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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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2
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Barry MC, Pathak EB, Swanson J, Cen R, Menard J, Salemi JL, Nembhard WN. Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Infants in the United States: Incidence, Severity, Fatality, and Variants of Concern. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024; 43:217-225. [PMID: 38134379 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical spectrum of infant COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic infection to life-threatening illness, yet epidemiologic surveillance has been limited for infants. METHODS Using COVID-19 case data (restricted to reporting states) and national mortality data, we calculated incidence, hospitalization, mortality and case fatality rates through March 2022. RESULTS Reported incidence of COVID-19 was 64.1 new cases per 1000 infant years (95% CI: 63.3-64.9). We estimated that 594,012 infants tested positive for COVID-19 nationwide by March 31, 2022. Viral variant comparisons revealed that incidence was 7× higher during the Omicron (January-March 2022) versus the pre-Delta period (June 2020-May 2021). The cumulative case hospitalization rate was 4.1% (95% CI: 4.0%-4.3%). For every 74 hospitalized infants, one infant death occurred, but overall COVID-19-related infant case fatality was low, with 7.0 deaths per 10,000 cases (95% CI: 5.6-8.7). Nationwide, 333 COVID-19 infant deaths were reported. Only 13 infant deaths (3.9%) were the result of usually lethal congenital anomalies. The majority of infant decedents were non-White (28.2% Black, 26.1% Hispanic, 8.1% Asian, Indigenous or multiracial). CONCLUSIONS More than half a million US infants contracted COVID-19 by March 2022. Longitudinal assessment of long-term infant SARS-CoV-2 infection sequelae remains a critical research gap. Extremely low infant vaccination rates (<5%), waning adult immunity and continued viral exposure risks suggest that infant COVID-19 will remain a persistent public health problem. Our study underscores the need to increase vaccination rates for mothers and infants, decrease viral exposure risks and improve health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Barry
- From the College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Justin Swanson
- From the College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Ruiqi Cen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Janelle Menard
- Women's Institute for Independent Social Enquiry, Olney, Maryland
| | - Jason L Salemi
- From the College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Wendy N Nembhard
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
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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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Fredriksson L, Tidholm Qvist E, Sirotkina M, Pettersson K, Papadogiannakis N. Placental pathology in a large (Swedish) cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers. Placenta 2024; 145:100-106. [PMID: 38118226 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SARS-CoV-2 placentitis is associated with placental destruction and insufficiency and can affect perinatal outcome. The aim of the current study was to contribute with increased knowledge regarding placental histology in maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pregnancy, as well as the correlation to the severity of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective observational study included 116 women who had a verified SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and gave birth between April 2020 and February 2022 in the Stockholm region, Sweden. Placental tissue was evaluated regarding several histopathological parameters, amongst them detection of the triad of characteristics of placental SARS-CoV-2 infection: chronic histiocytic intervillositis, fibrin deposition and villous trophoblast necrosis, and immunohistochemistry for ORF-3 protein expression was used for confirmation. Medical records were reviewed for maternal characteristics and neonatal outcome. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 placentitis was present in one-fifth of the examined placentas admitted to the institute due to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, out of which 86,4 % were delivered by acute caesarian section (ACS), all on fetal indication, and one pregnancy ended in stillbirth. Half of the cases without placentitis were delivered by ACS, out of which 50 % were on fetal indication. There was a clear tendency of a shorter time gap between confirmed maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and delivery in the placentitis group. DISCUSSION The presence of SARS-CoV-2 placentitis does not seem to correlate with maternal factors or the severity of infection. It does correlate with development of placental dysfunction of acute/subacute onset and is often manifested as reduced fetal movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Fredriksson
- Department of Women's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evelina Tidholm Qvist
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meeli Sirotkina
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Pettersson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nikos Papadogiannakis
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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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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van der Windt M, Schoenmakers S, van Rossem L, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. Reported experienced stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and patient preferences for the consultation of periconception blended lifestyle care: a survey among (pre)pregnant women. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 44:2243647. [PMID: 37671946 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2023.2243647] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess experienced stress on different aspects of life and evaluate patient preferences for the consultation of periconception blended lifestyle care, combining face-to-face counseling with eHealth, during the COVID-19 pandemic among (pre)pregnant women. Using this two-fold aim, we were able to analyze the levels of stress among (pre)pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to study whether their preferences for the consultation modality of periconception blended lifestyle care was influenced by the levels of stress. METHODS A quantitative survey among (pre)pregnant women who received blended periconception lifestyle care between March 2020 and December 2021, from the first until the fourth COVID-19 wave in the Netherlands. The questionnaire used a 5-point Likert scale and measured experienced stress and preferred periconception blended lifestyle care modality. RESULTS 984 women (response rate: 55.2%) filled out the questionnaire. Experienced stress during the COVID-19 pandemic was relatively low and stable over time. The highest percentage of respondents (31.2%) reported to have experienced stress on fertility and pregnancy. 40.4% (309/764) of the respondents indicated that face-to-face consultations could be replaced by digital consultation. Additionally, the mean experienced stress did not differ between the patients who preferred a video consultation (2.60 ± 1.1), or a telephone consultation (2.57 ± 1.2), either a video or telephone consultation (2.54 ± 1.3), still preferred a face-to-face consultation (2.41 ± 1.4) (p = .83). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate willingness for wide implementation of telemedicine within health care delivery, and reorganizing of periconception blended lifestyle care toward personalized and value-based health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- M van der Windt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Schoenmakers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L van Rossem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R P M Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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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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Kosič N, Luzar B, Pečlin P, Druškovič M, Rus KR, Županc TA, Sršen TP. Fetal death from SARS-CoV-2 mediated acute placental failure. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103958. [PMID: 37263029 PMCID: PMC10191722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103958] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We demonstrate the nonlinear severity of symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the mother leading to fetal death after acute placental failure. METHODS Careful clinical evaluation, real-time RT-PCR molecular microbiologic testing, isolation of a viable virus, and autopsy with histologic results were used to investigate the possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection from mother to fetus. RESULTS Histologic changes in the placenta correlate with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Total nucleic acid isolated from vaginal swabs, fresh placental tissue, and deparaffinized tissue showed a high viral load of SARS-CoV-2. Complete genome sequencing confirmed the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. DISCUSSION Several methods have been used to confirm SARS-CoV-2-mediated acute placental failure, all of which were conclusive. It should be noted that careful periodic fetal well-being checks are required in women infected with SARS-CoV-2, regardless of the severity of symptoms. Most of the cases described with fetal death occurred in the third trimester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Kosič
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital Jesenice, Jesenice, Slovenia.
