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Arguelho AO, Mallmann GS, Soares-Marangoni DA. Neuromotor Behavior of Infants at 3 and 6 Months Prenatally Exposed to SARS-CoV-2: a Brief Report. Dev Neurorehabil 2024; 27:186-193. [PMID: 39037026 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2024.2374958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection may be a risk factor for neurological impairment. This study describes the neuromotor behavior of infants prenatally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 using gold standard tools for early detection of neurological impairment. Sixteen infants were included in this exploratory longitudinal study. Infants were assessed at 3 months using the Prechtl General Movement Assessment, and at 6 months using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination. Infants might have presented neuromotor limitations at 3 months; however, they progressed to a low-risk outcome of neurological impairment at 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Oliveira Arguelho
- Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, Integrated Health Institute, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Geruza Souza Mallmann
- Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, Integrated Health Institute, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Daniele Almeida Soares-Marangoni
- Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, Integrated Health Institute, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Integrated Health Institute, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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2
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Yates EF, Mulkey SB. Viral infections in pregnancy and impact on offspring neurodevelopment: mechanisms and lessons learned. Pediatr Res 2024; 96:64-72. [PMID: 38509227 PMCID: PMC11257821 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03145-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Pregnant individuals with viral illness may experience significant morbidity and have higher rates of pregnancy and neonatal complications. With the growing number of viral infections and new viral pandemics, it is important to examine the effects of infection during pregnancy on both the gestational parent and the offspring. Febrile illness and inflammation during pregnancy are correlated with risk for autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and developmental delay in the offspring in human and animal models. Historical viral epidemics had limited follow-up of the offspring of affected pregnancies. Infants exposed to seasonal influenza and the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus experienced increased risks of congenital malformations and neuropsychiatric conditions. Zika virus exposure in utero can lead to a spectrum of abnormalities, ranging from severe microcephaly to neurodevelopmental delays which may appear later in childhood and in the absence of Zika-related birth defects. Vertical infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has occurred rarely, but there appears to be a risk for developmental delays in the infants with antenatal exposure. Determining how illness from infection during pregnancy and specific viral pathogens can affect pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes of offspring can better prepare the community to care for these children as they grow. IMPACT: Viral infections have impacted pregnant people and their offspring throughout history. Antenatal exposure to maternal fever and inflammation may increase risk of developmental and neurobehavioral disorders in infants and children. The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic stresses the importance of longitudinal studies to follow pregnancies and offspring neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma F Yates
- Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah B Mulkey
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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3
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Mulkey SB, Ursini G. Early life exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and offspring neurodevelopment: detecting a non-linear relationship requires a complex approach. Pediatr Res 2024; 96:15-16. [PMID: 38388821 PMCID: PMC11257796 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03104-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Mulkey
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Gianluca Ursini
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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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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5
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Chachlaki K, Le Duc K, Storme L, Prevot V. Novel insights into minipuberty and GnRH: Implications on neurodevelopment, cognition, and COVID-19 therapeutics. J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13387. [PMID: 38565500 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In humans, the first 1000 days of life are pivotal for brain and organism development. Shortly after birth, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the hypothalamus are activated, a phenomenon known as minipuberty. This phenomenon, observed in all mammals studied, influences the postnatal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and reproductive function. This review will put into perspective the results of recent studies showing that the impact of minipuberty extends beyond reproductive function, influencing sensory and cognitive maturation. Studies in mice have revealed the role of nitric oxide (NO) in regulating minipuberty amplitude, with NO deficiency linked to cognitive and olfactory deficits. Additionally, findings indicate that cognitive and sensory defects in adulthood in a mouse model of Down syndrome are associated with an age-dependent decline of GnRH production, whose origin can be traced back to minipuberty, and point to the potential