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Popescu DE, Roșca I, Jura AMC, Cioca A, Pop O, Lungu N, Popa ZL, Rațiu A, Boia M. Prompt Placental Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Assessment after SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Pregnancy-Our Perspective of a Small Group. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1836. [PMID: 38339114 PMCID: PMC10855253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Research indicates compelling evidence of SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission as a result of placental pathology. This study offers an approach to histopathological and immunohistochemical placental observations from SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers compared to negative ones. Out of the 44 examined placentas, 24 were collected from patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and 20 were collected from patients without infection. The disease group showed strong SARS-CoV-2 positivity of the membranes, trophoblasts, and fetal villous macrophages. Most infections occurred during the third trimester of pregnancy (66.6%). Pathology revealed areas consistent with avascular villi (AV) and thrombi in the chorionic vessels and umbilical cord in the positive group, suggesting fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM). This study shows SARS-CoV-2 has an impact on coagulation, demonstrated by fetal thrombotic vasculopathy (p = 0.01) and fibrin deposition (p = 0.01). Other observed features included infarction (17%), perivillous fibrin deposition (29%), intervillous fibrin (25%), delayed placental maturation (8.3%), chorangiosis (13%), chorioamnionitis (8.3%), and meconium (21%). The negative control group revealed only one case of placental infarction (5%), intervillous fibrin (5%), delayed placental maturation (5%), and chorioamnionitis (5%) and two cases of meconium (19%). Our study sheds light on the changes and differences that occurred in placentas from SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers and the control group. Further research is necessary to definitively establish whether SARS-CoV-2 is the primary culprit behind these intricate complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Eugenia Popescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Department of Neonatology, Premiere Hospital, Regina Maria Health Network, Calea Aradului, No. 113, 300645 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Roșca
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Cristina Jura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Cioca
- Department of Pathology, Premiere Hospital, Regina Maria Health Network, Calea Aradului, No. 113, 300645 Timişoara, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Pop
- Department of Morphological Sciences, University of Oradea, Universității Street, No. 1, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Lungu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Zoran-Laurențiu Popa
- Department XII Obstetrics and Gynecology—Obstetrics and Gynecology III, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Rațiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Mărioara Boia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
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Năstase L, Cristea O, Diaconu A, Stoicescu SM, Mohora R, Pascu BM, Tala ST, Roșca I. Two Cases of Congenital Hypothyroidism Revealing Thyroid Agenesis. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:1887. [PMID: 37893606 PMCID: PMC10608129 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) may have major detrimental effects on growth and neurological development, but early intervention leads to excellent outcomes. CH is classified as transient or permanent, primary or secondary, with primary CH being the most common neonatal endocrine disorder. Most patients with CH do not present any typical signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism shortly after birth, partly due to transplacental maternal thyroid hormone transfer and residual neonatal thyroid function. This paper reports on two CH cases. During the initial Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission phase, CH was not suspected due to nonspecific signs. The distinct characteristics of our cases are as follows: both infants were admitted to the NICU for respiratory distress syndrome, requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, and both were born to diabetic mothers. Following extubation, they both showed similar neurological issues, including reduced muscle tone and feeding difficulties. Initially, those symptoms were attributed to delayed clearance of analgesic and sedative medication. However, symptoms progressively worsened over time. Subsequent tests revealed both meeting CH diagnostic criteria: an unusual ultrasound indicating thyroid agenesis and abnormal hormone levels. Guided by the pediatric endocrinology team, prompt hormonal treatment was started with improvements in neurocognitive function and feeding. Usually, CH screening involves blood samples from healthy newborns at 2-3 days of life. Abnormal results require confirmation, prompting treatment within two weeks. Certain NICU-admitted infants face higher diagnosis delays, as seen in those two cases where CH screening was postponed. Thus, for all neonates with persistent pathologies unresponsive to standard etiological treatment, conducting a comprehensive anamnestic evaluation of the medical history, along with maternal preconceptional and prenatal nutrition, is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Năstase
- Neonatology Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octaviana Cristea
- Neonatology Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Diaconu
- Neonatology Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silvia-Maria Stoicescu
- Neonatology Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ramona Mohora
- Neonatology Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Mihai Pascu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Endocrinology Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Tania Tala
- Endocrinology Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 020395 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Roșca
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Neonatology Department, Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Prof. Dr. P. Sârbu”, 060251 Bucharest, Romania