| | - Boštjan Luzar
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polona Pečlin
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mirjam Druškovič
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Resman Rus
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tatjana Avšič Županc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Premru Sršen
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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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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Benny M, Bandstra ES, Saad AG, Lopez-Alberola R, Saigal G, Paidas MJ, Jayakumar AR, Duara S. Maternal SARS-CoV-2, Placental Changes and Brain Injury in 2 Neonates. Pediatrics 2023; 151:e2022058271. [PMID: 37021494 PMCID: PMC10467358 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-058271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae are a potential concern in neonates following in utero exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We report 2 neonates born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers, who displayed early-onset (day 1) seizures, acquired microcephaly, and significant developmental delay over time. Sequential MRI showed severe parenchymal atrophy and cystic encephalomalacia. At birth, neither infant was SARS-CoV-2 positive (nasopharyngeal swab, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), but both had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and increased blood inflammatory markers. Placentas from both mothers showed SARS-CoV-2-nucleocapsid protein and spike glycoprotein 1 in the syncytiotrophoblast, fetal vascular malperfusion, and significantly increased inflammatory and oxidative stress markers pyrin domain containing 1 protein, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 βη, stromal cell-derived factor 1, interleukin 13, and interleukin 10, whereas human chorionic gonadotropin was markedly decreased. One infant (case 1) experienced sudden unexpected infant death at 13 months of age. The deceased infant's brain showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2 by immunofluorescence, with colocalization of the nucleocapsid protein and spike glycoprotein around the nucleus as well as within the cytoplasm. The constellation of clinical findings, placental pathology, and immunohistochemical changes strongly suggests that second-trimester maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection with placentitis triggered an inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury to the fetoplacental unit that affected the fetal brain. The demonstration of SARS-CoV-2 in the deceased infant's brain also raises the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 infection of the fetal brain directly contributed to ongoing brain injury. In both infants, the neurologic findings at birth mimicked the presentation of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy of newborn and neurologic sequelae progressed well beyond the neonatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merline Benny
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Emmalee S. Bandstra
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Ali G. Saad
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Roberto Lopez-Alberola
- Division of Child Neurology Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Gaurav Saigal
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Shahnaz Duara
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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12
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Kallol S, Martin-Sancho L, Morey R, Aisagbonhi O, Pizzo D, Meads M, Chanda SK, Soncin F. Activation of the Interferon Pathway in Trophoblast Cells Productively Infected with SARS-CoV-2. Stem Cells Dev 2023; 32:225-236. [PMID: 36803114 PMCID: PMC10171947 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2022.0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy has been associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcomes and placental defects. The placenta, which acts as a physical and immunological barrier at the maternal-fetal interface, is not established until the end of the first trimester. Therefore, localized viral infection of the trophoblast compartment early in gestation could trigger an inflammatory response resulting in altered placental function and consequent suboptimal conditions for fetal growth and development. In this study, we investigated the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in early gestation placentae using placenta-derived human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), a novel in vitro model, and their extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and syncytiotrophoblast (STB) derivatives. SARS-CoV-2 was able to productively replicate in TSC-derived STB and EVT, but not undifferentiated TSCs, which is consistent with the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry host factors, ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and TMPRSS2 (transmembrane cellular serine protease) in these cells. In addition, both TSC-derived EVT and STB infected with SARS-CoV-2 elicited an interferon-mediated innate immune response. Combined, these results suggest that placenta-derived TSCs are a robust in vitro model to investigate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the trophoblast compartment of the early placenta and that SARS-CoV-2 infection in early gestation activates the innate immune response and inflammation pathways. Therefore, placental development could be adversely affected by early SARS-CoV-2 infection by directly infecting the developing differentiated trophoblast compartment, posing a higher risk for poor pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampada Kallol
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Laura Martin-Sancho
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Omonigho Aisagbonhi
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Donald Pizzo
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Morgan Meads
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sumit K. Chanda
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine; Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences; University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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13
