Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Sickle Cell Disease in Ireland: A Retrospective Review

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common single gene disorders worldwide and is characterised by significant morbidity and early mortality.[1] Pregnancy in SCD is associated with an increased risk of maternal and foetal complications.[2,3] The 2011 RCOG and the 2021 BSH guidelines[5,6] on the management of pregnancy in SCD have provided the basis for best practice care in the UK over the past decade and is the guidance which we follow in Ireland. To date, there is no published data on outcomes for pregnant women with SCD in Ireland. The number of Irish patients with SCD has risen over the past 20 years. Without a national database, the exact prevalence is not known but currently there are at least 600 adults and children with SCD in Ireland, whose population is just over 5 million.[4] Aims: Our study assesses outcomes of pregnant patients with SCD from 2015 to 2022. Our aims were to: * Assess adherence to current guidelines * Assess pregnancy outcomes and maternal complications * Assess transfusion rates amongst our patient cohort. Method(s): This is a retrospective cohort study. We do not have a directly matched cohort, but have compared our findings to published data on Irish pregnancy outcomes from the Irish Maternity Indicator System National Report and have correlated our findings with studies of women with SCD who were managed in UK centres.[8,9,10] Results: We reviewed outcomes of 29 pregnancies in 19 women over a 7-year period. The median age was 29 (range 20-41) and the predominant maternal sickle genotype was HbSS (65.5%). Before conception, 55.2% of cases had pre-existing complications of SCD, including acute chest syndrome (ACS), pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) and prior stroke. In accordance with current guidelines, 100% of women (n=29) were prescribed folic acid, penicillin, and aspirin prophylaxis. 51.7% (n=15) of women had documented maternal complications during pregnancy, including ACS (34%), vaso-occlusive crisis (34%), gestational diabetes (10%), VTE (3%) and UTI (3%). Two women (7%) developed Covid-19 pneumonitis despite vaccination. There was one case of maternal bacteraemia (3%). 65.5% of cases (n=19) required blood transfusion during pregnancy. One woman was already on a blood transfusion programme for disease modification prior to pregnancy. In 6 cases (20.6%), a transfusion programme was commenced during pregnancy due to prior pregnancy complications or intrauterine growth restriction. During pregnancy, 27.6% (n=8) of women required emergency red cell exchange for ACS. Prior studies have suggested that between 30% and 70% of pregnant women with SCD require at least one blood transfusion during pregnancy.[8,9,10] By comparison, only 2.6% of the Irish general obstetric population required transfusion during pregnancy.[7] 20.6% (n=6) of births were preterm at <37 weeks' gestation. There was one live preterm birth (3%) at <34 weeks and one intrauterine death (3%) at 23 weeks' gestation. Similar to UK data[9], 31% of women required critical care stay (n=9) during pregnancy, in comparison with 1.44% nationwide in 2020.[7] Conclusion(s): It is well established that pregnancy in SCD is high risk, and despite adherence to current guidelines, we have shown very high rates of critical care admission, significant transfusion requirement and hospital admissions. Our findings are comparable to published UK outcomes and they further support the need for a comprehensive specialist care setting for this patient cohort.

REDUCTIONS in STILLBIRTHS and PRETERM BIRTH in COVID-19 VACCINATED WOMEN: A MULTI-CENTRE COHORT STUDY of VACCINE UPTAKE and PERINATAL OUTCOMES

