Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in semen samples: a scoping review / Detecção de SARS-CoV-2 em amostras de sêmen: revisão de escopo

ABSTRAC: :Background: many doubts about the infection of SARS-CoV-2 were raised, such as sexual transmission, sterility, and changes in fertility procedures; however, information is not clearly stated and organized. Purpose: to review and summarize scientific evidence on detection of SARS-CoV-2 in semen samples of Covid-19 patients. Methods:literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline and Embase databases, and followed Scoping Review protocol defined by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) after the guiding question "Is it possible to detect SARS-CoV-2 in the semen of adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19?" Results: 287 studies were identified, and, after discerning analysis, 9 studies published in the English language were selected. Three researchers analyzed the studies for SARS-CoV-2 presence in the seminal fluid, patients' severity, days since the onset of disease, diagnosis confirmation, semen collection method, viral analysis method, and sample numbers. Conclusions: it was not possible to find strong evidence to confirm the presence or absence of Covid-19 in the semen of adult patients. New studies on the subject should be better designed, taking into account the possible anatomical and functional conditions and changes of the male reproductive system during and after the infection by SARS-CoV-2. (AU)

RESUMO:Objetivo: Revisar e resumir as evidências científicas em pesquisas realizadas para detectar a presença de SARS-CoV-2 em amostras de sêmen de pacientes com COVID-19. Métodos: A pesquisa de literatura foi conduzida nas bases de dados PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline e Embase. Seguiu o protocolo de revisão de escopo definido por Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) e baseou-se na pergunta norteadora "É possível detectar SARS-CoV-2 no sêmen de pacientes adultos com diagnóstico confirmado de Covid-19?". Resultados: 287 estudos foram identificados, 9 estudos publicados em língua inglesa foram selecionados após análise minuciosa. Três pesquisadores analisaram os estudos em busca de presença de SARS-CoV-2 no fluído seminal, gravidade do paciente, dias desde o início da doença, confirmação diagnóstica, método de coleta de sêmen, método de análise viral e número de amostras. Conclusões: Não foi possível identificar fortes evidências para confirmar a presença ou ausência de COVID-19 no sêmen de pacientes adultos. Novos estudos sobre o tema devem ser melhor projetados, levando-se em conta as possíveis condições anatômicas e funcionais e mudanças no sistema reprodutor masculino durante e após a infecção por SARS-CoV-2. (AU)

Crossing birth and mortality data as a clue for prevalence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in Sao Paulo State: A cross sectional study.

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe embryological defect that causes pulmonary hypoplasia and hypertension. The prevalence and mortality rate of CDH varies around the world and little information is available about CDH in Latin America. Our aim was to estimate the general prevalence, mortality rate, prevalence of associated anomalies and features related to the outcomes of CDH in newborns from São Paulo state, Brazil. Methods: Population-based cross-sectional study based on data gathered from the Live Births Information System (SINASC) and the Mortality Information System (SIM) of children born in São Paulo state between January 1st, 2006, and December 31st, 2017. Findings: From 7,311,074 total survival discharges between 2006 and 2017, 1,155 were CDH-related, resulting in a prevalence rate of 1:6329 (95%CI = 1/6715 - 1/5984) and a mortality rate of 63·72% (95%CI = 60.95 - 66.50), 510 presented complex associated anomalies (44·15%). Maternal data showed higher prevalence among older mothers (older than 35 years old: 2·13 per 10,000) and, also, women with more years of schooling (higher than 12 years: 1·99 per 10,000). Presence of associated anomalies (95%CI = 5.69-11.10), 1-min Apgar (95%CI = 1.44-2.95), maternal schooling (95%CI = 1.06-2.43) and birth weight (95%CI = 1.04-2.26) were the most significant features associated with mortality. Interpretation: There was 1 CDH case for every 6329 newborns in São Paulo and the mortality rate among those cases was 63·72% - a high rate compared to other countries. Funding: This study didn't receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.