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Rodriguez‐Wallberg KA, Nilsson HP, Røthe EB, Zhao A, Shah PS, Acharya G. Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in early pregnancy-A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:786-798. [PMID: 38200686 PMCID: PMC11019531 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Available data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and pregnancy outcomes mostly refer to women contracting the infection during advanced pregnancy or close to delivery. There is limited information on the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection in early pregnancy and outcomes thereof. MATERIAL AND METHODS We aimed to systematically review the maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection in early pregnancy, defined as <20 weeks of gestation (PROSPERO Registration 2020 CRD42020177673). Searches were carried out in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus databases from January 2020 until April 2023 and the WHO database of publications on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from December 2019 to April 2023. Cohort and case-control studies on COVID-19 occurring in early pregnancy that reported data on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes were included. Case reports and studies reporting only exposure to SARS-CoV-2 or not stratifying outcomes based on gestational age were excluded. Data were extracted in duplicate. Meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate, using R meta (R version 4.0.5). RESULTS A total of 18 studies, 12 retrospective and six prospective, were included in this review, reporting on 10 147 SARS-CoV-2-positive women infected in early pregnancy, 9533 neonates, and 180 882 SARS-CoV-2 negative women. The studies had low to moderate risk of bias according to the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment Scale. The studies showed significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity. A meta-analysis could be performed only on the outcome miscarriage rate, with a pooled random effect odds ratio of 1.44 (95% confidence interval 0.96-2.18), showing no statistical difference in miscarriage in SARS-CoV-2-infected women. Individual studies reported increased incidences of stillbirth, low birthweight and preterm birth among neonates born to mothers affected by COVID-19 in early pregnancy; however, these results were not consistent among all studies. CONCLUSIONS In this comprehensive systematic review of available evidence, we identified no statistically significant adverse association between SARS-CoV-2 infection in early pregnancy (before 20 weeks of gestation) and fetal, neonatal, or maternal outcomes. However, a 44% increase in miscarriage rate is concerning and further studies of larger sample size are needed to confirm or refute our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny A. Rodriguez‐Wallberg
- Department of Oncology‐Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Fertility PreservationKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and ReproductionKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Hanna P. Nilsson
- Department of Oncology‐Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Fertility PreservationKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Emelie Bergman Røthe
- Department of Oncology‐Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Fertility PreservationKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Allan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Prakesh S. Shah
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
- Department of PediatricsMount Sinai Hospital and University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and TechnologyKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
- Center for Fetal MedicineKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
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Celik IH, Tanacan A, Canpolat FE. Neonatal outcomes of maternal prenatal coronavirus infection. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:445-455. [PMID: 38057579 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02950-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant changes in life and healthcare all over the world. Pregnant women and their newborns require extra attention due to the increased risk of adverse outcomes. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include intensive care unit (ICU) admission, pulmonary, cardiac, and renal impairment leading to mortality. Immaturity and variations of the neonatal immune system may be advantageous in responding to the virus. Neonates are at risk of vertical transmission and in-utero infection. Impaired intrauterine growth, prematurity, vertical transmission, and neonatal ICU admission are the most concerning issues. Data on maternal and neonatal outcomes should be interpreted cautiously due to study designs, patient characteristics, clinical variables, the effects of variants, and vaccination beyond the pandemic. Cesarean section, immediate separation of mother-infant dyads, isolation of neonates, and avoidance of breast milk were performed to reduce transmission risk at the beginning of the pandemic in the era of insufficient knowledge. Vertical transmission was found to be low with favorable short-term outcomes. Serious fetal and neonatal outcomes are not expected, according to growing evidence. Long-term effects may be associated with fetal programming. Knowledge and lessons from COVID-19 will be helpful for the next pandemic if it occurs. IMPACT: Prenatal infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our review includes the effects of COVID-19 on the fetus and neonates, transmission routes, placental effects, fetal and neonatal outcomes, and long-term effects on neonates. There is a growing body of data and evidence about the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowledge and lessons from the pandemic will be helpful for the next pandemic if it happens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istemi Han Celik
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Health Sciences Türkiye; Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Teaching and Research Hospital, 06010, Ankara, Türkiye.
