A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis of Viral SARI in Pregnant Women in Southern Brazil.

Pregnant women (PW) are at a higher risk of diseases and hospitalization from viral respiratory infections, particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2, due to cardiopulmonary and immunological changes. This study assessed the impact of viral respiratory infections on PW hospitalized with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a cross-sectional study with 42 PW and 85 non-pregnant women (NPW) admitted with SARI to two tertiary hospitals between January 2015 and December 2019. The rates of virus prevalence, SARI hospitalization, length of hospital stay, oxygen supplementation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death were comparable between PW and NPW. A multivariate analysis showed that PW had a higher rate of viral SARI hospitalizations (OR = 2.37; 95% CI = 1.02-5.48) as compared to NPW, with the influenza virus being the most prevalent (aOR = 7.58; 95% CI = 1.53-37.66). The length of hospital stays (aOR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.73-0.95) and admissions to the ICU (aOR = 0.028; 95% CI = 0.004-0.25) were lower in PW as compared to hospitalized NPW. The influenza virus had a greater impact on the frequency of SARI in the group of PW, and these had a better outcome than NPW due to the earlier antiviral treatment they received.

Diagnosis and treatment of infectious vaginitis: Proposal for a new algorithm.

Background: Vaginitis is the most common gynecologic diagnosis in primary care, and most women have at least one episode during their lives. The need for standardized strategies to diagnose and treat vaginitis, both in primary care and among gynecologists, is emphasized. The Brazilian Group for Vaginal Infections (GBIV, acronym in Portuguese) aimed to update the practical approach to affected women by reviewing and discussing recent literature, and developing algorithms for diagnosis and treatment of vaginitis. Methods: A literature search within biomedical databases PubMed and SCieLo was conducted in January 2022. The available literature was evaluated by three experienced researchers, members of the GBIV, to summarize the main data and develop practical algorithms. Results and conclusion: Detailed algorithms were developed with the main goal to improve gynecological practice considering different scenarios and access to diagnostic tools, from the simplest to the most complex tests. Different age groups and specific contexts were also considered. The combination of anamnesis, gynecological examination, and complementary tests remains the basis of a proper diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Periodic updates of these algorithms are warranted as new evidence becomes available.

HELLP syndrome and COVID-19: A minor revision of a possible new "COVID-19-linked HELLP-like syndrome".

To report the characteristics described in the literature on a possible new "COVID-19-linked HELLP-like syndrome" in pregnant women with COVID-19: its association with the severity; prevalence; clinical; laboratory; pathophysiological and therapeutic management differences from the classic HELLP syndrome and their impact on outcomes. Observational, cohort, case-control, case-series and case-report studies were included. Data were extracted independently by the authors of the study, to ensure accuracy, consistency and performed the quality assessment. The database search resulted in 77 references, of which two satisfied the eligibility criteria. In these 2 studies we found a possible "COVID-19-linked HELLP-like syndrome", associated with severe COVID-19. There is a high possibility of the existence of "COVID-19-linked HELLP-like syndrome" and its association with severe COVID-19 in pregnant women, with a prevalence of 28,6%. Some characteristics of "COVID-19-linked HELLP-like syndrome" and the classic HELLP syndrome are similar. Differential diagnosis indicated two different types of therapeutic management: conservative for "COVID-19-linked HELLP-like syndrome" and delivery for the HELLP syndrome. HELLP clinical management is mandatory for both.

Recurrence in Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion: The Role of the Excised Endocervical Canal Length-Analysis of 2,427 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the excised canal length on relapse rates of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) treated by loop electrosurgical excision procedure and to find a cut-off point, above which lower recurrence rates could be observed, with low probability of compromising future obstetric outcome, and the relationship with other individual factors related to HSIL recurrence. METHOD: This was a retrospective cohort study of 2,427 women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia CIN2+ who underwent cervical conization using the high-frequency loop electrosurgical excision procedure surgery technique, to analyze the role of endocervical canal length associated with individual factors in the recurrent disease after CIN2+ treatment and determine a cut-off point for the excised canal length needed to decrease the risk of disease relapse. RESULTS: In 2,427 cases, the relapse rate of HSIL treated was 12%. Compromised margins of conization, HIV+, and endocervical canal length were related directly to relapses ( p < .001). The cut-off point, by receiver operating characteristic curve, to calculate the endocervical canal length related to relapses was 1.25 cm of canal excised. Canal length of less than 1.25 cm increased the recurrence rate 2.5 times. Compromised margins and HIV+ increased recurrence rates by more than 5 times. CONCLUSION: Cervical HSIL recurrence was directly related to the endocervical canal length: excised canal length of 1.25 cm or more decreases recurrence rate; HIV and compromised margins increase the chance of recurrence by more than 5 times.

