Longitudinal Nutritional Intakes in Italian Pregnant Women in Comparison with National Nutritional Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional quality during pregnancy is crucial for mother and child health and their short/long-term outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the adherence to nutritional recommendations in Italy during the three pregnancy trimesters in Normal Weight (NW) and Over Weight (OW) women. METHODS: Data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial included 176 women (NW = 133; OW = 43) with healthy singleton pregnancies enrolled within 13 + 6 weeks of gestation. Dietary intake was assessed every trimester by a Food Frequency Questionnaire. RESULTS: OW and NW had similar gestational weight gain. However, as Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommend lower gestational weight gain (GWG) for OW, they exceeded the suggested range. In both groups, caloric intake during the three trimesters never met recommendations. Protein intake in first and second trimester was higher than recommendations, as was sugars percentage. Dietary fiber intake was lower in OW. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, calcium, iron and folic acid requirements were never satisfied, while sodium intake exceeded recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: NW and OW women in Italy do not adhere to nutritional recommendations during pregnancy, with lower caloric intake, protein and sugars excess and inadequacies in micronutrients intake. Pregnant women in Italy should be provided with an adequate counseling and educational intervention as well as supplementation when indicated.

Mitochondrial and Oxidative Unbalance in Placentas from Mothers with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes. A placental role in protecting the fetus from SARS-CoV-2 infection has been documented. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how the placenta is affected in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here we assessed placental mitochondrial (mt) and oxidative features in COVID-19 and healthy mothers. mtDNA levels, DNA oxidative damage, expression levels of genes involved in antioxidant defenses, mitochondrial dynamics and respiratory chain subunits were investigated in placentas from singleton pregnancies of 30 women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third trimester (12 asymptomatic, 18 symptomatic) and 16 controls. mtDNA levels decreased in COVID-19 placentas vs. controls and inversely correlated with DNA oxidative damage, which increased in the symptomatic group. Antioxidant gene expressions decreased in SARS-CoV-2 mothers (CAT, GSS). Symptomatic cases also showed a lower expression of respiratory chain (NDUFA9, SDHA, COX4I1) and mt dynamics (DNM1L, FIS1) genes. Alterations in placental mitochondrial features and oxidative balance in COVID-19-affected mothers might be due to the impaired intrauterine environment, generated by systemic viral effects, leading to a negative vicious circle that worsens placental oxidative stress and mitochondrial efficiency. This likely causes cell homeostasis dysregulations, raising the potential of possible long-term effects.

Placental pathology in COVID-19 affected pregnant women: A prospective case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: During pregnancy, SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause an abnormal development of the placenta, thus influencing maternal and fetal outcomes. Few studies have reported data on placental morphology and histology in infected pregnant patients, although not compared with carefully matched controls. The aim of this study is to compare placental morphology and histology of pregnant women affected by SARS-CoV-2 to non-infected controls. METHODS: This is a prospective multicenter case-control study on 64 pregnant women affected by SARS-CoV-2 who delivered at term or late-preterm. Data were collected about pregnancy course, maternal and fetal outcomes, placental biometry and macro- and microscopical morphology. 64 not-infected women were identified as controls, matched by age, body mass index and ethnicity. RESULTS: Cases and controls had similar fetal and maternal outcomes. No significant differences were observed in placental macro- or microscopical morphology between the two groups. In the cases treated with antivirals, chloroquine, LMWH or antibiotics, placentas were heavier but not more efficient than the non-treated, since the fetal/placental weight ratio did not differ. Moreover, delayed villous maturation was more frequent in treated women, although not significantly. The newborns whose mothers received oxygen therapy as treatment had higher levels of umbilical cord pO2 at birth. DISCUSSION: In this prospective case-control study, SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third trimester did not influence placental histological pattern. Pharmacological and oxygen therapy administered to women affected by this viral infection could impact maternal and fetal outcomes and be associated to placental histological alterations.

Neonatal Outcomes in Maternal Depression in Relation to Intrauterine Drug Exposure.