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Coler B, Wu TY, Carlson L, Burd N, Munson J, Dacanay M, Cervantes O, Esplin S, Kapur RP, Feltovich H, Adams Waldorf KM. Diminished antiviral innate immune gene expression in the placenta following a maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:463.e1-463.e20. [PMID: 36126729 PMCID: PMC9482164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is associated with critical illness requiring hospitalization, maternal mortality, stillbirth, and preterm birth. SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to induce placental pathology. However, substantial gaps exist in our understanding of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease in pregnancy and the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the placenta and fetus. To what extent a SARS-CoV-2 infection of the placenta alters the placental antiviral innate immune response is not well understood. A dysregulated innate immune response in the setting of maternal COVID-19 disease may increase the risk of inflammatory tissue injury or placental compromise and may contribute to deleterious pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the impact of a maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on placental immune response by evaluating gene expression of a panel of 6 antiviral innate immune mediators that act as biomarkers of the antiviral and interferon cytokine response. Our hypothesis was that a SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy would result in an up-regulated placental antiviral innate immune response. STUDY DESIGN We performed a case-control study on placental tissues (chorionic villous tissues and chorioamniotic membrane) collected from pregnant patients with (N=140) and without (N=24) COVID-19 disease. We performed real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, and the placental histopathology was evaluated. Clinical data were abstracted. Fisher exact test, Pearson correlations, and linear regression models were used to examine proportions and continuous data between patients with active (<10 days since diagnosis) vs recovered COVID-19 (>10 days since diagnosis) at the time of delivery. Secondary regression models adjusted for labor status as a covariate and evaluated potential correlation between placental innate immune gene expression and other variables. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected in placental tissues from 5 women with COVID-19 and from no controls (0/24, 0%). Only 1 of 5 cases with detectable SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in placental tissues was confirmed to express SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike proteins in syncytiotrophoblast cells. We detected a considerably lower gene expression of 5 critical innate immune mediators (IFNB, IFIT1, MXA, IL6, IL1B) in the chorionic villi and chorioamniotic membranes from women with active or recovered COVID-19 than controls, which remained significant after adjustment for labor status. There were minimal correlations between placental gene expression and other studied variables including gestational age at diagnosis, time interval between COVID-19 diagnosis and delivery, prepregnancy body mass index, COVID-19 disease severity, or placental pathology. CONCLUSION A maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an impaired placental innate immune response in chorionic villous tissues and chorioamniotic membranes that was not correlated with gestational age at COVID-19 diagnosis, time interval from COVID-19 diagnosis to delivery, maternal obesity, disease severity, or placental pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahm Coler
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Tsung-Yen Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Lindsey Carlson
- Women and Newborn Research, Intermountain Health Care, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Nicole Burd
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Jeff Munson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Matthew Dacanay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Sean Esplin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Intermountain Health Care, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Raj P Kapur
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Department of Pathology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Helen Feltovich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Intermountain Health Care, Salt Lake City, UT.
| | - Kristina M Adams Waldorf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
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14
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Damman E, Trecourt A, de la Fournière B, Lebreton F, Gaillot-Durand L, Fichez A, Chauvy L, Thonnon C, Destras G, Devouassoux-Shisheboran M, Allias F. Predictive factors for severe placental damage in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Placenta 2023; 136:1-7. [PMID: 36963271 PMCID: PMC10022462 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SARS-Cov-2 infection during pregnancy can lead to severe placental lesions characterized by massive perivillous fibrin deposition, histiocytic intervillositis and trophoblast necrosis. Diffuse placental damage of this kind is rare, but can sometimes lead to obstetric complications, such as intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). The objectives of this study were to identify possible predictors of severe placental lesions. METHODS We retrospectively studied 96 placentas from SARS-Cov-2 positive pregnant women who gave birth between March 2020 and March 2022. Cases with and without severe placental lesions were compared in terms of clinical and laboratory findings. RESULTS Twelve of the 96 patients had severe placental lesions. There was no significant association with diabetes, obesity or severe clinical maternal disease. In contrast, presence of severe placental lesions was significantly associated with neonatal intensive care, cesarean section, prematurity, IUFD, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), gestational age, maternal hypofibrinogenemia and thrombocytopenia. No cases of severe placental lesions were observed in vaccinated patients or in those with the Omicron variant. DISCUSSION In these patients, severe placental lesions due to SARS-Cov-2 were significantly associated with the presence of coagulation abnormalities (hypofibrinogenemia and thrombocytopenia), IUGR and gestational age. These results support laboratory and ultrasound monitoring of these parameters in pregnant women with SARS-Cov-2 infection, especially during the second trimester, to predict potential negative fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Damman
- Medipath Montpellier, 80 rue de Pythagore, 34170, Castelnau-Le-Lez, France
| | - Alexis Trecourt
- Department of Pathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 165 chemin du Grand-Revoyet, 69310, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Benoit de la Fournière
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 103 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004, Lyon, France
| | - Frédérique Lebreton
- Department of Pathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 165 chemin du Grand-Revoyet, 69310, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Lucie Gaillot-Durand
- Department of Pathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 165 chemin du Grand-Revoyet, 69310, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Axel Fichez
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 103 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004, Lyon, France
| | - Lauriane Chauvy
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 165 chemin du Grand-Revoyet, 69310, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Cyrielle Thonnon
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 165 chemin du Grand-Revoyet, 69310, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Gregory Destras
- Department of Virology, Infective Agents Institute, National Reference Center for Respiratory Viruses, Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, 103 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004, Lyon, France
| | - Mojgan Devouassoux-Shisheboran
- Department of Pathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 165 chemin du Grand-Revoyet, 69310, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Fabienne Allias
- Department of Pathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, 165 chemin du Grand-Revoyet, 69310, Pierre-Bénite, France.
