ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES AND VASCULAR THROMBOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH THE MOST SEVERE FORMS OF COVID-19

BackgroundThe presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) has been observed in patients with COVID-19 (1,2), suggesting that they may be associated with deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke in severe cases (3). Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder and the most common form of acquired thrombophilia globally. At least one clinical criterion, vascular thrombosis (arterial, venous or microthrombosis) or pregnancy morbidity and at least one laboratory criterion- positive aPL two times at least 12 weeks apart: lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GPI) antibody, have to be met for international APS classification criteria(4). Several reports also associate anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) with APS.ObjectivesTo combine clinical data on arterial/venous thrombosis and pregnancy complications before and during hospitalisation with aPL laboratory findings at 4 time points (hospital admission, worsening of COVID-19, hospital discharge, and follow-up) in patients with the most severe forms of COVID-19 infection.MethodsPatients with COVID-19 pneumonia were consequetively enrolled, as they were admitted to the General hospital Pancevo. Exclusion criteria were previous diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease and diagnosis of APS. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records. Laboratory results, including LA, aCL, anti-β2GPI, and aPS/PT antibodies were taken at hospital admission, worsening (defined as cytokine storm, connection of the patient to the respirator, use of the anti-IL-6 drug- Tocilizumab), at hospital discharge and at 3-months follow-up and sent to University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia for analysis. Statistics was performed by using SPSS 21.Results111 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were recruited;7 patients died during hospitalisation (none were aPL-positive on admission and at the time of worsening), 3 due to pulmonary artery embolism. All patients were treated according to a predefined protocol which included antibiotics, corticosteroids, anticoagulation therapy and specific comorbidity drugs;patients with hypoxia were supported with oxygen. During hospitalisation, pulmonary artery thrombosis occurred in 5 patients, one was aPL-positive at all time points (was diagnosed with APS), others were negative. In addition, 9/101 patients had a history of thrombosis (5 arterial thrombosis (coronary and cerebral arteries), none of whom was aPL-positive on admission and at follow-up, and 4 venous thrombosis, one of which was aPL-positive at all time points and received an APS diagnosis). Among 9/101 patients with a history of thrombosis, 55.6% were transiently positive at the time of discharge, compared to patients without prior thrombosis, in whom 26.1% were transiently positive at the hospital release (p=0.074). Two patients had a history of pregnancy complications (both had miscarriage after 10th week of gestation), but did not have aPL positivity at any time point.ConclusionAlthough aPL was expected to be associated with vascular disease in the most severe forms of COVID-19, all patients that have died in our cohort were aPL negative. At hospital discharge, 56% of patients with a history of arterial or venous thrombosis had positive aPL that became negative at the 3-months follow-up (were transienlty positive), which should be considered when prescribing therapy after hospitalisation.References[1]Trahtemberg U, Rottapel R, Dos Santos CC, et al. Anticardiolipin and other antiphospholipid antibodies in critically ill COVID-19 positive and negative patients. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2021;80:1236-1240.[2]Stelzer M, Henes J, Saur S. The Role of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in COVID-19. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2021;23(9):72-4.[3]Xie Y, Wang X, Yang P, Zhang S. COVID-19 complicated by acute pulmonary embolism. Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging 2020: 2: e200067.[4]Miyakis S, Lockshin MD, Atsumi T, Branch DW, Brey RL, et al. J.Thromb.Haemost. 2006;4: 295-306.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of nterestsNone Declared.

Combatting Food Insecurity Through Implementing Food Pantry Amenities in Clinical Settings

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has brought renewed public attention to food insecurity and other social determinants of health. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food insecurity affects 10.5% of households nationwide. Our study sought to determine the prevalence of food insecurity at the University of Louisville and the effect that implementing food pantry amenities within the clinic has on pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained. We screened pregnant women presenting to our outpatient clinic for prenatal care each trimester. Food security was determined using a modified version of the USDA Adult Food Security Survey over the past 12 months. Women that were determined to be food insecure were provided access to food pantry amenities at each prenatal visit. Screening data were entered in REDCap, then exported into Stata for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Survey data demonstrated that 38% of our patients screened positive for food insecurity. As a result, a total of 5,829 lb of food have been distributed. Secondary outcomes including prenatal care adherence rates, weight gain during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and birth outcomes will be displayed graphically. CONCLUSION: Rates of food insecurity in our clinic population were three times higher compared to the national average. Formal screening allows providers to better identify families experiencing food insecurity and connect them to food pantry amenities. Importantly, our initiative can serve as a guide for other institutions considering food security interventions. Implementing food pantries in academic institutions nationwide will enhance and inform these innovations to target at-risk populations and provide health equity. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Sexual health and contraceptives in the young people of the XXI century

