Petca RC, Edu A. An Overview of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnancy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102429. [PMID: 36292118 PMCID: PMC9600407 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102429] [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] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Plotogea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Al Jashi Isam
- Faculty of Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.J.I.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesca Frincu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.J.I.); (F.F.)
| | - Anca Zgura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Xenia Bacinschi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florica Sandru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Duta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan Cosmin Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Antoine Edu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Nicolae Malaxa” Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Bertoldi A, Colazo Salbetti MB, Rodríguez G, Tenaglia M, Hernández G, Alfaro J, Riberi MI, Olivera NL, Pedranti M, Isa MB, Adamo MP. Human parvovirus B19 infection in a pregnant patient resulting in severe hydrops, foetal death and persistent infection. Access Microbiol 2022; 4:acmi000428. [DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is the aetiological agent of erythema infectiosum. Primary infection during pregnancy can be transmitted to the foetus and cause foetal abnormalities related to depletion of erythrocyte progenitor cells, including congenital anaemia, hydrops, and foetal death. In this paper we report the detection of B19V infection in a pregnant patient, which onset occurred without appreciable signs and symptoms until she developed inappropriate contractions for gestational age and fluid loss. B19V infection resulted in severe hydrops fetalis with a fatal course for the foetus, while persisted in the mother at least 12 months after foetal death. The objective of this report is to highlight the importance of optimizing B19V diagnosis through early suspicion and testing during pregnancy. Knowing the mother’s immune status before or at the beginning of gestation can contribute, together with early diagnosis, to improve the management of patients at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Belén Colazo Salbetti
- Instituto de Virología “Dr. J. M. Vanella”, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gonzalo Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Hemoderivados, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | - Jimena Alfaro
- Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | - Mauro Pedranti
- Instituto de Virología “Dr. J. M. Vanella”, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Beatriz Isa
- Instituto de Virología “Dr. J. M. Vanella”, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Pilar Adamo
- Instituto de Virología “Dr. J. M. Vanella”, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Deftereou TE, Trypidi A, Alexiadi CA, Theotokis P, Manthou ME, Meditskou S, Simopoulou M, Lambropoulou M. Congenital Herpes Simplex Virus: A Histopathological View of the Placenta. Cureus 2022; 14:e29101. [PMID: 36249599 PMCID: PMC9557870 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is considered a common pregnancy pathology that is not always easy to diagnose. This study aimed to present the spectrum of placental histopathological lesions in pregnancies complicated by HSV infection. MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases were searched using the keywords "HSV" and "placental histopathology" up to June 20, 2022. Study inclusion required presenting placental histopathological anomalies in pregnant women diagnosed with HSV infection antenatally, during labor, or postnatally. Herein, we briefly present placental pathogenesis conditions, which have been correlated with congenital HSV infection, providing clinicians with a short review describing herpetic placental pathology.
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Kunstek H, Vreken F, Keita A, Hamblin MR, Dumarçay F, Varbanov M. Aspects of Antiviral Strategies Based on Different Phototherapy Approaches: Hit by the Light. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:858. [PMID: 35890156 PMCID: PMC9316526 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which caused the COVID-19 pandemic spreading around the world from late 2019, served as a ruthless reminder of the threat viruses pose to global public health. The synthesis of new antiviral drugs, as well as repurposing existing products, is a long-term ongoing process which has challenged the scientific community. One solution could be an effective, accessible, and rapidly available antiviral treatment based on phototherapy (PT). PT has been used to treat several diseases, and relies on the absorption of light by endogenous molecules or exogenous photosensitizers (PS). PT has often been used in cancer treatment and prophylaxis, and as a complement to established chemotherapy and immunotherapy in combined therapeutic strategy. Besides significant applications in anticancer treatment, studies have demonstrated the beneficial impact of PT on respiratory, systemic, emerging, and oncogenic viral infections. The aim of this review was to highlight the potential of PT to combat viral infections by summarizing current progress in photodynamic, photothermal, and photoacoustic approaches. Attention is drawn to the virucidal effect of PT on systemic viruses such as the human immunodeficiency virus and human herpes viruses, including the causative agent of Kaposi sarcoma, human herpes virus (HHV8). PT has good potential for disinfection in anti-norovirus research and against pandemic viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kunstek
- L2CM, Université de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 54000 Nancy, France; (H.K.); (F.V.); (A.K.); (F.D.)
- Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Fanny Vreken
- L2CM, Université de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 54000 Nancy, France; (H.K.); (F.V.); (A.K.); (F.D.)
| | - Aminata Keita
- L2CM, Université de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 54000 Nancy, France; (H.K.); (F.V.); (A.K.); (F.D.)
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Michael R. Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa;
| | - Florence Dumarçay
- L2CM, Université de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 54000 Nancy, France; (H.K.); (F.V.); (A.K.); (F.D.)
| | - Mihayl Varbanov
- L2CM, Université de Lorraine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), 54000 Nancy, France; (H.K.); (F.V.); (A.K.); (F.D.)
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Centres Hospitaliers Régionaux Universitaires (CHRU) de Nancy Brabois, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Bucci S, Coltella L, Martini L, Santisi A, De Rose DU, Piccioni L, Campi F, Ronchetti MP, Longo D, Lucignani G, Dotta A, Auriti C. Clinical and Neurodevelopmental Characteristics of Enterovirus and Parechovirus Meningitis in Neonates. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:881516. [PMID: 35669403 PMCID: PMC9165715 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.881516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-polio-enteroviruses (EV) and human parechoviruses (HPeV) are small RNA viruses, which in newborns cause infections with a wide range of severity. Today molecular biology tools allow us to diagnose viral meningitis in neonates, sparing patients from useless antibiotics. Data on neurodevelopmental outcome of children who contract enterovirus meningitis in early childhood are still limited in the literature. Aims To evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcome of newborns with documented enterovirus and parechovirus meningitis contracted within the first months of life. Methods Enterovirus and parechovirus were detected on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma by RT-PCR. The virological typing was done according to WHO recommendations. During the hospitalization each neonate underwent many diagnostic and instrumental examinations, to evaluate any neurological lesions attributable to the infection. After the discharge children entered in an outpatient interdisciplinary assessment process, comprehensive of the administration of Bayley III scales up to 12 months old. Results We observed longitudinally 30 children, born at term (mean GA 39.7 ± 0.8 weeks, mean birthweight was 3,457 ± 405 grams), who contracted enterovirus and parechovirus meningitis within the first month of life (mean age at diagnosis was 15.8 ± 7.33 days). We were able to perform the genetic typing only on 15/30 (50.0%) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 15 neonates. We found MRI anomalies in 9/26 observed neonates (34.6%): one of them presented brainstem abnormality that are specific of enteroviral central nervous system (CNS) involvement. During the follow up children displayed an overall normal neurodevelopment and no deficit in visual and hearing areas. The mean cognitive (105.19 ± 8.71), speech (100.23 ± 8.22) and motor (97.00 ± 8.98) composite scores, assessed by Bayley III, were normal in 29/30 (96.7%). Despite this, children with pathological brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scored significantly lower (p = 0.01) than children with normal brain MRI on cognitive subscale at 12 months of life. Conclusions Early enterovirus infections can be associated to brain MRI abnormalities, more frequently the earlier the infection. Although within a normal range, our children with pathological brain MRI scored significantly lower than those with normal brain MRI on cognitive subscale at 12 months of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bucci
- Department of Neurosciences, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Coltella
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Martini
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santisi
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Umberto De Rose
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Piccioni
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Campi
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Ronchetti
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Department of Imaging, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lucignani
- Department of Imaging, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Dotta
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Auriti
- Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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Kielaite D, Paliulyte V. Parvovirus (B19) Infection during Pregnancy: Possible Effect on the Course of Pregnancy and Rare Fetal Outcomes. A Case Report and Literature Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58050664. [PMID: 35630081 PMCID: PMC9144227 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection caused by human parvovirus B19 (B19) often has mild yet wide-ranging clinical signs, with the course of disease usually defined as benign. Particularly prevalent in the population of young children, the virus is commonly transmitted to the parents, especially to susceptible mothers. During pregnancy, particularly the first and second trimesters, parvovirus infection can lead to pathology of the fetus: anemia, heart failure, hydrops, and disorders of physical and neurological development. In severe cases, the disease can result in fetal demise. This article presents a rare case of manifestation of B19 infection during pregnancy. At the 27th week of gestation, a sudden change in fetal movement occurred in a previously healthy pregnancy. The examination of both fetus and the mother revealed newly formed fetal subdural hematoma of unknown etiology and ventriculomegaly. Following extensive examination to ascertain the origin of fetal pathology, a maternal B19 infection was detected. Due to worsening fetal condition, a planned cesarean section was performed to terminate the pregnancy at 31 weeks of gestation. A preterm male newborn was delivered in a critical condition with congenital B19 infection, hydrocephalus, and severe progressive encephalopathy. The manifestation and the origin of the fetal condition remain partially unclear. The transplacental transmission of maternal B19 infection to the fetus occurs in approximately 30% of cases. The main method for diagnosing B19 infection is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) performed on blood serum. In the absence of clinical manifestations, the early diagnosis of B19 infection is rarely achieved. As a result, the disease left untreated can progress inconspicuously and cause serious complications. Treatment strategies are limited and depend on the condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus. When applicable, intrauterine blood transfusion reduces the risk of fetal mortality. It is crucial to assess the predisposing factors of the infection and evaluate signs of early manifestation, as this may help prevent the progression and poor outcomes of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dovile Kielaite
