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Ma Y, Zhang Q, Shan Z, Chen Y, Chen Y, Pan X, Huang Y. Pregnancy outcomes in women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reinfections compared to those with a single infection: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:459. [PMID: 38961348 PMCID: PMC11223318 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess pregnancy outcomes in women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study that included pregnant women who contracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) once or twice during pregnancy and who gave birth between 1 October 2022 and 15 August 2023 in Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital (Shanghai, China). We collected their clinical data and compared the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes between the reinfection group and the primary infection group, such as preterm birth, fetal growth restriction (FGR), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), common pregnancy-related conditions, birth weight, and neonatal unit admission. RESULTS We observed a 7.7% reinfection rate among the 1,405 women who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy. There were no significant differences in the frequency of preterm birth, FGR, HDP, other common pregnancy-related conditions, birth weight, or rate of neonatal unit admission between the reinfection and single infection groups. All our participants were unvaccinated, and all had mild symptoms. CONCLUSION Our study showed no significant association between SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 536 Changle Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Qingxia Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, 2 Yinghuayuan East Streat, Chaoyang District, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenli Shan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 536 Changle Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yanting Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, 2 Yinghuayuan East Streat, Chaoyang District, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North China University of Science And Technology Affiliated Hospital, 063099, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, 2 Yinghuayuan East Streat, Chaoyang District, 100029, Beijing, China.
| | - Yiying Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 536 Changle Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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Rocha de Souza L, Ramos Amorim MM, Souza AS, Carvalho Pinto de Melo B, Tiné Cantilino C, de Oliveira Saunders MA, Jucá de Petribú M, Soares Lúcio L, Rodrigues Marinho J, de Oliveira Correia MEV, Katz L. Association between maternal and perinatal outcomes and histological changes in the placenta of patients with Covid-19: A cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38171. [PMID: 38788031 PMCID: PMC11124646 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038171] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Although studies evaluated placental involvement in Covid-19 patients, few have assessed its association with clinical repercussions. The study aimed to determine the association between the clinical status and maternal and perinatal outcomes of patients with Covid-19 at delivery and changes in placental histology. It is so far the largest cohort evaluating placentas of patients infected by the SARS-CoV-2. A secondary analysis was conducted of a database from which a cohort of 226 patients, who tested real-time polymerase chain reaction-positive for Covid-19 at delivery and whose placentas were collected and submitted to pathology, was selected for inclusion. One or more types of histological changes were detected in 44.7% of the 226 placentas evaluated. The most common abnormalities were maternal vascular malperfusion (38%), evidence of inflammation/infection (9.3%), fetal vascular malperfusion (0.8%), fibrinoid changes and intervillous thrombi (0.4%). Oxygen use (P = .01) and need for admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) (P = .04) were less common in patients with placental findings, and hospital stay was shorter in these patients (P = .04). There were more fetal deaths among patients with evidence of inflammation/infection (P = .02). Fetal death, albeit uncommon, is associated with findings of inflammation/infection. Oxygen use and need for admission to an ICU were less common among patients with placental findings, probably due to the pregnancy being interrupted early. None of the other findings was associated with maternal clinical status or with adverse perinatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Rocha de Souza
- Master’s Program of Comprehensive Health at IMIP, Recife, Brazil
- High Risk Pregnancy Unit at IMIP, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Alex Sandro Souza
- Professor of the Postgraduate Program at IMIP, Recife, Brazil
- Department of Fetal Medicine at IMIP, Recife, Brazil
| | - Brena Carvalho Pinto de Melo
- High Risk Pregnancy Unit at IMIP, Recife, Brazil
- Simulation Center at Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde (Csim), Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Leila Katz
- Professor of the Postgraduate Program at IMIP, Recife, Brazil
- Obstetric Intensive Care Unit at IMIP, Recife, Brazil
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Schaumann N, Suhren JT. An Update on COVID-19-Associated Placental Pathologies. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2024; 228:42-48. [PMID: 38330958 DOI: 10.1055/a-2220-7469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 pregnancies are associated with increased rates of premature delivery and stillbirths. It is still a matter of debate whether there is a COVID-19-associated pattern of placenta pathology. We updated our previously published results on a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 pregnancies. In total, 38 reports on 3677 placentas were evaluated regarding histopathological changes. Maternal vascular malperfusion (32%), fetal vascular malperfusion (19%), acute and chronic inflammation (20% and 22%) were frequent pathologies. In non-COVID-19 pregnancies, placentas show similar histologic patterns and mainly similar frequencies of manifestation. It has to be taken into account that there might be an observation bias, because some findings are diagnosed as a "pathology" that might have been classified as minor or unspecific findings in non-COVID-19 placentas. COVID-19 placentitis occurs in 1-2% of cases at the most. In conclusion, this updated meta-analysis indicates that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not result in an increased rate of a specific placenta pathology and COVID-19 placentitis is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Schaumann
- Institut für Pathologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan-Theile Suhren
- Institut für Pathologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Vaideeswar P, Sathe PA. Placental pathology: Cracks in the feto-maternal bridge. J Postgrad Med 2024; 70:7-8. [PMID: 38037771 PMCID: PMC10947736 DOI: 10.4103/jpgm.jpgm_617_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P Vaideeswar
- Department of Pathology (Cardiovascular and Thoracic Division), Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - PA Sathe
- Department of Pathology (Cardiovascular and Thoracic Division), Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Ryan EE, Brar N, Allard G, Wang A, Winn VD, Folkins A, Yang EJ, Tan S, Hazard FK, Howitt BE. Clinical Features of SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy and Associated Placental Pathologies. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2024; 43:15-24. [PMID: 36811832 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY We reviewed the clinicopathologic findings of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-exposed placentas at our institution. We identified patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy (March-October 2020). Clinical data included gestational age at diagnosis and delivery and maternal symptoms. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed for maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, chronic villitis, amniotic fluid infection, intervillous thrombi, fibrin deposition, and infarction. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for coronavirus spike protein and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) for SARS-CoV-2 was performed on a subset of blocks. A review of placentas from age-matched patients received March-October 2019 was conducted as a comparison cohort. A total of 151 patients were identified. Placentas in the 2 groups were similar in weight for gestational age and had similar rates of maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, amniotic fluid infection, intervillous thrombi, fibrin deposition, and infarction. Chronic villitis was the only significantly different pathologic finding between cases and controls (29% of cases showed chronic villitis vs. 8% of controls, P <0.001). Overall, 146/151 (96.7%) cases were negative for IHC and 129/133 (97%) cases were negative for RNA ISH. There were 4 cases that stained positively for IHC/ISH, 2 of which showed massive perivillous fibrin deposition, inflammation, and decidual arteriopathy. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive patients were more likely to self-identify as Hispanic and more likely to have public health insurance. Our data suggests SARS-CoV-2 exposed placentas that stain positively for SARS-CoV-2 show abnormal fibrin deposition, inflammatory changes, and decidual arteriopathy. The group of patients with clinical COVID-19 are more likely to show chronic villitis. IHC and ISH evidence of viral infection is rare.