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15
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Foetal Intrapartum Compromise at Term: Could COVID-19 Infection Be Involved? A Case Report. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030552. [PMID: 36984557 PMCID: PMC10054388 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy has been studied and many reports have been published, mainly focussing on complications and in utero transmission with neonatal consequences. Although the effects of other viruses on foetuses are well known, the impact of maternal COVID-19 during pregnancy is not completely understood. We report a case of acute foetal intrapartum hypoxia without other risk factors than maternal COVID-19 disease 2 weeks previous to birth at term. Placental histological changes suggested that the viral infection could have been the culprit for the unfavourable outcome during labour. The neonate was promptly delivered by Caesarean section. Neonatal intensive care was started, including therapeutic hypothermia. The procedure was successful, the evolution of the neonate was favourable, and she was discharged after 10 days. Follow-up at 2 months of life indicated a normal neurological development but a drop in head growth. The case raises the idea that pregnancies with even mild COVID-19 symptoms may represent the cause of neonate compromise in a low-risk pregnancy. An important follow-up in the neonatal period and infancy is required to identify and treat any subsequent conditions. Further long-term studies are necessary to identify a cause–effect relationship between COVID-19 pregnancies and the whole spectrum of neonatal and infant consequences.
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16
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The Histopathological "Placentitis Triad" Is Specific for SARS-CoV-2 Infection, and Its Acute Presentation Can Be Associated with Poor Fetal Outcome. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020479. [PMID: 36836836 PMCID: PMC9963180 DOI: 10.3390/life13020479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Placental histological lesions reported in relation with SARS-CoV-2 infection are various, with potential consequences such as fetal growth retardation, prematurity or stillbirth/neonatal death. We report here on a placental pathological association which could be specific for SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated with poor fetal outcome; (2) Methods: We collected all the placental pathological examinations performed in Brest University Hospital (France) since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic with a known maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and a poor pregnancy outcome. In these cases, we described the pathological lesions and we searched for these lesions in a large series of placentas collected and examined in the same institution before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; (3) Results: Three cases with severe fetal outcome (tardive abortion, prematurity, neonatal death), from the first to the third trimesters of pregnancy, were included. The three cases showed features of massive and acute "placentitis triad" consisting in massive perivillous fibrin deposition, sub-acute intervillositis and trophoblastic necrosis. This association was not encountered in any of 8857 placentas analyzed during the period between 2002 and 2012 in our institution; (4) Conclusions: The "placentitis triad" appears to be specific for SARS-CoV-2 infection and, in case of massive and acute presentation, could result in poor fetal outcome.
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17
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Rood M, ten Kate L, Boeddha NP, van ‘t Kruys K. Clinical Characteristics, Transmission Rate and Outcome of Neonates Born to COVID-19-Positive Mothers: A Prospective Case Series From a Resource-Limited Setting. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; 42:35-42. [PMID: 36476523 PMCID: PMC9725735 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection during pregnancy could damage the placenta, but data on neonates born to COVID-19-positive mothers is scarce. In this case series, we aim to describe clinical characteristics, transmission rate and outcomes at 3 months of age among neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 diagnosed near the time of delivery. METHODS Prospective, multicenter case series from Suriname. We collected clinical data of neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 infection between June and August 2021. COVID-19 swabs were taken within 5 days and 2 weeks after birth. Follow-up took place at 3 months. RESULTS We enrolled 18 neonates. However, 18/18 (100%) mothers were infected in the third trimester and 10/18 (55.6%) had severe COVID-19 infection requiring ICU admission and 2/10 (20%) died. In total 16/18 (77.8%) neonates were born after cesarean section and 13/18 (72.2%) were born preterm (median 35 weeks, Interquartile range 32 + 4-38 + 0). Neonatal intensive care unit admission was needed in 7/18 (38.9%) neonates. Respiratory symptoms occurred in 12/18 (66.7%), 5/18 (27.8%) were suspected of early-onset sepsis and 1/18(5.6%) of late-onset sepsis. One preterm neonate developed necrotizing enterocolitis. A nasopharyngeal swab was positive in 1/18 (5.5%) neonates within 5 days of life and in 0/11 (0%) neonates after 2 weeks. Follow-up showed mild neurodevelopmental delay in 2/14 (14.3%) patients. CONCLUSION We describe a high proportion of severely ill mothers due to COVID-19 infection with subsequent cesarean delivery and prematurity. Accounting for gestational age at birth, the neonatal clinical course and findings at follow-up appeared similar to neonates born to COVID-19-negative mothers. Maternal vaccination is recommended to prevent neonatal risks associated with prematurity and cesarean delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Rood
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Rijnstate Hospital Arnhem, Wagnerlaan, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Pediatric Hospital Suriname, Academic Hospital Suriname, Flustraat, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Lisa ten Kate
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Pediatric Hospital Suriname, Academic Hospital Suriname, Flustraat, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Navin P. Boeddha
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Pediatric Hospital Suriname, Academic Hospital Suriname, Flustraat, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Wytemaweg, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin van ‘t Kruys
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Pediatric Hospital Suriname, Academic Hospital Suriname, Flustraat, Paramaribo, Suriname
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18
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Smith RR, Driver KC, Karber BF, Luciano AA, Berg MT, Prado IV, Teper JE. A case report: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy & pneumonia in a neonate after SARS-CoV-2 intrauterine transmission. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2022; 15:851-858. [PMID: 36031910 DOI: 10.3233/npm-221026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplet or aerosol route. However, there is mounting evidence for intrauterine transmission. We report on a late preterm infant with suspected intrauterine acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 who experienced birth depression, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, multisystem organ involvement, and late onset COVID-19 pneumonia [22].