therapeutic role of pulsatile GnRH administration in cognitive disorders. Furthermore, this review delves into the repercussions of COVID-19 on GnRH production, emphasizing potential consequences for neurodevelopment and cognitive function in infected individuals. Notably, GnRH neurons appear susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, raising concerns about potential long-term effects on brain development and function. In conclusion, the intricate interplay between GnRH neurons, GnRH release, and the activity of various extrahypothalamic brain circuits reveals an unexpected role for these neuroendocrine neurons in the development and maintenance of sensory and cognitive functions, supplementing their established function in reproduction. Therapeutic interventions targeting the HPG axis, such as inhaled NO therapy in infancy and pulsatile GnRH administration in adults, emerge as promising approaches for addressing neurodevelopmental cognitive disorders and pathological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Chachlaki
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR_S1172, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Hospital-University Federation (FHU) 1000 First Days of Life, Lille, France
| | - Kevin Le Duc
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Hospital-University Federation (FHU) 1000 First Days of Life, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Neonatology Department, Jeanne de Flandres Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Laurent Storme
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Hospital-University Federation (FHU) 1000 First Days of Life, Lille, France
- CHU Lille, Neonatology Department, Jeanne de Flandres Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR_S1172, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Hospital-University Federation (FHU) 1000 First Days of Life, Lille, France
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Yangin Ergon E, Alkan Ozdemir S, Akbay Ak S, Yenilmez M, Soysal B, Kalkanlı OH, Çalkavur Ş, Gokmen Yıldırım T. The long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of toddlers with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the neonatal period: a prospective observational study. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:34. [PMID: 38413995 PMCID: PMC10900707 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01609-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus in the neonatal period on developing brain is still unknown. This study aims to investigate the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of newborns exposed to SARS-CoV-2 & Delta variant. METHODS At a tertiary referral center, a prospective observational cohort research was carried out. All babies who were equal to or more than 34 gestational weeks gestation and were admitted to the NICU between January 2021 and January 2022 due to SARS-CoV-2 infection (Delta - or Delta +) were included in the study. Infants who were hospitalized for non-SARS-CoV-2 reasons at similar dates and who had no history of invasive mechanical ventilation were incorporated as a control group using a 2:1 gender and gestational age match. Thirty infants were assigned to the study group and sixty newborns to the control group based on the sample size calculation. These toddlers' neurodevelopment was evaluated between the ages of 18 and 24 months using the Bayley-II scale. RESULTS We enrolled 90 infants. SARS-CoV-2-positive infants had poorer psychomotor development index (PDI) scores and significantly greater mildly delayed performances (MDPs) at 18-24 months (PDI p = 0.05, MDPs p = 0.03, respectively). Delta variant showed statistically significant lower MDI and PDI scores (MDI p=0.03, PDI p=0.03, respectively). A smaller head circumference of SARS-CoV-2-positive toddlers was detected in the first year (p < 0.001), which improved at the second age. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2-positive neonates revealed lower PDI scores and greater MDPs at 18th-24th months. The effect is most noticeable in Delta variant. Longer-term examination of neurodevelopmental outcomes and reevaluation of these children between the ages of 5 and 12 are critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Yangin Ergon
- Clinic of Neonatology, T.C. Ministry of Health, Izmir Provincial Health Directorate, H.S.U. Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, 35210, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Senem Alkan Ozdemir
- Clinic of Neonatology, T.C. Ministry of Health, Izmir Provincial Health Directorate, H.S.U. Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, 35210, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sinem Akbay Ak
- Clinic of Neonatology, T.C. Ministry of Health, Izmir Provincial Health Directorate, H.S.U. Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, 35210, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Meltem Yenilmez
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Unit, T.C. Ministry of Health, Izmir Provincial Health Directorate, H.S.U. Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, 35210, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Buse Soysal
- Clinic of Neonatology, T.C. Ministry of Health, Izmir Provincial Health Directorate, H.S.U. Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, 35210, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Oğuz Han Kalkanlı
- Clinic of Neonatology, T.C. Ministry of Health, Izmir Provincial Health Directorate, H.S.U. Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, 35210, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Şebnem Çalkavur
- Clinic of Neonatology, T.C. Ministry of Health, Izmir Provincial Health Directorate, H.S.U. Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, 35210, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tülin Gokmen Yıldırım
- Clinic of Neonatology, T.C. Ministry of Health, Izmir Provincial Health Directorate, H.S.U. Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Education and Research Hospital, 35210, Izmir, Turkey