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Lad SK, Jashnani KD, Pophalkar M, Jnanananda B, Mahajan N. Study of placental histopathology in COVID-19 mothers at a dedicated COVID-19 hospital in India. J Postgrad Med 2024; 70:15-22. [PMID: 37675665 PMCID: PMC10947734 DOI: 10.4103/jpgm.jpgm_60_23] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal infections can affect the placenta, which acts as a fetomaternal barrier. This study aimed to determine the spectrum of morphologic alterations in the placentas of pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection and the impact on fetal or neonatal outcomes. Materials and Methods This is a prospective case-control study. One hundred SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women and an equal number of SARS CoV-2 negative pregnant women in their third trimester who delivered at our tertiary care center between December 2020 and November 2021 were enrolled in the study. This study was conducted at the end of the first wave and during the second COVID-19 wave. Histopathological examination of the placentas was done using Amsterdam consensus criteria. We observed for evidence of maternal vascular malperfusion [MVM], fetal vascular malperfusion, and inflammation in the placenta. Results The clinical findings were compared between the cases and controls. Evidence of MVM was seen in comparable numbers between the cases and controls, but as it involved less than 30% of the placental disc, it was considered an insignificant finding. Deciduitis was seen in equal proportions in both groups. The comparison between the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups failed to show any difference in placental pathology between both groups. There was no adverse fetal outcome seen in the pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion Placental injury at the microscopic level was observed but was neither significant nor specific to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS CoV-2 infection did not influence the placental pathology. Also, no adverse neonatal outcomes were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- SK Lad
- Department of Pathology, TN Medical College, BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - KD Jashnani
- Department of Pathology, TN Medical College, BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - M Pophalkar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, TN Medical College, BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - B Jnanananda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, TN Medical College, BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - N Mahajan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, TN Medical College, BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Magawa S, Nii M, Enomoto N, Tamaishi Y, Takakura S, Maki S, Ishida M, Osato K, Kondo E, Sakuma H, Ikeda T. COVID-19 during pregnancy could potentially affect placental function. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2265021. [PMID: 37806776 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2265021] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic and has been extensively studied. However, the effects of COVID-19 during pregnancy, particularly on placental function, have not been verified. In this study, we used blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-MRI) to evaluate whether COVID-19 incidence during pregnancy has any lasting effects with respect to placental oxygenation. METHODS This is a case-control study, in which eight cases of singleton pregnancies before 30 weeks gestation with COVID-19 mothers were included. Placental oxygenation was evaluated using BOLD-MRI after 32 weeks of gestation. BOLD-MRI was consecutively performed under normoxia (21% O2), hyperoxia (100% O2), and normoxia for 4 min each. Individual placental time-activity curves were evaluated to calculate the peak score (peakΔR2*) and the time from the start of maternal oxygen administration to the time of peakΔR2* (time to peakΔR2*). Eighteen COVID-19-free normal pregnancies from a previous study were used as the control group. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding maternal background, number of days of delivery, birth weight, and placental weight. The parameter peakΔR2* was significantly decreased in the COVID-19 group (8 ± 3 vs. 5 ± 1, p < .001); however, there was no significant difference in time to peakΔR2* (458 ± 74 s vs. 471 ± 33 s, p = .644). CONCLUSIONS In this study, BOLD-MRI was used to evaluate placental oxygenation during pregnancy in COVID-19-affected patients. COVID-19 during pregnancy decreased placental oxygenation even post-illness, but had no effect on fetal growth; further investigation of the possible effects of COVID-19 on the fetus and mother is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Magawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Enomoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Yuya Tamaishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Sho Takakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Shintaro Maki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Masaki Ishida
- Department of Radiology, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Osato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie Prefectural General Medical Center, Yokkaichi, Japan
| | - Eiji Kondo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Hajime Sakuma
- Department of Radiology, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
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Lin R, Forquer H, Cviko-Pajt A, Schauer GM, Abellar RG, Hedderson M, Kuzniewicz MW, Greenberg MB. Placental Histopathologic Findings of a Large Cohort of Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2023; 42:589-596. [PMID: 36811836 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant individuals with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are at a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous small cohort studies have shown increased frequency of placental lesions associated with maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, and inflammation among patients with SARS-CoV-2, without controlling for cardiometabolic risk factors among many such patients. We aimed to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is independently associated with placental abnormalities when controlling for risk factors that could affect placental histopathology. Retrospective cohort study of placentas from singleton pregnancies in Kaiser Permanente Northern California from March to December 2020. Pathologic findings were compared among those with confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and those without. We examined the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and categorical placental pathologies, controlling for maternal age, gestational age, prepregnancy body mass index, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia/eclampsia, preexisting diabetes, history of thrombosis, and stillbirth. A total of 2,989 singleton gestation placentas were analyzed, 416 (13%) from pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 2,573 (86%) from those without infection. Among placentas from pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2, 54.8% had evidence of inflammation, 27.1% maternal malperfusion abnormality, 20.7% massive perivillous fibrin or chronic villitis, 17.3% villous capillary abnormality, and 15.1% fetal malperfusion. After controlling for risks factors and stratifying interval time between SARS-CoV-2 infection and delivery, no association was found between placental abnormalities and SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. SARS-CoV-2 infection was not associated with an increased risk of placentally mediated adverse outcomes during pregnancy, compared with placentas sent for other indications, in this large diverse cohort.
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Patiño Escarcina JE, da Silva AKCV, Medeiros MODA, Fernandes SSS, Agareno LA, Garboggini LA, Gouveia MDS, Duarte VC, Morbeck DL, Moreira LMO. Histological Alterations in Placentas of Pregnant Women with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Single-Center Case Series. Pathogens 2023; 12:1197. [PMID: 37887713 PMCID: PMC10610047 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101197] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the histopathological changes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in placentas. A case series of anatomopathological analysis was conducted on the placentas of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 who delivered between March and December 2020 at Santo Amaro Hospital (HSA) in Salvador, Brazil. Out of the 29 placentas examined, the median weight was 423.0 (IQR: 385.0-521.0) g. Among them, 58.3% (n = 14) had inadequate weight relative to the newborn's weight. The histopathological findings revealed that 86.2% (n = 25) of the placentas had poorly defined lobes, and the fetal and maternal surface color was normal in 89.7% (n = 26) and 93.1% (n = 27), respectively. Additionally, 51.7% (n = 15) of the umbilical cords displayed hypercoiling. The most frequent microscopic finding was infarction, present in 35.3% (n = 6) of the cases, followed by 11.8% (n = 2) for each of chorioamnionitis, chronic villitis, focal perivillositis, and laminar necrosis. Analysis of the umbilical cords identified 23.5% (n = 4) cases of intervillous thrombosis, while amnion analysis showed 13.8% (n = 4) cases of squamous metaplasia. Extraplacental membrane examination revealed fibrin deposition in 93.1% (n = 27) of the cases, necrosis in 62.0% (n = 18), calcifications in 51.7% (n = 15), cysts in 37.9% (n = 11), neutrophilic exudate in 17.2% (n = 5), thrombosis in 13.7% (n = 4), and delayed placental maturation in 6.9% (n = 2). All analyzed placentas exhibited histopathological changes, primarily vascular and inflammatory, which indicate SARS-CoV-2 infection in term pregnancies. These alterations could be associated with impaired placental function, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and prematurity. However, further prospective studies are required to validate the type, prevalence, and prognosis of each of these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Enrique Patiño Escarcina
- José Silveira Foundation, Center for Research, Learning and Innovation, Salvador 40210-320, BA, Brazil; (A.K.C.V.d.S.); (L.A.A.); (D.L.M.); (L.M.O.M.)