Analysis of the Correlation/Agreement of Maternal-fetal Doppler Parameters in Normal and Growth-Restricted Fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of correlation/agreement of maternal-fetal Doppler parameters between normal and growth-restricted fetuses (fetal growth restriction [FGR]). METHODS: The present observational and retrospective study included 274 singleton pregnancies. The following maternal-fetal Doppler parameters were assessed: uterine artery (UAt), umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), and umbilical-cerebral ratio (U/C). The assessment of FGR was based on the Figueiras and Gratacós9 criteria. Spearman correlation coefficients were estimated to assess the correlation between resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices of Doppler parameters. The agreement between two Doppler parameters was assessed by the Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: In total, 502 Doppler examinations were included, and FGR was observed in 19 out of 274 fetuses. A strong correlation was observed between RI and PI of UAt, UA, and MCA in all of the samples (p < 0.001). Of the 502 Doppler examinations, there was agreement between U/C and CPR percentiles for 480 (95.6%) and disagreement for 22 (4.4%), with Kappa coefficient of 0.26, thereby corresponding to weak agreement. Of the 68 cases with estimated fetal weight ≤ 9th percentile (small for gestational age [SGA]), there was agreement between U/C > 1.0 and CPR < 5th percentile in 61 (88.4%) and disagreement in 7 (5.8%) with Kappa coefficient of 0.49, thereby corresponding to moderate agreement. CONCLUSION: Strong correlation was observed among RI and PI UAt, UA, and MCA Doppler examinations in the present study; however, weak agreement was observed between U/C and CPR in the normal and FGR fetuses. In SGA, U/C and CPR demonstrated moderate agreement.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de correlação/concordância dos parâmetros Doppler materno-fetal entre fetos normais e com restrição do crescimento (restrição de crescimento fetal [RCF]). MéTODOS: O presente estudo observacional e retrospectivo incluiu 274 gestações únicas. Os seguintes parâmetros Doppler materno-fetal foram avaliados: artéria uterina (AUt), artéria umbilical (AU), artéria cerebral média (ACM), razão cérebro-placentária (RCP) e razão umbilical-cerebral (U/C). A avaliação da RCF baseou-se nos critérios de Figueiras e Gratacós.9 Os coeficientes de correlação de Spearman foram estimados para avaliar a correlação entre os índices de resistência (IR) e pulsatilidade (IP) dos parâmetros Doppler. A concordância entre dois parâmetros do Doppler foi avaliada pelo coeficiente Kappa. RESULTADOS: No total, 502 exames Doppler foram incluídos e RCF foi observado em 19 de 274 fetos. Observou-se forte correlação entre IR e IP da AUt, AU e ACM em todas as amostras (p < 0,001). Dos 502 exames Doppler, houve concordância entre os percentis U/C e RCP para 480 (95,6%) e discordância para 22 (4,4%), com coeficiente Kappa de 0,26, correspondendo a concordância fraca. Dos 68 casos com peso fetal estimado ≤ 9° (pequeno para a idade gestacional [PIG]), houve concordância entre U/C > 1,0 e RCp < 5o percentil em 61 (88,4%) e discordância em 7 (5,8%) com coeficiente Kappa de 0,49, correspondendo a concordância moderada. CONCLUSãO: Forte correlação foi observada entre o IR e IP dos exames Doppler AUt, AU e ACM no presente estudo; entretanto, fraca concordância foi observada entre U/C e RCP em fetos normais e com RCF. Nos PIG, U/C e RCP demonstraram concordância moderada.

Vaginal Microbiome Components as Correlates of Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infection.

BACKGROUND: Interplay between vaginal microbiome and human papillomavirus (HPV) remains unclear, partly due to heterogeneity of microbiota. METHODS: We used data from 546 women enrolled in a cross-sectional study in 5 Brazil. We genotyped vaginal samples for HPV and sequenced V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene for vaginal microbiome analysis. We used stepwise logistic regression to construct 2 linear scores to predict high-risk HPV (hrHPV) positivity: one based exclusively on presence of individual bacterial taxa (microbiome-based [MB] score) and the other exclusively on participants' sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical (SBC) characteristics. MB score combined coefficients of 30 (of 116) species. SBC score retained 6 of 25 candidate variables. We constructed receiver operating characteristic curves for scores as hrHPV correlates and compared areas under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Overall, prevalence of hrHPV was 15.8%, and 26.2% had a Lactobacillus-depleted microbiome. AUCs were 0.8022 (95% CI, .7517-.8527) for MB score and 0.7027 (95% CI, .6419-.7636) for SBC score (P = .0163). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed MB score is strongly correlated with hrHPV positivity-exceeding the predictive value of behavioral variables-suggesting its potential as an indicator of infection and possible value for clinical risk stratification.

Urinary tract infection in HIV-positive women / Infecção do trato urinário em mulheres soropositivas para o HIV

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common in women and can cause systemic repercussions. In pregnant women, for example, the occurrence of UTI or asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) can lead to premature birth and fetal death. The generalized immune depletion caused by HIV is related to the exacerbation of infections, and may be related to UTI. Objective: The objective of this review was to evaluate the characteristics of UTI in pregnant and non-pregnant HIV-positive women as well as the factors that interfere in its occurrence. Methods: By searching the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo and Lilacs, we selected eleven articles that correlated UTI and HIV infection in women. Results: Our analysis showed that HIV-positive pregnant women have a higher predisposition to UTI than HIV-negative ones. The Viral Load (VL) is directly related to UTI and AB in HIV-positive nonpregnant women. TCD4 lymphocyte levels (TCD4) lower than 200 cells/mL and VL over 10,000 copies/mL are correlated with higher UTI and AB rates in HIV-positive pregnant women. There is a tendency for greater variability of pathogens in HIV-positive women and a predisposition to higher rates of antibiotic resistance in HIV-positive pregnant women. Conclusion: HIV-positive pregnant women have higher predisposition to urinary tract infection and its incidence is correlated with a high viral load and a low TCD4 count.

Introdução: As infecções do trato urinário (ITU) são comuns em mulheres e podem causar repercussões sistêmicas. Em mulheres grávidas, por exemplo, a ocorrência de ITU ou bacteriúria assintomática (BA) pode levar ao nascimento prematuro e à morte fetal. A depleção imunológica generalizada causada pelo HIV está relacionada à exacerbação de infecções e pode estar relacionada à ITU. Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão foi avaliar as características da ITU em gestantes e não gestantes HIV-positivas, bem como os fatores que interferem na sua ocorrência. Métodos: Por meio de busca nas bases de dados PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO e LILACS, foram selecionados 11 artigos que correlacionavam ITU a infecção pelo HIV em mulheres. Resultados: Nossa análise mostrou que gestantes soropositivas têm maior predisposição à ITU do que gestantes soronegativas. A carga viral está diretamente relacionada a ITU e BA em mulheres não grávidas HIV-positivas. Os níveis de linfócitos TCD4 (TCD4) abaixo de 200 células/mL e a carga viral acima de 10.000 cópias/mL estão correlacionados a maiores taxas de ITU e BA em mulheres grávidas HIV-positivas. Há uma tendência para maior variabilidade de patógenos em mulheres HIV-positivas e uma predisposição para maiores taxas de resistência a antibióticos em mulheres grávidas HIV-positivas. Conclusão: Gestantes HIVpositivas apresentam maior predisposição à infecção do trato urinário e sua incidência está correlacionada com alta carga viral e baixa contagem de TCD4.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection associated with crack cocaine use: the impact on perinatal transmission among 890 pregnancies in Brazil / Infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana em associação ao uso de crack: qual o impacto na transmissão perinatal entre 890 gestantes

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection is a prevalent infection occurring during pregnancy. The implementation of a program to screen and prevent vertical transmission is highly important in Public Healthcare. Pregnant crack users could face difficulties to test and adhere to the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. Objective: The purpose of this research paper was to investigate whether crack cocaine abuse increases Human Immunodeficiency Virus perinatal transmission rates, as well as to evaluate the risk factors associated with such an increase. Methods: Design: A retrospective study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Universidade Federal do Paraná. Population: pregnancies of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-positive women who were using crack cocaine (n=64) were compared with that of non-users (n=826) from 2005 to 2013. Prenatal medical records, delivery records, and newborn records were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures: The vertical transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the group of crack cocaine users was 9.37% (6) versus 2.54% (21) among non-users (p=0.009744). Results: Over the years of the study, there was a decrease in the vertical transmission rate in non-users, while this number remained constant in the group of users. When analyzing the cases of perinatal transmission, it was found that 83.34% (5) had inadequate prenatal care, and 100% (6) had inadequate Human Immunodeficiency Virus treatment, compared to the group in which there was no vertical transmission, where 65.52% (38) had inadequate prenatal care and 70.86% (41) had inadequate treatment. Conclusion: Vertical transmission is higher among crack cocaine users and did not decrease over the years of the study, as occurred among non-users. Trends that explain this increase were non-adherence to adequate prenatal care, Human Immunodeficiency Virus diagnosis during pregnancy, irregular treatment, absence of intrapartum antiretroviral prophylaxis, and vaginal delivery route.

A contaminação pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana é uma infecção prevalente ocorrida na gravidez. A implantação de um programa de rastreamento e prevenção da transmissão vertical é um campo tão importante na saúde pública. Neste caso, a gestante, usuária de crack, pode estar com alguma dificuldade de testagem e adesão à administração da terapia antirretroviral altamente ativa. Objetivo: Analisar os casos de gestantes vírus da imunodeficiência humana positivas e usuárias de crack atendidas na maternidade do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná entre 2005 e 2013. Propõe-se avaliar se o uso de crack aumenta a transmissão vertical do vírus da imunodeficiência humana e, caso isso ocorra, quais seriam os possíveis fatores que explicariam esse aumento. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo e descritivo, com análise de prontuários da obstetrícia (prénatal), do atendimento ao parto, da ficha de avaliação do recém-nascido e do prontuário de evolução do recém-nato. Foi comparada a taxa de transmissão perinatal de vírus da imunodeficiência humana de usuárias (n=64) e não usuárias de crack (n=826) no período de 2005 a 2013. Posteriormente, analisando apenas os casos de uso de crack, foram pareados os grupos com e sem transmissão vertical, avaliando condições sociais, condições do recém-nato, tratamento adequado para o vírus da imunodeficiência humana durante a gestação, entre outras variáveis. Resultados: A transmissão vertical de vírus da imunodeficiência humana foi de 9,37% em usuárias de crack e de 2,54% em não usuárias, com alta significância estatística (p=0,009744). Ao longo dos anos do estudo, houve um decréscimo da taxa de transmissão vertical em não usuárias de crack, enquanto nas usuárias esse número permaneceu constante. Nos casos de transmissão vertical, 83,34% das pacientes tiveram um pré-natal inadequado e em 100% o tratamento para o vírus da imunodeficiência humana na gestação foi inadequado em comparação com o grupo no qual não houve transmissão vertical, em que o pré-natal inadequado foi de 65,52% e o tratamento inadequado foi de 70,86%. O uso de adequada profilaxia antirretroviral intraparto se mostrou um dos principais fatores diretamente associados com a proteção contra a transmissão vertical (p=0,065). Conclusão: A transmissão vertical de vírus da imunodeficiência humana é maior em usuárias de crack e não se mostrou em queda ao longo dos anos do estudo, como ocorreu nas não usuárias. Foram encontradas tendências que explicam esse aumento, por exemplo não adesão ao pré-natal adequado, diagnóstico do vírus da imunodeficiência humana durante a gestação, tratamento irregular, ausência de profilaxia antirretroviral intraparto e via de parto vaginal. Prematuridade e baixo peso ao nascer foram maiores nos recém-natos das usuárias em relação aos índices encontrados na literatura do país. Fica evidenciada a necessidade de atendimento diferenciado para essas gestantes, visto que elas não obedecem às medidas adotadas até o momento para o controle da transmissão vertical.