Kinetics of Antibody Response to Repeated Vaccination with Sputnik V: A Pilot Study with a Series of Five Cases.

Objectives: Widespread vaccination is considered as one of the best methods in combating any pandemic including COVID-19. Gam-COVID-Vac also known as Sputnik V, is one of the first vaccines that was registered in 74 countries and received an emergency approval for immunization. Monitoring anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies over time is essential for evaluation of post-vaccination humoral immune response.To date, there are only a limited number of clinical studies regarding the analysis of immune response after Sputnik V administration. It is of crucial importance to report independently on safety and efficiency of this vaccine with the aim to speed up the process of its final approval by the WHO. Methods: Humoral immune response was monitored by seven immunoassays to analyze different classes of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ig in five health workers after receiving the combined vector vaccination. This vaccine is based on two replication-deficient rAd26 and rAd5 viral vectors that carry the gene SARS-CoV-2 full-length glycoprotein S(rAd26-S and rAd5-S). Sputnik V was administered with a 21-day interval between the first and second dose. Venous blood was collected two hours before vaccination as a baseline, and then followed by 18 series up to 170-day post-vaccination. Results: The participants in this study used a self-report form in which they noted their observations on safety at 72 h post-immunization. One participant reported mild side effects, such as muscle pain and fever, while the other four individuals had no noticeable complications. Seroconversion was detected in all individuals at 28 days of post-vaccination. Plateau of seropositivity has been achieved by 50th day of vaccination, while titer values decreased after 6 months. Conclusion: This study provides some clinical data regarding the kinetics of antibody levels elicited after administration of heterologous rAd26-S and rAd5-S vaccine. Based on the preliminary data from this pilot study, it appears that Sputnik V vaccine generates a solid humoral immune response lasting at least 6 months after immunization.

ISOLATED MATERNAL HYPOTHYROXINEMIA AND ITS PERINATAL OUTCOME IN NORTH MACEDONIA.

Isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH) is defined as the presence of low maternal total thyroxine (TT4) level in conjunction with normal maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. The aim was to investigate whether IMH is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome in North Macedonia. Dried blood spot samples were obtained from 359 pregnant women meeting the inclusion criteria and analyzed for TT4 and TSH. Postpartum data were entered from their medical histories. Out of 359 women, 131 (37.42%) belonged to IMH group. There were statistically significant differences in birth weight (p=0.043), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (p=0.028), Apgar score at 1 min <7 (p=0.018) and cesarean section for dystocia/disproportion (p=0.024) between the IMH and normal thyroid function (NTF) groups. In regression analysis, TSH was a significant variable predicting Apgar score (ßst=0.05597, p=0.047), body mass index predicting birth weight (ßst=0.02338, p=0.045) and TT4 predicting small for gestational age/IUGR (ßst=-0.089834, p=0.029) in IMH group. TT4 was a strong predictor of birth weight (ßst=-0.004778, p=0.003) and premature delivery (ßst=0.028112, p=0.004) in NTF group. The impact of IMH in pregnancy remains controversial. IMH was associated with an increased maternal BMI and higher birth weight of neonates. Overweight could be a potential risk factor for thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women, and specifically IMH. The worst fetal outcome was seen in IMH mothers examined in second trimester. We found TSH, TT4 and BMI to be strong predictors of perinatal outcomes.

Thyroid Function of Pregnant Women and Perinatal Outcomes in North Macedonia.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid diseases are the second most common endocrine disorders in the reproductive period of women. They can be associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm delivery, low Apgar score, low birthweight (LBW) or fetal death. The aim of the present study is to explore thyroid dysfunction and its relationship with some poor perinatal outcomes (Apgar Score, low birthweight, and preterm delivery). METHODS: Dried blood spot samples from 358 healthy pregnant women were analyzed for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), and thyroglobulin (Tg). Neonatal data were collected upon delivery. Four groups were formed based on thyroid function tests (TFTs). RESULTS: Of the 358 tested women, 218 (60.72%) were euthyroid. Isolated hypothyroxinemia was present in 132 women (36.76%), subclinical hyperthyroidism in 7 women (1.94%), and overt hypothyroidism in 1 (0.28%). The perinatal outcomes IUGR (p = 0.028) and Apgar score 1 minute (p = 0.015) were significantly different between thyroid function test [TFT]-distinct groups. In the multiple regression analysis, TT4 showed a statistically significant inverse predictive impact on LBW (p < 0.0001), but a positive impact of Tg on LBW (p = 0.0351). CONCLUSION: Thyroid hormones alone do not have a direct impact on neonatal outcomes, but the percentage of their participation in the total process cannot be neglected. Based on the regression analysis, we can conclude that TT4 and Tg can be used as predictors of neonatal outcome, expressed through birthweight and Apgar score. The present study aims to contribute to determine whether a test for thyroid status should become routine screening during pregnancy.