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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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Andescavage N, Lu YC, Wu Y, Kapse K, Keller J, Von Kohorn I, Afifi A, Vezina G, Henderson D, Wessel DL, du Plessis AJ, Limperopoulos C. Intrauterine exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and early newborn brain development. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae041. [PMID: 38385890 PMCID: PMC10883413 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae041] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies suggest that prenatal exposures to certain viruses may influence early neurodevelopment, predisposing offspring to neuropsychiatric conditions later in life. The long-term effects of maternal COVID-19 infection in pregnancy on early brain development, however, remain largely unknown. We prospectively enrolled infants in an observational cohort study for a single-site study in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area from June 2020 to November 2021 and compared these infants to pre-pandemic controls (studied March 2014-February 2020). The primary outcomes are measures of cortical morphometry (tissue-specific volumes), along with global and regional measures of local gyrification index, and sulcal depth. We studied 210 infants (55 infants of COVID-19 unexposed mothers, 47 infants of COVID-19-positive mothers, and 108 pre-pandemic healthy controls). We found increased cortical gray matter volume (182.45 ± 4.81 vs. 167.29 ± 2.92) and accelerated sulcal depth of the frontal lobe (5.01 ± 0.19 vs. 4.40 ± 0.13) in infants of COVID-19-positive mothers compared to controls. We found additional differences in infants of COVID-19 unexposed mothers, suggesting both maternal viral exposures, as well as non-viral stressors associated with the pandemic, may influence early development and warrant ongoing follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickie Andescavage
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s National Hospital, 111 Michigavn Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, 2300 Eye St. NW Washington, DC 20052, United States
| | - Yuan-Chiao Lu
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
| | - Yao Wu
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
| | - Kushal Kapse
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
| | - Jennifer Keller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, 2300 Eye Ste. NW, Washington, DC 20052, United States
| | - Isabelle Von Kohorn
- Department of Neonatology, Holy Cross Hospital, 1500 Forest Glen Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States
| | - Ashraf Afifi
- Department of Hospital-Based Regional Neonatology at Woodbridge, Children’s National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
| | - Gilbert Vezina
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
| | - Deidtra Henderson
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
| | - David L Wessel
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, 2300 Eye St. NW Washington, DC 20052, United States
- Critical Care Medicine, Children’s National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
| | - Adre J du Plessis
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, 2300 Eye St. NW Washington, DC 20052, United States
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children’s National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW Washington, DC 20010, United States
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, 2300 Eye St. NW Washington, DC 20052, United States
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children’s National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW Washington, DC 20010, United States
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Manti S, Spoto G, Nicotera AG, Di Rosa G, Piedimonte G. Impact of respiratory viral infections during pregnancy on the neurological outcomes of the newborn: current knowledge. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1320319. [PMID: 38260010 PMCID: PMC10800711 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1320319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain development is a complex process that begins during pregnancy, and the events occurring during this sensitive period can affect the offspring's neurodevelopmental outcomes. Respiratory viral infections are frequently reported in pregnant women, and, in the last few decades, they have been related to numerous neuropsychiatric sequelae. Respiratory viruses can disrupt brain development by directly invading the fetal circulation through vertical transmission or inducing neuroinflammation through the maternal immune activation and production of inflammatory cytokines. Influenza virus gestational infection has been consistently associated with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder, while the recent pandemic raised some concerns regarding the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born to affected mothers. In addition, emerging evidence supports the possible role of respiratory syncytial virus infection as a risk factor for adverse neuropsychiatric consequences. Understanding the mechanisms underlying developmental dysfunction allows for improving preventive strategies, early diagnosis, and prompt interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Manti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Spoto
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and of Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and of Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Piedimonte
- Department of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Mulkey SB. Lessons learned in caring for newborns from one viral outbreak to the next. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:416-417. [PMID: 38049647 PMCID: PMC11018050 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02937-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Mulkey
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C, USA.
