Vertical Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of the available evidence on vertical transmission by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV)-2. DATA SOURCES: An electronic search was performed on June 13, 2020 on the Embase, PubMed and Scopus databases using the following search terms: (Coronavirus OR COVID-19 OR COVID19 OR SARS-CoV-2 OR SARS-CoV2 OR SARSCoV2) AND (vertical OR pregnancy OR fetal). SELECTION OF STUDIES: The electronic search resulted in a total of 2,073 records. Titles and abstracts were reviewed by two authors (WPM, IDESB), who checked for duplicates using the pre-established criteria for screening (studies published in English without limitation regarding the date or the status of the publication). DATA COLLECTION: Data extraction was performed in a standardized way, and the final eligibility was assessed by reading the full text of the articles. We retrieved data regarding the delivery of the potential cases of vertical transmission, as well as the main findings and conclusions of systematic reviews. DATA SYNTHESIS: The 2,073 records were reviewed; 1,000 duplicates and 896 clearly not eligible records were excluded. We evaluated the full text of 177 records, and identified only 9 suspected cases of possible vertical transmission. The only case with sufficient evidence of vertical transmission was reported in France. CONCLUSION: The risk of vertical transmission by SARS-CoV-2 is probably very low. Despite several thousands of affected pregnant women, we have identified only one case that has fulfilled sufficient criteria to be confirmed as a case of vertical transmission. Well-designed observational studies evaluating large samples are still necessary to determine the risk of vertical transmission depending on the gestational age at infection.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evidência disponível acerca da transmissão vertical do coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, em inglês). FONTES DE DADOS: Foi realizada uma busca eletrônica em 13 de junho de 2020 nas plataformas Embase, PubMed e "Scopus utilizando os seguintes termos de busca: (Coronavirus OU COVID-19 OU COVID19 OU SARS-CoV-2 OU SARS-CoV2 OU SARSCoV2) E (vertical OU pregnancy OU fetal). SELEçãO DOS ESTUDOS: A busca eletrônica resultou em um total de 2.073 registros. Títulos e resumos foram revisados por dois autores (WPM, IDESB), que verificaram a ocorrência de duplicidade e utilizaram critérios preestabelecidos para o rastreamento (estudos publicados em inglês sem limitações quanto à data ou à situação da publicação). AQUISIçãO DOS DADOS: A extração de dados foi realizada de forma padrão, e a eligibilidade final foi definida poir meio da leitura do artigo completo. Foram coletados dados dos partos de casos com potencial transmissão vertical, bem como os principais achados e conclusões de revisões sistemáticas. SíNTESE DOS DADOS: Foram revisados os 2.073 registros; 1.000 duplicatas e 896 registros claramente não elegíveis foram excluídos. Avaliamos os artigos completos de 177 registros, e identificamos apenas 9 casos de potencial transmissão vertical. O único caso com evidência suficiente de transmissão vertical foi relatado na França. CONCLUSãO: O risco de transmissão vertical pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2 é provavelmente muito baixo. Apesar de milhares de gestantes afetadas, identificamos apenas um caso que preencheu critérios suficientes para que fosse confirmado como um caso de transmissão vertical. Estudos observacionais bem desenhados que avaliem grandes amostras ainda são necessários para se determinar o risco de transmissão vertical, a depender da idade gestacional na infecção.

Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review / Transmissão vertical do SARS-CoV-2: Revisão sistemática