Background: We aimed to measure COVID-19 vaccine uptake among women giving birth in Melbourne and to compare perinatal outcomes by vaccination status. Method(s): Routinely-collected data from all 12 public maternity hospitals in Melbourne were extracted on births >=20 weeks' from 01.07.21 to 31.03.22. Sociodemographic characteristics and perinatal outcomes were compared between COVID-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated women. The primary outcomes were stillbirth and preterm birth in singletons >24 weeks. We calculated the adjusted odds ratio of perinatal outcomes among vaccinated versus unvaccinated women using inverse propensity score weighting regression adjustment with multiple covariates;P < 0.05 was considered significant. Result(s): Births from 32 536 women were analysed: 17 365 (53.4%) were vaccinated and 15 171 (47.6%) were unvaccinated. Vaccination status was significantly associated with multiple sociodemographic factors. Vaccinated women had a significantly lower rate of stillbirth compared with unvaccinated women (0.2% vs. 0.8%, aOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.09- 0.37, P < 0.001). Vaccination was associated with a significant reduction in total preterm births <37 weeks (5.1% vs. 9.2%, aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.51-0.71, P < 0.001), spontaneous preterm birth (2.4% vs. 4.0%, aOR 0.73 95% CI 0.56-0.96, P = 0.02) and iatrogenic preterm birth (2.7% vs. 5.2%, aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.41-0.65, P < 0.001). There was no significant increase in congenital anomalies or foetal growth restriction among vaccinated women. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was associated with a reduction in stillbirth and preterm birth, and not associated with any adverse impacts on foetal growth or development. Vaccine coverage was significantly influenced by known social determinants of health.

Validity and reliability of the fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19) in Turkish pregnant women Turkish version of COVID-19 fear scale (FCV-19) in Turkish pregnant women

Aim: The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not only create international concern, but also caused panic, fear, and an increase in mental health problems among individuals. Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), developed by Ahorsu, was previously reported as a valid psychometric instrument for the assessment of COVID-19 fear among individuals. Validation of the scale among other high-risk groups like pregnant women may help obstetricians develop better coping skills during the pandemic. Material(s) and Method(s): This cross-sectional methodological study included 277 pregnant women admitted for routine follow-up at the outpatient obstetrics clinic of Liv Ankara Hospital, Turkey. Participants were asked to complete the Turkish version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and FCV-19S. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25 software. Result(s): The mean FCV-19S score was 19.2+/-5.7 (range: 7-35). Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency evaluating the reliability of FCV-19S, was 0.857, revealing a satisfactory internal consistency. According to the correlation matrix analysis, all items of FCV-19S showed positive and strong correlations with total FCV-19S scores (p<0.001), and positive and moderate correlations with HADS scores (p<0.001). Discussion(s): Turkish version of FCV-19S is a valid and reliable clinical tool to assess the anxiety of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.Copyright © 2023, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEW CORONAVIRUS INFECTION AND FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION.

Objective: To investigate the laboratory and instrumental characteristics of fetal growth restriction (FGR) secondary to novel coronavirus infection (NCI) to identify pathogenetically relevant predictive markers. Material(s) and Method(s): During the epidemic activity of the NCI Delta strain, 140 high-risk pregnant women were tested at 18-21 weeks and 26-34 weeks of gestation. Retrospectively, taking into account the fact of NCI disease and the exclusion of severe somatic and obstetric comorbidities, 2 groups were formed. Group 1 (n=32) included pregnant women with FGR, without a history of NCI. Group 2 (n=41) included pregnant women with FGR who recovered from NCI by the end of the second and third trimesters. Thirty healthy pregnant women served as the controls. In addition to ultrasound assessment of the fetal placental unit, patients underwent testing for markers of inflammation, endothelial hemostasis dysfunction, decidualization, placental angiogenesis, and pathological insulin resistance. Result(s): Pregnant women with a history of NCI had a higher incidence of FGR (1.3 times;OR 2.41 [95% CI 1.12-5.17]), more severe forms of FGR (2 times;OR 3.27 [95% CI 1.22-8.76]), more severe fetal-placental blood flow abnormalities (3.5-fold;OR 11.07 [95% CI 3.68-33.27]), and oligohydramnios (4.5-fold;OR 8.94 [95% CI 3.65-30.17]). The impact of NCI on the formation of placental insufficiency was expressed by an increase in systemic changes (thrombopoiesis, apoptosis), modulation of local processes (decidualization, placental angiogenesis), and the development of pathological insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, an immunopathological process of endotheliocytes. The identification of the most informative markers of FGR due to NCI allowed the development of a predictive index. Conclusion(s): An in-depth study of the impact of NCI on the formation of FGR has important scientific and practical implications for the optimization of FGR prediction, which may help identify appropriate patient management strategies for high-risk pregnant women.Copyright © 2023, Bionika Media Ltd.. All rights reserved.