- Collective Health Institute, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador 40110-040, BA, Brazil
| | - Ana Keila Carvalho Vieira da Silva
- José Silveira Foundation, Center for Research, Learning and Innovation, Salvador 40210-320, BA, Brazil; (A.K.C.V.d.S.); (L.A.A.); (D.L.M.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | | | | | - Luiza Andrade Agareno
- José Silveira Foundation, Center for Research, Learning and Innovation, Salvador 40210-320, BA, Brazil; (A.K.C.V.d.S.); (L.A.A.); (D.L.M.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | | | - Marcela de Sá Gouveia
- Climério de Oliveira Maternity, Salvador 40055-150, BA, Brazil; (L.A.G.); (M.d.S.G.); (V.C.D.)
| | - Vanessa Campos Duarte
- Climério de Oliveira Maternity, Salvador 40055-150, BA, Brazil; (L.A.G.); (M.d.S.G.); (V.C.D.)
| | - Diogo Lago Morbeck
- José Silveira Foundation, Center for Research, Learning and Innovation, Salvador 40210-320, BA, Brazil; (A.K.C.V.d.S.); (L.A.A.); (D.L.M.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | - Lícia Maria Oliveira Moreira
- José Silveira Foundation, Center for Research, Learning and Innovation, Salvador 40210-320, BA, Brazil; (A.K.C.V.d.S.); (L.A.A.); (D.L.M.); (L.M.O.M.)
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Cannarella R, Kaiyal RS, Marino M, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Impact of COVID-19 on Fetal Outcomes in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1337. [PMID: 37763105 PMCID: PMC10533032 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091337] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic causing respiratory symptoms, taste alterations, olfactory disturbances, and cutaneous, cardiovascular, and neurological manifestations. Recently, research interest has shifted to reproductive health to understand the factors predisposing to COVID-19 infection in pregnancy, the consequences of the infection on the fetus and on the mother, and possible vertical transmission through the placenta. Pregnancy does not increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to studies. However, contrary to non-pregnant women, pregnancy worsens the clinical outcome of COVID-19. Studies investigating the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy women are heterogeneous, and the results are often conflicting. Objectives: The goal of the current work was to offer a thorough and up-to-date systematic review of, and meta-analysis on, the impact of COVID-19 on ovarian function, pregnancy, and fetal outcomes. Search strategy: This meta-analysis (PROSPERO n. CRD42023456904) was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocols. The search for relevant material was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Embase databases, through to 15 December 2022. Selection criteria: Original articles on fertile pregnant women or women attempting to become pregnant, with an active case of, or history of, SARS-CoV-2 infection were included, and reproductive function was compared to that of uninfected women. Data collection and analysis: The effects of COVID-19 on female reproductive function, particularly ovarian function, the profile of female sex hormones, pregnancy outcomes and fetal outcomes were the focus of our search. Quantitative analysis was performed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. The standard difference of the mean was calculated for the statistical comparison between cases and controls. Cochran's Q test and heterogeneity (I2) indexes were used to assess statistical heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias tests were also performed. Main Results: Twenty-eight articles met our inclusion criteria, for a total of 27,383 patients pregnant or looking to have offspring, with active or anamnestic COVID-19, and 1,583,772 uninfected control women. Our study revealed that there was no significant difference between COVID-19 patients and the control group in terms of maternal characteristics such as age, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities that could affect pregnancy and fetal outcomes. The risk of a miscarriage or Cesarean delivery was significantly lower, while the risk of fetal death or premature delivery was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in the controls. None of the included studies evaluated hormonal profiles or investigated the presence of infertility. Conclusions: Maternal comorbidities, age, and BMI do not raise the risk of COVID-19. However, pregnant women with COVID-19 had a lower risk of miscarriage and Cesarean delivery, possibly because of better prenatal care and high levels of observation during labor. COVID-19 during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal death and premature delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (A.E.C.)
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Raneen Sawaid Kaiyal
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Marta Marino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (S.L.V.); (A.E.C.)
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Huppertz B. Placental physioxia is based on spatial and temporal variations of placental oxygenation throughout pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103985. [PMID: 37406413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103985] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
For obvious reasons, in vivo measurements of placental oxygenation are extremely rare and hence, scientists need to focus on the few studies that revealed at least some data on the topic. The scarcity of real in vivo data resulted in the development of hypotheses on placental oxygenation that blocked an objective view on the topic for decades. Only now, new hypotheses are emerging adding new views and ideas on the topic. Especially in the field of preeclampsia, hypotheses on placental oxygenation have mislead a whole generation of scientists. This review article displays the available in vivo placental oxygen data from 8 to 40 weeks of gestation. It also compares these physiological oxygen concentrations, called physioxia, with the situation in pre-placental hypoxia, i.e. pregnancies at high altitude. Finally, it summarizes what we know today about oxygen measurements in cases with preeclampsia. In early-onset preeclampsia cases, all in vivo data available today point to increased oxygen values in the intervillous space of the placenta. This is due to a reduced oxygen transfer of the placental barrier from maternal to fetal blood, resulting in hypoxia of fetal blood and the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold Huppertz
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
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Al Ghaithi I, Ahmed B, Al Dughaishi T, Al Riyami N, Al Haddabi R, Gowri V. Maternal, Perinatal, and Neonatal Outcomes of COVID-19 Severity in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Study from Oman. Oman Med J 2023; 38:e530. [PMID: 37711979 PMCID: PMC10498356 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2023.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 severity on maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. We also aimed to assess the effect of medical comorbidities on the severity of COVID-19. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on women who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and delivered at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, from 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2021. Results A total of 118 pregnant women with COVID-19 and their 118 newborns were included in the study. Mean maternal age was 32.0 years, with 60.2% of women infected in the third trimester. The majority of the participants had mild symptoms. Eleven (9.3%) women had moderate infection needing inpatient care. Six (5.1%) with severe infection were admitted to intensive care unit. The chronic diseases among the participants were hypothyroidism, obesity, sickle cell disease, epilepsy, and diabetes. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.0 weeks with 20.9% of women delivering by cesarean section out of whom 37.5% had moderate-to-severe COVID-19. The most common complications associated with COVID-19 severity were preterm labor (p =0.002), preeclampsia (p =0.002), and intrauterine fetal death (p =0.089). Of the total 118 newborns, 111 were singletons and six were twins. One fetus died and three singletons were lost to miscarriage. Placental histopathology conducted in 64 patients had no COVID-specific findings in most cases. Conclusions Most pregnant women with COVID-19 infections had mild symptoms. The majority of women with moderate-to-severe infection were admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia. There was no direct effect of COVID-19 severity in neonatal outcomes or placental histopathology changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istaqlal Al Ghaithi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Training Program, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman
| | - Bushra Ahmed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Tamima Al Dughaishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Nihal Al Riyami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University,
Muscat, Oman
| | - Rahma Al Haddabi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Vaidyanathan Gowri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University,
Muscat, Oman
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13
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Heeralall C, Ibrahim UH, Lazarus L, Gathiram P, Mackraj I. The effects of COVID-19 on placental morphology. Placenta 2023; 138:88-96. [PMID: 37235921 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The impact of the COVID-19 infection, caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), during the pandemic has been considerably more severe in pregnant women than non-pregnant women. Therefore, a review detailing the morphological alterations and physiological changes associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy and the effect that these changes have on the feto-placental unit is of high priority. This knowledge is crucial for these mothers, their babies and clinicians to ensure a healthy life post-pandemic. Hence, we review the placental morphological changes due to COVID-19 to enhance the general understanding of how pregnant mothers, their placentas and unborn children may have been affected by this pandemic. Based on current literature, we deduced that COVID-19 pregnancies were oxygen deficient, which could further result in other pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia and IUGR. Therefore, we present an up-to-date review of the COVID-19 pathophysiological implications on the placenta, covering the function of the placenta in COVID-19, the effects of this virus on the placenta, its functions and its link to other gestational complications. Furthermore, we highlight the possible effects of COVID-19 therapeutic interventions on pregnant mothers and their unborn children. Based on the literature, we strongly suggest that consistent surveillance for the mothers and infants from COVID-19 pregnancies be prioritised in the future. Though the pandemic is now in the past, its effects are long-term, necessitating the monitoring of clinical manifestations in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Heeralall
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - U H Ibrahim
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - L Lazarus