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Smith
- HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, Brandon, Florida.,Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Maternal Fetal & Neonatal Institute St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - K C Driver
- HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, Brandon, Florida.,Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Maternal Fetal & Neonatal Institute St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - B F Karber
- HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, Brandon, Florida.,Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Maternal Fetal & Neonatal Institute St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - A A Luciano
- HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, Brandon, Florida.,Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Maternal Fetal & Neonatal Institute St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - M T Berg
- HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, Brandon, Florida.,Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Maternal Fetal & Neonatal Institute St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - I V Prado
- HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, Brandon, Florida
| | - J E Teper
- HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, Brandon, Florida.,Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Maternal Fetal & Neonatal Institute St. Petersburg, Florida
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19
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A Case Report of Severe Coagulopathy in Antenatal COVID-19. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2022; 2022:7777445. [PMID: 36065377 PMCID: PMC9440626 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7777445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a naturally occurring hypercoagulable state, and COVID-19 can cause profound changes in the coagulation system associated with thromboinflammation. We report a case of a pregnant woman with moderate symptoms of COVID-19 and a severe coagulopathy with unexpected low levels of fibrinogen and factor VIII as well as atypical thrombelastometry results. She developed a severe placental dysfunction with intrauterine fetal distress and perinatal death. The case did not fulfil the criteria for preeclampsia or sepsis, and the adverse outcome was assessed as a direct effect of the COVID-19 infection with placental insufficiency, despite absence of serious maternal pulmonary symptoms. Atypical persistent coagulopathy may serve as an important marker of a serious obstetrical situation in COVID-19.
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20
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Ezechukwu HC, Shi J, Fowora MA, Diya CA, Elfaki F, Adegboye OA. Fetoplacental transmission and placental response to SARS-CoV-2: Evidence from the literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:962937. [PMID: 36052328 PMCID: PMC9426356 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.962937] [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] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a dreadful novel coronavirus with global health concerns among pregnant women. To date, the vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy remains controversial. We briefly report recent findings of placental response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and updates on vertical transmission. We systematically searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases according to PRISMA guidelines for studies reporting the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the placenta and possibility of vertical transmission. We identified 45 studies reporting 1,280 human placentas that were analyzed by molecular pathology methods and 11,112 placenta-derived cells from a publicly available database that was analyzed using bioinformatics tools. The main finding of this study is that the SARS-CoV-2 canonical entry receptors (ACE2 and TMPRSS2) are abundantly expressed on the placenta during the first trimester, and this expression diminishes across gestational age. Out of 45 eligible studies identified, 24 (53.34%) showed no evidence of vertical transmission, 15 (33.33%) supported the hypothesis of very rare, low possibility of vertical transmission and 6 (13.33%) were indecisive and had no comment on vertical transmission. Furthermore, 433 placentas from 12 studies were also identified for placental pathology investigation. There was evidence of at least one form of maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM), 57/433 (13.1%), fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM), 81/433 (18.7%) and placental inflammation with excessive infiltration of CD3+ CD8+ lymphocytes, CD68+ macrophages and CD20+ lymphocytes in most of the eligible studies. Decidual vasculopathy (3.2%), infarction (3.2%), chronic histiocytic intervillositis (6.0%), thrombi vasculopathy (5.1%) were also observed in most of the MVM and FVM reported cases. The results indicated that SARS-CoV-2 induces placenta inflammation, and placenta susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 decreases across the pregnancy window. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 infection in early pregnancy may adversely affect the developing fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry C. Ezechukwu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, EKO University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lagos, Nigeria
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jiahua Shi
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Muinah A. Fowora
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, EKO University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Cornelius A. Diya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, EKO University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Faiz Elfaki
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Oyelola A. Adegboye
- Public Health and Tropical Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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21
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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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22
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Hendriks B, van Uitert E, Schoenmakers S, Duvekot JJ, Gommers D, Cornette JMJ, van de Sande D, van Bommel J, van Kampen JJA, Cornette J. Gravid uterine torsion after prone positioning in SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. J Surg Case Rep 2022; 2022:rjac289. [PMID: 35769307 PMCID: PMC9230700 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjac289] [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: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
A multiparous pregnant patient was admitted to the intensive care unit in her third trimester of pregnancy for prone positioning mechanical ventilation after developing SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. Repositioning in left lateral tilt was followed by uterine contractions and cardiotocography alterations. Preterm caesarean section was performed based on persistent foetal tachycardia and suspected foetal distress, followed by a per-operative diagnosis of uterine levotorsion. This case report is the first to explore a potential causal link between prolonged prone positioning in late pregnancy and postural gravid uterine torsion and highlights the need for appropriate foetal monitoring during prone positioning mechanical ventilation support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bavo Hendriks