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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11
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Pinheiro GSMA, Lemos SMA, Martins IDA, Januário GC, Cintra ML, Farias AVSR, Oliveira RMDS, Januário JN, Azevedo VMGDO, Bentes AA, Alves CRL. Effects of SARS-CoV-2 gestational exposure and risk factors on neurodevelopment until 12 months: A prospective cohort study in Brazil. Early Hum Dev 2024; 188:105918. [PMID: 38104363 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of SARS-CoV-2 gestational exposure on child development remain inconclusive. AIMS To analyze the effects of SARS-CoV-2 gestational exposure on neurodevelopment until 12 months. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study conducted in five municipalities in Southeast Brazil from August 2021 to September 2022. SUBJECTS Infants were recruited from a serological survey performed during neonatal screening and followed up to 12 months old. We included 224 infants exposed to SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and 225 non-exposed, according to the serology results of the newborn as well as their mothers and the maternal antenatal RT-PCR results. OUTCOME MEASURES Developmental assessments were performed at 6 and 12 months using the Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children-Brazilian Version (SWYC-BR). Children with suspected developmental delay (SDD) at 6 and 12 months were considered at high risk for developmental delay (HRDD). Additionally, risk factors associated with SDD were examined. RESULTS There were 111 children identified with SDD and 52 with HRDD. SARS-CoV-2 gestational exposure was not associated with SDD. Exposure in the first gestational trimester increased SDD risk by 2.15 times compared to the third. Cesarean delivery predicted SDD (OR 1.56; 95%CI 1.01-2.42) and HRDD (OR 1.91; 95%CI 1.04-3.48). Additionally, suspected maternal depression predicted SDD (OR 1.76; 95%CI 1.01-3.10). CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 gestational exposure did not increase the developmental delay risk. However, our findings suggest that the earlier the gestational exposure, the greater the developmental delay risk at 12 months. Cesarean delivery and suspected maternal depression increased the developmental delay risk, independent of virus exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stela Maris Aguiar Lemos
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190 - Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, MG 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Isadora de Araújo Martins
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190 - Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, MG 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Cintra Januário
- Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais, Rodovia Papa João Paulo II, 4143. Cidade Administrativa - Serra Verde, Belo Horizonte, MG 31630-900, Brazil
| | - Mila Lemos Cintra
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190 - Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, MG 30130-100, Brazil
| | | | | | - José Nélio Januário
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190 - Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, MG 30130-100, Brazil.
| | | | - Aline Almeida Bentes
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190 - Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, MG 30130-100, Brazil.
| | - Claudia Regina Lindgren Alves
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190 - Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, MG 30130-100, Brazil.
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12
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Mulkey SB, Bearer CF, Molloy EJ. Indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children relate to the child's age and experience. Pediatr Res 2023; 94:1586-1587. [PMID: 37280324 PMCID: PMC10242215 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02681-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Mulkey
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Cynthia F Bearer
- Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, UH CMC, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Eleanor J Molloy
- Paediatrics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Children's Hospital Ireland at Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
- Neonatology, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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13
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Sauve F, Nampoothiri S, Clarke SA, Fernandois D, Ferreira Coêlho CF, Dewisme J, Mills EG, Ternier G, Cotellessa L, Iglesias-Garcia C, Mueller-Fielitz H, Lebouvier T, Perbet R, Florent V, Baroncini M, Sharif A, Ereño-Orbea J, Mercado-Gómez M, Palazon A, Mattot V, Pasquier F, Catteau-Jonard S, Martinez-Chantar M, Hrabovszky E, Jourdain M, Deplanque D, Morelli A, Guarnieri G, Storme L, Robil C, Trottein F, Nogueiras R, Schwaninger M, Pigny P, Poissy J, Chachlaki K, Maurage CA, Giacobini P, Dhillo W, Rasika S, Prevot V. Long-COVID cognitive impairments and reproductive hormone deficits in men may stem from GnRH neuronal death. EBioMedicine 2023; 96:104784. [PMID: 37713808 PMCID: PMC10507138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have recently demonstrated a causal link between loss of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the master molecule regulating reproduction, and cognitive deficits during pathological aging, including Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Olfactory and cognitive alterations, which persist in some COVID-19 patients, and long-term hypotestosteronaemia in SARS-CoV-2-infected men are also reminiscent of the consequences of deficient GnRH, suggesting that GnRH system neuroinvasion could underlie certain post-COVID symptoms and thus lead to