- Discipline of Clinical Anatomy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - P Gathiram
- Discipline of Family Medicine, School of Public Health and Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - I Mackraj
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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14
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Lubrano C, Mancon A, Anelli GM, Gagliardi G, Corneo R, Bianchi M, Coco C, Dal Molin G, Vignali M, Schirripa I, Di Simone N, Pavone G, Pellegrino A, Gismondo MR, Savasi VM, Cetin I. Immune Response and Transplacental Antibody Transfer in Pregnant Women after COVID-19 Vaccination. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040689. [PMID: 37109075 PMCID: PMC10141882 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection is associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications, making vaccination during pregnancy critical for mother-neonate dyads. Few data, often with an unrepresentative sample size, are available on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced humoral and cell-mediated response. Here, we evaluated anti-S antibody and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production elicited by SARS-CoV-2 immunization in maternal and neonatal plasma. Pregnant women (n = 230) were prospectively enrolled and classified as unvaccinated (n = 103) and vaccinated (n = 127); after serological screening for previous infections, assays were performed on 126 dyads, 15 mothers and 17 newborns. Positive anti-S antibodies were found in most of the vaccinated subjects, regardless of timespan between immunization and delivery (range: 7-391 days). A total of 89 of 92 vaccinated women showed a broad response to COVID-19 immunization and highly effective placental transfer, as attested by anti-S positive rates (maternal = 96.7%, cord = 96.6%). Most of our subjects had indeterminate results in an IGRA assay, preventing a conclusive evaluation of IFN-γ production. Indeed, pregnancy-related hormonal changes may influence T-cell response with an impact on IFN-γ production. Positive pregnancy and perinatal outcomes reinforce the evidence that the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunization is effective and well-tolerated in pregnant women and also protective for the fetus/neonate, even though it was not possible to define the related IFN-γ production and role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lubrano
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mancon
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Maria Anelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Gagliardi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Corneo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Micol Bianchi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Coco
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Dal Molin
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, Macedonio Melloni Hospital-ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Vignali
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, Macedonio Melloni Hospital-ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Schirripa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Pavone
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Antonio Pellegrino
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gismondo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Maria Savasi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, Buzzi Children's Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milan, Italy
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15
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Habel JR, Chua BY, Kedzierski L, Selva KJ, Damelang T, Haycroft ER, Nguyen TH, Koay HF, Nicholson S, McQuilten HA, Jia X, Allen LF, Hensen L, Zhang W, van de Sandt CE, Neil JA, Pragastis K, Lau JS, Jumarang J, Allen EK, Amanant F, Krammer F, Wragg KM, Juno JA, Wheatley AK, Tan HX, Pell G, Walker S, Audsley J, Reynaldi A, Thevarajan I, Denholm JT, Subbarao K, Davenport MP, Hogarth PM, Godfrey DI, Cheng AC, Tong SY, Bond K, Williamson DA, McMahon JH, Thomas PG, Pannaraj PS, James F, Holmes NE, Smibert OC, Trubiano JA, Gordon CL, Chung AW, Whitehead CL, Kent SJ, Lappas M, Rowntree LC, Kedzierska K. Immune profiling of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy reveals NK cell and γδ T cell perturbations. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e167157. [PMID: 37036008 PMCID: PMC10132165 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.167157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy poses a greater risk for severe COVID-19; however, underlying immunological changes associated with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy are poorly understood. We defined immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in unvaccinated pregnant and nonpregnant women with acute and convalescent COVID-19, quantifying 217 immunological parameters. Humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 were similar in pregnant and nonpregnant women, although our systems serology approach revealed distinct antibody and FcγR profiles between pregnant and nonpregnant women. Cellular analyses demonstrated marked differences in NK cell and unconventional T cell activation dynamics in pregnant women. Healthy pregnant women displayed preactivated NK cells and γδ T cells when compared with healthy nonpregnant women, which remained unchanged during acute and convalescent COVID-19. Conversely, nonpregnant women had prototypical activation of NK and γδ T cells. Activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and T follicular helper cells was similar in SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant and nonpregnant women, while antibody-secreting B cells were increased in pregnant women during acute COVID-19. Elevated levels of IL-8, IL-10, and IL-18 were found in pregnant women in their healthy state, and these cytokine levels remained elevated during acute and convalescent COVID-19. Collectively, we demonstrate perturbations in NK cell and γδ T cell activation in unvaccinated pregnant women with COVID-19, which may impact disease progression and severity during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Habel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendon Y. Chua
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Lukasz Kedzierski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kevin J. Selva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timon Damelang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ebene R. Haycroft
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thi H.O. Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hui-Fern Koay
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suellen Nicholson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hayley A. McQuilten
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiaoxiao Jia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lilith F. Allen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luca Hensen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wuji Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carolien E. van de Sandt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica A. Neil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Pragastis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jillian S.Y. Lau
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jaycee Jumarang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - E. Kaitlynn Allen
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Fatima Amanant
- Department of Microbiology, and
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Kathleen M. Wragg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer A. Juno
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam K. Wheatley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hyon-Xhi Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Pell
- Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan Walker
- Mercy Perinatal Research Centre, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Audsley
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arnold Reynaldi
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Irani Thevarajan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Justin T. Denholm
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kanta Subbarao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Miles P. Davenport
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P. Mark Hogarth
- Immune Therapies Laboratory, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dale I. Godfrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allen C. Cheng
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Infection Prevention and Healthcare Epidemiology Unit, Alfred Health, and Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Y.C. Tong
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katherine Bond
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah A. Williamson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - James H. McMahon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul G. Thomas
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Pia S. Pannaraj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Fiona James
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha E. Holmes
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Data Analytics Research and Evaluation Centre, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Olivia C. Smibert
- Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, and
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason A. Trubiano
- Centre for Antibiotic Allergy and Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, and
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire L. Gordon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy W. Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clare L. Whitehead
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen J. Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Infectious Diseases Department, Alfred Health, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martha Lappas
- Obstetrics, Nutrition and Endocrinology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise C. Rowntree
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Kedzierska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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16
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Holland C, Hammond C, Richmond MM. COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Risks and Outcomes. Nurs Womens Health 2023; 27:31-41. [PMID: 36528073 PMCID: PMC9749909 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The normal physiologic changes of pregnancy are known to increase susceptibility to respiratory illness. Individuals who are pregnant are more likely to acquire a SARS-CoV-2 infection and develop COVID-19 than the general population; they are at increased risk for hospitalization; ventilator-assisted breathing; and other subsequent maternal, fetal, and neonatal health issues. Although the incidence of infection and subsequent morbidity is increased in pregnancy, mortality does not seem to be increased. Individuals who are vaccinated against COVID-19 before childbirth can pass antibodies to their fetuses via the placenta during pregnancy and to their infants during breastfeeding. It is important for health care providers to be cognizant of the potential impacts of COVID-19 on pregnant individuals and their offspring.