- Department of Uro-Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital (Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent) , Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000 Ghent , Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center , Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Evelyne van Uitert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center , Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Sam Schoenmakers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center , Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Johannes J Duvekot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center , Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Diederik Gommers
- Department of Adult Intensive Care, Erasmus MC University Medical Center , Room Ne-413, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Jérôme M J Cornette
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center , Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam , The Netherlands
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23
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Samara A, Khalil A, O’Brien P, Herlenius E. The effect of the delta SARS-CoV-2 variant on 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
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s Hospital, St George’s University of London, London, UK
- 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
| | - Patrick O’Brien
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Eric Herlenius
- 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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24
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Cornish EF, McDonnell T, Williams DJ. Chronic Inflammatory Placental Disorders Associated With Recurrent Adverse Pregnancy Outcome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:825075. [PMID: 35529853 PMCID: PMC9072631 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.825075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory placental disorders are a group of rare but devastating gestational syndromes associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. This review focuses on three related conditions: villitis of unknown etiology (VUE), chronic histiocytic intervillositis (CHI) and massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD). The hallmark of these disorders is infiltration of the placental architecture by maternal immune cells and disruption of the intervillous space, where gas exchange between the mother and fetus occurs. Currently, they can only be detected through histopathological examination of the placenta after a pregnancy has ended. All three are associated with a significant risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. Villitis of unknown etiology is characterised by a destructive infiltrate of maternal CD8+ T lymphocytes invading into the chorionic villi, combined with activation of fetal villous macrophages. The diagnosis can only be made when an infectious aetiology has been excluded. VUE becomes more common as pregnancy progresses and is frequently seen with normal pregnancy outcome. However, severe early-onset villitis is usually associated with fetal growth restriction and recurrent pregnancy loss. Chronic histiocytic intervillositis is characterised by excessive accumulation of maternal CD68+ histiocytes in the intervillous space. It is associated with a wide spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes including high rates of first-trimester miscarriage, severe fetal growth restriction and late intrauterine fetal death. Intervillous histiocytes can also accumulate due to infection, including SARS-CoV-2, although this infection-induced intervillositis does not appear to recur. As with VUE, the diagnosis of CHI requires exclusion of an infectious cause. Women with recurrent CHI and their families are predisposed to autoimmune diseases, suggesting CHI may have an alloimmune pathology. This observation has driven attempts to prevent CHI with a wide range of maternal immunosuppression. Massive perivillous fibrin deposition is diagnosed when >25% of the intervillous space is occupied by fibrin, and is associated with fetal growth restriction and late intrauterine fetal death. Although not an inflammatory disorder per se, MPFD is frequently seen in association with both VUE and CHI. This review summarises current understanding of the prevalence, diagnostic features, clinical consequences, immune pathology and potential prophylaxis against recurrence in these three chronic inflammatory placental syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F. Cornish
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Emily F. Cornish,
| | - Thomas McDonnell
- Faculty of Engineering Science, Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Williams
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health, Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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25
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The Impact of Maternal Prenatal Stress Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic during the First 1000 Days: A Historical Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084710. [PMID: 35457577 PMCID: PMC9029063 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on society, particularly affecting its vulnerable members, including pregnant women and their unborn children. Pregnant mothers reported fear of infection, fear of vertical transmission, fear of poor birth and child outcomes, social isolation, uncertainty about their partner's presence during medical appointments and delivery, increased domestic abuse, and other collateral damage, including vaccine hesitancy. Accordingly, pregnant women's known vulnerability for mental health problems has become a concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, also because of the known effects of prenatal stress for the unborn child. The current narrative review provides a historical overview of transgenerational effects of exposure to disasters during pregnancy, and the role of maternal prenatal stress. We place these effects into the perspective of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hereby, we aim to draw attention to the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women of reproductive age (15-49 year) and its potential associated short-term and long-term consequences for the health of children who are conceived, carried, and born during this pandemic. Timely detection and intervention during the first 1000 days is essential to reduce the burden of transgenerational effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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26
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Chowdhury S, Bappy MH, Desai S, Chowdhury S, Patel V, Chowdhury MS, Fonseca A, Sekzer C, Zahid S, Patousis A, Gerothanasi A, Masenga MJ. COVID-19 and Pregnancy. Discoveries (Craiova) 2022; 10:e147. [PMID: 36438440 PMCID: PMC9683860 DOI: 10.15190/d.2022.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