accelerated or exacerbated cognitive decline. METHODS We explored the hormonal profile of COVID-19 patients and targets of SARS-CoV-2 infection in post-mortem patient brains and human fetal tissue. FINDINGS We found that persistent hypotestosteronaemia in some men could indeed be of hypothalamic origin, favouring post-COVID cognitive or neurological symptoms, and that changes in testosterone levels and body weight over time were inversely correlated. Infection of olfactory sensory neurons and multifunctional hypothalamic glia called tanycytes highlighted at least two viable neuroinvasion routes. Furthermore, GnRH neurons themselves were dying in all patient brains studied, dramatically reducing GnRH expression. Human fetal olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia, from which GnRH neurons arise, and fetal GnRH neurons also appeared susceptible to infection. INTERPRETATION Putative GnRH neuron and tanycyte dysfunction following SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion could be responsible for serious reproductive, metabolic, and mental health consequences in long-COVID and lead to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative pathologies over time in all age groups. FUNDING European Research Council (ERC) grant agreements No 810331, No 725149, No 804236, the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program No 847941, the Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale (FRM) and the Agence Nationale de la Recherche en Santé (ANRS) No ECTZ200878 Long Covid 2021 ANRS0167 SIGNAL, Agence Nationale de la recherche (ANR) grant agreements No ANR-19-CE16-0021-02, No ANR-11-LABEX-0009, No. ANR-10-LABEX-0046, No. ANR-16-IDEX-0004, Inserm Cross-Cutting Scientific Program HuDeCA, the CHU Lille Bonus H, the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and National Institute of Health and care Research (NIHR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Sauve
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | - Sreekala Nampoothiri
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | - Sophie A Clarke
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Fernandois
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | | | - Julie Dewisme
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France; CHU Lille, Department of Pathology, Centre Biologie Pathologie, France
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gaetan Ternier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | - Ludovica Cotellessa
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | | | - Helge Mueller-Fielitz
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thibaud Lebouvier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France; CHU Lille, Department of Neurology, Memory Centre, Reference Centre for Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders, Lille, France
| | - Romain Perbet
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France; CHU Lille, Department of Pathology, Centre Biologie Pathologie, France
| | - Vincent Florent
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | - Marc Baroncini
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | - Ariane Sharif
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | - June Ereño-Orbea
- CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTACentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Maria Mercado-Gómez
- CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTACentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Asis Palazon
- CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTACentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Virginie Mattot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | - Florence Pasquier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France; CHU Lille, Department of Neurology, Memory Centre, Reference Centre for Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders, Lille, France
| | - Sophie Catteau-Jonard
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France; CHU Lille, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Jeanne de Flandres Hospital, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Maria Martinez-Chantar
- CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTACentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mercé Jourdain
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation, U1190, EGID, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Dominique Deplanque
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France; University Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Centre d'investigation Clinique (CIC) 1403, F-59000, Lille, France; LICORNE Study Group, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Laurent Storme
- CHU Lille, Department of Neonatology, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, FHU 1000 Days for Health, F-59000, France
| | - Cyril Robil
- University Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - François Trottein
- University Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Ruben Nogueiras
- CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Pascal Pigny
- CHU Lille, Service de Biochimie et Hormonologie, Centre de Biologie Pathologie, Lille, France
| | - Julien Poissy
- LICORNE Study Group, CHU Lille, Lille, France; Univ. Lille, Inserm U1285, CHU Lille, Pôle de Réanimation, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Konstantina Chachlaki
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | - Claude-Alain Maurage
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France; CHU Lille, Department of Pathology, Centre Biologie Pathologie, France; LICORNE Study Group, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France
| | - Waljit Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Rasika
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France.
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DistAlz, Lille, France.