IUGR And Preterm Labor Occurrence In Pregnant Women With Early Pregnancy Vaginal Bleeding And History Of COVID-19 Infection

Background Vaginal bleeding is a common complication that may occur at any time during pregnancy. Up to 22% of women asked at delivery reported that vaginal bleeding occurred at some time during pregnancy. Preterm delivery is the delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, which involves approximately 12% of all pregnancies. If vaginal bleeding happens during pregnancy, some adverse outcomes including mortality before and after birth, low birth weight and preterm delivery will be increased. Vaginal bleeding is associated with two-fold increased risk of preterm delivery. Methods This prospective cohort study included 60 cases of pregnant female with first or second trimester vaginal bleeding at Obstetrics& Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, of Damanhur Medical National Institute. The duration of the study was from April 2021 to April 2022. In the study 4 cases refused to complete the study and other 56 completed. Results There was significant decrease in birth weight and Apgar score with increase severity of vaginal bleeding. There was significant increase in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) occurrence and preterm labor with increase severity of vaginal bleeding. There was significant positive correlation between vaginal bleeding and IUGR and NICU admission. There was significant negative correlation between vaginal bleeding and Birth weight and APGAR score. Conclusion It seems that previous COVID-19 infection does not affect greatly pregnancy outcomes associated with vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding was the main parameter affecting pregnancy outcomes.Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEW CORONAVIRUS INFECTION AND FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION.

Objective: To investigate the laboratory and instrumental characteristics of fetal growth restriction (FGR) secondary to novel coronavirus infection (NCI) to identify pathogenetically relevant predictive markers. Material(s) and Method(s): During the epidemic activity of the NCI Delta strain, 140 high-risk pregnant women were tested at 18-21 weeks and 26-34 weeks of gestation. Retrospectively, taking into account the fact of NCI disease and the exclusion of severe somatic and obstetric comorbidities, 2 groups were formed. Group 1 (n=32) included pregnant women with FGR, without a history of NCI. Group 2 (n=41) included pregnant women with FGR who recovered from NCI by the end of the second and third trimesters. Thirty healthy pregnant women served as the controls. In addition to ultrasound assessment of the fetal placental unit, patients underwent testing for markers of inflammation, endothelial hemostasis dysfunction, decidualization, placental angiogenesis, and pathological insulin resistance. Result(s): Pregnant women with a history of NCI had a higher incidence of FGR (1.3 times;OR 2.41 [95% CI 1.12-5.17]), more severe forms of FGR (2 times;OR 3.27 [95% CI 1.22-8.76]), more severe fetal-placental blood flow abnormalities (3.5-fold;OR 11.07 [95% CI 3.68-33.27]), and oligohydramnios (4.5-fold;OR 8.94 [95% CI 3.65-30.17]). The impact of NCI on the formation of placental insufficiency was expressed by an increase in systemic changes (thrombopoiesis, apoptosis), modulation of local processes (decidualization, placental angiogenesis), and the development of pathological insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, an immunopathological process of endotheliocytes. The identification of the most informative markers of FGR due to NCI allowed the development of a predictive index. Conclusion(s): An in-depth study of the impact of NCI on the formation of FGR has important scientific and practical implications for the optimization of FGR prediction, which may help identify appropriate patient management strategies for high-risk pregnant women.Copyright © 2023, Bionika Media Ltd.. All rights reserved.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEW CORONAVIRUS INFECTION AND FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION.