It is of greatest concern how COVID-19 is affecting pregnancy, mothers, and babies. Scientists are studying the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women and babies and are understanding a little more every day. Reports show that there is an increased risk in pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women to get more serious illness due to COVID-19. Researchers are also investigating COVID-19 and its potential impact on a fetus. There are exceedingly rare cases of COVID-19 transmission to the fetus, and newborns can pick up COVID-19 when exposed. Vaccines are proved to be safe for pregnant women and help prevent both mother and the fetus from getting COVID-19 and are also highly effective to prevent COVID-19 infection, critical sickness, and fatalities in general. There are specific guidelines for labor and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic which are to be imposed and followed to achieve safer and healthier childbirth. In this article, the overall influence of COVID-19 in pregnancy, its pathophysiology, effects on placenta and neonates, maternal and perinatal features and outcomes, the role of vaccination, available treatment options, and the guidelines to be followed during the pandemic are discussed based on the available scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Vraj Patel
- Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, India
| | | | | | | | - Samina Zahid
- Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
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27
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Schwartz DA, Avvad-Portari E, Babál P, Baldewijns M, Blomberg M, Bouachba A, Camacho J, Collardeau-Frachon S, Colson A, Dehaene I, Ferreres JC, Fitzgerald B, Garrido-Pontnou M, Gerges H, Hargitai B, Helguera-Repetto AC, Holmström S, Irles CL, Leijonhfvud Å, Libbrecht S, Marton T, McEntagart N, Molina JT, Morotti R, Nadal A, Navarro A, Nelander M, Oviedo A, Oyamada Otani AR, Papadogiannakis N, Petersen AC, Roberts DJ, Saad AG, Sand A, Schoenmakers S, Sehn JK, Simpson PR, Thomas K, Valdespino-Vázquez MY, van der Meeren LE, Van Dorpe J, Verdijk RM, Watkins JC, Zaigham M. Placental Tissue Destruction and Insufficiency from COVID-19 Causes Stillbirth and Neonatal Death from Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury: A Study of 68 Cases with SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis from 12 Countries. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2022; 146:660-676. [PMID: 35142798 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0029-sa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Perinatal death is an increasingly important problem as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, but the mechanism of death has been unclear. OBJECTIVE.— To evaluate the role of the placenta in causing stillbirth and neonatal death following maternal infection with COVID-19 and confirmed placental positivity for SARS-CoV-2. DESIGN.— Case-based retrospective clinico-pathological analysis by a multinational group of 44 perinatal specialists from 12 countries of placental and autopsy pathology findings from 64 stillborns and 4 neonatal deaths having placentas testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 following delivery to mothers with COVID-19. RESULTS.— All 68 placentas had increased fibrin deposition and villous trophoblast necrosis and 66 had chronic histiocytic intervillositis, the three findings constituting SARS-CoV-2 placentitis. Sixty-three placentas had massive perivillous fibrin deposition. Severe destructive placental disease from SARS-CoV-2 placentitis averaged 77.7% tissue involvement. Other findings included multiple intervillous thrombi (37%; 25/68) and chronic villitis (32%; 22/68). The majority (19, 63%) of the 30 autopsies revealed no significant fetal abnormalities except for intrauterine hypoxia and asphyxia. Among all 68 cases, SARS-CoV-2 was detected from a body specimen in 16 of 28 cases tested, most frequently from nasopharyngeal swabs. Four autopsied stillborns had SARS-CoV-2 identified in internal organs. CONCLUSIONS.— The pathology abnormalities composing SARS-CoV-2 placentitis cause widespread and severe placental destruction resulting in placental malperfusion and insufficiency. In these cases, intrauterine and perinatal death likely results directly from placental insufficiency and fetal hypoxic-ischemic injury. There was no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 involvement of the fetus had a role in causing these deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elyzabeth Avvad-Portari
- Department of Pathology, Fernandes Figueira Institute, FIOCRUZ - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Avvad-Portari)
| | - Pavel Babál
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia (Babál)
| | - Marcella Baldewijns
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Baldewijns)
| | - Marie Blomberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden (Blomberg)
| | - Amine Bouachba
- Institut de Pathologie Multisite des Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; SOFFOET-Société Française de Foetopathologie, Paris, France (Bouachba)
| | - Jessica Camacho
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain (Camacho)
| | - Sophie Collardeau-Frachon
- Department of Pathology, Hopital Femme-Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and SOFFOET-Société Française de Foetopathologie, Paris France (Collardeau-Frachon)
| | - Arthur Colson
- Department of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (Colson)
| | - Isabelle Dehaene
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium (Dehaene)
| | - Joan Carles Ferreres
- Pathology Department, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Barcelona, Spain (Ferreres)
| | - Brendan Fitzgerald
- Department of Pathology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Republic of Ireland (Fitzgerald)
| | - Marta Garrido-Pontnou
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Department of Morphological Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Garrido-Pontnou)
| | - Hazem Gerges
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Teaching Hospitals, Women's Hospital, Doncaster, United Kingdom (Gerges)
| | - Beata Hargitai
- Division of Perinatal Pathology, Department of Cellular Pathology, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom (Hargitai)
| | - A Cecilia Helguera-Repetto
- Immunobiochemistry Department, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico (Helguera-Repetto)
| | - Sandra Holmström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Halland Hospital, Varberg, Sweden (Holmström)
| | - Claudine Liliane Irles
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Development, National Institute of Perinatology "Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes", Mexico City, Mexico (Irles)
| | - Åsa Leijonhfvud
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Helsingborg Hospital, Department of Clinical Science Helsingborg, Lund University, Lund, Sweden (Leijonhfvud)
| | - Sasha Libbrecht
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium (Libbrecht)
| | - Tamás Marton
- Cellular Pathology Department, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom (Marton)