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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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15
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Mughis H, Lye P, Matthews SG, Bloise E. Hypoxia modifies levels of the SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and furin in fetal human brain endothelial cells. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:101126. [PMID: 37562534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101126] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not known whether human fetal brain endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin, which are SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins. Moreover, it is unclear whether hypoxia, commonly observed during severe maternal COVID-19, can modify their level of expression. We hypothesized that human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early- and midpregnancy brain microvessels express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin. Furthermore, we hypothesized that hypoxia modifies their expression levels in a gestational age- and time-of-exposure-dependent manner. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether early- and midpregnancy human fetal brain endothelial cells express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin SARS-CoV-2-associated cell entry proteins and to determine the effects of hypoxia on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin expression levels in human fetal brain endothelial cells. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective study where human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early-pregnancy (12.4±0.7 weeks of gestation) and midpregnancy (17.9±0.5 weeks of gestation) fetal brain microvessels (6 per group) were exposed to different oxygen tensions (20%, 5%, and 1% oxygen) for 6, 24, and 48 hours. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin messenger RNA and protein levels and localization were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot testing, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin co-localize with the endothelial cell marker von Willebrand factor in human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early pregnancy and midpregnancy. In early pregnancy, TMPRSS2 messenger RNA expression was decreased by 5% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen after 6 hours of exposure (P<.05). In midpregnancy, 5% oxygen down-regulated ACE2 messenger RNA compared with 20% oxygen after 24 hours (P<.05). Furin messenger RNA expression was decreased under 5% and 1% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen (P<.05) after 24 hours. In midpregnancy, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein levels were decreased under 5% and 1% oxygen (P<.001) after 24 hours. In contrast, furin protein levels were increased under 1% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen after 24 hours (P<.05). At 48 hours, 1% oxygen increased angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein levels compared with 20% oxygen (P<.01). CONCLUSION Hypoxia modifies the expression of selected SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins in human fetal brain endothelial cells in a gestational age- and time-of-exposure-dependent manner. As severe COVID-19 may lead to maternal hypoxia, an altered expression of these proteins in the developing human blood-brain barrier could potentially lead to altered SARS-CoV-2 brain invasion and neurologic sequelae in neonates born to pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafsah Mughis
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews)
| | - Phetcharawan Lye
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews)
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews); Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Matthews)
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (Dr Bloise).
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16
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Carrasco Colom J, Manzanares Á, Álvaro Gómez A, Serrano Escribano I, Esquivel E, Pérez-Rivilla A, Moral-Pumarega MT, Aguirre Pascual E, De Vergas J, Reda Del Barrio S, Moraleda C, Epalza C, Fernández-Cooke E, Prieto L, Villaverde S, Zamora B, Herraiz I, Galindo A, Folgueira MD, Delgado R, Blázquez-Gamero D. Clinical outcomes and antibody transfer in a cohort of infants with in utero or perinatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (Coronascope Study). Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4647-4654. [PMID: 37561198 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05147-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to describe the outcomes, focusing on the hearing and neurological development, of infants born to mothers with COVID-19 during pregnancy and to evaluate the persistence of maternal antibodies in the first months of life. An observational, prospective study at a tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain) on infants born to mothers with COVID-19 during pregnancy between March and September 2020 was conducted. A follow-up visit at 1-3 months of age with a physical and neurological examination, cranial ultrasound (cUS), SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swab, and SARS-CoV-2 serology were performed. Hearing was evaluated at birth through the automated auditory brainstem response and at six months of age through the auditory steady-state response. A neurodevelopmental examination using the Bayley-III scale was performed at 12 months of age. Of 95 infants studied, neurological examination was normal in all of them at the follow-up visit, as was the cUS in 81/85 (95%) infants, with only mild abnormalities in four of them. Serology was positive in 47/95 (50%) infants, which was not associated with symptoms or severity of maternal infection. No hearing loss was detected, and neurodevelopment was normal in 96% of the infants (median Z score: 0). CONCLUSION In this cohort, the majority of infants born to mothers with COVID-19 during pregnancy were healthy infants with a normal cUS, no hearing loss, and normal neurodevelopment in the first year of life. Only half of the infants had a positive serological result during the follow-up. WHAT IS KNOWN • Hearing loss and neurodevelopmental delay in infants born to mothers with COVID-19 during pregnancy has been suggested, although data is inconsistent. Maternal antibody transfer seems to be high, with a rapid decrease during the first weeks of life. WHAT IS NEW • Most infants born to mothers with COVID-19 during pregnancy had normal hearing screening, cranial ultrasound, and neurodevelopmental status at 12 months of life. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were only detected in 50% of the infants at two months of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Carrasco Colom
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Trials Unit (UPIC), Instituto de Investigación Hospital, RECLIP, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángela Manzanares