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Roșca I, Preda AG, Constantin AT, Coroleucă C, Severin E, Teleanu RI, Turenschi A. Case report: Tackling the complexities of an extremely premature newborn with intrauterine growth restriction and congenital metabolic disorders through a multidisciplinary approach. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1162226. [PMID: 37404553 PMCID: PMC10315905 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1162226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives The premature birth of a newborn can present a complex challenge for healthcare providers, particularly in cases of extreme prematurity combined with intrauterine growth restriction and multiple metabolic deficiencies. In this report, we aim to shed light on the difficulties and considerations involved in the management of such a case. In addition, our study is aimed to raise awareness of the importance of a multidisciplinary team in managing an extreme premature case with multiple comorbidities. Case presentation and main findings We present the case of a 28-week premature female newborn with very low birth weight (660 g, percentile <10%) and intrauterine growth restriction. She was born through emergency cesarean delivery due to maternal Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count (HELLP) syndrome and had a high-risk pregnancy (spontaneous twin pregnancy, with one fetus stopping development at 16 weeks and maternal hypertension). In the first hours of life, she presented with persistent hypoglycemia requiring progressive glucose supplementation up to 16 g/kg/day to maintain normal blood glucose levels. The baby then showed favorable progress. However, from days 24 to 25, hypoglycemia recurred and did not respond to glucose boluses or supplementation in both intravenous and oral feeds, leading to the suspicion of a congenital metabolic disorder. Endocrine and metabolic screenings led to suspicion of primary carnitine deficiency and a deficiency in hepatic form of carnitine-palmitoyltransferase type I (CPT1) on the second screening. Conclusion and clinical implications The study highlights rare metabolic anomalies that can be due to both organ and system immaturity and delayed enteral feeding and excessive use of antibiotics. The clinical implications of this study emphasize the need for careful monitoring and comprehensive care of premature infants to prevent and manage potential metabolic abnormalities by neonatal metabolic screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Roșca
- Neonatology Department, Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Prof. Dr. P. Sârbu”, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Specialized Care, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Gheorghe Preda
- Neonatology Department, Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Prof. Dr. P. Sârbu”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Teodora Constantin
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Specialized Care, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Pediatrics Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ciprian Coroleucă
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Specialized Care, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Prof. Dr. P. Sârbu”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Emilia Severin
- Department of Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Ioana Teleanu
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Specialized Care, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Pediatrics Department, Children’s Clinical Hospital “Dr. Victor Gomoiu”, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Turenschi
- Pediatrics Medical Resident, Department of Pediatrics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Constantin AT, Streata I, Covăcescu MS, Riza AL, Roșca I, Delia C, Tudor LM, Dorobanțu Ș, Dragoș A, Ristea D, Ioana M, Gherghina I. Genetic Testing for Familial Hypercholesterolemia in a Pediatric Group: A Romanian Showcase. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1988. [PMID: 37370883 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13121988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease marked by high levels of LDL-cholesterol. This condition has long-term clinical implications, such as cardiovascular events, that are evident during adult life. Here, we report on a single-center cross-sectional showcase study of genetic testing for FH in a Romanian pediatric group. Genetic testing for FH was performed on 20 Romanian pediatric patients, 10 boys and 10 girls, admitted with LDL-cholesterol levels over 130 mg/mL to the National Institute for Mother and Child Health "Alesssandrescu-Rusescu" in 2020. Genetic testing was performed using the Illumina TruSight Cardio panel. We identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants that could explain the phenotype in 5/20 cases. The involved genes were LDLR and APOB. Clinical signs that suggest the diagnosis of FH are scarce for the pediatric patient, although it can be diagnosed early during childhood by lipid panel screening. Prevention could prove lifesaving for some of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Teodora Constantin
- Pediatrics Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health "Alessandrescu-Rusescu", 020395 Bucharest, Romania
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Streata
- Genetics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Regional Center for Medical Genetics Dolj, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mirela Silvia Covăcescu
- Pediatrics Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health "Alessandrescu-Rusescu", 020395 Bucharest, Romania
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Lelia Riza
- Genetics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Regional Center for Medical Genetics Dolj, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ioana Roșca
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Neonatology Department, Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology "Prof. Dr. P.Sârbu", 060251 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina Delia
- Pediatrics Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health "Alessandrescu-Rusescu", 020395 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lucia Maria Tudor
- Pediatrics Department, National Institute for Mother and Child Health "Alessandrescu-Rusescu", 020395 Bucharest, Romania
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ștefania Dorobanțu
- Genetics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Regional Center for Medical Genetics Dolj, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Dragoș
- Genetics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Regional Center for Medical Genetics Dolj, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Diana Ristea
- Regional Center for Medical Genetics Dolj, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihai Ioana
- Genetics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Regional Center for Medical Genetics Dolj, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ioan Gherghina
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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