Objective: To investigate the laboratory and instrumental characteristics of fetal growth restriction (FGR) secondary to novel coronavirus infection (NCI) to identify pathogenetically relevant predictive markers. Material(s) and Method(s): During the epidemic activity of the NCI Delta strain, 140 high-risk pregnant women were tested at 18-21 weeks and 26-34 weeks of gestation. Retrospectively, taking into account the fact of NCI disease and the exclusion of severe somatic and obstetric comorbidities, 2 groups were formed. Group 1 (n=32) included pregnant women with FGR, without a history of NCI. Group 2 (n=41) included pregnant women with FGR who recovered from NCI by the end of the second and third trimesters. Thirty healthy pregnant women served as the controls. In addition to ultrasound assessment of the fetal placental unit, patients underwent testing for markers of inflammation, endothelial hemostasis dysfunction, decidualization, placental angiogenesis, and pathological insulin resistance. Result(s): Pregnant women with a history of NCI had a higher incidence of FGR (1.3 times;OR 2.41 [95% CI 1.12-5.17]), more severe forms of FGR (2 times;OR 3.27 [95% CI 1.22-8.76]), more severe fetal-placental blood flow abnormalities (3.5-fold;OR 11.07 [95% CI 3.68-33.27]), and oligohydramnios (4.5-fold;OR 8.94 [95% CI 3.65-30.17]). The impact of NCI on the formation of placental insufficiency was expressed by an increase in systemic changes (thrombopoiesis, apoptosis), modulation of local processes (decidualization, placental angiogenesis), and the development of pathological insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, an immunopathological process of endotheliocytes. The identification of the most informative markers of FGR due to NCI allowed the development of a predictive index. Conclusion(s): An in-depth study of the impact of NCI on the formation of FGR has important scientific and practical implications for the optimization of FGR prediction, which may help identify appropriate patient management strategies for high-risk pregnant women.Copyright © 2023, Bionika Media Ltd.. All rights reserved.

CLINICAL AND GENETIC DETERMINANTS OF SEVERE COURSE OF COVID-19 IN PREGNANT WOMEN.

Objectives: to determine the clinical and genetic determinants of the severe course of COVID-19 in pregnant women in order to identify a risk group and search for therapeutic targets. Materials and methods. 21 patients (group 1) with a severe course of COVID-19 who required intensive care in the Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit (AICU) and 126 pregnant women with moderate severity treated in the Infectious-Obstetrics Unit (IOCU) were examined (group 2). Genomic DNA for molecular genetic analysis of gene variants ACE (I/D, rs 4340), PGR (Alu insertion), ESR1 (A351G, rs 9340799), PON1 (C108T, rs 705379) was isolated from the peripheral blood of patients using a commercial Quick-DNA Miniprep Plus Kit (Zymo Research, USA). Variants of ACE and PGR genes were determined using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction;polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction analysis was used to determine ESR1 and PON1 gene variants. Results. Severe course of COVID-19 is observed in 18.2% of pregnant women, critical condition in 7.5%. A third of AICU patients are over 35 years old. Somatic anamnesis was complicated in 23.8% of patients;thyroid gland pathology (14.3%) and varicose disease (19.0%) prevailed. A significant factor in the severe course of COVID-19 is obesity of the III-IV degree in 28.5% cases. The severe course of the disease was associated with complications of pregnancy (oligohydramnios - 52.4%, ahydramnios - 14.3%, fetal growth retardation syndrome - 33.3%, circulatory disorders - 57.1%, fetal distress - 47.6%, preeclampsia - 14.3%), labor (caesarean section - 57.1%, premature birth - 28.6%), disorders of newborns state (asphyxia - 35.6%). These patients are characterized by anemia (58.7%), thrombocytopenia (23.8%), leukocytosis (33.3%), lymphopenia (90.5%), a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left (an increase of rod-nuclear leukocytes by 85.7%). There were significantly increased levels of transaminases: alanine aminotransferase in 47.6%, aspartate aminotransferase in 76.2%. Prothrombotic changes are indicated by a decrease in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time in 66.7%, which is confirmed by an increase in D-dimer in 85.7% of patients up to the maximum 15,000 ng/ml in 9.5% of women. An increase in inflammation markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in all AICU patients, procalcitonin in 66.7%) is a reflection of the destructive effect of inflammatory processes. The genetic determinants of the severe course of COVID-19 in pregnant women can be the ID genotype of the ACE I/D rs4340 polymorphism (81.0%), the T2/T2 PROGINS genotype (19.0%), the ESR1 A351G rs9340799 GG genotype (28.5%). Conclusions. The use of separate clinical, laboratory and genetic indicators in pregnant women with COVID-19 will contribute to the selection of the risk group of a coronavirus severe course and the determination of targets of therapeutic impact.Copyright © 2022 Trylyst. All rights reserved.

