DNA damage analysis in newborns and their mothers related to pregnancy and delivery characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: Increased DNA damage is associated with early events in carcinogenesis. The foetus may be more susceptible to effects of environment by transplacental exposure. We aimed to evaluate DNA damage in cells from umbilical cord (arteries and vein) and maternal blood from pregnant women. METHODS: Fifty eight pregnant women and their offspring were included in this study. They were submitted to an interview to obtain information about personal history, clinical history, and lifestyle habits. Other Information was obtained from medical records. The samples were prepared for Single Cell Gel/Comet assay and Cytokinesis-block Micronucleus Cytome (CBMN-Cyt) assay. RESULTS: Correlation between DNA damage frequency by Comet assay from newborns and their mothers was statistically significant and was significantly associated with nulliparity and more than 1 h of second stage of labour (umbilical vein and maternal blood). A positive MNi relationship was noticed for age (mother's blood) and inappropriate birth weight for gestational age (maternal blood). When multivariate statistical analyses were applied to measure the degree of association between variables that influenced DNA damage markers in the first evaluation, inadequate birth weight and pregnant weight gain were associated with MNi frequency in maternal and newborns blood, respectively. DISCUSSION: Significant associations between DNA damage in newborns and pregnant women, and birth and pregnancy events suggest molecular evidence of transplacental genotoxic effects. However, a potentially increased risk of degenerative diseases, such as cancers, in this population should be carefully investigated by further prospective cohort studies.

Sífilis materna no Sul do Brasil: epidemiologia e estratégias para melhorar / Maternal syphilis in Southern Brazil: epidemiology and improvement strategies

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como principal objetivo estimar a prevalência de sífilis gestacional e fatores associados à infecção em uma Maternidade no Sul do Brasil no ano de 2018. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo descritivo, transversal, retrospectivo, no qual foram avaliados os testes rápidos para sífilis de todas as gestantes internadas para atenção ao parto ou ao abortamento na Maternidade Carmela Dutra no ano de 2018. Nos casos confirmados de sífilis, foram obtidos dados epidemiológicos, adequação do tratamento, coinfecção pelo HIV e resultados gestacionais. Resultados: Entre os prontuários analisados, 161 (3,6%) foram considerados casos de sífilis materna. A média de idade das gestantes foi de 27,98 (±6,65), 54 (33,5%) eram primigestas, 114 (70,8%) se declararam brancas, 125 (77,5%) estavam em uma união estável e 85 (52,7%) tinham escolaridade até o ensino médio. Quanto ao tratamento, 71 (44%) trataram de maneira adequada e 90 (56%), de maneira inadequada, e 44 (27,3%) delas realizaram o diagnóstico apenas no momento da internação hospitalar. Entre as pacientes que realizaram tratamento inadequado de sífilis, 28 (53,4%) apresentaram títulos iguais ou superiores a 1:8. Entre as pacientes que realizaram teste rápido para HIV na internação, 5 (3,7%) apresentaram coinfecção com a doença. Com relação ao tratamento dos parceiros no pré-natal, 11,8% não realizaram nenhum tipo de tratamento, porém em 66 (41%) prontuários não constava essa informação. Com relação ao desfecho neonatal, 5 (7,4%) pacientes com tratamento inadequado para sífilis tiveram parto prematuro, 5 (7,4%) recém- -nascidos foram de baixo peso e 22 (24,5%) pacientes apresentaram abortamento da gestação. Conclusão: A alta taxa de tratamentos inadequados sugere falhas na assistência pré-natal e indica serem necessárias novas estratégias para reduzir a transmissão de sífilis na gestação.(AU)

Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of maternal syphilis and factors associated with the infection in Carmela Dutra Maternity in 2018. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study. All of the syphilis rapid- tests on pregnant women admitted for childbirth or miscarriage assistance at Carmela Dutra Maternity in 2018 were avaluated. In the cases of confirmed syphilis infection, the variables were epidemiological data, adequacy of treatment, HIV coinfection and gestational outcomes. Results: Out of all the medical records analyzed, 161 (3.6%) were considered maternal syphilis (MS). The average age of the pregnant women was 27.98 (± 6.65), 54 (33.5%) were primigestae, 114 (70.8%) declared themselves white, 125 (77.5%) were in a stable relationship and 85 (52.7%) had a high school education. Regarding treatment, 71 (44%) were treated adequately and 90 (56%) inadequately. Forty-four (27.3%) were diagnosed only at the time of hospitalization. Amongst patients who had inadequate syphilis treatment, 28 (53.4%) had titers equal to or greater than 1:8. Amongst patients who underwent rapid HIV testing during hospitalization, 5 (3.7%) had HIV coinfection. Regarding the partners treatment during prenatal, 11.8% did not receive any treatment, but 66 (41%) of the medical records did not contain this information. Regarding neonatal outcome, 5 (7.4%) of patients with inadequate treatment for syphilis had premature birth, 5 (7.4%) of newborns were underweight and 22 (24.5%) had miscarriages. Conclusion: The high rate of inadequate treatment suggests failure in prenatal care and indicates that new strategies are necessary to reduce syphilis transmission during pregnancy.(AU)

Sífilis materna no Sul do Brasil: epidemiologia e estratégias para melhorar / Maternal syphilis in Southern Brazil: epidemiology and improvement strategies

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como principal objetivo estimar a prevalência de sífilis gestacional e fatores associados à infecção em uma Maternidade no Sul do Brasil no ano de 2018. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo descritivo, transversal, retrospectivo, no qual foram avaliados os testes rápidos para sífilis de todas as gestantes internadas para atenção ao parto ou ao abortamento na Maternidade Carmela Dutra no ano de 2018. Nos casos confirmados de sífilis, foram obtidos dados epidemiológicos, adequação do tratamento, coinfecção pelo HIV e resultados gestacionais. Resultados: Entre os prontuários analisados, 161 (3,6%) foram considerados casos de sífilis materna. A média de idade das gestantes foi de 27,98 (±6,65), 54 (33,5%) eram primigestas, 114 (70,8%) se declararam brancas, 125 (77,5%) estavam em uma união estável e 85 (52,7%) tinham escolaridade até o ensino médio. Quanto ao tratamento, 71 (44%) trataram de maneira adequada e 90 (56%), de maneira inadequada, e 44 (27,3%) delas realizaram o diagnóstico apenas no momento da internação hospitalar. Entre as pacientes que realizaram tratamento inadequado de sífilis, 28 (53,4%) apresentaram títulos iguais ou superiores a 1:8. Entre as pacientes que realizaram teste rápido para HIV na internação, 5 (3,7%) apresentaram coinfecção com a doença. Com relação ao tratamento dos parceiros no pré-natal, 11,8% não realizaram nenhum tipo de tratamento, porém em 66 (41%) prontuários não constava essa informação. Com relação ao desfecho neonatal, 5 (7,4%) pacientes com tratamento inadequado para sífilis tiveram parto prematuro, 5 (7,4%) recém- -nascidos foram de baixo peso e 22 (24,5%) pacientes apresentaram abortamento da gestação. Conclusão: A alta taxa de tratamentos inadequados sugere falhas na assistência pré-natal e indica serem necessárias novas estratégias para reduzir a transmissão de sífilis na gestação.(AU)

Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of maternal syphilis and factors associated with the infection in Carmela Dutra Maternity in 2018. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study. All of the syphilis rapid-tests on pregnant women admitted for childbirth or miscarriage assistance at Carmela Dutra Maternity in 2018 were evaluated. In the cases of confirmed syphilis infection, the variables were epidemiological data, adequacy of treatment, HIV coinfection and gestational outcomes. Results: Out of all the medical records analyzed, 161 (3.6%) were considered maternal syphilis (MS). The average age of the pregnant women was 27.98 (± 6.65), 54 (33.5%) were primigestae, 114 (70.8%) declared themselves white, 125 (77.5%) were in a stable relationship and 85 (52.7%) had a high school education. Regarding treatment, 71 (44%) were treated adequately and 90 (56%) inadequately. Forty-four (27.3%) were diagnosed only at the time of hospitalization. Amongst patients who had inadequate syphilis treatment, 28 (53.4%) had titers equal to or greater than 1:8. Amongst patients who underwent rapid HIV testing during hospitalization, 5 (3.7%) had HIV coinfection. Regarding the partners treatment during prenatal, 11.8% did not receive any treatment, but 66 (41%) of the medical records did not contain this information. Regarding neonatal outcome, 5 (7.4%) of patients with inadequate treatment for syphilis had premature birth, 5 (7.4%) of newborns were underweight and 22 (24.5%) had miscarriages. Conclusion: The high rate of inadequate treatment suggests failure in prenatal care and indicates that new strategies are necessary to reduce syphilis transmission during pregnancy.(AU)