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17
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Dagelic A, Stefanovic V, Resic Karara J, Kuzmic Prusac I, Roje D, Kosovic I, Zekic Tomas S. Does COVID-19 infection acquired in different pregnancy trimester influence placental pathology? J Perinat Med 2022:jpm-2022-0452. [PMID: 36423330 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the morphological characteristics of the placentas from COVID-19 positive mothers in regard to the trimester of COVID-19 infection onset and low weight molecular heparin (LMWH) treatment. METHODS Placentas were collected in the period April 1st till September 1st 2021 after delivery at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Split, Croatia, and sent for pathological examination. Medical history and pathology reports were used to collect the data. Pregnant women were divided based on the onset of COVID-19 infection and stratified into low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)+ or LMWH-. Depending on the data distribution, the following test were used: chi-squared test. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS In 38% of patients the onset of COVID-19 infection was the 1st trimester of pregnancy, in 27% in the 2nd and 35% of women were infected in the 3rd trimester The fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) occurrence was statistically significantly higher in the LMWH- group and if the onset of infection was in the 2nd trimester, while the perivillous fibrin deposition was most likely to happen if the COVID-19 infection that occured in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS The onset of COVID-19 infection has the influence on trophoblast damage and subsequent morphological appearance of the placenta. LMWH use in COVID positive pregnant women decreases the rate of the FVM in examined placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dagelic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Vedran Stefanovic
- Fetomaternal Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jasminka Resic Karara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Damir Roje
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Indira Kosovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Sandra Zekic Tomas
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia
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18
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Hessami K, Aagaard KM, Castro EC, Arian SE, Nassr AA, Barrozo ER, Seferovic MD, Shamshirsaz AA. Placental Vascular and Inflammatory Findings from Pregnancies Diagnosed with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:1643-1653. [PMID: 35240710 DOI: 10.1055/a-1787-7933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of the literature concerning histopathologic findings in the placentas of women with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection during pregnancy. Searches for articles in English included PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and reference lists (up to April 2021). Studies presenting data on placental histopathology according to the Amsterdam Consensus Group criteria in SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative pregnancies were identified. Lesions were categorized into: maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion (MVM and FVM, respectively), acute placental inflammation with maternal and fetal inflammatory response (MIR and FIR, respectively), chronic inflammatory lesions (CILs), and increased perivillous fibrin deposition (PVFD). A total of 15 studies reporting on 19,025 placentas, n = 699 of which were derived from women who were identified as being infected with SARS-CoV-2 and 18,326 as SARS-CoV-2-negative controls, were eligible for analysis. No significant difference in incidence of MVM (odds ratio [OR]: 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-1.90), FVM (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.63-2.42), MIR (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.29-1.52) or FIR (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.44-1.63), and CILs (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.55-1.72) was found between placentae from gravida identified as being SARS-CoV-2 infected. However, placenta from gravida identified as being infected with SARS-CoV-2 were associated with significantly increased occurrence of PVFD (OR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.06-7.27). After subgroup analyses based on clinical severity of COVID-19 infection, no significant difference was observed in terms of reported placental pathology between symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 gravidae placenta. Current evidence based on the available literature suggests that the only pathologic finding in the placentae of women who are pregnant identified as having been infected with SARS-CoV-2 was an increased prevalence of PVFD. KEY POINTS: · No association between SARS-CoV-2 and maternal or fetal placental malperfusion.. · No association between SARS-CoV-2 and maternal or fetal inflammatory response.. · SARS-CoV-2 is associated with increased perivillous fibrin deposition in placenta..
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Hessami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Kjersti M Aagaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Eumenia C Castro
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Sara E Arian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Ahmed A Nassr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Enrico R Barrozo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Maxim D Seferovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Alireza A Shamshirsaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
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Şahin O, Altay AY, Aydın E, Bağcı H, Yalçın Ö. Effect of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection on the placenta in the third trimester of pregnancy: A prospective case-control study. Turk J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 19:178-186. [PMID: 36149229 PMCID: PMC9511936 DOI: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2022.94984] [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] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To clarify the effect of asymptomatic coronaviruse disease-2019 (COVID-19) positivity on the placenta in the third trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This prospective, case-control study included 30 pregnant women diagnosed with asymptomatic COVID-19 between April 30, 2021 and July 20, 2021 who delivered after the 34th gestational week, and a control group of 30 pregnant women without COVID-19, who delivered between April 2021 and July 2021, matched to the study group regarding age, gestational age and body mass index. Outcomes were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, serum blood outcomes, neonatal results, complications and placental histopathological findings. Results: The mean age of the study population was 28.8 years and the mean gestational week was 38.2 weeks. The C-reactive protein levels (38.2 mg/L vs 5.8 mg/L, p=0.001) and ferritin levels (266.4 μg/L and 40.5 μg/L, p=0.001) were significantly higher in the COVID-19-positive pregnant women. The lymphocyte level was significantly higher in the non-COVID-19 pregnant women (p=0.040). Mural hypertrophy was determined at a significantly higher rate in COVID-positive pregnant women (83.3% vs 30.0%, p=0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that only COVID-19 positivity increased the presence of mural hypertrophy in pregnant women with asymptomatic COVID-19 (4.716-fold, 95% confidence interval=1.012-22.251). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that asymptomatic COVID-19 had no significant effect on pregnancy and neonatal complications. However, mural hypertrophy in the placenta was found at a significantly higher rate in pregnant women with asymptomatic COVID-19.