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Correspondence:
| | - Virginija Paliulyte
- Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania;
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Girsch JH, Mejia Plazas MC, Olivier A, Farah M, Littlefield D, Behl S, Punia S, Sakemura R, Hemsath JR, Norgan A, Enninga EAL, Johnson EL, Chakraborty R. Host-Viral Interactions at the Maternal-Fetal Interface. What We Know and What We Need to Know. FRONTIERS-A JOURNAL OF WOMEN STUDIES 2022; 2:833106. [PMID: 36742289 PMCID: PMC9894500 DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2022.833106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In humans, the hemochorial placenta is a unique temporary organ that forms during pregnancy to support fetal development, gaseous exchange, delivery of nutrition, removal of waste products, and provides immune protection, while maintaining tolerance to the HLA-haploidentical fetus. In this review, we characterize decidual and placental immunity during maternal viral (co)-infection with HIV-1, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and Zika virus. We discuss placental immunology, clinical presentation, and epidemiology, before characterizing host susceptibility and cellular tropism, and how the three viruses gain access into specific placental target cells. We describe current knowledge on host-viral interactions with decidual and stromal human placental macrophages or Hofbauer cells, trophoblasts including extra villous trophoblasts, T cells, and decidual natural killer (dNK) cells. These clinically significant viral infections elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses to control replication. However, the three viruses either during mono- or co-infection (HIV-1 and HCMV) escape detection to initiate placental inflammation associated with viral transmission to the developing fetus. Aside from congenital or perinatal infection, other adverse pregnancy outcomes include preterm labor and spontaneous abortion. In addition, maternal HIV-1 and HCMV co-infection are associated with impaired fetal and infant immunity in postnatal life and poor clinical outcomes during childhood in exposed infants, even in the absence of vertical transmission of HIV-1. Given the rapidly expanding numbers of HIV-1-exposed uninfected infants and children globally, further research is urgently needed on neonatal immune programming during maternal mono-and co-infection. This review therefore includes sections on current knowledge gaps that may prompt future research directions. These gaps reflect an emerging but poorly characterized field. Their significance and potential investigation is underscored by the fact that although viral infections result in adverse consequences in both mother and developing fetus/newborn, antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies can improve clinical outcomes in the dyad.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H. Girsch
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States,,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Maria C. Mejia Plazas
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Amanda Olivier
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mohamed Farah
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Dawn Littlefield
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Supriya Behl
- Department of Pediatric Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Sohan Punia
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Reona Sakemura
- Department of Hematology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jack R. Hemsath
- Department of Infectious Diseases Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Andrew Norgan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. L. Enninga
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States,,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Erica L. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rana Chakraborty
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States,,Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States,,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States,Correspondence: Rana Chakraborty
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45
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Apoptosis during ZIKA Virus Infection: Too Soon or Too Late? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031287. [PMID: 35163212 PMCID: PMC8835863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell death by apoptosis is a major cellular response in the control of tissue homeostasis and as a defense mechanism in the case of cellular aggression such as an infection. Cell self-destruction is part of antiviral responses, aimed at limiting the spread of a virus. Although it may contribute to the deleterious effects in infectious pathology, apoptosis remains a key mechanism for viral clearance and the resolution of infection. The control mechanisms of cell death processes by viruses have been extensively studied. Apoptosis can be triggered by different viral determinants through different pathways as a result of virally induced cell stresses and innate immune responses. Zika virus (ZIKV) induces Zika disease in humans, which has caused severe neurological forms, birth defects, and microcephaly in newborns during the last epidemics. ZIKV also surprised by revealing an ability to persist in the genital tract and in semen, thus being sexually transmitted. Mechanisms of diverting antiviral responses such as the interferon response, the role of cytopathic effects and apoptosis in the etiology of the disease have been widely studied and debated. In this review, we examined the interplay between ZIKV infection of different cell types and apoptosis and how the virus deals with this cellular response. We illustrate a duality in the effects of ZIKV-controlled apoptosis, depending on whether it occurs too early or too late, respectively, in neuropathogenesis, or in long-term viral persistence. We further discuss a prospective role for apoptosis in ZIKV-related therapies, and the use of ZIKV as an oncolytic agent.
