De novo RANBP2 variant in a fetal demise case with cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage

Fetal intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) may result from a wide array of causes, either associated with maternal or fetal risk factors. In the last decade, monogenic causes of susceptibility to fetal ICH have been described, in particular in association with COL4A1 and COL4A2 genes. A peculiar form of ICH is acute necrotizing encephalitis (ANE), which is characterized by a rapid-onset severe encephalopathy following an abnormal inflammatory response to an otherwise banal infection. It usually affects healthy children and it is thought to be multifactorial, with a genetic predisposition. RANBP2 gene has been extensively associated with ANE susceptibility. We hereby present a unique case of a 42-year-old secundigravida with intrauterine fetal demise at 35 weeks of gestation. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing performed on both parents and fetal DNA showed a de novo likely pathogenic variant in the RANBP2 gene on 2q13. At the fetal autopsy, subtentorial hematoma and cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage were present. We speculate that this might be a new phenotypic presentation of RANBP2-associated disease. However, more similar fetal cases need to be reported in order to reinforce this hypothesis.

Genital perception and vulvar appearance after childbirth: a cohort analysis of genital body image and sexuality

PURPOSE

The mode of delivery influences the genital image and perception, especially regarding the effects of delivery on sexual life and intercourse. The current literature has not adequately investigated the relationship between delivery and genital appearance. The aim of the study is to determine whether the mode of delivery changes the genital perception of the woman and, in doing so, influences their acceptance. The secondary aim is to analyze the impact of genital appearance on sexuality.

METHODS

A prospective survey regarding genital appearance and the impact of delivery mode on vulvar perception was conducted in patients 6 weeks after childbirth. We enrolled 365 women for evaluation, divided into three groups: spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD 295 women 80.82%), operative vaginal delivery (OVD 36 women 9.86%) and cesarean section (CS 34 women 9.31%).

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of vulva inspection and in the perception of genital modifications among the groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The perception of overall genital modifications was significantly correlated with the frequency of inspection (p = 0.004) and the delivery mode (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

Mode of delivery may influence the genital perception and appearance of genitalia without a decrease of sexual life and daily activity in childbirth.

Adrenal crisis during pregnancy: Case report and obstetric perspective

Adrenal dysfunction (AD) and, in particular, adrenal crisis are uncommon events in pregnant women, but associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality if untreated or undiagnosed. Adrenal crisis may be confused with the common symptoms of pregnancy: the obstetricians should be able to promptly diagnose and treat it in order to avoid the adverse outcomes regarding the mother and the fetus. For this reason, AD must be treated by an expert multidisciplinary team. We presented a case report of a young pregnant woman with adrenal crisis due to tuberculosis, cocaine abuse, and massive bilateral hemorrhage with symptoms of emesis, hypotension, sudden abdominal pain, and leukocytosis. The most common issues of diagnosis and treatment are discussed and analyzed. Finally, we performed a review of the literature regarding adrenal crisis and adrenal insufficiency (AI) in pregnancy in order to clarify the management of these diseases in obstetrics setting.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and persistence of antibody response

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women may be at an increased risk of developing severe or critical disease associated with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causing severities during pregnancy. We performed a prospective study to describe the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy outcomes and on the newborn, depending on the severity of the disease. The antibody response and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-Spike (S) IgG, IgA and anti-Nu- cleocapsid (NCP) IgG, was investigated.

METHODS

A total of 48 pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled, and sequential serum samples from 30 of them were collected until one year after infection. Outcomes of pregnan- cy and newborn parameters were evaluated in comparison with 200 uninfected controls.

RESULTS

Asymptomatic infection was observed in 31/48 women (64.5%), mild COVID-19 in 12/48 women (25.0%), while 5/48 women (10.5%) developed pneumonia. Women with pneumonia mount- ed significantly higher levels of anti-S IgG, IgA and anti-NCP IgG between 1 and 3 months after onset of infection compared to asymptomatic women. Anti-S IgG persisted in the majority of women from 6 months to at least one year after infection, especially in those with symptomatic infection and pneumonia, while anti-S IgA and anti-NCP IgG declined earlier. Pregnancy complications and new- born parameters were not significantly different from those observed in uninfected controls.

CONCLUSION

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody development and persistence was not impaired in pregnant women, while SARS-CoV-2 infection did not cause major pregnancy or newborn complications in asymptomatic or symptomatic women, nor in women with pneumonia receiving prompt clinical care.