Childbirth, Puerperium and Abortion Care Protocol during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that causes a potentially serious respiratory disease that has spread in several countries, reaching humans in all age groups, including pregnant women. The purpose of this protocol is to provide technical and scientific support to Brazilian obstetricians regarding childbirth, postpartum and abortion care during the pandemic.

O novo coronavírus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2) é um vírus que causa uma doença respiratória potencialmente grave que se espalhou por vários países, acometendo seres humanos de todas as faixas etárias, incluindo gestantes. O propósito deste protocolo é fornecer apoio técnico e científico aos obstetras brasileiros com relação aos cuidados no parto, pós-parto e aborto durante a pandemia.

Childbirth, puerperium and abortion care protocol during the Covid-19 pandemic / Protocolo de cuidados no parto, no puerpério e no abortamento durante a pandemia de Covid-19

Abstract The new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2, SARSCoV- 2) is a virus that causes a potentially serious respiratory disease that has spread in several countries, reaching humans in all age groups, including pregnant women. The purpose of this protocol is to provide technical and scientific support to Brazilian obstetricians regarding childbirth, postpartum and abortion care during the pandemic.

Resumo O novo coronavírus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV- 2) é umvírus que causa uma doença respiratória potencialmente grave que se espalhou por vários países, acometendo seres humanos de todas as faixas etárias, incluindo gestantes. O propósito deste protocolo é fornecer apoio técnico e científico aos obstetras brasileiros com relação aos cuidados no parto, pós-parto e aborto durante a pandemia.

Protocolo de atendimento no parto, puerpério e abortamento durante a pandemia da COVID-19 / Childbirth, Puerperium and Abortion Care Protocol during the COVID-19 Pandemic

O novo coronavírus (SARS-Cov-2) é um vírus que causa doença respiratória potencialmente grave e que se propagou em diversos países, atingindo todas as faixas etárias, incluindo gestantes. O objetivo deste protocolo é dar suporte técnico-científico aos obstetras brasileiros quanto ao atendimento ao parto, puerpério e abortamento durante a pandemia.(AU)

Diagnostic yield of real-time polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of intrapartum maternal rectovaginal colonization by group B Streptococcus: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Group B Streptococcus is the leading etiologic factor of neonatal sepsis. Intrapartum real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) may allow faster and more accurate detection of maternal colonization. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR when compared to the reference standard culture in selective broth media collected from rectovaginal tract from laboring women. We selected 15 studies that included 6368 women. Papers selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were carried out by two independent researchers. The prevalence of maternal colonization was 23.8% by RT-PCR and 22.1% by culture. The meta-analysis demonstrated an RT-PCR sensitivity of 93.7% (CI 92.1-95.3), and specificity of 97.6% (CI 97.0-98.1). This result is above the cutoff point defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for clinical usefulness. In conclusion, RT-PCR for GBS screening in labor ward is a promising tool; however, further well-designed studies to justify its use are needed.