Youth is a key period of life to ensure future well-being, especially in relation to sexuality. The general objective is to analyze the sexual education of young people today regarding sexual practices and to study the use of contraceptive methods. Material(s) and Method(s): It is a cross-sectional, observational study of cases. Designed a digital questionnaire made with Google consisting of 26 items and 3 blocks: social-demographic data, female sexuality and sexual health. Data analysis the statistical program SPSS 25.0. Result(s): The sample obtained: 1320 women. Social-demographic data: ages between 15 and 29 years and 58.3% of the women had a partner. The most frequent sexual orientation: 77% heterosexual. Female sexuality: for 63.9% of women, sex is an important part of their relationships and 43.3% consider themselves attractive people. The most rejected practices: anal sex, during menstruation or with the light on. 4.7% do not feel prepared to require their sexual partner to use a condom. 9.7% are not able to request sexual practices that they want. 6.2% state that they do not avoid any practice despite the fact that some of them cause discomfort. During the Covid-19 situation, the frequency of sexual relations decreases by 49% and the absent practices of viral transmission via online increase. Regarding sexual education, we observe that the majority have been provided by friends, that is, unqualified personnel. The most explained topics are focused on the traditional aspects of sexual health and human development, therefore it is an education that is not of quality, data confirmed by 58% of women. The contraceptive methods most used by women are condoms and oral contraceptives, whose main purpose is the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (condoms). Its use can have negative connotations such as decreased sexual desire, excitement, sensitivity and orgasm disorders. Conclusion(s): Currently, young women perceive sexuality more and more naturally, talking about it without fear or censorship. Sex educators are mostly not qualified personnel. The SARS-CoV2 (Covid-19) situation increases the number of sexual practices online, decreasing it. The contraceptive methods most used by women are condoms and oral contraceptives.Copyright © 2023

Case study from Kosovo - repetitive COVID-19 infection and pregnancy

A 25-year-old woman, gravida 2, with no medical history of cardiovascular nor other chronic diseases, came to the gynaecologist and described symptoms of a flu-like disease, including very high fever. The gyneacologist prescribed her antibiotics and paracetamol to calm down the fever. At 37 week of gestation she was admitted to the provincial COVID-19 treatment center for isolation and health care in University Clinical Center of Kosovo in Gynecology/Obstetrics department. All bacteriological tests, including hemocultures and cultures of urines were negative. She received antipyretics (acetaminophen), antispasmodics trimethylphloroglucinol and antibiotics (oral azithromycin for 5 days and intravenous ceftriaxone). Despite this treatments, fever and uterine contractions persisted therefor the commission of doctors decided to deliver the baby via ceserean section. The peritoneal cavity and uterus were found to be very inflamed. Fetal appendages as well as the bladder were strewn with eruptive, vesicular lesions bleeding on contact. After few hours after the delivery her temperature (36.5 degreeC) and blood pressure (120/60 mmHg) were normal. The baby was healthy and tested negative on the COVD-19 tests performed. The patients after 2 weeks of treatment and a negative COVID-19 result she was released to go home and was counselled to eat healthy and prescribed multivitamins for her immune system and regular follow ups with the gynecologist. In a period of 8 months the patient became pregnant again and got infected with the COVID-19 again at 25 weeks pregnant. This time the symptoms were not severe and she was followed up at home. The delivery was planned with cesarean section and the baby was in healthy conditions. The patient got vaccinated with Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine after the delivery. Because of their changed physiology, susceptibility to infections, and weakened mechanical and immunological processes, pregnant women are a particularly vulnerable group in any infectious disease outbreak. The requirement to protect the fetus adds to the difficulty of controlling their health. Keywords: COVID-19, pregnant women, cesarean section, Kosovo, astra-zeneca vaccineCopyright © 2023