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Mazziotta C, Pellielo G, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Significantly Low Levels of IgG Antibodies Against Oncogenic Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Sera From Females Affected by Spontaneous Abortion. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:789991. [PMID: 34970247 PMCID: PMC8712937 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.789991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a small DNA tumor virus ubiquitous in humans. MCPyV establishes a clinically asymptomatic lifelong infection in healthy immunocompetent individuals. Viral infections are considered to be risk factors for spontaneous abortion (SA), which is the most common adverse complication of pregnancy. The role of MCPyV in SA remains undetermined. Herein, the impact of MCPyV infection in females affected by SA was investigated. Specifically, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method with two linear synthetic peptides/mimotopes mimicking MCPyV antigens was used to investigate immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against MCPyV in sera from 94 females affected by SA [mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 35 ± (6) years] and from 96 healthy females undergoing voluntary pregnancy interruption [VI, mean (±SD) age 32 ± (7) years]. MCPyV seroprevalence and serological profiles were analyzed. The overall prevalence of serum IgG antibodies against MCPyV was 35.1% (33/94) and 37.5% (36/96) in SA and VI females, respectively (p > 0.05). Notably, serological profile analyses indicated lower optical densities (ODs) in females with SA compared to those undergoing VI (p < 0.05), thus indicating a reduced IgG antibody response in SA females. Circulating IgGs were identified in sera from SA and VI females. Our immunological findings indicate that a relatively reduced fraction of pregnant females carry serum anti-MCPyV IgG antibodies, while SA females presented a more pronounced decrease in IgG antibody response to MCPyV. Although yet to be determined, this immunological decrease might prompt an increase in MCPyV multiplication events in females experiencing abortive events. The role of MCPyV in SA, if present, remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Pellielo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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47
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Young EM. Perinatal/maternal-fetal-infant dermatologic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2. An Overview and Implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1071839. [PMID: 36533244 PMCID: PMC9755859 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1071839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Early identification of the dermatologic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 in perinatal and maternal-fetal-infant populations is essential for early intervention in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of short and long term sequelae. Although cutaneous signs of SARS-CoV-2 are less common in pregnant women, neonates, and infants, the recognition of related skin lesions with regard to timing, location, duration, and pattern can lead to determining disease severity. While many pediatric patients may be asymptomatic with negative SARS-CoV-2 testing, skin lesions may be the only clue of infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy can lead to severe life threatening illness and by understanding the cutaneous manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, early diagnosis can be made with improved maternal-fetal outcomes. A wide array of dermatologic presentations associated with SARS-CoV-2 are reported in the literature. This review explores the expanding reports in the literature of the dermatologic presentations of skin lesions related to SARS-CoV-2 specifically in perinatal and maternal-fetal-infant health and the implications for management. The collaboration of the specialties of dermatology, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and infectious disease in the approach to SARS-CoV-2 disease can lead to a better understanding of the scope and presentation of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Young
- Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Private Practice, Huntington, WV, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, United States
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Hardardottir L, Bazzano MV, Glau L, Gattinoni L, Köninger A, Tolosa E, Solano ME. The New Old CD8+ T Cells in the Immune Paradox of Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:765730. [PMID: 34868016 PMCID: PMC8635142 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.765730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are the most frequent T cell population in the immune cell compartment at the feto-maternal interface. Due to their cytotoxic potential, the presence of CD8+ T cells in the immune privileged pregnant uterus has raised considerable interest. Here, we review our current understanding of CD8+ T cell biology in the uterus of pregnant women and discuss this knowledge in relation to a recently published immune cell Atlas of human decidua. We describe how the expansion of CD8+ T cells with an effector memory phenotype often presenting markers of exhaustion is critical for a successful pregnancy, and host defense towards pathogens. Moreover, we review new evidence on the presence of long-lasting immunological memory to former pregnancies and discuss its impact on prospective pregnancy outcomes. The formation of fetal-specific memory CD8+ T cell subests in the uterus, in particular of tissue resident, and stem cell memory cells requires further investigation, but promises interesting results to come. Advancing the knowledge of CD8+ T cell biology in the pregnant uterus will be pivotal for understanding not only tissue-specific immune tolerance but also the etiology of complications during pregnancy, thus enabling preventive or therapeutic interventions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilja Hardardottir
- Laboratory for Translational Perinatology- Focus: Immunology, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maria Victoria Bazzano
