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Merriel A, Fitzgerald B, O'Donoghue K. SARS-CoV-2-Placental effects and association with stillbirth. BJOG 2024; 131:385-400. [PMID: 37984971 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17698] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has had a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes due to the effects of the virus and the altered healthcare environment. Stillbirth has been relatively hidden during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a clear link between SARS-CoV-2 and poor fetal outcome emerged in the Alpha and Delta waves. A small minority of women/birthing people who contracted COVID-19 developed SARS-CoV-2 placentitis. In many reported cases this was linked to intrauterine fetal death, although there are cases of delivery just before imminent fetal demise and we shall discuss how some cases are sub-clinical. What is surprising, is that SARS-CoV-2 placentitis is often not associated with severe maternal COVID-19 infection and this makes it difficult to predict. The worst outcomes seem to be with diffuse placental disease which occurs within 21 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Poor outcomes are often pre-dated by reduced fetal movements but are not associated with ultrasound changes. In some cases, there has also been maternal thrombocytopenia, or coagulation abnormalities, which may provide a clue as to which pregnancies are at risk of fetal demise if a further variant of concern is to emerge. In future, multidisciplinary collaboration and cross-boundary working must be prioritised, to identify quickly such a phenomenon and provide clinicians with clear guidance for reducing fetal death and associated poor outcomes. While we wait to see if COVID-19 brings a future variant of concern, we must focus on appropriate future management of women who have had SARS-CoV-2 placentitis. As a placental condition with an infectious aetiology, SARS-CoV-placentitis is unlikely to recur in a subsequent pregnancy and thus a measured approach to subsequent pregnancy management is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abi Merriel
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland
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Incognito GG, Distefano REC, Campo G, Gulino FA, Gulisano C, Gullotta C, Gullo G, Cucinella G, Tuscano A, Bruno MT, Palumbo M. Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes between SARS-CoV-2 Variants: A Retrospective, Monocentric Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6329. [PMID: 37834972 PMCID: PMC10573122 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196329] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on maternal and neonatal outcomes during pregnancy is still poorly understood, and the emergence of different variants has further complicated our understanding of the virus's effects. This retrospective, monocentric study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing the outcomes of pregnant women with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. The study, conducted between December 2020 and March 2022 at San Marco Hospital, included 313 pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that the Delta variant was associated with a significantly higher incidence of adverse outcomes, such as premature births, maternal intensive care unit admission, intrauterine growth restriction, and small for gestational age infants. Additionally, the Delta variant was linked to lower Apgar scores, higher maternal and fetal mortality rates, and increased levels of various biomarkers indicating more severe illness. Finally, the Delta variant also presented a greater possibility of vertical transmission. These findings underscore the complexity of understanding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy outcomes, especially considering the distinctive characteristics of different variants. By better understanding the specific impacts of each variant, appropriate preventive measures and management strategies can be implemented to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giosuè Giordano Incognito
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.G.I.); (R.E.C.D.); (G.C.); (C.G.); (A.T.); (M.T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Rosario Emanuele Carlo Distefano
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.G.I.); (R.E.C.D.); (G.C.); (C.G.); (A.T.); (M.T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Giorgia Campo
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.G.I.); (R.E.C.D.); (G.C.); (C.G.); (A.T.); (M.T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Ferdinando Antonio Gulino
- Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology of Adults and Developmental Age, University Hospital “G. Martino”, 98100 Messina, Italy
| | - Chiara Gulisano
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.G.I.); (R.E.C.D.); (G.C.); (C.G.); (A.T.); (M.T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Chiara Gullotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Gullo
- Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti (AOOR) Villa Sofia Cervello, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Gaspare Cucinella
- Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti (AOOR) Villa Sofia Cervello, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (G.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Attilio Tuscano
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.G.I.); (R.E.C.D.); (G.C.); (C.G.); (A.T.); (M.T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Maria Teresa Bruno
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.G.I.); (R.E.C.D.); (G.C.); (C.G.); (A.T.); (M.T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Marco Palumbo
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.G.I.); (R.E.C.D.); (G.C.); (C.G.); (A.T.); (M.T.B.); (M.P.)