Background: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the most useful drugs to treat depression during pregnancy. Intrauterine exposure to SSRIs may increase the risk of growth restriction, preterm birth and neonatal complications. However, advantages in treating depression seem to exceed potential drug side effects in respect un-treated depression. SSRIs undergo extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism with the involvement of several cytochrome P450 (CYPs) enzymes. Genetic polymorphisms may influence the expression and activity of CYPs genes. The first aim of this study was to evaluate neonatal outcomes in depressed mothers exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy. SSRIs pharmacogenetics was also evaluated in a subset of mothers and fetuses. Methods: In this case-control study, cases (n = 42) were Caucasian women with a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety, treated with SSRIs for the whole pregnancy. Controls (n = 85) were Caucasian women without a psychiatric diagnosis and not exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy. Exclusion criteria for both groups were other psychotropic drugs, anti-epileptics, drug of abuse, alcohol addiction, maternal or fetal infectious diseases, fetal/neonatal chromosomal genetic abnormalities. Maternal and fetal blood samples were obtained at delivery to analyze genotype in 33 cases. Results: The population was homogenous for demographic, anthropometric, socio-economic and obstetric variables except for smoking and mean hemoglobin values before delivery. Obstetric features were comparable. Newborns exposed to SSRIs during fetal life were significantly more likely to be Low Birth Weight (LBW) (birth weight <2,500 g) (p = 0.01), had significantly lower mean Apgar scores at 1' (p = 0.006) and at 5' (p = 0.023) and worse Apgar distribution at 1' (p = 0.017) and at 5' (p = 0.013). Fifty-six percent of newborns presented one or more symptoms consistent with poor neonatal adaptation syndrome (PNAS). Pharmacogenetic analysis at delivery did not show significant differences in the frequencies of obstetric or neonatal complications in relation to polymorphisms. Conclusions: We found that newborns exposed to SSRIs are at increased risk of poor neonatal outcomes in terms of low birth weight, low Apgar scores and, clinically, poor neonatal adaptation syndrome. Preliminary pharmacogenetic analysis showed that the degree of CYPs alterations, that depends on polymorphisms, may influence neonatal outcomes.

[Capacity of the oligoanuric period in the prediction of renal sequelae in patients with postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome]. / Capacidad del período oligoanúrico para predecir secuela renal en niños con síndrome urémico-hemolítico asociado a diarrea.

INTRODUCTION: Length of the oligoanuric period is the main predictor of renal sequelae in children with postdiarrehal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+ HUS). We aimed to determine the capacity of the oligoanuric period in the prediction of renal sequelae in children with D+ HUS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed data from all patients with D+ HUS admitted at Hospital Elizalde between 1998-2008, including only those with at least 1 year of follow-up. Renal sequelae were defined by the presence of pathologic albuminuria and/or proteinuria and/or arterial hypertension and/or chronic renal failure; 80 patients were included, belonging to one of two groups (with or without sequelae). Difference in the duration of the oligoanuric period between groups was determined, and the diagnostic capacity of the oligoanuric period to identified renal sequelae was assessed by ROC curve. RESULTS: 32 patients presented sequelae, representing a prevalence of 40%. Oligoanuric period was significantly longer in patients with sequelae [median 7 days (range 0-14) vs median 0 days (range 0-30); p= 0,0003]. Using ROC curve (aucROC= 0.73) we identified an oligoanuric period ≥ 4 days as the best threshold to predict renal sequelae (sensitivity 68.75%, and specificity 70.83%). CONCLUSIONS: By ROC curve analysis we were unable to identify a cut-off point on the length of the oligoanuric period which predicts renal sequelae with optimum sensitivity and specificity. This observation emphasizes the need of periodic and long-term surveillance of all children who suffered from D+ HUS.

Capacidad del período oligoanúrico para predecir secuela renal en niños con síndrome urémico-hemolítico asociado a diarrea / Capacity of the oligoanuric period in the prediction of renal sequelae in patients with postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome

Introducción. La duración del período oligoanúrico es el principal marcador pronóstico de secuela renal en pacientes con síndrome urémico-hemolítico asociado a diarrea (SUH D+). Realizamos este estudio con el objetivo de determinar la capacidad del período oligoanúrico para predecir secuela renal en niños con SUH D+. Pacientes y métodos. Revisamos los datos de todos los pacientes internados en el Hospital Elizalde con SUH D+ entre 1998-2008 e incluimos sólo a aquellos seguidos más de 1 año. Consideramos secuela renal a la presencia de albuminuria y/o proteinuria patológicas y/o hipertensión arterial y/o caída de fltrado glomerular. Ingresaron al estudio 80 pacientes, que se dividieron en 2 grupos (con secuela y sin ella). Se determinó si tenían diferencias en la duración del período oligoanúrico y se calculó la capacidad de dicha variable para predecir secuela mediante curva ROC. Resultados. 32 pacientes presentaron secuela renal (prevalencia 40%), quienes tuvieron un período oligoanúrico signifcativamente más prolongado [mediana 7 días (intervalo 0-14) contra mediana 0 días (intervalo 0-30); p= 0,0003] que aquellos sin secuela. Mediante curva ROC (área bajo la curva de 0,73) se estableció en ≥ 4 días como mejor punto de corte del período oligoanúrico para predecir secuela renal (sensibilidad 68,75%, especifcidad 70,83%). Conclusión. La curva ROC no permitió identifcar un punto de corte de la duración del período oligoanúrico que permita predecir secuela renal con sensibilidad y especifcidad adecuadas. Esta observación refuerza la importancia del seguimiento periódico y a largo plazo de todos los niños afectados por SUH D+.

Introduction. Length of the oligoanuric period is the main predictor of renal sequelae in children with postdiarrehal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+ HUS). We aimed to determine the capacity of the oligoanuric period in the prediction of renal sequelae in children with D+ HUS. Patients and methods. We reviewed data from all patients with D+ HUS admitted at Hospital Elizalde between 1998-2008, including only those with at least 1 year of follow-up. Renal sequelae were defned by the presence of pathologic albuminuria and/or proteinuria and/or arterial hypertension and/or chronic renal failure; 80 patients were included, belonging to one of two groups (with or without sequelae). Difference in the duration of the oligoanuric period between groups was determined, and the diagnostic capacity of the oligoanuric period to identifed renal sequelae was assessed by ROC curve. Results. 32 patients presented sequelae, representing a prevalence of 40%. Oligoanuric period was signifcantly longer in patients with sequelae [median 7 days (range 0-14) vs median 0 days (range 0-30); p= 0,0003]. Using ROC curve (aucROC= 0.73) we identifed an oligoanuric period ≥ 4 days as the best threshold to predict renal sequelae (sensitivity 68.75%, and specifcity 70.83%). Conclusions. By ROC curve analysis we were unable to identify a cut-off point on the length of the oligoanuric period which predicts renal sequelae with optimum sensitivity and specifcity. This observation emphasizes the need of periodic and long-term surveillance of all children who suffered from D+ HUS.

Capacidad del período oligoanúrico para predecir secuela renal en niños con síndrome urémico-hemolítico asociado a diarrea / Capacity of the oligoanuric period in the prediction of renal sequelae in patients with postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome

Introducción. La duración del período oligoanúrico es el principal marcador pronóstico de secuela renal en pacientes con síndrome urémico-hemolítico asociado a diarrea (SUH D+). Realizamos este estudio con el objetivo de determinar la capacidad del período oligoanúrico para predecir secuela renal en niños con SUH D+. Pacientes y métodos. Revisamos los datos de todos los pacientes internados en el Hospital Elizalde con SUH D+ entre 1998-2008 e incluimos sólo a aquellos seguidos más de 1 año. Consideramos secuela renal a la presencia de albuminuria y/o proteinuria patológicas y/o hipertensión arterial y/o caída de fltrado glomerular. Ingresaron al estudio 80 pacientes, que se dividieron en 2 grupos (con secuela y sin ella). Se determinó si tenían diferencias en la duración del período oligoanúrico y se calculó la capacidad de dicha variable para predecir secuela mediante curva ROC. Resultados. 32 pacientes presentaron secuela renal (prevalencia 40%), quienes tuvieron un período oligoanúrico signifcativamente más prolongado [mediana 7 días (intervalo 0-14) contra mediana 0 días (intervalo 0-30); p= 0,0003] que aquellos sin secuela. Mediante curva ROC (área bajo la curva de 0,73) se estableció en ≥ 4 días como mejor punto de corte del período oligoanúrico para predecir secuela renal (sensibilidad 68,75%, especifcidad 70,83%). Conclusión. La curva ROC no permitió identifcar un punto de corte de la duración del período oligoanúrico que permita predecir secuela renal con sensibilidad y especifcidad adecuadas. Esta observación refuerza la importancia del seguimiento periódico y a largo plazo de todos los niños afectados por SUH D+.(AU)