Aging of Pelvic Floor in Animal Models: A Sistematic Review of Literature on the Role of the Extracellular Matrix in the Development of Pelvic Floor Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects many women and contributes significantly to a decrease in their quality of life causing urinary and/or fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction and dyspareunia. To better understand POP pathophysiology, prevention and treatment, many researchers resorted to evaluating animal models. Regarding this example and because POP affects principally older women, our aim was to provide an overview of literature on the possible biomechanical changes that occur in the vaginas of animal models and their supportive structures as a consequence of aging. Papers published online from 2000 until May 2021 were considered and particular attention was given to articles reporting the effects of aging on the microscopic structure of the vagina and pelvic ligaments in animal models. Most research has been conducted on rodents because their vagina structure is well characterized and similar to those of humans; furthermore, they are cost effective. The main findings concern protein structures of the connective tissue, known as elastin and collagen. We have noticed a significant discordance regarding the quantitative changes in elastin and collagen related to aging, especially because it is difficult to detect them in animal specimens. However, it seems to be clear that aging affects the qualitative properties of elastin and collagen leading to aberrant forms which may affect the elasticity and the resilience of tissues leading to pelvic floor disease. The analysis of histological changes of pelvic floor tissues related to aging underlines how these topics appear to be not fully understood so far and that more research is necessary.

Clinical correlates of placental pathologic features in early-onset fetal growth restriction

Introdcution: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between placental pathologic features of maternal (MVM) or fetal (FVM) vascular malperfusion and clinical characteristics, sonographic findings and neonatal outcome in a cohort of pregnancies complicated by early-onset (diagnosed before 32 weeks of gestational age) fetal growth restriction (FGR).

METHODS

A prospective cohort study included 250 singleton early-onset FGR pregnancies diagnosed, followed up and delivered at a single Centre. Elementary placental pathologic lesions were classified according to standard recommendations. Logistic regression and Cox analysis were used to evaluate outcomes adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

Overall features of severe placental MVM and FVM were observed in 29.6% (74/250) and 12.8% (32/250) of the subjects, respectively. Severe placental MVM lesions were more common among subjects with umbilical artery (UA) Doppler Pulsatility Index > 95th than ≤ 95th percentile (50/120 as opposed to 24/130, Adj OR= 3, 95% CI = 1.6-5.4) and CerebroPlacental Ratio (CPR) < 5th than ≥5th percentile (48/115 as opposed to 26/135, Adj OR= 2.7, 95% CI = 1.5-4.9). Mean time from FGR diagnosis to delivery was shorter among subjects with severe MVM (25.5 days, 95% CI= 20.6-30.2, Adj. OR = 1.9,95% CI = 1.9,95% CI =1.4-2.5) when compared to both those with mild/moderate MVM (36.5 days (95% CI = 27-.2-45, p=0.04) or no MVM (39.4,95% CI = 35.4-43.4, p<.001). Finally, severe FVM was associated with an increased risk of perinatal/neonatal death or severe brain lesions (9/28 in subjects with perinatal/neonatal death/brain lesions as compared to 23/222 in controls, Adj OR= 3, 95% CI = 1.05-8.6) or severe adverse neonatal outcomes (13/46 in subjects with severe adverse outcome as compared to 19/204 among controls, Adj OR= 3.2, 95% CI =1.2-8.5).

CONCLUSIONS

In early-onset FGR, placental pathologic features of MVM and FVM are distinct independent predictors of severity of clinical picture, abnormal Doppler markers of placental and fetal circulation and of neonatal outcome, respectively.

What is known about neuroplacentology in fetal growth restriction and in preterm infants: A narrative review of literature

The placenta plays a fundamental role during pregnancy for fetal growth and development. A suboptimal placental function may result in severe consequences during the infant's first years of life. In recent years, a new field known as neuroplacentology has emerged and it focuses on the role of the placenta in fetal and neonatal brain development. Because of the limited data, our aim was to provide a narrative review of the most recent knowledge about the relation between placental lesions and fetal and newborn neurological development. Papers published online from 2000 until February 2022 were taken into consideration and particular attention was given to articles in which placental lesions were related to neonatal morbidity and short-term and long-term neurological outcome. Most research regarding the role of placental lesions in neurodevelopment has been conducted on fetal growth restriction and preterm infants. Principal neurological outcomes investigated were periventricular leukomalacia, intraventricular hemorrhages, neonatal encephalopathy and autism spectrum disorder. No consequences in motor development were found. All the considered studies agree about the crucial role played by placenta in fetal and neonatal neurological development and outcome. However, the causal mechanisms remain largely unknown. Knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms and on placenta-related risks for neurological problems may provide clues for early interventions aiming to improve neurological outcomes, especially among pediatricians and child psychiatrists.