| | - Noel McEntagart
- Histopathology, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland (McEntagart)
| | - James T Molina
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, CHRISTUS Hospital St. Elizabeth, 2830 Calder St, Beaumont, Texas (Molina)
| | - Raffaella Morotti
- Department of Pathology and Pediatrics, Autopsy Service, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Morotti)
| | - Alfons Nadal
- Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain (Nadal).,Department of Basic Clinical Practice, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, and August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (Nadal)
| | - Alexandra Navarro
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain (Navarro)
| | - Maria Nelander
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (Nelander)
| | - Angelica Oviedo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Las Cruces, New Mexico (Oviedo)
| | | | - Nikos Papadogiannakis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute and Department of Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden (Papadogiannakis)
| | - Astrid C Petersen
- Department of Pathology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark (Petersen)
| | - Drucilla J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Roberts)
| | - Ali G Saad
- Pediatric Pathology and Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Health System/Holtz Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida (Saad)
| | - Anna Sand
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden (Sand)
| | - Sam Schoenmakers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Schoenmakers)
| | - Jennifer K Sehn
- Department of Pathology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri (Sehn)
| | - Preston R Simpson
- Department of Pathology, CHRISTUS Hospital St. Elizabeth, 2830 Calder St., Beaumont, Texas (Simpson)
| | - Kristen Thomas
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Health - Main Campus & Bellevue Hospital Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York (Thomas)
| | | | - Lotte E van der Meeren
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands (van der Meeren).,Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands (van der Meeren)
| | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium (Van Dorpe)
| | - Robert M Verdijk
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (Verdijk)
| | - Jaclyn C Watkins
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Watkins)
| | - Mehreen Zaigham
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Institution of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden (Zaigham).,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö and Lund, Sweden (Zaigham)
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28
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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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29
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Rakheja D, Treat K, Timmons CF, Carrillo D, Miller SE, Stroberg E, Barton LM, Duval EJ, Mukhopadhyay S. SARS-CoV-2 Immunohistochemistry In Placenta. Int J Surg Pathol 2021; 30:393-396. [PMID: 34939436 PMCID: PMC9111943 DOI: 10.1177/10668969211067754] [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]
Abstract
Compared to the parental SARS-CoV-2 virus, infections by the now dominant Delta
variant of SARS-CoV-2 appear to be more common and more severe in pregnant
women. The need for a robust, cheap, and quick method for diagnosing placental
infection by SARS-CoV-2 has thus become more acute. Here, we describe a highly
sensitive and specific immunohistochemical assay for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid
protein for routine use in placental pathology practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Rakheja
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Children’s Health, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Charles F. Timmons
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Children’s Health, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Edana Stroberg
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Lisa M. Barton
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Eric J. Duval
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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30
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Disse SC, Manuylova T, Adam K, Lechler A, Zant R, Klingel K, Aepinus C, Finkenzeller T, Wellmann S, Schneble F. COVID-19 in 28-Week Triplets Caused by Intrauterine Transmission of SARS-CoV-2-Case Report. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:812057. [PMID: 35004553 PMCID: PMC8740284 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.812057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains a rarity and only very few cases have been proven across the world. Here we depict the clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings of preterm triplets born at 28 6/7 weeks to a mother who contracted COVID-19 just 1 week before delivery. The triplets showed SARS-CoV-2 positivity right after birth, developed significant leukopenia and early-onset pulmonary interstitial emphysema. The most severely affected triplet I required 10 days of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation due to failure of conventional invasive ventilation, and circulatory support for 4 days. Despite a severe clinical course in two triplets (triplet I and II), clinical management without experimental, targeted antiviral drugs was successful. At discharge home, the triplets showed no signs of neurologic or pulmonary sequelae. Placental immunohistology with SARS-CoV-2 N-protein localized strongly to syncytiotrophoblast cells and, to a lesser extent, to fetal Hofbauer cells, proving intrauterine virus transmission. We discuss the role of maternal viremia as a potential risk factor for vertical transmission. To the best of our knowledge, our report presents the earliest unequivocally confirmed prenatal virus transmission in long-term surviving children, i.e., at the beginning of the third trimester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid C Disse
- Children's Hospital Weiden, Kliniken Nordoberpfalz Aktiengesellschaft (AG), Weiden, Germany
| | - Tatiana Manuylova
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Klaus Adam
- Children's Hospital Weiden, Kliniken Nordoberpfalz Aktiengesellschaft (AG), Weiden, Germany
| | - Annette Lechler
- Women's Hospital Weiden, Kliniken Nordoberpfalz Aktiengesellschaft (AG), Weiden, Germany
| | - Robert Zant
- Children's Hospital Weiden, Kliniken Nordoberpfalz Aktiengesellschaft (AG), Weiden, Germany
| | - Karin Klingel
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Aepinus
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology, Synlab Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum (MVZ) Weiden, Weiden, Germany
| | - Thomas Finkenzeller
- Institute of Radiology, Hospital Weiden, Kliniken Nordoberpfalz Aktiengesellschaft (AG), Weiden, Germany
| | - Sven Wellmann
- Department of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Fritz Schneble
- Children's Hospital Weiden, Kliniken Nordoberpfalz Aktiengesellschaft (AG), Weiden, Germany
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