| | - Atakan Tanacan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatology Clinic, University of Health Sciences Turkiye, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, 06800, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Fuat Emre Canpolat
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, 06800, Ankara, Türkiye
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Massimo M, Barelli C, Moreno C, Collesi C, Holloway RK, Crespo B, Zentilin L, Williams A, Miron VE, Giacca M, Long KR. Haemorrhage of human foetal cortex associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Brain 2023; 146:1175-1185. [PMID: 36642091 PMCID: PMC9976976 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal viral infection and immune response are known to increase the risk of altered development of the foetal brain. Given the ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), investigating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on foetal brain health is of critical importance. Here, we report the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in first and second trimester foetal brain tissue in association with cortical haemorrhages. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was sparsely detected within progenitors and neurons of the cortex itself, but was abundant in the choroid plexus of haemorrhagic samples. SARS-CoV-2 was also sparsely detected in placenta, amnion and umbilical cord tissues. Cortical haemorrhages were linked to a reduction in blood vessel integrity and an increase in immune cell infiltration into the foetal brain. Our findings indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect the foetal brain during early gestation and highlight the need for further study of its impact on subsequent neurological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Massimo
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Carlotta Barelli
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Catalina Moreno
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Chiara Collesi
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Rebecca K Holloway
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Chancellor’s Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Barlo Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Berta Crespo
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Williams
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Veronique E Miron
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Chancellor’s Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Barlo Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Keenan Research Institute for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mauro Giacca
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), 34139 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Katherine R Long
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, UK
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Gupta A, Kamity R, Sharma R, Caprio M, Mally P, Verma S. Mother to Newborn Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Evolution of Evidence in 1.5 Years of COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:1764-1778. [PMID: 35738288 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1749635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant mortality and morbidity in people of all age groups worldwide. Given the uncertainty regarding the mode of transmission and potential effects of COVID-19 on pregnant mothers and their newborns, guidelines for taking care of maternal-newborn dyads have evolved tremendously since the pandemic began. There has been an enormous influx of published materials regarding the outcomes of mothers and newborns. Still, multiple knowledge gaps regarding comprehensive information about risk to the mothers and newborns exist, which need to be addressed. Current evidence suggests that mothers with symptomatic COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of severe illness during pregnancy, with a higher need for respiratory support and premature deliveries. Neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 are at increased risk of needing intensive care; however, most newborns do well after birth. As new mutant variants arise, we need to be cautious while proactively understanding any new evolving patterns. All leading health authorities strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination before or during pregnancy to reduce the risk of maternal morbidities and benefit from passing antibodies to newborns prenatally and via breastmilk. Additionally, there are racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in outcomes and vaccination coverage for pregnant women. This article summarizes the rapidly evolving evidence for the last 1.5 years and aims to help health care professionals care for mothers with COVID-19 and their newborns. KEY POINTS: · COVID-19 in pregnancy can cause perinatal morbidities.. · Breastfeeding and breast milk are safe for newborns.. · COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk for morbidities..
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpit Gupta
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYC Health, Hospitals/Metropolitan, New York City, New York
| | - Ranjith Kamity
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Rishika Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Family Healthcare Network, Visalia, California
| | - Martha Caprio
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Pradeep Mally
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Sourabh Verma
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York