COVID-19 in Early Pregnancy. Clinical Implications and Methodological Considerations

There is limited information on the effects of COVID-19 early in pregnancy on the risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs). Initial research has been limited by small samples, lack of attention to the timing of infection during pregnancy, lack of an appropriate control group, and biased selection of participants. The International Registry of Coronavirus Exposure in Pregnancy (IRCEP) was designed to estimate the relative risk of adverse perinatal outcomes among women with COVID-19 at specific times during gestation. Adult women were eligible to enroll if they had a SARS-CoV-2 test, regardless of the results, or clinically confirmed COVID-19 during pregnancy. Self-administered questionnaires collected data on the infection, pregnancy outcomes, and potential confounders. The analysis of MCMs included women with either a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test or a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 during the first trimester (exposed group) or a negative SARS-CoV-2 test (reference) that enrolled while pregnant. Of 17,163 participants enrolled between June 2020 and July 2021, 1,727 had a SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first trimester and 10,235 had a negative test during pregnancy. Restriction to participants with complete follow-up reduced the sample size to 92 exposed and 292 unexposed reference pregnancies. MCMs were reported in three (3.3%) exposed and eight (2.7%) unexposed (RR 1.2;95% CI 0.32-4.2) newborns. No specific pattern of malformations was observed. The accumulated evidence is most compatible with no major teratogenic effects associated with maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multiple biases need to be considered and addressed when estimating and interpreting the effects of COVID-19 early in pregnancy. The biggest methodological challenges for IRCEP were retention of participants enrolled in early pregnancy, and the potential bias introduced when participants enroll after pregnancy outcomes are known. Studies that allow enrollment after the outcome is known may select pregnancies with the outcome;those that exclude them would select survivors.

Decentralized Clinical Trials: A Flexible and Efficient Adjunct to Accelerate Pregnancy Complication Research

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to determine whether a decentralized, mobile-friendly, virtual model could achieve appropriate enrollment for a pregnancy health study after COVID-19 closed most clinical research. Preterm birth continues to be a significant and growing issue with 2021 rates exceeding 10%. There is urgent need for new research and technology to improve the ability to predict, prevent, and personalize treatment for complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study of a cell-free RNA platform utilizing direct-to-participant recruitment via targeted social media from July 2020 to December 2021. The IRB-approved study was open to patients aged 18–45 with a singleton pregnancy in the United States. Participants signed informed consent, provided record release forms, completed a short questionnaire, and scheduled mobile phlebotomy via a web-based platform. RESULTS: One thousand eight hundred ninety-four participants submitted samples in less than 18 months. Because of delays in shipping, insufficient volume, temperature stability, and hemolysis, 63 samples (3.3%) were not useable. Medical records were received for over 85% of participants. The cohort is geographically and ethnically diverse representing 1,220 zip codes across 30 states. CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates a decentralized, mobile-friendly, virtual study is feasible, efficient, scalable, and flexible, enabling clinical research during a global pandemic. The rate of medical records receipt is likely affected by the large quantity of unique providers and hospitals. This is a rapid, patient-accepted way to conduct clinical research as a supplement to traditional enrollment models. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Maternal-fetal complications in pandemic infection with SARS-CoV 2 virus

Introduction: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus is a challenge for global health systems and generates problems both in socio-economic and individual levels. Objectives: The aim of the study was the general presentation of viral pathogenesis, its transmissibility and maternal-fetal complications that occur following SARS-CoV2 virus infection that have been identified in the literature and its prevention. Results: This paper is a systematic review that includes a summary of the literature using the PubMed database with a selection of studies from January 2020 to July 2022. Many studies have reported a slightly increased severity of COVID-19 among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women due to complications during pregnancy that resulted in miscarriages, premature births or preeclampsia. Conclusion: Therefore, further investigations are needed to elucidate how COVID-19 affects pregnant women and newborns as well as the long-term impact of SARS-CoV2 infection on women who have given birth, regardless of immunological status at birth.

2022 IDSOG Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, 4-6 August 2022

This journal issue includes s of papers presented at the conference. Topics discusses are: stillbirth during a pandemic;analysis of the female genital tract (FGT) metabolome;effectiveness of REGEN-COV antibody combination to reduce risk of hospitalization;patterns of nucleic acid amplification testing;delta variant neutralizing antibody response following maternal COVID19 vaccination;integrated prenatal and hepatitis c virus care increases linkage;extended interval gentamicin dosing in obstetrics;maternal and infant cytomegalovirus detection among women living with HIV.