Coping strategies in pregnant women with high risk pregnancies during COVID-19 pandemic

Objective. Evaluation of coping strategies in pregnant women with high risk pregnancies during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods. This was an observational study of pregnant women with high-risk pregnancy admitted for inpatient antenatal monitoring. Women were asked to fill in the Italian version of the Coping Orientation to the Problems Experienced (COPE-NVI). The questionnaire included 5 different dimensions: 1) Social support;2) Avoidance strategies;3) Positive attitude;4) Problem solving;5) Turning to religion. We planned to evaluate the COPE-NVI score according to the different maternal or fetal complications. 100 women filled out the questionnaire and were included in the study. Results. 37 were admitted for preeclampsia, 15 for diabetes, 5 for intrahepatic cholestasis, 14 for hyperemesis gravidarum, while 29 had severe intrauterine growth restriction requiring monitoring. The mean COPE-NVI score for social support was 31.5 +/- 8.6, for avoidance strategies 25.1 +/- 6.7, for positive attitude 31.7 +/- 7.3, for problem solving 30.5 +/- 7.5, and for turning to religion 24.9 +/- 5.3. No statistically significant differences were found for the COPE-NVI score within the different maternal or fetal complications, apart for turning to religion, where the score was higher for women with preeclampsia and lower for women with intrahepatic cholestasis (p = 0.01). Conclusions. Women with high risk pregnancies admitted for antenatal inpatient monitoring have a high score at coping strategies.

FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION AS A COMPLICATION OF POST-COVID ENDOTHELIITIS: CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES, WAYS OF PREVENTION.

The risk of fetal intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is increased in women who have experienced acute infections, as well as in pregnant women with gynecological pathology and endocrine diseases. A woman's lack of nutrition also makes a negative contribution to the development of IUGR. The frequency of IUGR in the population is very variable and depends on a number of reasons. In practically healthy pregnant women, IUGR is registered in 3-5% of cases, in case of complicated obstetric and gynecological diagnosis and complicated pregnancy - in 10-25%. Morphofunctional disorders in the chorion/placenta in pregnant women with COVID-19 on the background of post-covid endotheliitis are the main pathogenetic factor in the development of preeclampsia, ectopic pregnancy, antenatal fetal death, and impaired condition of the fetus and newborns. Sufficient saturation of the pregnant woman's body with the nitric oxide donor L-arginine and L-carnitine (main cofactor of fatty acid metabolism in cells) with the improvement of microcirculation and the correction of hypovolemic disorders in the fetoplacental complex can be considered one of the real ways to prevent IUGR in women in the post-covid period. A review of the scientific literature on pathogenesis, diagnosis, impact on the life and health of a newborn with IUGR in women after COVID-19, as well as the possibilities of medical correction of placental dysfunction during pregnancy was performed. This analysis and our own clinical experience allow us to state the fact that after a coronavirus infection during pregnancy, one of the frequent and threatening for the further development of the child is the formation of placental dysfunction and IUGR. One of the ways to prevent these conditions is to saturate the woman's body with the nitric oxide donor L-arginine from the stage of pre-gravid preparation, which will provide the opportunity for adequate angiogenesis and development of the embryo/fetus. In the case of additional risk factors, such as coronavirus disease, complex therapy blood (Rheosorbilact), in combination with a nitric oxide donor and L-carnitine as an endothelium-protective agent (Tivor-L).Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 in pregnancy may significantly affect fetal growth