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Chao M, Menon C, Elgendi M. A Ranking of the Most Common Maternal COVID-19 Symptoms: A Systematic Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:865134. [PMID: 35774993 PMCID: PMC9239403 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.865134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to devastate health systems worldwide, there is particular concern over the health and safety of one high-risk group, pregnant women, due to their altered immune systems. Since health workers regularly rely on symptoms to inform clinical treatment, it became critical to maintain a ranked list of COVID-19 symptoms specific to pregnant women. This systematic review investigated the prevalence of common COVID-19 symptoms in pregnant women and compared the ranked list of symptoms to articles of various sizes. Articles were included if they discussed pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 using polymerase chain reaction testing, and women present symptoms of COVID-19 and were published between December 1, 2019, and December 1, 2021; while articles were excluded if they did not report on pregnant women with COVID-19 displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Articles were identified on OVID MedLine and Embase in January of 2022. The risk of bias and quality appraisal was assessed using a nine-item modified Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network checklist for case-control studies. The search results included 78 articles that described 41,513 pregnant women with 42 unique COVID-19 symptoms. When ranked, the most common symptoms were found to be cough (10,843 cases, 16.02%), fever (7,653 cases, 11.31%), myalgia (6,505 cases, 9.61%), headache (5,264 cases, 7.78%), and dyspnea (5,184 cases, 7.66%). When compared to other articles in the literature with sample sizes of n = 23,434, n = 8,207, and n = 651, the ranking largely aligned with those in other articles with large sample sizes and did not align with the results of articles with small sample sizes. The symptom ranking may be used to inform testing for COVID-19 in the clinic. Research is rapidly evolving with the ongoing nature of the pandemic, challenging the generalizability of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Chao
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carlo Menon
- Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Elgendi
- Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Mohamed Elgendi
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González-Mesa E, García-Fuentes E, Carvia-Pontiasec R, Lavado-Fernández AI, Cuenca-Marín C, Suárez-Arana M, Blasco-Alonso M, Benítez-Lara B, Mozas-Benítez L, González-Cazorla A, Egeberg-Neverdal H, Jiménez-López JS. Transmitted Fetal Immune Response in Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Infections during Pregnancy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020245. [PMID: 35204335 PMCID: PMC8870756 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Little is known about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the placenta, and whether the maternal inflammatory response is transmitted vertically. This research aims to provide information about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on maternal and fetal immunity. (2) Methods: We have studied placental changes and humoral and cellular immunity in maternal and umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples from a group of pregnant women delivering after the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. IgG and IgM SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, Interleukin 1b (IL1b), Interleukin 6 (IL6), and gamma-Interferon (IFN-γ), have been studied in the UCB samples. Lymphocyte subsets were studied according to CD3, CD8, CD4, CD34, and invariant natural Killer T cells (iNKT) markers. We used in situ hybridization techniques for the detection of viral RNA in placentas. (3) Results: During the study period, 79 pregnant women and their corresponding newborns were recruited. The main gestational age at the time of delivery was 39.1 weeks (SD 1.3). We did not find traces of the SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA in any of the analyzed placental samples. Detectable concentrations of IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, IL1b, IL6, and IFN-γ, in UCB were found in all cases, but IgM antibodies anti-ARS-CoV-2 were systematically undetectable. We found significant correlations between fetal CD3+ mononuclear cells and UCB IgG concentrations. We also found significant correlations between UCB IgG concentrations and fetal CD3+/CD4+, as well as CD3+/CD8+ T cells subsets. We also discovered that fetal CD3+/CD8+ cell counts were significantly higher in those cases with placental infarctions. (4) Conclusion: we have not verified the placental transfer of SARS-CoV-2. However, we have discovered that a significant immune response is being transmitted to the fetus in cases of SARS-CoV-2 maternal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto González-Mesa
- Biochemistry and Inmunology Department, Malaga Biomedical Research Institute-IBIMA, University of Málaga, Surgical Specialities, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.B.-L.); (L.M.-B.); (A.G.-C.); (H.E.-N.); (J.S.J.-L.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Málaga Regional Maternity Hospital (SSPA), 29010 Málaga, Spain; (C.C.-M.); (M.S.-A.); (M.B.-A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eduardo García-Fuentes
- Digestive System Clinical Management Unit, Malaga Biomedical Research Institute-IBIMA, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Rafael Carvia-Pontiasec
- Provincial Unit of Pathological Anatomy of Malaga, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, SSPA, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (R.C.-P.); (A.I.L.-F.)
| | - Ana I. Lavado-Fernández
- Provincial Unit of Pathological Anatomy of Malaga, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, SSPA, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (R.C.-P.); (A.I.L.-F.)
| | - Celia Cuenca-Marín
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Málaga Regional Maternity Hospital (SSPA), 29010 Málaga, Spain; (C.C.-M.); (M.S.-A.); (M.B.-A.)
| | - María Suárez-Arana
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Málaga Regional Maternity Hospital (SSPA), 29010 Málaga, Spain; (C.C.-M.); (M.S.-A.); (M.B.-A.)
| | - Marta Blasco-Alonso
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Málaga Regional Maternity Hospital (SSPA), 29010 Málaga, Spain; (C.C.-M.); (M.S.-A.); (M.B.-A.)
| | - Blanca Benítez-Lara
- Biochemistry and Inmunology Department, Malaga Biomedical Research Institute-IBIMA, University of Málaga, Surgical Specialities, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.B.-L.); (L.M.-B.); (A.G.-C.); (H.E.-N.); (J.S.J.-L.)