Impact of new diagnostic pathway for gestational diabetes in time of COVID-19.

Background: In April 2020, the diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) changed in Queensland, with the goal of reducing exposure of pregnant women to COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective clinical audit was conducted at a regional hospital to compare the incidence of GDM, and specific maternal and neonatal outcomes four months before and after the change in guidelines was implemented. Results: Less than 50% of diagnostic tests were performed according to new guidelines. There was a non-significant increase in the incidence of GDM (13.3% to 15.3%), and pharmacological treatments. Instrumental deliveries (p = 0.01) and shoulder dystocia (p = 0.04) increased following the change in guidelines. There were no differences in the incidence of elective and emergency caesarean delivery, macrosomia and fetal weight. Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was higher in the COVID-19 GDM cohort (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Despite the change in guidelines, there was a non-significant increase in the incidence of diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

An Observational Study of COVID-19 Infection in Pregnant Women at a Tertiary Care Center

Background: COVID-19 infection is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The manifestations, effects, and severity of the infection are varied in different waves, especially during pregnancy. Material(s) and Method(s): The study was conducted in two equal time periods during the first and second waves. During the first wave, the period of study was between June and August 2020 corresponding to the peak of the first wave, and in the second wave, the study period was between May and July 2021 corresponding to the peak of the second wave. Result(s): A total of 3,791 pregnant women was screened for COVID-19 infection during the first wave and second wave, the pregnant mothers with COVID-19 positive were 4.2 (n = 163) and 5.1% (n = 191), respectively. Around 60% were antenatal mothers and 37% were postnatal mothers who were COVID-19-positive. The predominant age group affected was between 20 and 25 years of age. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, anemia, previous lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), postdated pregnancy, and past history of infertility were the high-risk factors observed during the study. Hypoxia was observed in 15% of patients in the second wave. About 49.7% (n = 95) of the COVID-19-positive mothers in the second wave required steroids, anticoagulants, and antiviral drugs. Conclusion(s): The incidence of COVID-19 infection was mild and asymptomatic during the first wave and symptomatic as well as with complications during the second wave. The disease severity, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, duration of stay, LSCS delivery, and need for antivirals, anticoagulants, and steroids were more during the second wave of COVID-19.Copyright © The Author(s). 2023.

Two major challenges for pregnancy: labor emergencies and SARS-CoV-2 infection - our experience in Saint John hospital, Bucharest, Romania

Introduction: Obstetric emergencies that occur during labor, often present as a major indication for prompt completion of labor by instrumental methods or emergency cesarean section. The purpose of this study was to present the clinical features of emergencies, the evolution of labor, maternal and fetal or neonatal complications at patients with SARS-COV-2 infection. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective study that included 150 pregnant women who gave birth in Bucur Maternity, St John Hospital, Bucharest, between 2018-2020 that fulfilled the features of obstetrical emergency during labor and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study group was divided in patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 and negative for SARS-CoV-2. Results: Following PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 were 26.67% of patients positive and 73.33% had a negative result. Analyzing the data obtained from this group of patients, it resulted that the average hospitalization is higher in the positive group (7.05 days) versus the negative group (5.47 days). The average gestational age at birth of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients was 37.26 weeks, lower than the gestational age of neonates from uninfected mothers (38.41 weeks). The average of the APGAR scores in the COVID group is 8.41, and for the negative group is 8.90. Conclusions: The associated SARS-CoV-2 infection played a significant role in terms of the APGAR score and the early peripartum outcomes of new-borns, negatively influencing the value of the APGAR index. Gestational age was considerably lower in patients diagnosed with the infection. The SARS-CoV-2 virus infection has a significant influence in unsatisfactory neonatal outcomes compared to new-borns of healthy mothers.