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Bernad ES, Duica F, Antoniadis P, Moza A, Lungeanu D, Craina M, Bernad BC, Maghet E, Vasilache IA, Maghiari AL, Arnautu DA, Iacob D. Maternal Fever and Reduced Fetal Movement as Predictive Risk Factors for Adverse Neonatal Outcome in Cases of Congenital SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data from Case Reports and Case Series. Viruses 2023; 15:1615. [PMID: 37515301 PMCID: PMC10384546 DOI: 10.3390/v15071615] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine risk factors for primary and secondary adverse neonatal outcomes in newborns with congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection. DATA SOURCES PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from January 2020 to January 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA newborns delivered after 24 weeks of gestation with confirmed/possible congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to standard classification criteria. METHODS Execution of the IPD analyses followed the PRISMA-IPD statement. Univariate non-parametric tests compared numerical data distributions. Fisher's exact or Chi-square test determined categorical variables' statistical significance. Multivariate logistic regression revealed risk factors for adverse neonatal outcome. RESULTS Maternal fever was associated with symptomatic congenital infection (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.33-15.57). Two-thirds of women that reported decreased fetal movements were diagnosed with IUFD (p-value = 0.001). Reduced fetal movement increased the risk of intrauterine fetal death by 7.84 times (p-value = 0.016, 95% CI: 2.23-27.5). The risk of stillbirth decreased with gestational age at the time of maternal infection (p-value < 0.05, OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97). CONCLUSIONS Maternal fever and perception of reduced fetal movement may be predictive risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome in cases with congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena S Bernad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Pius Brinzeu" County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Laparoscopy, Laparoscopic Surgery and In Vitro Fertilization, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Florentina Duica
- Bucharest Emergency Clinical Hospital, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Panagiotis Antoniadis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Andreea Moza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Pius Brinzeu" County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Diana Lungeanu
- Center for Modeling Biological Systems and Data Analysis, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Craina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Pius Brinzeu" County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Laparoscopy, Laparoscopic Surgery and In Vitro Fertilization, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Brenda C Bernad
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Neuropsychology and Behavioral Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Edida Maghet
- 1st Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300070 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ingrid-Andrada Vasilache
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Laura Maghiari
- 1st Department, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Diana-Aurora Arnautu
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniela Iacob
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Cassidy AG, Li L, Golan Y, Gay C, Lin CY, Jigmeddagva U, Chidboy MA, Ilala M, Buarpung S, Gonzalez VJ, Basilio E, Duck M, Murtha AP, Wu AHB, Lynch KL, Asiodu IV, Prahl MK, Gaw SL. Assessment of Adverse Reactions, Antibody Patterns, and 12-month Outcomes in the Mother-Infant Dyad After COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Pregnancy. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2323405. [PMID: 37450302 PMCID: PMC10349345 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.23405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Longitudinal data on COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine reactogenicity and immunogenicity in pregnancy and for the mother-infant dyad are needed. Objective To examine COVID-19 mRNA vaccine reactogenicity and immunogenicity in pregnancy and observe longitudinal maternal and infant outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study of pregnant individuals enrolled in the COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy and Lactation study from December 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021, with follow-up through March 31, 2022, was conducted at a large academic medical center in an urban metropolitan area in California. Pregnant individuals receiving COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (mRNA-1273 [Moderna] and BNT162b2 [Pfizer-BioNTech]) were eligible. Of 81 participants enrolled, 5 were excluded after enrollment: 1 terminated pregnancy, 1 received the third vaccine dose prior to delivery, and 3 delivered prior to completing the initial vaccine series. Exposure COVID-19 mRNA vaccination at any time during pregnancy. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were vaccine response as measured by blood Immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers after each vaccine dose and self-reported postvaccination symptoms. Patients' IgG titers were measured in cord blood and in infant blood at intervals up to 1 year of life; IgG and IgA titers were measured in maternal milk. Clinical outcomes were collected from medical records. Results Of 76 pregnant individuals included in final analyses (median [IQR] maternal age, 35 [29-41] years; 51 [67.1%] White; 28 [36.8%] primigravid; 37 [48.7%] nulliparous), 42 (55.3%) received BNT162b2 and 34 (44.7%) received mRNA-1237. There were no significant differences in maternal characteristics between the 2 vaccine groups. Systemic symptoms were more common after receipt of the second vaccine dose than after the first dose (42 of 59 [71.2%] vs 26 of 59 [44.1%]; P = .007) and after mRNA-1237 than after BNT162b2 (25 of 27 [92.6%] vs 17 of 32 53.1%; P = .001). Systemic symptoms were associated with 65.6% higher median IgG titers than no symptoms after the second vaccine dose (median [IQR], 2596 [1840-4455] vs 1568 [1114-4518] RFU; P = .007); mean cord titers in individuals with local or systemic symptoms were 6.3-fold higher than in individuals without symptoms. Vaccination in all trimesters elicited a robust maternal IgG response. The IgG transfer ratio was highest among individuals vaccinated in the second trimester. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was detectable in cord blood regardless of vaccination trimester. In milk, IgG and IgA titers remained above the positive cutoff for at least 5-6 months after birth, and infants of mothers vaccinated in the second and third trimesters had positive IgG titers for at least 5 to 6 months of life. There were no vaccine-attributable adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cohort study suggest that mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy provokes a robust IgG response for the mother-infant dyad for approximately 6 months after birth. Postvaccination symptoms may indicate a more robust immune response, without adverse maternal, fetal, or neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna G. Cassidy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Lin Li
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Yarden Golan
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Caryl Gay
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Christine Y. Lin
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Unurzul Jigmeddagva
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Megan A. Chidboy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Mikias Ilala
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Veronica J. Gonzalez
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Emilia Basilio
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Meghan Duck
- UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Amy P. Murtha
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Alan H. B. Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Kara L. Lynch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Ifeyinwa V. Asiodu
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Mary K. Prahl
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
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Atkins B, Kindinger L, Mahindra MP, Moatti Z, Siassakos D. Stillbirth: prevention and supportive bereavement care. BMJ MEDICINE 2023; 2:e000262. [PMID: 37564829 PMCID: PMC10410959 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2022-000262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Around half of the two million stillbirths occurring worldwide each year are preventable. This review compiles the most up-to-date evidence to inform stillbirth prevention. Many general maternal health interventions also reduce the risk of stillbirth, for example, antenatal care attendance. This review focuses on specific aspects of care: glucose metabolism, targeted aspirin prophylaxis, clotting and immune disorders, sleep positions, fetal movement monitoring, and preconception and interconception health. In the past few years, covid-19 infection during pregnancy has emerged as a risk factor for stillbirth, particularly among women who were not vaccinated. Alongside prevention, efforts to address stillbirth must include provision of high quality, supportive, and compassionate bereavement care to improve parents' wellbeing. A growing body of evidence suggests beneficial effects for parents who received supportive care and were offered choices such as mode of birth and the option to see and hold their baby. Staff need support to be able to care for parents effectively, yet, studies consistently highlight the scarcity of specific bereavement care training for healthcare providers. Action is urgently needed and is possible. Action must be taken with the evidence available now, in healthcare settings with high or low resources, to reduce stillbirths and improve training and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Atkins
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, London, UK
| | - Lindsay Kindinger
- King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women Perth, Perth, WA, Australia
- Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
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Marie-Eve B, Elsa B, Josianne C, Yasmine K, Claude-Emilie J, Camille C, Dorothée DS, Sylvie G. Mediators of inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface are altered by SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic stress. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13679. [PMID: 36680541 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM It is now recognized that SARS-CoV-2 infection and pandemic-related stress impacts maternal health. However, their effects at the maternal-fetal interface are still debated. METHOD OF STUDY We recruited 199 women between March 2020 and July 2021, 79 SARS-CoV-2+ and 120 negative (the latter exposed to pandemic stress only). We also included 40 historic controls (i.e. pre-pandemic uncomplicated pregnancies recruited before March 2020). Placental samples were collected for protein and histological analysis. RESULTS The majority of SARS-CoV-2+ women were multiethnic, had higher pre-pregnancy BMI and elevated preterm birth rate (17%) vs SARS-CoV-2- or historic control. Placental inflammatory profile revealed increased IL-1Ra and CRP, independently of SARS-CoV-2 status, whilst MCP-1, IL-6 and IFNγ were elevated in the negative, but pandemic stress-exposed, group. These changes were predominant in placentas with inflammatory lesions on histopathological analysis. Furthermore, we observed elevated immune cells (CD45+) in placentas from SARS-CoV-2+ and negative pregnancies vs historic controls, even when individuals with pregnancy complications were excluded. CONCLUSIONS Placental inflammatory profiles differed between SARS-CoV-2 statuses, namely exposed to pandemic stress +/- SARS-CoV-2 infection. This highlights the need to understand the differences between the effects of pandemic-related stress and the added burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection on placental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brien Marie-Eve
- Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bernier Elsa
- Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Clavel Josianne
- Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kebiche Yasmine
- Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacob Claude-Emilie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universite de Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Quebec, Canada
| | - Couture Camille
- Ste-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dal Soglio Dorothée
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Universite de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Girard Sylvie
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universite de Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Trinh QD, Pham NTK, Takada K, Ushijima H, Komine-Aizawa S, Hayakawa S. Roles of TGF-β1 in Viral Infection during Pregnancy: Research Update and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076489. [PMID: 37047462 PMCID: PMC10095195 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076489] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a pleiotropic growth factor playing various roles in the human body including cell growth and development. More functions of TGF-β1 have been discovered, especially its roles in viral infection. TGF-β1 is abundant at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy and plays an important function in immune tolerance, an essential key factor for pregnancy success. It plays some critical roles in viral infection in pregnancy, such as its effects on the infection and replication of human cytomegalovirus in syncytiotrophoblasts. Interestingly, its role in the enhancement of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and replication in first-trimester trophoblasts has recently been reported. The above up-to-date findings have opened one of the promising approaches to studying the mechanisms of viral infection during pregnancy with links to corresponding congenital syndromes. In this article, we review our current and recent advances in understanding the roles of TGF-β1 in viral infection. Our discussion focuses on viral infection during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. We highlight the mutual roles of viral infection and TGF-β1 in specific contexts and possible functions of the Smad pathway in viral infection, with a special note on ZIKV infection. In addition, we discuss promising approaches to performing further studies on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang Duy Trinh
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Ngan Thi Kim Pham
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Takada
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ushijima
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shihoko Komine-Aizawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
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8
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He J, Wei Z, Leng T, Bao J, Gao X, Chen F. Vaccination options for pregnant women during the Omicron period. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103798. [PMID: 36640675 PMCID: PMC9817340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103798] [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: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Omicron exhibits reduced pathogenicity in general population than the previous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. However, the severity of disease and pregnancy outcomes of Omicron infection among pregnant women have not yet been definitively established. Meanwhile, substantial proportions of this population have doubts about the necessity of vaccination given the reports of declining efficacy of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. Herein, we comprehensively discuss the clinical outcomes of infected pregnant women during the Omicron period and summarize the available data on the safety and efficacy profile of COVID-19 vaccination. The results found that the incidence of moderate and severe disease, maternal mortality, pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, stillbirth, preeclampsia/eclampsia, and gestational hypertension during the Omicron period are similar to those during the Pre-Delta period. In view of the effects of mass vaccination and previous natural infection on disease severity, the virulence of Omicron in pregnant women may be comparable to or even higher than that of the Pre-Delta variant. Moreover, the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for pregnant women. Particularly, those who received a second or third dose had significantly less severe disease with little progression to critical illness or death compared with those who were unvaccinated or received only one dose. Therefore, in the case of the rapid spread of Omicron, pregnant women should still strictly follow preventive measures to avoid infection and receive the COVID-19 vaccine in a timely manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui He
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Rd, Jining 272067, China
| | - Zichun Wei
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Rd, Jining 272067, China
| | - Taiyang Leng
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Rd, Jining 272067, China
| | - Jiaqi Bao
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Rd, Jining 272067, China
| | - Xinyao Gao
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Rd, Jining 272067, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Jining Medical University, 133 Hehua Rd, Jining 272067, China.