Abstract Objective The evaluation of the available evidence on vertical transmission by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV)-2. Data Sources An electronic search was performed on June 13, 2020 on the Embase, PubMed and Scopus databases using the following search terms: (Coronavirus OR COVID-19 OR COVID19 OR SARS-CoV-2 OR SARS-CoV2 OR SARSCoV2) AND (vertical OR pregnancy OR fetal). Selection of Studies The electronic search resulted in a total of 2,073 records. Titles and abstracts were reviewed by two authors (WPM, IDESB), who checked for duplicates using the pre-established criteria for screening (studies published in English without limitation regarding the date or the status of the publication). Data Collection Data extraction was performed in a standardized way, and the final eligibility was assessed by reading the full text of the articles. We retrieved data regarding the delivery of the potential cases of vertical transmission, as well as themain findings and conclusions of systematic reviews. Data Synthesis The 2,073 records were reviewed; 1,000 duplicates and 896 clearly not eligible records were excluded. We evaluated the full text of 177 records, and identified only 9 suspected cases of possible vertical transmission. The only case with sufficient evidence of vertical transmission was reported in France. Conclusion The risk of vertical transmission by SARS-CoV-2 is probably very low. Despite several thousands of affected pregnant women, we have identified only one case that has fulfilled sufficient criteria to be confirmed as a case of vertical transmission. Well-designed observational studies evaluating large samples are still necessary to determine the risk of vertical transmission depending on the gestational age at infection.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a evidência disponível acerca da transmissão vertical do coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, em inglês). Fontes de Dados Foi realizada uma busca eletrônica em 13 de junho de 2020 nas plataformas Embase, PubMed e "Scopus utilizando os seguintes termos de busca: (Coronavirus OU COVID-19 OU COVID19 OU SARS-CoV-2 OU SARS-CoV2 OU SARSCoV2) E (vertical OU pregnancy OU fetal). Seleção dos Estudos A busca eletrônica resultou em um total de 2.073 registros. Títulos e resumos foram revisados por dois autores (WPM, IDESB), que verificaram a ocorrência de duplicidade e utilizaram critérios preestabelecidos para o rastreamento (estudos publicados em inglês sem limitações quanto à data ou à situação da publicação). Aquisição dos Dados A extração de dados foi realizada de forma padrão, e a eligibilidade final foi definida poir meio da leitura do artigo completo. Foram coletados dados dos partos de casos com potencial transmissão vertical, bem como os principais achados e conclusões de revisões sistemáticas. Síntese dos Dados Foram revisados os 2.073 registros; 1.000 duplicatas e 896 registros claramente não elegíveis foram excluídos. Avaliamos os artigos completos de 177 registros, e identificamos apenas 9 casos de potencial transmissão vertical. O único caso com evidência suficiente de transmissão vertical foi relatado na França. Conclusão O risco de transmissão vertical pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2 é provavelmente muito baixo. Apesar de milhares de gestantes afetadas, identificamos apenas um caso que preencheu critérios suficientes para que fosse confirmado como um caso de transmissão vertical. Estudos observacionais bem desenhados que avaliem grandes amostras ainda são necessários para se determinar o risco de transmissão vertical, a depender da idade gestacional na infecção.

Surface electromyography and ultrasound evaluation of pelvic floor muscles in hyperandrogenic women.

INTRODUCTION: High levels of androgens increase muscle mass. Due to the characteristics of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it is plausible that women with PCOS may have increased pelvic floor muscle (PFM) thickness and neuromuscular activity levels compared with controls. The aim of this study was to assess PFM thickness and neuromuscular activity among hyperandrogenic women with PCOS and controls. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional, case-control study evaluating PFM by ultrasound (US) and surface electromyography (sEMG) in nonobese women with and without PCOS. Seventy-two women were divided into two groups: PCOS (n = 33) and controls (n = 39). PFM thickness during contraction was assessed by US (Vingmed CFM 800). Pelvic floor muscle activity was assessed by sEMG (MyoTrac Infinit) during contractions at different time lengths: quick, and 8 and 60 s. Descriptive analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Student's t test were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in PFM sEMG activity between PCOS and controls in any of the contractions: quick contraction (73.23 mV/ 71.56 mV; p = 0.62), 8 s (55.77 mV/ 54.17 mV; p = 0.74), and 60 s (49.26 mV/ 47.32 mV; p = 0.68), respectively. There was no difference in PFM thickness during contractions evaluated by US between PCOS and controls (12.78 mm/ 13.43 mm; p = .48). CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find statistically significant differences in pelvic floor muscle thickness or in muscle activity between PCOS women and controls.

Assessment of nitrite oxide and maternal-fetal Doppler parameters during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate and compare the whole blood nitrite concentration in the three trimesters of pregnancy. Additionally, we investigate whether there is any relation between nitrite concentrations and Doppler ultrasound analysis of some maternal and fetal vessels. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy pregnant women were examined at the first (11-14 weeks), second (20-24 weeks) and third trimester (34-36 weeks) of pregnancy. In the three exams, we determined the maternal whole blood nitrite concentration and uterine arteries Doppler analysis to determine pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI). In the second and third trimester we also performed fetal umbilical and middle cerebral arteries PI and RI. We compared the concentrations of nitrite in three trimesters and correlated with Doppler parameters. RESULTS: No difference was observed in the whole blood nitrite concentrations across trimesters: 151.70 ± 77.90 nmol/ml, 142.10 ± 73.50 nmol/ml and 147.10 ± 87.30 nmol/ml; first, second and third trimesters, respectively. We found no difference in correlation between whole blood nitrite concentration and Doppler parameters from the evaluated vessels. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy pregnant women, the nitrite concentrations did not change across gestational trimesters and there was also no strong correlation with Doppler impedance indices from maternal uterine arteries and fetal umbilical and middle cerebral arteries.