Sars-CoV-2 in the second half of pregnancy: Maternal and perinatal outcomes / Sars-CoV-2 in the second half of pregnancy: Maternal and perinatal outcomes / SARS-CoV-2 en la segunda mitad del embarazo: resultados materno - perinatales

RESUMEN Introducción . La pandemia por COVID-19 es una emergencia sanitaria y social mundial. El conocimiento sobre su efecto en las gestantes es todavía limitado. Objetivo . Describir los resultados materno-perinatales de COVID-19 según clasificación de severidad en mujeres hospitalizadas en la segunda mitad del embarazo. Métodos . Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, desde marzo hasta julio del 2020, en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, EsSalud, Lima, Perú. Se incluyeron a todas las gestantes hospitalizadas con RT-PCR y/o prueba rápida positiva para SARS-CoV-2. Se excluyeron los embarazos menores a 20 semanas y las altas epidemiológicas. Las características maternas al ingreso y los resultados materno-perinatales fueron agrupados según la clasificación clínica de la enfermedad. Las variables cualitativas son presentadas en recuentos y porcentajes; y las cuantitativas, en medianas y rangos. Resultados . Se estudiaron 247 gestantes. La mayoría correspondía al tercer trimestre (76%). La presentación más frecuente de la virosis fue asintomática (83%) y los casos de neumonía severa fueron pocos (3,2%). La tasa de cesárea fue alta (60%), aunque los partos vaginales se duplicaron en el tiempo (0-24% a 44%). Los casos severos tuvieron mayor tasa de cesárea (100%) y parto prematuro iatrogénico (100%). No se reportaron muertes maternas. Se registraron 9 óbitos fetales y 5 neonatos positivos para SARS-CoV-2, ambos entre las asintomáticas y leves. Conclusiones . En nuestra institución, la posibilidad de cesárea y de parto prematuro iatrogénico fue mayor en los casos severos. La tasa de parto vaginal aumentó en los últimos meses. No se identificaron complicaciones perinatales relacionadas al COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health and social emergency. Knowledge is still limited about its effect on pregnant women. Objective: To describe maternal-perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 according to severity classification in women hospitalized in the second half of pregnancy. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, observational study from March to July 2020 at Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital. All hospitalized pregnant women with RT-PCR and/ or rapid positive test for SARS-CoV-2 were included. Pregnancies less than 20 weeks and epidemiological discharges were excluded. Maternal characteristics at admission and maternal-perinatal outcomes were grouped according to the clinical classification of the disease. The qualitative variables are presented in counts and percentages; and quantitative ones, in medians and ranges. Results: 247 pregnant women were studied. Most of them were in the third trimester (76%). The most frequent presentation of the disease was asymptomatic (83%), and cases of severe pneumonia were few (3.2%). The cesarean section rate was high (60%), although vaginal deliveries doubled over time (0-24 a 44%). Severe cases had a higher rate of cesarean section (100%) and iatrogenic preterm delivery (75%). No maternal deaths were reported. There were 9 stillbirths and 5 positive neonates for SARS-CoV-2, both among asymptomatic and mild patients. 9 stillbirths and 5 positive neonates for SARS-CoV-2, both among asymptomatic and mild cases. Conclusions: The possibility of cesarean section and iatrogenic preterm delivery is greater in severe cases. The vaginal delivery rate increased in recent months. No perinatal complications related to COVID-19 were identified.

SARS-COVID-19 antibodies in pregnant women at a level III hospital in Peru / SARS-COVID-19 antibodies in pregnant women at a level III hospital in Peru / Anticuerpos anti-SARS-COV-2 en gestantes en un hospital nivel III de Perú