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9
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Jackson-Gibson M, Diseko M, Caniglia EC, Mayondi G, Mabuta J, Luckett R, Moyo S, Lawrence P, Matshaba M, Mosepele M, Mmalane M, Banga J, Lockman S, Makhema J, Zash R, Shapiro RL. Association of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection With Maternal Mortality and Neonatal Birth Outcomes in Botswana by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Status. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 141:135-143. [PMID: 36701614 PMCID: PMC10462386 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the combined association of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on adverse birth outcomes in an HIV-endemic region. METHODS The Tsepamo Study abstracts data from antenatal and obstetric records in government maternity wards across Botswana. We assessed maternal mortality and adverse birth outcomes for all singleton pregnancies from September 2020 to mid-November 2021 at 13 Tsepamo sites among individuals with documented SARS-CoV-2 screening tests and known HIV status. RESULTS Of 20,410 individuals who gave birth, 11,483 (56.3%) were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection; 4.7% tested positive. People living with HIV were more likely to test positive (144/2,421, 5.9%) than those without HIV (392/9,030, 4.3%) (P=.001). Maternal deaths occurred in 3.7% of those who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result compared with 0.1% of those who tested negative (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 31.6, 95% CI 15.4-64.7). Maternal mortality did not differ by HIV status. The offspring of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced more overall adverse birth outcomes (34.5% vs 26.6%; aRR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4), severe adverse birth outcomes (13.6% vs 9.8%; aRR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.5), preterm delivery (21.4% vs 13.4%; aRR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7), and stillbirth (5.6% vs 2.7%; aRR 1.7 95% CI 1.2-2.5). Neonates exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and HIV infection had the highest prevalence of adverse birth outcomes (43.1% vs 22.6%; aRR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4-2.0). CONCLUSION Infection with SARS-CoV-2 at the time of delivery was associated with 3.7% maternal mortality and 5.6% stillbirth in Botswana. Most adverse birth outcomes were worse among neonates exposed to both SARS-CoV-2 and HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Modiegi Diseko
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Gloria Mayondi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Judith Mabuta
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rebecca Luckett
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Pamela Lawrence
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Mompati Mmalane
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jaspreet Banga
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rebecca Zash
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roger L. Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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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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11
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Samara A, Khalil A, Brien PO, Herlenius E. The effect of the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant in maternal infection and pregnancy. iScience 2022; 25:104295. [PMID: 35492217 PMCID: PMC9040522 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A greater proportion of pregnant women with COVID-19 have mild disease compared with their non-pregnant counterparts. Paradoxically, however, they are at higher risk of developing severe disease, requiring respiratory support and admission to intensive care. The delta SARS-Cov-2 variant is associated with increased risk of hospitalization and morbidity in unvaccinated pregnant populations. However, it is not known whether the worse pregnancy outcomes associated with the delta variant are due to a direct effect of the virus on the pregnancy, or whether this effect is mediated through more severe maternal infection. Here, we synthesize studies of COVID-19 pregnancies, focusing on the different routes of SARS-CoV-2 infection of lung and placenta, and the mechanisms of syncytial formation for each SARS-CoV-2 variant. To delineate COVID-19 complications in pregnant women, future studies should explore whether the delta variant causes greater placental infection compared to other variants and contributes to increased syncytial formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina 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
| | - Asma Khalil
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK.,University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Patrick O' Brien
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK.,Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Eric Herlenius
- 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
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12
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Stillbirth after COVID-19 in Unvaccinated Mothers Can Result from SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis, Placental Insufficiency, and Hypoxic Ischemic Fetal Demise, Not Direct Fetal Infection: Potential Role of Maternal Vaccination in Pregnancy. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030458. [PMID: 35336864 PMCID: PMC8950737 DOI: 10.3390/v14030458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stillbirth is a recently recognized complication of COVID-19 in pregnant women. Other congenitally transmitted infections from viruses, bacteria and parasites can cause stillbirth by infecting fetal organs following transplacental transmission of the agent from the maternal bloodstream. However, recent research on pregnant women with COVID-19 having stillbirths indicates that there is another mechanism of stillbirth that can occur in placentas infected with SARS-CoV-2. In these cases, viral infection of the placenta results in SARS-CoV-2 placentitis, a combination of concurrent destructive findings that include increased fibrin deposition which typically reaches the level of massive perivillous fibrin deposition, chronic histiocytic intervillositis and trophoblast necrosis. These three pathological lesions, in some cases together with placental hemorrhage, thrombohematomas and villitis, result in severe and diffuse placental parenchymal destruction. This pathology can involve greater than one-half of the placental volume, averaging 77% in the largest study of 68 cases, effectively rendering the placenta incapable of performing its function of oxygenating the fetus. This destructive placental process can lead to stillbirth and neonatal death via malperfusion and placental insufficiency which is independent of fetal infection. Fetal autopsies show no evidence that direct infection of fetal organs is contributory. Because all mothers examined have been unvaccinated, maternal vaccination may prevent viremia and consequent placental infection.
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13
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DeBiasi RL. SARS-CoV-2 Effects at the Maternal-Fetal Interface. J Infect Dis 2022; 225:745-747. [PMID: 35024862 PMCID: PMC8889295 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L DeBiasi
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital.,Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
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