| | - Laura Mozas-Benítez
- Biochemistry and Inmunology Department, Malaga Biomedical Research Institute-IBIMA, University of Málaga, Surgical Specialities, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.B.-L.); (L.M.-B.); (A.G.-C.); (H.E.-N.); (J.S.J.-L.)
| | - Ana González-Cazorla
- Biochemistry and Inmunology Department, Malaga Biomedical Research Institute-IBIMA, University of Málaga, Surgical Specialities, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.B.-L.); (L.M.-B.); (A.G.-C.); (H.E.-N.); (J.S.J.-L.)
| | - Herink Egeberg-Neverdal
- Biochemistry and Inmunology Department, Malaga Biomedical Research Institute-IBIMA, University of Málaga, Surgical Specialities, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.B.-L.); (L.M.-B.); (A.G.-C.); (H.E.-N.); (J.S.J.-L.)
| | - Jesús S. Jiménez-López
- Biochemistry and Inmunology Department, Malaga Biomedical Research Institute-IBIMA, University of Málaga, Surgical Specialities, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (B.B.-L.); (L.M.-B.); (A.G.-C.); (H.E.-N.); (J.S.J.-L.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Málaga Regional Maternity Hospital (SSPA), 29010 Málaga, Spain; (C.C.-M.); (M.S.-A.); (M.B.-A.)
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Sanie-Jahromi F, NejatyJahromy Y, Jahromi RR. A Review on the Role of Stem Cells against SARS-CoV-2 in Children and Pregnant Women. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11787. [PMID: 34769218 PMCID: PMC8584228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 outbreak was acknowledged by the WHO on 30 January 2020, much research has been conducted to unveil various features of the responsible SARS-CoV-2 virus. Different rates of contagion in adults, children, and pregnant women may guide us to understand the underlying infection conditions of COVID-19. In this study, we first provide a review of recent reports of COVID-19 clinical outcomes in children and pregnant women. We then suggest a mechanism that explains the curious case of COVID-19 in children/pregnant women. The unique stem cell molecular signature, as well as the very low expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and the lower ACE/ACE2 ratio in stem cells of children/pregnant women compared to adults might be the cause of milder symptoms of COVID-19 in them. This study provides the main molecular keys on how stem cells can function properly and exert their immunomodulatory and regenerative effects in COVID-19-infected children/pregnant women, while failing to replicate their role in adults. This can lay the groundwork for both predicting the pattern of spread and severity of the symptoms in a population and designing novel stem cell-based treatment and prevention strategies for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sanie-Jahromi
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134997446, Iran;
| | - Yaser NejatyJahromy
- Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53012 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rahim Raoofi Jahromi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Peymanieh Hospital, Jahrom University of Medical Science, Jahrom 7414846199, Iran
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Eltemamy E, Salama S, Salem SM, Abdel-Rasheed M, Salama E, Elsirgany S, Elnahas T. Assessment of fetal growth and anomalies in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: an Egyptian pilot study. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2021; 26:32. [PMID: 34483650 PMCID: PMC8401358 DOI: 10.1186/s43043-021-00075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many issues need to be studied regarding pregnant women during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess fetal growth, fetal well-being, and any observed gross anomalies that may follow SARS-CoV-2 infection in Egyptian pregnant women. During fetal anomaly scan at 22 weeks, we compared 30 pregnant women with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection at 6‑12 weeks of gestation (group A) with 60 pregnant women (group B) who had no history of SARS-CoV-2. Then, we followed them on 28 and 34 weeks of gestation with fetal biometry and Doppler study. Results Our results revealed no significant difference between both groups regarding fetal biometry, estimated fetal weight, amniotic fluid index, Doppler scan, and gross anomaly scan throughout all visits. Conclusion According to the results of our pilot study, SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy was not found to increase the risk of fetal growth restriction or possible fetal gross anomalies. Nevertheless, larger-scale studies are needed to confirm those findings. Perhaps, post-SARS-CoV-2 infection pregnancies may run an uncomplicated course regarding fetal parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Eltemamy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sameh Salama
- Reproductive Health and Family Planning Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sondos M Salem
- Reproductive Health and Family Planning Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mazen Abdel-Rasheed
- Reproductive Health and Family Planning Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ehab Salama
- Reproductive Health and Family Planning Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sherif Elsirgany
- Reproductive Health and Family Planning Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tamer Elnahas
- Reproductive Health and Family Planning Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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