RESUMEN Introducción . La enfermedad de COVID-19 se propaga rápidamente. Se desconoce la seroprevalencia en mujeres embarazadas que ingresan a hospitalización y sus características propias en este tipo de población en Perú. Objetivo . Determinar la prevalencia y características clínico-epidemiológicas de gestantes con anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 en un hospital nivel III de Perú. Métodos . Estudio observacional de tipo transversal, realizado en el Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal de Perú, entre el 15 de abril y 15 de mayo de 2020. Participaron todas las gestantes que ingresaron a hospitalización y fueron tamizadas para la infección por SARS-CoV-2 mediante pruebas serológicas, cuyos resultados fueron analizados conjuntamente con sus características clínicas y epidemiológicas, utilizando estadígrafos descriptivos e intervalos de confianza al 95%, y mediante la prueba de independencia de chi cuadrado con una significancia de 0,05. Resultados . Se tamizaron 2 419 embarazadas, identificando una prevalencia de 7,0% con resultados positivos a los anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 (IC95%: 6,1% a 8,1%). Se observó IgM en 10% (IC95%: 6,1% a 15,8%), IgM/IgG en 78,8% (IC95%: 71,8% a 84,6%), IgG en 11,2% (IC95%: 7% a 17,1%). El 89,4% de gestantes seropositivas fueron asintomáticas. Se observó como complicaciones obstétricas más frecuentes la rotura prematura de membranas (11,8%) y la preeclampsia (6,5%). No se halló asociación de las características clínico epidemiológicas y el tipo de respuesta serológica para el virus SARS-CoV-2 (p>0,05). Conclusiones . Las gestantes con ingreso hospitalario en el periodo estudiado presentaron prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 de 7,0%, siendo mayormente asintomáticas. No se evidenció asociación entre las características clínico-epidemiológicas analizadas y el tipo de respuesta de los anticuerpos anti- SARS-CoV-2.

ABSTRACT Introduction: COVID-19 disease spreads rapidly. Seroprevalence in pregnant women entering for hospitalization and clinical characteristics in this type of population in Peru is not known. Objective: To determine the prevalence and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of pregnant women with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at a level III hospital in Peru. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study performed at the National Maternal Perinatal Institute of Peru. Pregnant women admitted for hospitalization were screened for COVID-19 infection. Results of anti-SARSCoV-2 serological tests and information on maternal and perinatal characteristics were obtained. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals. Results: In 2 419 pregnant women screened we identified a prevalence of 7.0% of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (95% IC: 6.1% to 8.1%), including IgM in 10% (95% IC: 6.1% to 15.8%), IgM / IgG in 78.8% (95% IC: 71.8% to 84.6%), IgG in 11.2% (95% IC: 7.0% to 17.1%). 89.4% of the seropositive pregnant women were asymptomatic. Most frequent complications were premature rupture of membranes (11.8%) and preeclampsia (6.5%). No association was found between clinical and epidemiologic characteristics and type of serological response to SARS-CoV-2 (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Pregnant women had prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies of 7.0% on admission to the hospital; most of them were asymptomatic. There was no association between clinical-epidemiological characteristics analyzed and type of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response.

Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant and puerperal women at Callao national hospital, Peru / Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant and puerperal women at Callao national hospital, Peru / Características de la infección en gestantes y puérperas por SARS-CoV-2, en el hospital nacional del Callao, Perú

RESUMEN Introducción . Se conoce que las gestantes son más susceptibles a infecciones respiratorias, pero el comportamiento en la infección por SARS-CoV-2 recién se está conociendo. Objetivo . Describir las características epidemiológicas de las gestantes y puérperas infectadas con SARS-CoV-2 en el Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión, Callao, Perú. Métodos . Estudio descriptivo transversal. Se seleccionó todas las gestantes hospitalizadas entre el 1 de mayo y el 31 de julio del año 2020 con diagnóstico de infección por SARS-CoV-2, mediante la prueba rápida serológica o la prueba RT-PCR. Resultados . Durante el periodo de estudio se tamizó a 671 pacientes; 308 gestantes y 9 puérperas fueron diagnosticadas de infección por SARS-CoV-2. Los síntomas más comunes fueron tos (57%) y disnea (35%). El 95% fue asintomática, 2% tuvo enfermedad leve, 1% moderada y menos del 1% severa. Solo se registró una muerte materna. 69% de los partos fue por vía vaginal y 31% vía cesárea. Conclusiones . En nuestro hospital, el comportamiento de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en la gestante no difirió mayormente de lo encontrado para la población general de la misma edad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: It is known that pregnant women are more susceptible to respiratory infections, but the behavior of the SARS-CoV-2 infection is yet to be known. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of pregnant and puerperal women infected with SARS-CoV-2 at Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión, Callao, Peru. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. All pregnant women hospitalized between May 1 and July 31, 2020 with diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection by either the rapid serological test or the RT-PCR test were selected. Results: During the study period, 671 patients were screened; 308 pregnant women and 9 puerperal women were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most common symptoms were cough (57%) and dyspnea (35%). 95% were asymptomatic, 2% presented mild disease, 1% moderate, and less than 1% severe disease. Only one maternal death was registered. 69% of deliveries were vaginal and 31% were delivered by cesarean section. Conclusions: The behavior of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pregnant women studied did not differ from that found in the general population of the same age.