Objective. Whilst most cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy evolve uneventfully, some others have a poor outcome, such as preterm birth and HDP. The effect of COVID-19 on fetal growth still has to be addressed and appears controversial. Our study aims to focus on fetal growth velocity across the trimesters in pregnancy affected with COVID-19. Materials and Methods. This is a multicentric prospective observational study on data from COVID-19 pregnancies referred to the centers of Careggi University Hospital and S. Stefano Hospital in Prato from 2020 to 2022, included in the local branch of ItOSS surveillance. Fetal growth was evaluated across the three trimesters of pregnancy by abdominal circumference (AC) and expected fetal weight (EFW). Both AC, and EFW plus birthweight were used to calculate growth velocity (Vannuccini et al., 2017). Results. Data from a cohort of 211 cases was collected. The majority (80%) of COVID-19 cases occurred in the third trimester. Of note, the percentage of gestational diabetes (12.3%) and preterm births (7.1%) was comparable to the general population. Mean birthweight was 3259 +/- 509 g. The percentage of cesarean sections was acceptable (13.7%). Concerning the velocity of growth, AC decreased from the second to third trimester to reach values < 10th centile in 24% of cases and < 5th percentile in 17% of cases, even in presence of 2% of hypertensive disorders (HDP). Fetal growth restriction according to Gordjin et al. (2015) was antenatally identified in 4.7% of cases. Fetal growth > 95th centile occurred in 5.7% of cases. At birth, the cumulative percentage of small for gestational age newborns defined as birth weight < 2500 g resulted 5.2%. A significant percentage of newborns required NICU assistance (7.8%). Conclusions. Regardless of the association and prevalence of preterm birth, SGA and HDP in pregnant women, fetal growth appears to be affected by COVID-19 with a higher incidence of impaired growth velocity compared to the general population.

Corona virus: Vaccination and course of pregnancy.

The infection with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy is associated with significant risks for the mother and also the fetus is at risk due to preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and,-in some cases-, intrauterine fetal death. Despite the fact that IgG-antibodies can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus thrombosis of the placenta may lead to complications. Depending on the course of the disease, the risk of thrombosis for the pregnant woman is increased as well. Therefore, in some cases, heparinization is recommended. Vaccination against COVID-19 protects the mother from severe disease courses as well as from infection-related pregnancy complications. Thus, every pregnant woman should be informed about the option of vaccination even during pregnancy. According to the STIKO, the best time for vaccination is throughout the second trimenon.Copyright © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.

PREGNANCY AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES OF COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2).

This article presents current data on the impact of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) on pregnancy and perinatal consequences. The working theories of the pathogenesis of obstetric and fetal complications due to infection during pregnancy, already proven to date, are considered. Symptoms of COVID-19 disease, the risk of their development, and frequency of severe disease in non-pregnant and pregnant women of reproductive age do not differ significantly. However, there are powerful studies that have shown that this infection in pregnant women leads to a high probability of a dramatically severe and fulminant course. Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection have an increased risk of preeclampsia, incl. severe, hemolysis, thrombocytopenia and increased levels of liver enzymes compared with pregnant women without infection. Women who have COVID-19 are twice as likely to have preterm rupture of the membranes and three times as likely to have a preterm birth compared to the not infected pregnant women. Vertical transmission of the virus from mother to fetus is likely, but data are insufficient to be certain. There is also insufficient evidence of an increased miscarriage rate and teratogenic effects of the COVID-19 virus. However, antenatal fetal death is statistically significantly more common in infected pregnant women than in uninfected pregnant women. Morphological and functional disorders in the chorion/placenta are the main pathogenetic factor in the development of preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, antenatal fetal death and impaired state of the fetus and children born by women with COVID-19. Many studies report that mothers with confirmed COVID-19 infection has asymptomatic babies. At the same time, some studies indicate adverse complications in newborns from infected mothers. The most common neonatal disorders in babies from pregnant women with COVID-19 are tachypnea, hyperthermia, and gastrointestinal disorders, in particular vomiting and flatulence. Further research of the COVID-19 impact on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes is urgently needed.Copyright © 2022 Trylyst. All rights reserved.