Assessment of foetal wellbeing in pregnant women subjected to pelvic floor muscle training: a controlled randomised study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to assess foetal wellbeing in pregnant women subjected to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) by evaluating the acute and chronic effects of the procedure using the Doppler method. METHODS: Ninety-six primigravidae with singleton pregnancies and at a low risk of pregnancy complications were randomised to either intervention with PFMT or no intervention. The final analysis included 26 women in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. Women from the intervention group were subjected to a daily PFMT program. Evidence of possible foetal risk was assessed by Doppler and the control group received standard care. The protocol was conducted from 20 to 36 weeks' gestation. The pulsatility indices (PI) of the uterine, umbilical and middle cerebral arteries were determined at 28, 32 and 36 weeks' gestation. The acute effects were determined by comparing the values obtained before and after exercise in the group subjected to PFMT and the chronic effects were determined by comparing the resting values of the trained group with those of the control group. RESULTS: The results obtained showed normal values for the three gestational ages in both groups, with no difference between groups. Comparison before and after exercise showed a significant decline in the PI of uterine artery at 36 weeks without changes in the flow of umbilical and middle cerebral arteries. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor muscle training in low-risk primigravidae with singleton pregnancies was associated with a significant decline in PI of the uterine artery after exercise, while no significant changes in the flow of the middle cerebral and umbilical arteries were found. The PFMT may be recommended to women as a first-line measure to prevent of urinary incontinence during pregnancy.

Tibolone in postmenopausal women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of the use of tibolone on the frequency of flares of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in postmenopausal patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with inactive or controlled SLE were included in the study. Patients were randomized to receive a 12-month course of either tibolona (2.5 mg/day) or placebo. The following were investigated: hypoestrogenism symptoms by Kupperman index, weight; anti-dsDNA antibodies; SLE flares (frequency) assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI); and biochemical profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides, complement components [C3/C4], alpha1-acid glycoprotein, urea, creatinine, 24-h proteinuria, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). RESULTS: The reduction in Kupperman index was greater in the patients using tibolone than in those using placebo. The mean SLEDAI was not different between the groups during the study as well as SLE flare frequency (tibolone: 2/15 [13.3%] vs. placebo: 1/15 [6.7%]; p=0.54). All cases of flares were considered mild to moderate. Although the groups were similar at the baseline evaluation, after 6 and 12 months of treatment lower values were found in the tibolone group for triglycerides (6 months: 161.6+/-30.9 mg/dl vs. 194.4+/-46.5; p=0.04; 12 months 163.7+/-29.8 mg/dl vs. 204.1+/-49.9 mg/dl; p=0.02; tibolone vs. placebo group, respectively) and for HDL-C (6 months: 40.7+/-10.7 mg/dl vs. 53.4+/-16.5; p=0.02; 12 months: 47.2+/-7.9 mg/dl vs. 63.2+/-16.3mg/dl; p<0.01; tibolone vs. placebo group, respectively). There were no differences between the two groups in any of the remaining variables. CONCLUSION: In patients with inactive or stable SLE, the short-term use of tibolone did not significantly affect the frequency of flares. In addition, tibolone was well tolerated and effective to control hypoestrogenism related symptoms in SLE patients.

Increased arterial stiffness in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) without comorbidities: one more characteristic inherent to the syndrome?

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with adverse metabolic effects. Some cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers are increased in women with PCOS. However, early markers of atherosclerosis are also associated with obesity and insulin resistance, which are related to PCOS. These markers may result either directly from PCOS or indirectly as a consequence of the comorbidities associated with the syndrome. CONTEXT: To assess the presence of early CVD markers in young, nonobese women with PCOS. PATIENTS: Forty women with PCOS and 50 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles, matched for age and body mass index (BMI). MEASUREMENTS: The following CVD markers were assessed by ultrasonography: common carotid artery (CCA) stiffness index (beta), distensibility and intima-media thickness (IMT), and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Inflammatory markers, including interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, homocysteine, C-reactive protein (CRP), glycaemia, lipid profile and insulin, were also assessed. RESULTS: CCA beta was higher in PCOS than in control women (3.72 +/- 0.96 vs. 3.36 +/- 0.96, P = 0.04) and CCA distensibility was lower (0.31 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.35 +/- 0.09 mmHg(-1), P = 0.02). Waist circumference, total testosterone and the Free Androgen Index (FAI) were higher in PCOS patients than in controls (78.2 +/- 10.0 vs. 71.5 +/- 7.2 cm, P = 0.001; 88.1 +/- 32.4 vs. 57.1 +/- 21.2 ng/dl, P < 0.01; 12.7 +/- 15.7%vs. 4.7 +/- 2.3%, P < 0.01, respectively), while SHBG was reduced (37.9 +/- 19.1 vs. 47.8 +/- 18.3 nmol/l, P = 0.01). The remaining variables did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Young women with PCOS exhibit changes in vascular elasticity even in the absence of classical risk factors for CVD, such as hypertension and obesity.