- Laboratory for Translational Perinatology- Focus: Immunology, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Laura Glau
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luca Gattinoni
- Department of Functional Immune Cell Modulation, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Regensburg, Germany
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Angela Köninger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Regensburg at the St. Hedwig Hospital of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Eva Tolosa
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Emilia Solano
- Laboratory for Translational Perinatology- Focus: Immunology, University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Mellqvist H, Saggers RT, Elfvin A, Hentz E, Ballot DE. The effects of exposure to HIV in neonates at a referral hospital in South Africa. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:485. [PMID: 34727920 PMCID: PMC8565056 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02969-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fewer infants are infected with HIV through mother-to-child transmission, making HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) infants a growing population. HIV-exposure seems to affect immunology, early growth and development, and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, there is a lack of information regarding the clinical effects of HIV-exposure during the neonatal period. Objectives To identify a possible difference in mortality and common neonatal morbidities in HEU neonates compared to HIV-unexposed neonates. Methods This was a retrospective, descriptive study of all neonates admitted to the neonatal unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. HEU neonates were compared to HIV-unexposed neonates. Results There were 3236 neonates included, where 855 neonates were HEU. The HEU neonates had significantly lower birth weight and gestational age. The HEU neonates had higher rates of neonatal sepsis (19.8% vs 14.2%, OR 1.49, p < 0.001), specifically for late onset sepsis, and required more respiratory support. NCPAP and invasive ventilation was more common in the HEU group (36.3% vs 31.3% required NCPAP, p = 0.008, and 20.1% vs 15,0% required invasive ventilation, p < 0.001). Chronic lung disease was more common among HIV-exposed neonates (12.2% vs 8.7%, OR 1.46, p = 0.003). The difference in mortality rates between the study groups was not significant (10.8% of HEU neonates and 13.3% of HIV-unexposed). Conclusions HEU neonates had higher rates of neonatal sepsis, particularly late-onset sepsis, required more respiratory support and had higher rates of chronic lung disease. Mortality of HEU neonates was not different HIV-unexposed neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Mellqvist
- Futurum, County Hospital Ryhov, Jonkoping, Sweden.,Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robin T Saggers
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Anders Elfvin
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Department of Pediatrics, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Hentz
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Region Västra Götaland, Department of Pediatrics, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daynia E Ballot
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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50
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Wang PH, Lee WL, Yang ST, Tsui KH, Chang CC, Lee FK. The impact of COVID-19 in pregnancy: Part II. Vaccination to pregnant women. J Chin Med Assoc 2021; 84:903-910. [PMID: 34433191 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective strategies are urgently needed to decrease the risk of untoward outcomes of pregnant women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) infection. Pregnant women are a vulnerable population to infectious disease pandemics with dramatically increased infectious diseases-related serious complications, such as the need of hospitalizations, the need of admission to intensive care unit, and the final disease-related death compared with those nonpregnant counterparts or those pregnant women without infection. Several studies have shown that vaccinations in pregnancy are a safe and highly effective strategy, not only for pregnant women but also for fetus and/or newborn because of the passive transplacental transfer of antibodies to the offspring. Active and passive prevention of infectious diseases is approved as effective strategies for women who attempt to become pregnant or during pregnancy. Despite the large and proven scientific evidence, pregnant women still puzzle over whether they should get vaccinated. The question therefore arises: Why are pregnant women so reluctant to receive vaccination? The explanation is more likely in the way that the benefits of vaccination have been communicated "confusedly." In fact, like virtually all clinical trials, all the COVID-19 vaccine trials have excluded pregnant and lactating women from participating, contributing to uncertainty of safety and efficacy in COVID-19 vaccines that have been well prepared and available for the general adult population worldwide. Moreover, messenger RNA vaccine is a relatively brand-new vaccine, and experience with this type of vaccine is still scarce. It is hard to overcome this innovation deadlock. The knowledge and awareness of pregnant women who are at risk, and full information on the knowledge of vaccines and related preventable diseases in pregnant women may avoid hesitancy and increase vaccine acceptance. The current review is a part two addressing the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women. We focus on the up-to-date information about the application of vaccination on pregnant women, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- Female Cancer Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Ling Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medicine, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Szu-Ting Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Chang Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fa-Kung Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathy General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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