Perinatal Outcomes of COVID-19 in Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Center in South India

Aim: In light of the severe acute respiratory syndrome by a coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, it was proposed that a variety of complications have occurred in women during pregnancy, which has further extended to the fetus, causing higher rates of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to identify the complications that arose due to the coronavirus and asses how it impacted the pregnancy, the fetus, and the neonate. Materials and methods: Our study was a descriptive and observational study, which investigated the various aspects, obstetric, fetal and neonatal outcomes, and the complications arising in mothers affected with by SARS-CoV-2 virus. All women who tested positive after 20 weeks of gestation were included in the study and their pregnancy was followed up till delivery, and neonatal outcomes were noted. Results: About 220 women infected with SARS-CoV-2 were studied and outcomes were illustrated. The mean age of the study population was 26.87 years [±4.96 Standard Deviation (SD)]. About 90% of the study population had a mild illness. The main obstetric outcomes noted were preterm labor, preeclampsia, eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and intrauterine fetal demise (IUD). Only 4.1% required a cesarean section for worsening conditions. Neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) admissions were also noted to be higher, with a possibility of vertical transmission in six babies. Conclusion: Severe acute respiratory syndrome by a coronavirus-2 can have serious implications and can pose a great risk in pregnancy if not caught and treated early. Therefore, it is vital to screen those at high risk for the virus to prevent severe complications from taking a toll on the mother and fetus. Clinical significance: By identifying the main complications occurring in pregnancy, we can prevent the same by anticipating and monitoring carefully, thereby reducing mortality and morbidity rates.

Large Ovarian Dermoid, a Cause for Fetal Growth Restriction and Oligohydramnios: Rare Instance in Literature

Ovarian dermoids mostly remain asymptomatic during pregnancy. Large dermoids may present with torsion, hemorrhage, or rupture. However, a dermoid cyst causing fetal growth restriction (FGR) and oligohydramnios is a very rare entity. The authors report a case of a large ovarian dermoid (15 x 12 cm) hampering intrauterine fetal growth. Due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) lockdown, the patient was unable to get ultrasound examinations in early gestation, and thereby, surgical intervention was not possible during the second trimester. As a result, this growing teratoma finally led to FGR by either exerting a pressure effect upon the uterus or by dwindling its blood supply. Copyright © The Author(s). 2022.

Undetected Fetal Growth Restriction during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who delivered singleton, small-for-gestational-Age (SGA) neonates between April and June 2019, before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (pre-COVID-19), and between April and July 2020, during the pandemic (COVID-19 epoch). The primary outcome was the rate of undetected antenatal fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the two periods. A total of 268 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients who delivered small-for-gestational-Age neonates during the COVID-19 epoch were significantly more likely to have undetected FGR compared with those who delivered pre-COVID-19 (70.1% vs 58.1%, P=.04). Patients who delivered SGA neonates during the COVID-19 epoch had more telehealth visits but fewer in-person prenatal visits, recorded fundal height measurements, and growth ultrasonograms. As telemedicine continues to be incorporated into prenatal care, these data may lend further support toward self-Assessment of fundal height or routine third-Trimester growth ultrasonograms to identify fetal growth abnormalities. Copyright © 2023 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved.

Determinants for Mode of Delivery in COVID-19 Pregnancy: A Single-center Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: With the rise in COVID-19 cases round the world, we have the problem of COVID-19 positive pregnancies at hand. Various case series and reports around the world have shown a high incidence of cesarian deliveries in these patients. We have attempted to study the factors predicting an increase in cesarean section (CS) rates in COVID-19 positive pregnancies admitted to our institution. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all deliveries of COVID-19 affected pregnancies in a tertiary care center in north Kerala from 15 April 2020 to 31 October 2020. There were 253 deliveries during this period with 183 cases of cesarean and 70 vaginal deliveries. The data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed with appropriate statistical software. Results: There was 71.42% cesarean section rate in women below 35 years of age compared to 100% in those above 35 years. The rate was higher among nullipara (77.77%) compared to 67.32% among multipara. There was also a positive correlation between cesarean with obesity [prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) more than 30]. There were 70.22% term cesareans compared to 89.28% in preterm. Induction of labor also seemed to increase rate of cesarean. Fetal growth restriction (88.88%) contributed more to cesarean rates unlike those without (71.06%) preterm rupture of membranes (PROM) and meconium staining of amniotic fluid (MSAF) was also seen to increase the possibility of cesarean. Cardiotocogram abnormalities (13.83%) were another important contributing factor. A total of 100% of patients with abnormal cardiotocogram (CTG) underwent cesarean section when compared to only 67.88% in those with normal CTG. In patients delivered while still positive, the incidence of cesarean section was 77.63%, while this reduced to 63.04% in those whom delivery was delayed till seronegativity achieved. A total of 75.95% cases were done in the morning. There were 19.67% cases of fetal distress which added to the cesarean numbers. Conclusions: We found increased maternal age, obesity, nulliparity, fetal growth restriction, PROM, MSAF as factors which contributed to increased cesarean section rates in COVID-19 positive pregnancies. Hence these pregnancies need careful monitoring. © The Author(s).

MANAGEMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE HAEMOLYTIC ANAEMIA DURING PREGNANCY OR POST-PARTUM: AN INTERNATIONAL MULTI-CENTRE EXPERIENCE

Background: Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) during pregnancy is a rare finding, and few is known about maternal and foetal outcomes. AIHA may either develop or relapse during gestation and postpartum or be an issue in a patient on active therapy who becomes pregnant. AIHA management during pregnancy and lactation is not standardized and drug use is often limited by safety concerns. Aims: We studied AIHA impact on pregnancy focusing on disease severity, treatment need and maternal/foetal outcome. Methods: Through a multicentric retrospective cohort study, we identified 38 pregnancies occurred in 28 women from 1997 to 2021 in 10 European centres in Italy, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, USA, and Spain. All included patients had a previous AIHA history or developed/exacerbated AIHA during gestation or postpartum. AIHA was classified according to the direct antiglobulin test. Results: We registered 18 warm AIHA (10 IgG;8 IgG+C3d), 2 cold agglutinin disease, 3 mixed and 5 atypical forms (Table 1). Evans syndrome (i.e., association of AIHA and immune thrombocytopenia or neutropenia) was present in 4. Mean age at AIHA diagnosis was 27 (3-39) and at pregnancy 32 (21-41) years. AIHA diagnosis predated pregnancy in 15 women and had required at least 1 therapy line in all of them, and >2 lines in 12 (rituximab, N=7;cytotoxic immunosuppressants, N=6;splenectomy, N=5). Among these 15 patients, 6 had a relapse during pregnancy, 3 during postpartum and 9 were on active treatment at the time of pregnancy (steroids, N=8;cyclosporine, N=1;azathioprine, N=1;the latter stopped after positive pregnancy test). A patient with a previous AIHA, relapsed as immune thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy. Further 8 patients had an AIHA onset during gestation and 2 postpartum. A patient had AIHA onset during the postpartum of the 1st pregnancy and relapsed during the 2nd one. In the 20 women experiencing AIHA during pregnancy/postpartum, median Hb and LDH levels were 6,4 g/dL (3,1 - 8,7) and 588 UI/L (269-1631), respectively. Management consisted in blood transfusions (N=10) and prompt establishment of steroid therapy+/-IVIG (N=20), all with response (complete N=13, partial N=7). After delivery, rituximab was necessary in 4 patients and cyclosporine was added in one. Anti-thrombotic prophylaxis was given in 7 patients. Overall, we registered 10 obstetric complications (10/38, 26%), including 4 early miscarriages, a premature rupture of membranes, a placental detachment, 2 preeclampsia, a postpartum infection and a biliary colic. Apart from the case of biliary colic and one of the two cases of preeclampsia, 8/10 complications occurred during active haemolysis and treatment for AIHA. Nine foetal adverse events (9/38, 24%) were reported: a transitory respiratory distress of the new-born in a mother with active AIHA, 3 cases of foetal growth restriction, a preterm birth, an infant reporting neurologic sequelae, a case of AIHA of the new-born requiring intravenous immunoglobulins, blood transfusions and plasma exchange, and 2 perinatal deaths. The latter both occurred in women on active AIHA therapy and were secondary to a massive placental detachment and a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. (Figure Presented ) Summary/Conclusion: AIHA developing/reactivating during pregnancy or postpartum is rare (about 5%) but mainly severe requiring steroid therapy and transfusions. Importantly, severe maternal and foetal complications may occur in up to 26% of cases mostly associated with active disease, pinpointing the importance of maintaining a high level of awareness. Passive maternal autoantibodies transfer to the foetus seems a rare event.