OBJETIVO: As doenças da tireoide são as segundas doenças endócrinas mais comuns no período reprodutivo das mulheres. Elas podem estar associadas à restrição de crescimento intrauterino (RCIU), parto prematuro, baixo índice de Apgar, baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) ou morte fetal. O objetivo do presente estudo é explorar a disfunção tireoidiana e sua relação com alguns resultados perinatais insatisfatórios (índice de Apgar, baixo peso ao nascer e parto prematuro). MéTODOS: Amostras secas de sangue em 358 gestantes saudáveis foram analisadas para hormônio estimulador da tireoide (TSH), tiroxina total (TT4) e tireoglobulina (Tg). Os dados neonatais foram coletados no momento do parto. Quatro grupos foram formados com base em testes de função tireoidiana (TFT). RESULTADOS: Das 358 mulheres testadas, 218 (60,72%) eram eutireoidianas. Hipotiroxinemia isolada estava presente em 132 mulheres (36,76%), hipertireoidismo subclínico em 7 mulheres (1,94%) e hipotireoidismo evidente em 1 (0,28%). Os resultados perinatais RCIU (p = 0,028) e índice de Apgar de 1 minuto (p = 0,015) foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos distintos de TFT. Na análise de regressão múltipla, TT4 mostrou impacto preditivo inverso estatisticamente significativo no BPN (p < 0,0001), mas impacto positivo da Tg no BPN (p = 0,0351). CONCLUSãO: Isoladamente, os hormônios tireoidianos não têm impacto direto no desfecho neonatal, mas o percentual de sua participação no processo total não pode ser desprezado. Com base na análise de regressão, podemos concluir que TT4 e Tg podem ser usados como preditores do resultado neonatal, expressos por meio do peso ao nascer e do índice de Apgar. O presente estudo tem como objetivo contribuir para que um teste para verificar o estado da tireoide deva se tornar um rastreamento de rotina durante a gravidez.

Thyroid Function of Pregnant Women and Perinatal Outcomes in North Macedonia / Função tireoidiana de mulheres grávidas e resultados perinatais na Macedônia do Norte

Abstract Objective Thyroid diseases are the second most common endocrine disorders in the reproductive period of women. They can be associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm delivery, low Apgar score, low birthweight (LBW) or fetal death. The aim of the present study is to explore thyroid dysfunction and its relationship with some poor perinatal outcomes (Apgar Score, low birthweight, and preterm delivery). Methods Dried blood spot samples from 358 healthy pregnant women were analyzed for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), and thyroglobulin (Tg). Neonatal data were collected upon delivery. Four groups were formed based on thyroid function tests (TFTs). Results Of the 358 tested women, 218 (60.72%) were euthyroid. Isolated hypo thyroxinemia was present in 132 women (36.76%), subclinical hyperthyroidism in 7 women (1.94%), and overt hypothyroidism in 1 (0.28%). The perinatal outcomes IUGR (p = 0.028) and Apgar score 1 minute (p = 0.015) were significantly different between thyroid function test [TFT]-distinct groups. In the multiple regression analysis, TT4 showed a statistically significant inverse predictive impact on LBW (p < 0.0001), but a positive impact of Tg on LBW (p = 0.0351). Conclusion Thyroid hormones alone do not have a direct impact on neonatal outcomes, but the percentage of their participation in the total process cannot be neglected. Based on the regression analysis, we can conclude that TT4 and Tg can be used as predictors of neonatal outcome, expressed through birthweight and Apgar score. The present study aims to contribute to determine whether a test for thyroid status should become routine screening during pregnancy.