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Arcos Júnior GF, Francisco RPV, Kill B, Peres SV, Gibelli MABC, Ibidi SM, Carvalho WBD, Simões AB, Brizot MDL, Schultz R, Carvalho MA. Placental pathological findings in coronavirus disease 2019: Perinatal outcomes. Placenta 2022; 128:23-28. [PMID: 36057169 PMCID: PMC9420243 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental alterations caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have already been described, but most studies used small sample groups and the difference according to the severity of the disease has not been verified. Our objective was to describe placental alterations in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and analyze the association of pathological placental findings with the clinical parameters of COVID-19 and perinatal results. METHODS This was a nested study within a prospective cohort study involving 109 symptomatic pregnant women with COVID-19. The prevalence of observed placental alterations was described, and the associations of pathological findings with the clinical parameters of COVID-19 severity and with perinatal outcomes were assessed. RESULTS The frequency of types of placental features was poor maternal vascular perfusion in 45% of cases, poor fetal vascular perfusion in 33.9%, hematogenous origin infection in 32.1%, and morphological changes corresponding to ascending infection in 21.1%. Hematogenous infection differed significantly according to COVID-19 severity (p = 0.008), with a prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.74 (95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.98) in the moderate COVID-19 group compared to the mild COVID-19 group. Among the perinatal outcomes, there was an unexpected inverse association between prematurity and placental infection of hematogenous origin, with lower rates of prematurity among cases with inflammation of hematogenous origin (p = 0.029). DISCUSSION Moderate SARS-Cov-2 infection presented a higher prevalence of placental pathological findings. There was no association of placental findings with adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelson Farias Arcos Júnior
- Disciplina de Obstetricia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco
- Disciplina de Obstetricia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Kill
- Disciplina de Obstetricia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Stela Verzinhasse Peres
- Disciplina de Obstetricia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Maria Augusta B C Gibelli
- Divisao de Neonatologia, Instituto da Crianca do Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Silvia Maria Ibidi
- Divisao de Neonatologia, Instituto da Crianca do Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Werther Brunow de Carvalho
- Divisao de Neonatologia, Instituto da Crianca do Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Angelica Braz Simões
- Servico de Anatomia Patologica do Hospital Universitario da USP, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Maria de Lourdes Brizot
- Disciplina de Obstetricia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Regina Schultz
- Divisao de Anatomia Patologica, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil
| | - Mariana Azevedo Carvalho
- Disciplina de Obstetricia, Departamento de Obstetricia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, BR, Brazil.
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21
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Ramphal S, Govender N, Singh S, Khaliq OP, Naicker T. Histopathological features in advanced abdominal pregnancies co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 infections: A case evaluation. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2022; 15:100153. [PMID: 35600136 PMCID: PMC9106399 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2022.100153] [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] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to provide a semi-qualitative histopathological report of the dual SARS-CoV-2 and HIV infected placentae in the third trimester of Advanced Abdominal Pregnancy (AAP). Study design Four AAP placentae in the third trimester of pregnancy (two positive for HIV-1 and two positives for SARS-CoV-2) were histologically examined. Results The SARS-CoV-2+ HIV+ placentae were dysmorphic in shape compared to the flattened disc-like shape noted in the SARS-CoV-2+HIV-, SARS-CoV-2-HIV+and SARS-CoV-2-HIV- placentae. Diffused syncytial knots and syncytial degeneration were observed in all placentae. Intermittent cytotrophoblast increase, perivillous and intravillous fibrin deposition, mononuclear inflammatory cells with widespread degeneration/necrosis of the syncytiotrophoblast and microcalcification were pronounced in the SARS-CoV-2+HIV+ compared to the SARS-CoV-2+HIV- placentae. Vascular pathological changes included thrombi, ectasis, mural hypertrophy and atherotic vessels. Conclusion Elevated syncytial trophoblast injury, villitis, microcalcifications and mineralisation of the syncytial basement membrane in the AAP placentae may be due to SARS-CoV-2 viral transgression instead of HIV infection alone. Vascular malperfusion is suggestive of a hypoxic insult arising from a compensatory response to meet the fetal oxygen and nutrient demands of an AAP. Placentae from HIV infected women on antiretroviral treatment were characterised by vascular malperfusion.
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22
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Gesaka SR, Obimbo MM, Wanyoro A. Coronavirus disease 2019 and the placenta: A literature review. Placenta 2022; 126:209-223. [PMID: 35872511 PMCID: PMC9293390 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.07.007] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has been implicated in the clinical pathology of multiple organs and organ systems. Due to the novelty of the disease, there is a need to review emerging literature to understand the profile of SARS-CoV-2 in the placenta. This review sought to evaluate the literature on the mediators, mechanism of entry, pathogenesis, detection, and pathology of SARS-CoV-2 in the placenta. Systematic literature searches found 96 eligible studies. Our review revealed that SARS-CoV-2 canonical mediators, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), and transmembrane serine protease-2 (TMPRSS2) are variably expressed in various placenta compartments, including the villous cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) throughout pregnancy. Placental SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus-associated receptors and factors (SCARFs), including basigin (BSG/CD147), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4/CD26), cathepsin B/L (CTL B/L), furin, interferon-induced transmembrane protein (IFITM1-3), and lymphocyte antigen 6E (LY6E) may increase or reduce the permissiveness of the placenta to SARS-CoV-2. EVTs express genes that code for proteins that may drive viral pathogenesis in the placenta. Viral RNA, proteins, and particles were detected primarily in the STBs by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction. Placental pathology in SARS-CoV-2-infected placentas included maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion and a generally nonspecific inflammatory-immune response. The localization of SARS-CoV-2 receptors, proteases, and genes involved in coding proteins that drive viral pathogenesis in the placenta predisposes the placenta to SARS-CoV-2 infection variably in all pregnancy trimesters, with antecedent placental pathology. There is a need for further studies to explicate the mechanism of entry and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samwel R Gesaka
- Basic Clinical and Translational (BCT) Research Laboratory, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Moses M Obimbo
- Basic Clinical and Translational (BCT) Research Laboratory, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Anthony Wanyoro
- Basic Clinical and Translational (BCT) Research Laboratory, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
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23
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Placental Characteristics of a Large Italian Cohort of SARS-CoV-2-Positive Pregnant Women. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071435. [PMID: 35889153 PMCID: PMC9317507 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The variety of placental morphological findings with SARS-CoV-2 maternal infections has raised the issue of poor agreement in histopathological evaluation. The aims of this study were: to describe the histopathological placental features of a large sample of SARS-CoV-2-positive women who gave birth in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic, to analyse the factors underlying these lesions, and to analyse the impact of placental impairment on perinatal outcomes. From 25 February 2020 to 30 June 2021, experienced perinatal pathologists examined 975 placentas of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers enrolled in a national prospective study, adopting the Amsterdam Consensus Statement protocol. The main results included the absence of specific pathological findings for SARS-CoV-2 infections, even though a high proportion of placentas showed signs of inflammation, possibly related to a cytokine storm induced by the virus, without significant perinatal consequences. Further research is needed to better define the clinical implications of placental morphology in SARS-CoV-2 infections, but the results of this large cohort suggest that placentas do not seem to be a preferential target for the new Coronavirus infection.