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Trials Unit (UPIC), Instituto de Investigación Hospital, RECLIP, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | - Estrella Esquivel
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Trials Unit (UPIC), Instituto de Investigación Hospital, RECLIP, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfredo Pérez-Rivilla
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Moral-Pumarega
- Neonatology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, RICORS Network, ISCIII, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Joaquín De Vergas
- Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Reda Del Barrio
- Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cinta Moraleda
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Trials Unit (UPIC), Instituto de Investigación Hospital, RECLIP, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Epalza
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Trials Unit (UPIC), Instituto de Investigación Hospital, RECLIP, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Fernández-Cooke
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Trials Unit (UPIC), Instituto de Investigación Hospital, RECLIP, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Prieto
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Trials Unit (UPIC), Instituto de Investigación Hospital, RECLIP, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Serena Villaverde
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Trials Unit (UPIC), Instituto de Investigación Hospital, RECLIP, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Berta Zamora
- Neuropsychology Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Herraiz
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Chronic Maternal and Child Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin (RICORS Network), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, RD21/0012/0024, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Galindo
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Chronic Maternal and Child Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin (RICORS Network), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, RD21/0012/0024, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Dolores Folgueira
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Delgado
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Blázquez-Gamero
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Trials Unit (UPIC), Instituto de Investigación Hospital, RECLIP, 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Gangi DN, Aishworiya R, Hill MM, Nguyen DT, Ni R, Parikh C, Solis E, Ozonoff S. Case report: Transient symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in a 2-year-old boy. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e07345. [PMID: 37180323 PMCID: PMC10172454 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Though early ASD diagnosis is highly stable, this case report describes a rare situation in which symptoms resolved without intervention over a 4 month period. We do not recommend delaying diagnosis in symptomatic children who meet criteria but when major behavioral changes are reported after diagnosis, reevaluation may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon N. Gangi
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesMIND Institute, University of California‐DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ramkumar Aishworiya
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesMIND Institute, University of California‐DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Khoo Teck Puat‐National University Children's Medical InstituteNational University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Monique Moore Hill
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesMIND Institute, University of California‐DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Dan Thu Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesMIND Institute, University of California‐DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rachel Ni
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesMIND Institute, University of California‐DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Chandni Parikh
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesMIND Institute, University of California‐DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Sally Ozonoff
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesMIND Institute, University of California‐DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
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Brum AC, Vain NE. Impact of perinatal COVID on fetal and neonatal brain and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 28:101427. [PMID: 36907666 PMCID: PMC9991322 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2023.101427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
After three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned many aspects of the disease and the virus: its molecular structure, how it infects human cells, the clinical picture at different ages, potential therapies, and the effectiveness of prophylaxis. Research is currently focused on the short- and long-term consequences of COVID-19. We review the available information on the neurodevelopmental outcome of infants born during the pandemic from infected and non-infected mothers, as well as the neurological impact of neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also discuss the mechanisms that could potentially affect the fetal or neonatal brain including direct impact after vertical transmission, maternal immune activation with a proinflammatory cytokine storm, and finally the consequences of complications of pregnancy secondary to maternal infection that could affect the fetus. Several follow-up studies have noted a variety of neurodevelopmental sequelae among infants born during the pandemic. There is controversy as to the exact etiopathogenesis of these neurodevelopmental effects: from the infection itself or as a result of parental emotional stress during that period. We summarize case reports of acute neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections associated with neurological signs and neuroimaging changes. Many infants born during previous pandemics caused by other respiratory viruses demonstrated serious neurodevelopmental and psychological sequelae that were only recognized after several years of follow-up. It is essential to warn health authorities about the need for very long-term continuous follow up of infants born during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic for early detection and treatment that could help mitigate the neurodevelopmental consequences of perinatal COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Brum
- Hospital Sanatorio de la Trinidad, Cerviño 4720, 1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Nestor E Vain
- Hospital Sanatorio de la Trinidad, Cerviño 4720, 1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina; School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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