Both a combined oral contraceptive and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate impair endothelial function in young women.

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to determine whether the use of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) interferes with endothelial function. STUDY DESIGN: The study was conducted on 100 women between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Fifty women had not used hormonal contraception (control group) for at least 12 months, 25 were current users of a COC (ethinylestradiol 30 mcg+levonorgestrel 150 mcg) and 25 were current users of DMPA (150 mg) for at least a 6-month period. All women were evaluated for brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), intima-media thickness, carotid distensibility and stiffness index, arterial pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, heart rate and lipid profile. RESULTS: A significant difference in FMD was observed between the COC and control groups (6.4+/-2.2% vs. 8.7+/-3.4%, p<.01) and between the DMPA and control groups (6.2+/-2.1% vs. 8.7+/-3.4%, p<.01). The DMPA group had lower values of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) than COC users and the control group (TC: DMPA=139.9+/-21.5 mg/dL vs. controls=167.1+/-29.2 mg/dL vs. COC=168.2+/-37.5, p=.001; LDL-C: DMPA=85.3+/-20.1 mg/dL vs. controls=102+/-24.5 mg/dL vs. COC=106.7+/-33.3 mg/dL, p=.01). The control group had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) than the DMPA and COC groups (controls=52.4+/-14.1 mg/dL vs. DMPA=42.2+/-7.2 mg/dL vs. COC=45.4+/-9.1 mg/dL, p=.001). No significant differences were observed regarding the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: FMD was lower among COC and DMPA users, suggesting that these hormonal contraceptives may promote endothelial dysfunction.

Sonographic evaluation of endothelial function in letrozole and tamoxifen users.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have shown that women previously treated for breast cancer present fewer cardiovascular events, indicating a possible protective effect of tamoxifen treatment. The effects of these aromatase inhibitors on cardiovascular protection remain controversial. The aim of this study was to compare some cardiovascular risk markers among breast cancer survivors following treatment with tamoxifen group (TMXg), letrozole group (LTZg) or no endocrine treatment group (NETg). METHODS: A total of 103 breast cancer survivors: 35 using TMXg, 34 using letrozole group (LTZg) and 34 using no endocrine treatment group (NETg) were evaluated. Ultrasonographic evaluation of brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and stiffness index (beta); blood total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides were assessed. RESULTS: All three groups presented similar values of HDL and IMT. TMXg showed the lowest total cholesterol (219.29+/-36.31mg/dL vs. 250.59+/-38.37mg/dL vs. 245.09+/-35.35mg/dL; TMXg vs. LTZg vs. NETg, respectively; p<0.01-ANOVA), the highest triglycerides (139.34+/-41.82mg/dL vs. 111.35+/-28.22mg/dL vs. 122.09+/-33.42mg/dL; p<0.01), the highest FMD (6.32+/-2.33% vs. 4.10+/-2.06% vs. 4.66+/-2.52%; p<0.01) and the lowest stiffness index (beta) (5.08+/-1.68 vs. 6.28+/-1.75 vs. 5.99+/-1.86; p=0.01). LTZg did not differ significantly from NETg on any evaluated parameter. CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe any effect of LTZg on the evaluated cardiovascular risk parameters compared to NETg. As such, the observed difference on lipid values, stiffness index (beta) and FMD between women receiving tamoxifen and letrozole might be best attributed to the beneficial effect of tamoxifen than to a detrimental effect of letrozole.

Endometrial thickness and volume by three-dimensional ultrasound one week after embryo transfer to detect pregnancy.

PURPOSE: Determine if the evaluation of endometrium one week after embryo transfer can predict pregnancy. METHODS: Endometrial volume and thickness were evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound in 40 patients one week after embryo transfer. These results were compared to serum pregnancy test performed one week later. RESULTS: Eighteen patients have achieved pregnancy. A significant difference was found for endometrial volume: 6.49+/-1.97 mL versus 3.40+/-1.11 mL (pregnant versus not pregnant); and thickness: 11.15+/-2.75 mm versus 9.77+/-1.85 mm. The ROC curve was used to detect the best cutoff values: endometrial volume of 3.48 mL (sensitivity-100%, specificity-68.2%) and endometrial thickness of 10.3 mm (sensitivity-72.2%, specificity-77.3%). The area under curve was significant higher for endometrial volume (0.909 versus 0.745, p=0.027). No pregnancy was achieved in women who had an endometrial volume <3.8 mL (15 patients) or thickness <7.9 mm (3 patients). CONCLUSIONS: The endometrial volume and thickness were significant higher in pregnant women and this difference was more prominent for endometrial volume.