[Frequency of hydatidiform mole in tissue obtained by curettage]. / Frequência de mola hidatiforme em tecidos obtidos por curetagem uterina.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of hydatiform mole in tissues obtained by curettage. METHODS: A cross-sectional, prospective and descriptive conducted on patients who underwent curretage due to a diagnosis of abortion or hydatiform mole whose material was sent for pathological examination. We excluded women who did not accept to participate and refused to sign the free informed consent form. We studied the following variables: pathological findings, age, race, number of pregnancies and previous abortions, gestational age at diagnosis, quantitative serum beta fraction of human chorionic gonadotropin and ultrasound findings. The data were compared to the to histological diagnosis, considered to be the gold standard. Data were stored and analyzed in Microsoft Excel(®) software and the Epi-Info program, version 6.0 (STATCALC) and the results are presented as frequency (percentage) or mean±standard deviation. The χ(2) test was used to determine the association between qualitative variables and the level of significance was set at p<0.005. RESULTS: A total of 515 curettage procedures were performed, 446 of which comprised the sample. The frequency of hydatiform mole was 2.2% (ten cases). The mean age of the patients with a mole was 31±10 years, most patients were white and multiparous and had no history of previous abortions, but there was no significant association between these variables. The pregnancy loss occurred early in patients with and without a mole and the most common complaints in both groups were vaginal bleeding and cramps in the lower abdomen. Quantitative determination of human chorionic gonadotropin was performed in 422 cases (413 with and 9 without a hydatiform mole). The levels of the hormone were higher than 100,000 mIU/mL in 1.9% of the patients without a hydatiform mole and in 44.45% of the patients with the disease (p=0.00004). All patients with this hormonal level had an ultrasound suspicion of hydatiform mole and one of them also had a clinical suspicion. A total of 333 patients underwent ultrasound examination. Of the patients with sonographic findings suggestive of molar pregnancy, there was confirmation in five (41.7%) cases. The other seven (58.3%) were false positives. A significant association was found between ultrasound suspected molar pregnancy and disease confirmation by histopathological analysis (p=0.0001). In 50% of cases of hydatiform mole there was no suspicion of the disease according to clinical signs and symptoms, levels of beta fraction of human chorionic gonadotropin or sonographic findings. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of hydatidiform mole is low and the disease may not be suspected by clinical examination, ultrasonography or the serum level of the beta fraction of human chorionic gonadotropin, requiring pathological examination of tissue obtained by uterine evacuation for diagnosis.

Frequência de mola hidatiforme em tecidos obtidos por curetagem uterina / Frequency of hydatidiform mole in tissue obtained by curettage

OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência de mola hidatiforme em tecidos obtidos por curetagem uterina. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, prospectivo e descritivo que incluiu pacientes submetidas à curetagem uterina por diagnóstico de aborto ou mola hidatiforme cujo material obtido foi encaminhado para exame anatomopatológico. Foram excluídas aquelas que não aceitaram participar da pesquisa, recusando-se a assinar o Termo de Consentimento Informado Livre e Esclarecido. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: achados anatomopatológicos, idade, raça/cor, número de gestações e abortos prévios, idade gestacional no momento do diagnóstico, níveis séricos quantitativos da fração beta da gonadotrofina coriônica humana e achados ultrassonográficos. As variáveis foram empregadas para a verificação com o diagnóstico histológico, considerado o padrão-ouro. Os dados foram armazenados e analisados no software Microsoft Excel® e no programa Epi-Info, versão 6.0 (STATCALC) e os resultados apresentados como frequência (porcentagem) ou média±desvio padrão. Para a associação entre variáveis qualitativas foi usado o teste do χ², e admitiu-se significância estatística quando p<0,05. RESULTADOS: No período, foram realizadas 515 curetagens, das quais 446 compuseram a amostra. A frequência de mola hidatiforme foi de 2,2% (dez casos). A média de idade das pacientes com mola foi 31±10 anos, a maioria era da raça branca e multípara e não tinha antecedente de aborto prévio, mas não houve associação significativa entre essas variáveis. A perda gestacional foi precoce nas pacientes com e sem mola, e as queixas mais comuns em ambos os grupos foram: sangramento vaginal e dor em cólica em hipogástrio. A dosagem sérica quantitativa da fração beta da gonadotrofina coriônica humana foi obtida em 422 casos (413 sem mola hidatiforme e 9 com mola hidatiforme). Os níveis do hormônio foram superiores a 100.000 mUI/mL em 1,9% das pacientes sem mola hidatiforme, e em 44,45% das pacientes com a doença (p=0,00004). Todas as pacientes com esse nível de hormônio tinham suspeita ultrassonográfica de gestação molar e uma delas apresentava também suspeita clínica. Trezentas e trinta e três pacientes foram submetidas a exame ultrassonográfico. Das pacientes com achados ultrassonográficos sugestivos de gestação molar, houve confirmação diagnóstica em cinco (41,7%) casos. Os outros sete (58,3%) eram falso-positivos. Houve associação significativa entre achado ultrassonográfico suspeito de gestação molar e confirmação da doença pela análise anatomopatológica (p=0,0001). Em metade dos casos de mola hidatiforme não havia suspeita da doença pelo quadro clínico, níveis da fração beta da gonadotrofina coriônica humana ou achados ultrassonográficos. CONCLUSÕES: A frequência de mola hidatiforme é baixa e a doença pode não ser suspeitada pelo quadro clínico, pela ultrassonografia e pelo nível sérico da fração beta da gonadotrofina coriônica humana, exigindo análise anatomopatológica dos tecidos obtidos pelo esvaziamento uterino para o seu diagnóstico.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of hydatiform mole in tissues obtained by curettage. METHODS: A cross-sectional, prospective and descriptive conducted on patients who underwent curretage due to a diagnosis of abortion or hydatiform mole whose material was sent for pathological examination. We excluded women who did not accept to participate and refused to sign the free informed consent form. We studied the following variables: pathological findings, age, race, number of pregnancies and previous abortions, gestational age at diagnosis, quantitative serum beta fraction of human chorionic gonadotropin and ultrasound findings. The data were compared to the to histological diagnosis, considered to be the gold standard. Data were stored and analyzed in Microsoft Excel® software and the Epi-Info program, version 6.0 (STATCALC) and the results are presented as frequency (percentage) or mean±standard deviation. The χ2 test was used to determine the association between qualitative variables and the level of significance was set at p<0.005. RESULTS: A total of 515 curettage procedures were performed, 446 of which comprised the sample. The frequency of hydatiform mole was 2.2% (ten cases). The mean age of the patients with a mole was 31±10 years, most patients were white and multiparous and had no history of previous abortions, but there was no significant association between these variables. The pregnancy loss occurred early in patients with and without a mole and the most common complaints in both groups were vaginal bleeding and cramps in the lower abdomen. Quantitative determination of human chorionic gonadotropin was performed in 422 cases (413 with and 9 without a hydatiform mole). The levels of the hormone were higher than 100,000 mIU/mL in 1.9% of the patients without a hydatiform mole and in 44.45% of the patients with the disease (p=0.00004). All patients with this hormonal level had an ultrasound suspicion of hydatiform mole and one of them also had a clinical suspicion. A total of 333 patients underwent ultrasound examination. Of the patients with sonographic findings suggestive of molar pregnancy, there was confirmation in five (41.7%) cases. The other seven (58.3%) were false positives. A significant association was found between ultrasound suspected molar pregnancy and disease confirmation by histopathological analysis (p=0.0001). In 50% of cases of hydatiform mole there was no suspicion of the disease according to clinical signs and symptoms, levels of beta fraction of human chorionic gonadotropin or sonographic findings. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of hydatidiform mole is low and the disease may not be suspected by clinical examination, ultrasonography or the serum level of the beta fraction of human chorionic gonadotropin, requiring pathological examination of tissue obtained by uterine evacuation for diagnosis.

Candidíase vaginal recorrente: manejo clínico / Recurrent vaginal candidiasis: clinical management

A candidíase vulvovaginal (CVV) é patologia extremamente frequente, atingindo 75% das mulheres em alguma fase da vida. Cerca de 5% delas terão candidíase vulvovaginal recorrente (CVVR), definida como quatro ou mais episódios a cada 12 meses. Apesar de existirem fatores de risco conhecidos, a maioria dos episódios ocorre na sua ausência. Com base na apresentação clínica, microbiologia e fatores do hospedeiro, ela é classificada em complicada e não-complicada. Um espectro de sintomas comuns a outras patologias, e a ausência de métodos rápidos, simples e baratos de diagnóstico, tornam seu manejo um desafio, mesmo para os mais experientes. O exame padrão-ouro para confirmar a infecção é cultura em meio específico. O presente estudo tem por objetivo revisar os métodos diagnósticos da CVV e descrever o manejo da CVVR.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an extremely frequent pathology, affecting 75% of women in some phase of life. About 5% of them will have recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), defined as four or more episodes every 12 months. In spite of known risk factors, most of the episodes happen in its absence. Based on the clinical presentation microbiology and factors of the host, it is classified in complicated and non-complicated. A spectrum of symptoms common to other pathologies, and the absence of fast, simple and inexpensive methods of diagnosis, turns it into a challenge even for experts. The gold standard exam to confirm the infection is a culture in specific medium. The present study has the objective of revising the diagnosis methods of VVC and to describe the management of RVVC.