Introduction. Length of the oligoanuric period is the main predictor of renal sequelae in children with postdiarrehal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+ HUS). We aimed to determine the capacity of the oligoanuric period in the prediction of renal sequelae in children with D+ HUS. Patients and methods. We reviewed data from all patients with D+ HUS admitted at Hospital Elizalde between 1998-2008, including only those with at least 1 year of follow-up. Renal sequelae were defned by the presence of pathologic albuminuria and/or proteinuria and/or arterial hypertension and/or chronic renal failure; 80 patients were included, belonging to one of two groups (with or without sequelae). Difference in the duration of the oligoanuric period between groups was determined, and the diagnostic capacity of the oligoanuric period to identifed renal sequelae was assessed by ROC curve. Results. 32 patients presented sequelae, representing a prevalence of 40%. Oligoanuric period was signifcantly longer in patients with sequelae [median 7 days (range 0-14) vs median 0 days (range 0-30); p= 0,0003]. Using ROC curve (aucROC= 0.73) we identifed an oligoanuric period ≥ 4 days as the best threshold to predict renal sequelae (sensitivity 68.75%, and specifcity 70.83%). Conclusions. By ROC curve analysis we were unable to identify a cut-off point on the length of the oligoanuric period which predicts renal sequelae with optimum sensitivity and specifcity. This observation emphasizes the need of periodic and long-term surveillance of all children who suffered from D+ HUS.(AU)

Capacidad del período oligoanúrico para predecir secuela renal en niños con síndrome urémico-hemolítico asociado a diarrea / Capacity of the oligoanuric period in the prediction of renal sequelae in patients with postdiarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome

Introducción. La duración del período oligoanúrico es el principal marcador pronóstico de secuela renal en pacientes con síndrome urémico-hemolítico asociado a diarrea (SUH D+). Realizamos este estudio con el objetivo de determinar la capacidad del período oligoanúrico para predecir secuela renal en niños con SUH D+. Pacientes y métodos. Revisamos los datos de todos los pacientes internados en el Hospital Elizalde con SUH D+ entre 1998-2008 e incluimos sólo a aquellos seguidos más de 1 año. Consideramos secuela renal a la presencia de albuminuria y/o proteinuria patológicas y/o hipertensión arterial y/o caída de fltrado glomerular. Ingresaron al estudio 80 pacientes, que se dividieron en 2 grupos (con secuela y sin ella). Se determinó si tenían diferencias en la duración del período oligoanúrico y se calculó la capacidad de dicha variable para predecir secuela mediante curva ROC. Resultados. 32 pacientes presentaron secuela renal (prevalencia 40%), quienes tuvieron un período oligoanúrico signifcativamente más prolongado [mediana 7 días (intervalo 0-14) contra mediana 0 días (intervalo 0-30); p= 0,0003] que aquellos sin secuela. Mediante curva ROC (área bajo la curva de 0,73) se estableció en ≥ 4 días como mejor punto de corte del período oligoanúrico para predecir secuela renal (sensibilidad 68,75%, especifcidad 70,83%). Conclusión. La curva ROC no permitió identifcar un punto de corte de la duración del período oligoanúrico que permita predecir secuela renal con sensibilidad y especifcidad adecuadas. Esta observación refuerza la importancia del seguimiento periódico y a largo plazo de todos los niños afectados por SUH D+.(AU)

Introduction. Length of the oligoanuric period is the main predictor of renal sequelae in children with postdiarrehal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+ HUS). We aimed to determine the capacity of the oligoanuric period in the prediction of renal sequelae in children with D+ HUS. Patients and methods. We reviewed data from all patients with D+ HUS admitted at Hospital Elizalde between 1998-2008, including only those with at least 1 year of follow-up. Renal sequelae were defned by the presence of pathologic albuminuria and/or proteinuria and/or arterial hypertension and/or chronic renal failure; 80 patients were included, belonging to one of two groups (with or without sequelae). Difference in the duration of the oligoanuric period between groups was determined, and the diagnostic capacity of the oligoanuric period to identifed renal sequelae was assessed by ROC curve. Results. 32 patients presented sequelae, representing a prevalence of 40%. Oligoanuric period was signifcantly longer in patients with sequelae [median 7 days (range 0-14) vs median 0 days (range 0-30); p= 0,0003]. Using ROC curve (aucROC= 0.73) we identifed an oligoanuric period ≥ 4 days as the best threshold to predict renal sequelae (sensitivity 68.75%, and specifcity 70.83%). Conclusions. By ROC curve analysis we were unable to identify a cut-off point on the length of the oligoanuric period which predicts renal sequelae with optimum sensitivity and specifcity. This observation emphasizes the need of periodic and long-term surveillance of all children who suffered from D+ HUS.(AU)

Determination of urinary bicarbonate with the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. Comparison using two different methods.