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24
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Horn LC, Krücken I, Hiller GGR, Niedermair M, Perac K, Pietsch C, Höhn AK. Placental pathology in sudden intrauterine death (SIUD) in SARS-CoV-2-positive oligosymptomatic women. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 307:1811-1822. [PMID: 35716208 PMCID: PMC9206072 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06614-0] [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: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Pregnant women are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Although an infection of the placenta may be rare, pregnancy may occasionally be affected by intrauterine failure. The knowledge of placental morphology on sudden intrauterine demise is still limited. Methods Fetal and placental tissue of two cases of sudden intrauterine death in the second trimester were analysed morphologically and by immunohistochemistry. One case was evaluated by RT-PCR. Results Both mothers were tested positive for the Alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2 but were oligosymptomatic for COVID-19. Unexpected sudden intrauterine death (SIUD) occurred at 15 + 2 and 27 + 3 weeks of gestation. One fetus demonstrated an intrauterine growth restriction. No malformations nor inflammatory changes were observed in either fetus on autopsy. In contrast to the placentas, the fetal tissue was negative for SARS-CoV-2 on immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analyses. Macroscopically, the placentas showed an increased consistency with a white, reticular cutting surface covering about 95% of the whole placenta. Only very focal histiocytic chronic intervillositis was noted histologically. Massive perivillous fibrin deposits with extensive necroses of the villous trophoblast were present in more than 90% of the placental tissue. Immunohistochemical staining was strong and diffusely positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the villous trophoblast and rarely within the villous stromal cells. Placental SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by RT-PCR. Conclusion Sudden intrauterine death may occur in mothers who are oligosymptomatic for COVID-19. Acute placental failure is responsible for SIUD, demonstrated by massive perivillous fibrin deposits and extensive necroses of the villous trophoblast with SARS-CoV-2-positivity based on immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR. Detailed histopathological examination of placental and fetal tissue is mandatory to verify SARS-CoV-2 and to evaluate the pathogenesis and functionality of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars-Christian Horn
- Division of Breast Gynecologic and Perinatal Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 26, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Irene Krücken
- Division of Breast Gynecologic and Perinatal Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 26, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Grit Gesine Ruth Hiller
- Division of Breast Gynecologic and Perinatal Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 26, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Niedermair
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, City Hospital Wels-Grieskirchen, Grieskirchen, Austria
| | - Kristina Perac
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, City Hospital Wels-Grieskirchen, Grieskirchen, Austria
| | - Corinna Pietsch
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne Kathrin Höhn
- Division of Breast Gynecologic and Perinatal Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 26, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Ward J, Cornaby C, Kato T, Gilmore R, Bunch D, Miller M, Boucher R, Schmitz J, Askin F, Scanga L. The clinical impact of maternal COVID-19 on mothers, their infants, and placentas with an analysis of vertical transfer of maternal SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies. Placenta 2022; 123:12-23. [PMID: 35512490 PMCID: PMC9057562 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The effect of SARS-CoV-2 severity or the trimester of infection in pregnant mothers, placentas, and infants is not fully understood. Methods A retrospective, observational cohort study in Chapel Hill, NC of 115 mothers with SARS-CoV-2 and singleton pregnancies from December 1, 2019 to May 31, 2021 via chart review to document the infants’ weight, length, head circumference, survival, congenital abnormalities, hearing loss, maternal complications, and placental pathology classified by the Amsterdam criteria. Results Of the 115 mothers, 85.2% were asymptomatic (n = 37) or had mild (n = 61) symptoms, 13.0% had moderate (n = 9) or severe (n = 6) COVID-19, and 1.74% (n = 2) did not have symptoms recorded. Moderate and severe maternal infections were associated with increased C-section, premature delivery, infant NICU admission, and were more likely to occur in Type 1 (p = 0.0055) and Type 2 (p = 0.0285) diabetic mothers. Only one infant (0.870%) became infected with SARS-CoV-2, which was not via the placenta. Most placentas (n = 63, 54.8%) did not show specific histologic findings; however, a subset showed mild maternal vascular malperfusion (n = 26, 22.6%) and/or mild microscopic ascending intrauterine infection (n = 28, 24.3%). The infants had no identifiable congenital abnormalities, and all infants and mothers survived. Discussion Most mothers and their infants had a routine clinical course; however, moderate and severe COVID-19 maternal infections were associated with pregnancy complications and premature delivery. Mothers with pre-existing, non-gestational diabetes were at greatest risk of developing moderate or severe COVID-19. The placental injury patterns of maternal vascular malperfusion and/or microscopic ascending intrauterine infection were not associated with maternal COVID-19 severity.
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Khalil A, Blakeway H, Samara A, O'Brien P. COVID-19 and stillbirth: direct vs indirect effect of the pandemic. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 59:288-295. [PMID: 34951732 DOI: 10.1002/uog.24846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - H Blakeway
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
| | - A Samara
- Division of Clinical Paediatrics, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren, Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P O'Brien
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
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Suhren JT, Meinardus A, Hussein K, Schaumann N. Meta-analysis on COVID-19-pregnancy-related placental pathologies shows no specific pattern. Placenta 2022; 117:72-77. [PMID: 34773743 PMCID: PMC8525005 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia rarely occurs in pregnant women. Case reports indicate that fibrin and lymphohistiocytic lesions in placentas may be typical. However, a meta-analysis to clarify whether there is a COVID-19-associated pattern of placental lesions has not yet been conducted. Systematic literature search with meta-analysis of publications on 10 or more cases of pregnancy with SARS-CoV-2 infection and placenta examination (30 publications from 2019 to 2021; 1452 placenta cases) was performed. The meta-analysis did not reveal any COVID-19-specific placenta changes. The incidence of both vascular and inflammatory lesions was mainly comparable to that of non-COVID-19 pregnancies. Transplacental viral transmission is very rare and there are no typical placental changes. The most important prognostic factor seems to be maternal-fetal hypoxia in the context of pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kais Hussein
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Nora Schaumann
- Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
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28
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Di Girolamo R, Khalil A, Alameddine S, D'Angelo E, Galliani C, Matarrelli B, Buca D, Liberati M, Rizzo G, D'Antonio F. Placental histopathology after SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 3:100468. [PMID: 34425296 PMCID: PMC8379009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to report the spectrum of placental pathology findings in pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science databases were searched up to August 11, 2021. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Histopathologic anomalies included maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, acute inflammatory pathology, chronic inflammatory pathology, increased perivillous fibrin, and intervillous thrombosis. Moreover, subanalyses of symptomatic women only and high-risk pregnancies were performed. METHODS Histopathologic analysis of the placenta included gross examination, histopathology on hematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on placental tissue, and transmission electron microscope. Random-effect meta-analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 56 studies (1008 pregnancies) were included. Maternal vascular malperfusion was reported in 30.7% of placentas (95% confidence interval, 20.3-42.1), whereas fetal vascular malperfusion was observed in 27.08 % of cases (95% confidence interval, 19.2-35.6). Acute and chronic inflammatory pathologies were reported in 22.68% (95% confidence interval, 16.9-29.0) and 25.65% (95% confidence interval, 18.4-33.6) of cases, respectively. Increased perivillous fibrin was observed in 32.7% (95% confidence interval, 24.1-42.0) of placentas undergoing histopathologic analysis, whereas intervillous thrombosis was observed in 14.6% of cases (95% confidence interval, 9.7-20.2). Other placental findings, including a basal plate with attached myometrial fibers, microscopic accretism, villous edema, increased circulating nucleated red blood cells, or membranes with hemorrhage, were reported in 37.5% of cases (95% confidence interval, 28.0-47.5), whereas only 17.5% of cases (95% confidence interval, 10.9-25.2) did not present any abnormal histologic findings. The subanalyses according to maternal symptoms owing to SARS-CoV-2 infection or the presence of a high-risk pregnancy showed a similar distribution of the different histopathologic anomalies to that reported in the main analysis. Moreover, the risk of placental histopathologic anomalies was higher when considering only case-control studies comparing women with SARS-CoV-2 infection with healthy controls. CONCLUSION In pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection, a significant proportion of placentas showed histopathologic findings, suggesting placental hypoperfusion and inflammation. Future multicenter prospective blinded studies are needed to correlate these placental lesions with pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Di Girolamo
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom (XX Khalil); Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom (Dr Khalil)
| | - Sara Alameddine
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Emanuela D'Angelo
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Dr D'Angelo)
| | - Carmen Galliani
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Barbara Matarrelli
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Danilo Buca
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Marco Liberati
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Cristo Re Roma, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (Dr Rizzo)
| | - Francesco D'Antonio
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio).