Resumo Objetivo As doenças da tireoide são as segundas doenças endócrinas mais comuns no período reprodutivo das mulheres. Elas podem estar associadas à restrição de crescimento intrauterino (RCIU), parto prematuro, baixo índice de Apgar, baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) ou morte fetal. O objetivo do presente estudo é explorar a disfunção tireoidiana e sua relação com alguns resultados perinatais insatisfatórios (índice de Apgar, baixo peso ao nascer e parto prematuro). Métodos Amostras secas de sangue em 358 gestantes saudáveis foram analisadas para hormônio estimulador da tireoide (TSH), tiroxina total (TT4) e tireoglobulina (Tg). Os dados neonatais foram coletados no momento do parto. Quatro grupos foram formados com base em testes de função tireoidiana (TFT). Resultados Das 358 mulheres testadas, 218 (60,72%) eram eutireoidianas. Hipotiroxinemia isolada estava presente em 132 mulheres (36,76%), hipertireoidismo subclínico em 7 mulheres (1,94%) e hipotireoidismo evidente em 1 (0,28%). Os resultados perinatais RCIU (p = 0,028) e índice de Apgar de 1 minuto (p = 0,015) foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos distintos de TFT. Na análise de regressão múltipla, TT4 mostrou impacto preditivo inverso estatisticamente significativo no BPN (p < 0,0001), mas impacto positivo da Tg no BPN (p = 0,0351). Conclusão Isoladamente, os hormônios tireoidianos não têm impacto direto no desfecho neonatal, mas o percentual de sua participação no processo total não pode ser desprezado. Com base na análise de regressão, podemos concluir que TT4 e Tg podem ser usados como preditores do resultado neonatal, expressos por meio do peso ao nascer e do índice de Apgar. O presente estudo tem como objetivo contribuir para que um teste para verificar o estado da tireoide deva se tornar um rastreamento de rotina durante a gravidez.

Topical Imiquimod 5% as a Treatment Option in Solitary Facial Keratoacanthoma.

BACKGROUND: Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a rapidly growing epithelial tumour with histopathologic and clinical features similar to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and a certain tendency toward spontaneous regression. CASE PRESENTATION: This article presents a unique and rare case of keratoacanthoma arising from the upper lip of a young male patient. These two features are in contrast to most of the reported cases in elder male individuals and on the lower lip. Relevant management protocol of the case has also been discussed. CONCLUSION: The article emphasises the significance of discerning such lesions from squamous cell carcinoma thus carrying diagnostic and therapeutic implications. However, in case of the dilemma it is prudent to assume that the lesion is SCC unless proved otherwise clinically and histologically.

Influence of hysteroscopic metroplasty on reproductive outcome in patients with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) have decreased reproductive potential and an unfavourable reproductive outcome compared to the population with normal uterine cavity. Patients with untreated CUA have a higher abortion rate, higher foetal loss rate and decreased live birth rate. Hysteroscopic metroplasty is a standard, safe and minimally invasive method for the treatment of correctible types of congenital uterine anomalies. The aim of the study was to analyse the reproductive outcome in certain groups of patients with CUA and infertility, before and after hysteroscopic metroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 115 patients on whom 129 hysteroscopic metroplasty interventions were performed at the University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Skopje over a oneyear period, between 01.01.2011 and 31.12.2011. Patients and their reproductive outcome were monitored over a two-year period and the same group served as a control group, taking into account their previous reproductive history before and after metroplasty. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The most common CUA were types 5b and 6, represented by 83.3%. In a follow-up period of two years, there were 55 patients with previous foetal loss treated by hysteroscopic metroplasty, and 31 of them had pregnancies. There was a statistically significant decrease of abortion rate from 88.5% to 19.3%, and a significant increase in term delivery rate from 2.3% to 71%. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic metroplasty significantly improves the reproductive outcome in patients with previous foetal loss.