Fetal death as an outcome of acute respiratory distress in pregnancy, during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based cohort study in Bahia, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Fetal loss is one of the most serious adverse outcomes of pregnancy. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil has recorded an unprecedented number of hospitalizations of pregnant women due to acute respiratory distress (ARD), thereby, we aimed to assess the risk of fetal deaths associated to ARD during pregnancy in Bahia state, Brazil, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is an observational population-based retrospective cohort study, developed with women at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy, residents in Bahia, Brazil. Women who had acute respiratory distress (ARD) in pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic (Jan 2020 to Jun 2021) were considered 'exposed'. Women who did not have ARD in pregnancy, and whose pregnancy occurred before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (Jan 2019 to Dec 2019) were considered 'non-exposed'. The main outcome was fetal death. We linked administrative data (under mandatory registration) on live births, fetal deaths, and acute respiratory syndrome, using a probabilistic linkage method, and analyzed them with multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: 200,979 pregnant women participated in this study, 765 exposed and 200,214 unexposed. We found four times higher chance of fetal death in women with ARD during pregnancy, of all etiologies (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.06 confidence interval [CI] 95% 2.66; 6.21), and due to SARS-CoV-2 (aOR 4.45 CI 95% 2.41; 8.20). The risk of fetal death increased more when ARD in pregnancy was accompanied by vaginal delivery (aOR 7.06 CI 95% 4.21; 11.83), or admission to Intensive Care Unit (aOR 8.79 CI 95% 4.96; 15.58), or use of invasive mechanical ventilation (aOR 21.22 CI 95% 9.93; 45.36). CONCLUSION: Our findings can contribute to expanding the understanding of health professionals and managers about the harmful effects of SARS-CoV-2 on maternal-fetal health and alerts the need to prioritize pregnant women in preventive actions against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. It also suggests that pregnant women, infected with SARS-CoV-2, need to be monitored to prevent complications of ARD, including a careful assessment of the risks and benefits of early delivery to prevent fetal death.

Abortion Restrictions Threaten All Reproductive Health Care Clinicians

The Supreme Court's decision on Dobbs vJackson will have an impact on reproductive health care provision for years to come, not only where abortion care is now restricted but across the country. As of January 2023,14 states have outlawed or severely restricted abortion.1 Morbidity and mortality around the time of labor is already on the rise nationally, from 658 in 2018 to 861 in 20202-particularly in places where abortion is restricted and labor care is increasingly sparse because of loss of the workforce after the COVID-19 pandemic.3 It is important to understand how the criminalization of abortion providers will affect all other forms of reproductive health care moving forward.In states where abortion care is currently severely limited, clinicians who provide abortion care face criminalization that can include insurmountable legal fees, loss of their medical license, and even imprisonment. Abortion restrictions create a duality in which providers feel they must serve as agents of the state-reporting any suspicious pregnancy-related issues-or have their license called into question, all while trying to best help their patients. Since these laws took effect, we are already seeing delays in health care services for patients needing early pregnancy care management-for abortion as well as miscarriage management and ectopic pregnancies.4 Health care providers may be called on to increase surveillance and report signs of abortion that can violate their protection of HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) rights, while also facing malpractice claims if they, by delaying or denying early pregnancy care management, are providing what medical evidence shows to be substandard care.

Comparative study of feto-maternal outcome of ante-natal cases as per the standard WHO guidelines vs revised antenatal visit schedule during COVID19 pandemic