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Mitochondrial and Oxidative Unbalance in Placentas from Mothers with SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10101517. [PMID: 34679654 PMCID: PMC8533135 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10101517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection has been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes. A placental role in protecting the fetus from SARS-CoV-2 infection has been documented. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how the placenta is affected in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here we assessed placental mitochondrial (mt) and oxidative features in COVID-19 and healthy mothers. mtDNA levels, DNA oxidative damage, expression levels of genes involved in antioxidant defenses, mitochondrial dynamics and respiratory chain subunits were investigated in placentas from singleton pregnancies of 30 women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third trimester (12 asymptomatic, 18 symptomatic) and 16 controls. mtDNA levels decreased in COVID-19 placentas vs. controls and inversely correlated with DNA oxidative damage, which increased in the symptomatic group. Antioxidant gene expressions decreased in SARS-CoV-2 mothers (CAT, GSS). Symptomatic cases also showed a lower expression of respiratory chain (NDUFA9, SDHA, COX4I1) and mt dynamics (DNM1L, FIS1) genes. Alterations in placental mitochondrial features and oxidative balance in COVID-19-affected mothers might be due to the impaired intrauterine environment, generated by systemic viral effects, leading to a negative vicious circle that worsens placental oxidative stress and mitochondrial efficiency. This likely causes cell homeostasis dysregulations, raising the potential of possible long-term effects.
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Meyer JA, Roman AS, Limaye M, Grossman TB, Flaifel A, Vaz MJ, Thomas KM, Penfield CA. Association of SARS-CoV-2 placental histopathology findings with maternal-fetal comorbidities and severity of COVID-19 hypoxia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:8412-8418. [PMID: 34542385 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1977791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SARS-CoV-2 is known to impact multiple organ systems, with growing data to suggest the potential for placental infection and resultant pathology. Understanding how maternal COVID-19 disease can affect placental histopathology has been limited by small study cohorts with mild disease, review by multiple pathologists, and potential confounding by maternal-fetal comorbidities that can also influence placental findings. This study aims to identify pathologic placental findings associated with COVID-19 disease and severity, as well as to distinguish them from changes related to coexisting maternal-fetal comorbidities. METHODS This is an observational study of 61 pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who delivered and had a placental histological evaluation at NYU Langone Health between March 19, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Primary outcomes were the prevalence of placental histopathologic features and their association with maternal-fetal comorbidities and severity of COVID-19 related hypoxia. Analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test and t-test with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS Sixty-one placentas were included in the study cohort, 71% from pregnancies complicated by at least one maternal-fetal comorbidity. Twenty-five percent of placentas were small for gestational age and 77% exhibited at least one feature of maternal vascular malperfusion. None of the histopathologic features in the examined placentas were associated with the presence of any specific maternal-fetal comorbidity. Thirteen percent of the cohort required maternal respiratory support for COVID-19 related hypoxia. Villous trophoblast necrosis was associated with maternal supplemental oxygen requirement (67 vs. 33%, p = 0.04) and intubation (67 vs. 33%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION In pregnancies complicated by COVID-19 disease, there was a high prevalence of placental histopathologic changes identified, particularly features of maternal vascular malperfusion, which could not be attributed solely to the presence of maternal-fetal comorbidities. The significantly increased prevalence of villous trophoblast necrosis in women needing respiratory support suggests a connection to the severity of COVID-19 illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Meyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley S Roman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meghana Limaye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tracy B Grossman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abdallah Flaifel
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle J Vaz
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen M Thomas
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christina A Penfield
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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31
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Di Girolamo R, Khalil A, Alameddine S, D'Angelo E, Galliani C, Matarrelli B, Buca D, Liberati M, Rizzo G, D'Antonio F. Placental histopathology after SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021. [PMID: 34425296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100468.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to report the spectrum of placental pathology findings in pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science databases were searched up to August 11, 2021. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Histopathologic anomalies included maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, acute inflammatory pathology, chronic inflammatory pathology, increased perivillous fibrin, and intervillous thrombosis. Moreover, subanalyses of symptomatic women only and high-risk pregnancies were performed. METHODS Histopathologic analysis of the placenta included gross examination, histopathology on hematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on placental tissue, and transmission electron microscope. Random-effect meta-analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 56 studies (1008 pregnancies) were included. Maternal vascular malperfusion was reported in 30.7% of placentas (95% confidence interval, 20.3-42.1), whereas fetal vascular malperfusion was observed in 27.08 % of cases (95% confidence interval, 19.2-35.6). Acute and chronic inflammatory pathologies were reported in 22.68% (95% confidence interval, 16.9-29.0) and 25.65% (95% confidence interval, 18.4-33.6) of cases, respectively. Increased perivillous fibrin was observed in 32.7% (95% confidence interval, 24.1-42.0) of placentas undergoing histopathologic analysis, whereas intervillous thrombosis was observed in 14.6% of cases (95% confidence interval, 9.7-20.2). Other placental findings, including a basal plate with attached myometrial fibers, microscopic accretism, villous edema, increased circulating nucleated red blood cells, or membranes with hemorrhage, were reported in 37.5% of cases (95% confidence interval, 28.0-47.5), whereas only 17.5% of cases (95% confidence interval, 10.9-25.2) did not present any abnormal histologic findings. The subanalyses according to maternal symptoms owing to SARS-CoV-2 infection or the presence of a high-risk pregnancy showed a similar distribution of the different histopathologic anomalies to that reported in the main analysis. Moreover, the risk of placental histopathologic anomalies was higher when considering only case-control studies comparing women with SARS-CoV-2 infection with healthy controls. CONCLUSION In pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection, a significant proportion of placentas showed histopathologic findings, suggesting placental hypoperfusion and inflammation. Future multicenter prospective blinded studies are needed to correlate these placental lesions with pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Di Girolamo
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom (XX Khalil); Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom (Dr Khalil)
| | - Sara Alameddine
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Emanuela D'Angelo
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Dr D'Angelo)
| | - Carmen Galliani
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Barbara Matarrelli
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Danilo Buca
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Marco Liberati
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio)
| | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Cristo Re Roma, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy (Dr Rizzo)
| | - Francesco D'Antonio
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy (Ms Di Girolamo, Ms Alameddine, Ms Galliani, Ms Matarrelli, Mr Buca, Dr Liberati, and Dr D'Antonio).
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