The determination of urinary bicarbonate with the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation was compared using two methods: (1) correcting the pK in every urine sample according to ionic strength and using the solubility constant of CO2 in urine (alpha=0.0309) and (2) using a fixed pK value (6.1) and a CO2 solubility constant of 0.0301, which we use to calculate blood bicarbonate. Nine patients were studied and 29 determinations were performed. A high correlation was found between the methods (r=0.99). Bicarbonate calculated with corrected pK was 24.3+/-6.6 mEq/l (95% confidence interval 11.4-37.2) and bicarbonate calculated with pK fixed at 6.1 was 25.6+/-6.6 mEq/l (95% confidence interval 12.7-38.5). For each urine sample, the delta bicarbonate was calculated as the difference between the bicarbonate obtained with pK at 6.1 minus that obtained with the corrected pK (mean 1.25, standard error 0.83, P=0.15). This indicates that the difference between the methods was not significant. No difference was found whether pK was corrected or fixed (6.1). Therefore, our results suggest that it is valid to take the value shown by the equipment for blood gas determination as the urinary bicarbonate value. This would allow the rapid and accurate determination of urinary bicarbonate in patients with hyperchloremic acidosis, especially those with renal tubular acidosis.

Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli infection in family members of children with hemolytic uremic syndrome

Thirty-four hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) patients and ninety-five family members were studied to determine the frequency of infection with verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in household contacts using three diagnostic criteria: VTEC strains isolation and characterization, detection of free fecal VT (FVT) and VT-neutralizing antibodies (VT-NAbs). Gastrointestinal tract symptoms occurend in one to six family members in 8 (23.5 per cent) of the index cases, the week before admission to hospital or simultaneously. The control group consisted of 34 children with acute gastroenteritis who did not develop HUS. Cumulative evidence of VTEC infection was found in 13 (38.2 per cent) of 34 HUS patients, in 30 (31.6 per cent) of 95 family members and in 10 (29.4 per cent) of 34 control children. The serotypes of VTEC isolated were O157:H7 and O25: H2. The prevalent VT type was VT2 in VTEC and FVT; and VT1 in VT-NAbs. Both parents had the same infection rate by fecal toxin or serological data (11.1 per cent FVT, 32 per cent VT-NAbs). These were higher than those detected in siblings (6.2 per cent FVT, 23.5 per cent VT-NAbs) and grandparents (0 per cent FVT, 18 per cent VT-NAbs). Of 16 patients without evidence of infection, 3 had household contacts with FVT and 13 with VT-NAbs. Our results show the wide dissemination of VTEC in the population of Argentina and that family members of HUS patients are usualy infectd. Therefore, person-to-person transmission may play an important role in the high incidence of HUS in our country. (AU)

Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli infection in family members of children with hemolytic uremic syndrome

Thirty-four hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) patients and ninety-five family members were studied to determine the frequency of infection with verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in household contacts using three diagnostic criteria: VTEC strains isolation and characterization, detection of free fecal VT (FVT) and VT-neutralizing antibodies (VT-NAbs). Gastrointestinal tract symptoms occurend in one to six family members in 8 (23.5 per cent) of the index cases, the week before admission to hospital or simultaneously. The control group consisted of 34 children with acute gastroenteritis who did not develop HUS. Cumulative evidence of VTEC infection was found in 13 (38.2 per cent) of 34 HUS patients, in 30 (31.6 per cent) of 95 family members and in 10 (29.4 per cent) of 34 control children. The serotypes of VTEC isolated were O157:H7 and O25: H2. The prevalent VT type was VT2 in VTEC and FVT; and VT1 in VT-NAbs. Both parents had the same infection rate by fecal toxin or serological data (11.1 per cent FVT, 32 per cent VT-NAbs). These were higher than those detected in siblings (6.2 per cent FVT, 23.5 per cent VT-NAbs) and grandparents (0 per cent FVT, 18 per cent VT-NAbs). Of 16 patients without evidence of infection, 3 had household contacts with FVT and 13 with VT-NAbs. Our results show the wide dissemination of VTEC in the population of Argentina and that family members of HUS patients are usualy infectd. Therefore, person-to-person transmission may play an important role in the high incidence of HUS in our country.