Background: Good antenatal care helps a woman face labour in good health and optimum conditions. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and WHO guidelines suggest 15 visits in the whole pregnancy. Keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the exposure of pregnant ladies the number of antenatal visits was reduced to 7 milestone visits and outcome was noted. This study aimed to do a comparative study of feto-maternal outcome in antenatal cases at our centre using standard WHO protocol vs. revised antenatal protocol during COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects and Method: This was an observational study done at a tertiary care center of an Armed forces hospital with target population as pregnant ladies attending antenatal care Out patient department of the hospital during COVID19 pandemic Vs Antenatal cases in previous 1 year. A comparative analysis of pregnancy outcome, maternal variables during pregnancy and delivery along with neonatal variables was done. Results: There were lesser deliveries by 41.7% as compared to non-COVID times. There was an increase in the caesarean delivery rate and instrumental delivery rate during COVID times by 11% and 53% respectively. There was increase in Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) by 26.6%. The incidence of fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, maternal anaemia and gestational diabetes mellitus, oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios was low. The incidence of spontaneous abortions was also low in our study. In contrast, the incidence of pre-term deliveries doubled from 7.4% to 13.4%. Neonatal morbidity and mortality indicators like Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) admissions showed a rising trend of 1.7% during the COVID (14.6% to 16.3%) with a minimal rise in early neonatal deaths by 0.2%. Conclusion: Our model doesn't show an increase in maternal, neonatal morbidity, and mortality. This model can be used as a standard of care for Antenatal patients during Pandemics. It reduces the risk exposure of the gravid mother without any significant increase in maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Identification of obstetric risks in COVID-19 times in a community health area, Ecuador

Introduction: risk factors associated with complications in the mother-child pair include: history of hypertensive disorders, adolescent pregnancy, drug use, unfavorable obstetric history with a background of miscarriages or abortions, sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections. Background: to identify the obstetric risk in times of COVID-19 pandemic at the "Bastion Popular" health area, Guayaquil, Ecuador, from January to June 2021. Method: a descriptive-transversal field research was carried out, with a quantitative approach, which favored the analysis of the obstetric risk categories recorded in the medical history of 117 pregnant women, who signed an informed consent, for the collection of data through home visits, using the obstetric risk scale or score. Results: outcomes assessment showed, as main result, that the most frequent obstetric risk group was the age group 20 to 24 and the high risk factor was the main category identified. Obstetric risk increased proportionally when the interpregnancy interval was reduce. Conclusions: young women between 20 and 24 years of age are those who presented the highest obstetric risk, which is correlate with a higher number of gestations, abortions, deliveries and cesarean sections. Therefore, it is necessary to provide women with information about pregnancy and its complications, so that they are able to identify risk factors during pregnancy, delivery and the puerperium.

Implications of physiological changes in pregnancy in COVID-19

Pregnant women generally constitute a group at high risk of infectious diseases due to gestational immunological and physiological changes in their system. That is why the objective of this work is to analyze the implications of the physiological changes of pregnancy in SARS-CoV-2 disease. Physiological changes in pregnant women not only increase their susceptibility to the virus, but also increase the severity of the disease. Changes in the respiratory and immune systems, the role of the placenta in coagulation, and the function of endothelial cells are the physiological changes that most influence the disease. The decrease in lung capacity and the variations that occur in the immune system represent new treatment challenges for pregnant women with COVID-19 disease and therefore new areas of research limited so far.

Complication on premature rupture of membrane in intrapartum mother infected with COVID-19: meta-analysis

Background: Pregnant women and fetuses are populations that are at high risk of being infected with the virus. COVID-19 in pregnant women is considered a risk factor for causing complications in pregnancy such as premature rupture of membranes. This study aims to analyze complications of premature rupture of membranes in mothers infected with COVID-19. Subjects and Method: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Article searches were conducted using electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct. The articles used are articles published from 2020-2022. Keywords to search for articles were: "COVID-19" OR "2019-nCoV" OR "novel coronavirus" OR "SARS-CoV-2" OR "coronavirus 2" AND "premature rupture of membrane" OR "prelabour rupture of membrane" AND "pregnancy." The inclusion criteria used were full text articles in English with a cohort study design, multivariate analysis with Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR), research subjects were pregnant women, intervention was COVID-19 infection, comparison was not infected with COVID-19, the outcome of the study was premature rupture of membranes. The results of the search for articles were included in the PRISMA diagram and analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 application. Results: A total of 9 cohort study articles from the United States, Bangladesh, China, India, Mexico, Romania, and Spain were selected for systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that pregnant women infected with COVID-19 had a risk of complications of premature rupture of membranes as much as 2.26 times compared to pregnant women who were not infected with COVID-19 and the results were statistically significant (aOR = 2.26;95% CI = 1.33 to 3.82;p = 0.002). Conclusion: Pregnant women infected with COVID-19 increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes.