Influence of different methods for calculating gestational age at birth on prematurity and small for gestational age proportions: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recognizing premature newborns and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) is essential for providing care and supporting public policies. This systematic review aims to identify the influence of the last menstrual period (LMP) compared to ultrasonography (USG) before 24 weeks of gestation references on prematurity and SGA proportions at birth. METHODS: Systematic review with meta-analysis followed the recommendations of the PRISMA Statement. PubMed, BVS, LILACS, Scopus-Elsevier, Embase-Elsevier, and Web-of-Science were searched (10-30-2022). The research question was: (P) newborns, (E) USG for estimating GA, (C) LMP for estimating GA, and (O) prematurity and SGA rates for both methods. Independent reviewers screened the articles and extracted the absolute number of preterm and SGA infants, reference standards, design, countries, and bias. Prematurity was birth before 37 weeks of gestation, and SGA was the birth weight below the p10 on the growth curve. The quality of the studies was assessed using the New-Castle-Ottawa Scale. The difference between proportions estimated the size effect in a meta-analysis of prevalence. RESULTS: Among the 642 articles, 20 were included for data extraction and synthesis. The prematurity proportions ranged from 1.8 to 33.6% by USG and varied from 3.4 to 16.5% by the LMP. The pooled risk difference of prematurity proportions revealed an overestimation of the preterm birth of 2% in favor of LMP, with low certainty: 0.02 (95%CI: 0.01 to 0.03); I2 97%). Subgroup analysis of USG biometry (eight articles) showed homogeneity for a null risk difference between prematurity proportions when crown-rump length was the reference: 0.00 (95%CI: -0.001 to 0.000; I2: 0%); for biparietal diameter, risk difference was 0.00 (95%CI: -0.001 to 0.000; I2: 41%). Only one report showed the SGA proportions of 32% by the USG and 38% by the LMP. CONCLUSIONS: LMP-based GA, compared to a USG reference, has little or no effect on prematurity proportions considering the high heterogeneity among studies. Few data (one study) remained unclear the influence of such references on SGA proportions. Results reinforced the importance of qualified GA to mitigate the impact on perinatal statistics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number PROSPERO: CRD42020184646.

Mechanical ventilation and death in pregnant patients admitted for COVID-19: a prognostic analysis from the Brazilian COVID-19 registry score.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of clinical prognosis of pregnant COVID-19 patients at hospital presentation is challenging, due to physiological adaptations during pregnancy. Our aim was to assess the performance of the ABC2-SPH score to predict in-hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation support in pregnant patients with COVID-19, to assess the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and characteristics of pregnant women who died. METHODS: This multicenter cohort included consecutive pregnant patients with COVID-19 admitted to the participating hospitals, from April/2020 to March/2022. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and the composite outcome of mechanical ventilation support and in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints were pregnancy outcomes. The overall discrimination of the model was presented as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Overall performance was assessed using the Brier score. RESULTS: From 350 pregnant patients (median age 30 [interquartile range (25.2, 35.0)] years-old]), 11.1% had hypertensive disorders, 19.7% required mechanical ventilation support and 6.0% died. The AUROC for in-hospital mortality and for the composite outcome were 0.809 (95% IC: 0.641-0.944) and 0.704 (95% IC: 0.617-0.792), respectively, with good overall performance (Brier = 0.0384 and 0.1610, respectively). Calibration was good for the prediction of in-hospital mortality, but poor for the composite outcome. Women who died had a median age 4 years-old higher, higher frequency of hypertensive disorders (38.1% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001) and obesity (28.6% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.025) than those who were discharged alive, and their newborns had lower birth weight (2000 vs. 2813, p = 0.001) and five-minute Apgar score (3.0 vs. 8.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ABC2-SPH score had good overall performance for in-hospital mortality and the composite outcome mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality. Calibration was good for the prediction of in-hospital mortality, but it was poor for the composite outcome. Therefore, the score may be useful to predict in-hospital mortality in pregnant patients with COVID-19, in addition to clinical judgment. Newborns from women who died had lower birth weight and Apgar score than those who were discharged alive.

Detection of cytomegalovirus, herpes virus simplex, and parvovirus b19 in spontaneous abortion placentas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the presence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes virus simplex (HSV), and parvovirus B19 (PVB19) in the placental tissue of patients who underwent abortions without an otherwise-defined aetiology. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a high-risk obstetric maternity facility at a University Hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from January 2013 to December 2015. We included placenta samples obtained from spontaneous abortions of unknown aetiology. Seventy placenta samples were identified and were classified according to histopathological characteristics. All samples were analysed using immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction for CMV, PVB19, and HSV. The clinical variables were collected from the medical records of patients to verify the association of infection with villitis. The patients were divided into the following groups: I) with villitis (n = 28) and II) without villitis (n = 42). METHODS: Immunohistochemistry used monoclonal anti-CMV antibody (NCL-CMVpp65, Leica Biosystems, Wetzlar, Germany), anti-PVB19 antibody (NCL-PARVO, Leica Biosystems, Wetzlar, Germany), and anti-HSV1/HSV2 antibodies (NCL-HSV-1 and HSV2, Leica Biosystems, Wetzlar, Germany). The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL) 19.0. RESULTS: Viral agents were detected in five patients (7.14%) in the villitis group. Three patients were positive for CMV, one for PVB19, and one for HSV type 2. Foetal and maternal complications were significantly higher in the group with villitis compared with those in the group without villitis (p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of transplacental viral infections as a cause of spontaneous abortion should be considered high in the placenta with villitis. Thus, this study highlights the need for developing diagnostic tests to clarify the aetiology of abortion and foetal loss.

Determinants and trends in perinatal human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil: 1998 - 2005.

Significant decrease in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vertical transmission has been observed worldwide in centers where interventions such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), elective cesarean section, and avoidance of breastfeeding have been implemented. This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the determinants of and the temporal trends in HIV-1 vertical transmission in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil from January 1998 to December 2005. The rate of HIV-1 vertical transmission decreased from 20% in 1998 to 3% in 2005. This decline was associated with increased use of more complex ART regimens during pregnancy. Multivariate analysis restricted to clinical variables demonstrated that non ART, neonatal respiratory distress/sepsis and breastfeeding were independently associated with HIV-1 vertical transmission. When laboratory parameters were included in the model, high maternal viral load and non maternal ART were associated with HIV-1 vertical transmission. The results from this study confirm the impact of ART in the reduction of HIV-1 vertical transmission and indicate the need for improvement in the care and monitoring of mother and infant pairs affected by HIV-1.

[Evaluation of prenatal screening for toxoplasmosis in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil: a cross-sectional study of postpartum women in two maternity hospitals]. / Avaliação da aplicação do protocolo de triagem pré-natal para toxoplasmose em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil: estudo transversal em puérperas de duas maternidades.

This cross-sectional study of 420 women in two public maternity hospitals from August 2004 to May 2005 evaluated the application of a prenatal toxoplasmosis serological screening protocol in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, and the information provided to susceptible pregnant women. Ninety-eight percent of women received prenatal care and 97% underwent the initial serological screening test, at an average of 16 weeks gestational age. The initial testing identified 163 women as susceptible to toxoplasmosis: 44% of these did not undergo repeat serological testing, and 42% of them did not remember having received information on the prevention of toxoplasmosis infection. Early prenatal care and a high number of prenatal visits were associated with repeat serological testing and orientation regarding its implications. Orientation on risk factors included: avoiding contact with cats (95%), not handling or eating raw meat (70%), and washing vegetables carefully before consumption (53%). Inadequate adherence to the prenatal screening protocol for toxoplasmosis, as detected in this study, may be generating health system costs without a corresponding improvement in the quality of perinatal care.

Análise do conteúdo do sumário de alta obstétrica em maternidade de referência. Uma oportunidade para repensar a estratégia da continuidade do cuidado materno e neonatal / Analysis of contents in obstetric discharge summary of a reference maternity. Opportunity to think about the strategy for continuity of maternal and neonatal care

Objetivo: analisar criticamente dados sobre o nascimento e intercorrências clínico-obstétricas dos sumários de alta obstétrica, visando à troca de informações para continuidade do cuidado materno e neonatal. Pacientes e métodos: estudo observacional retrospectivo em base de dados secundários. Foram consultados 102 sumários de alta obstétrica da maternidade do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG, entre julho e dezembro de 2013. Para se avaliar a pertinência da proposição de um modelo estruturado para o documento eletrônico, as situações de alta obstétrica e os conteúdos clínicos documentados pelos médicos foram comparados entre internações anteparto e pós-parto, empregando-se o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson. Resultados: em 48 (49,5%) dos 97 documentos selecionados, a condição gestacional era de elevado risco. Os campos já estruturados no formulário em uso tiveram alta frequência de preenchimento. Observou-se semelhança entre o conteúdo dos registros clínicos das altas anteparto e pós-parto, a não ser pelos resultadosde exames, mais frequentes no primeiro e pelos dados sobre o nascimento, no segundo. Dados sobre o concepto e orientações para após a alta tiveram frequência aquém do esperado. Conclusões: o sumário de alta obstétrica em um discurso livre sobre os fatos ocorridos durante o nascimento pode falhar em prover dados de qualidade para a continuidadedo cuidado na rede de atenção materno-infantil. Acredita-se que a proposição de um padrão estruturado, contendo um conjunto mínimo de dados possa oferecer subsídios para aprimorar a troca de informações maternas e neonatais.

Objective: to critically analyze data on birth, and clinical and obstetric complications in the content of obstetric discharge reports aiming at exchanging information for the continuity of maternal and neonatal care. Patients and methods: this was a retrospective observational study in a database of secondary data. A total of 102 obstetric discharge reports were consulted from the UFMG General Hospital maternity between July and December of 2013. The obstetric discharge situations and clinical contents documented by physicians were compared between antepartum and postpartum hospitalizations using the chi-square test of Pearson to evaluate the relevance of the proposition of a structuredmodel for electronic documentation. Results: in 48 (49.5%) out of the 97 selected documents, the gestational condition was of high risk. The s already structured in the form in use were filled in high frequency. The similarity between the content of antepartum and postpartum clinical records was observed, except for results of tests, which were morefrequent in the first, and birth data in the second. Data on the newborn and guidance after discharge were often lower than expected. Conclusions:the content in the obstetric discharge report about the events that occurred during birth may fail to provide quality data for the continuity of care in the maternal and child care. It is believed that the proposition of a structured pattern, containing a minimum set of data can provide subsidies to improve the exchange of maternal and neonatal information.

Clinical complications in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: prospective study of factors predicting maternal death or near miss

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications in pregnant women with sickle cell disease, especially those leading to maternal death or near miss (severe obstetric complications). METHODS: A prospective cohort of 104 pregnant women registered in the Blood Center of Belo Horizonte (Hemominas Foundation) was followed up at high-risk prenatal units. They belonged to Group I (51 hemoglobin SS and three hemoglobin S/ß0-thalassemia) or Group II (49 hemoglobin SC and one hemoglobin S/ß+-thalassemia). Both groups had similar median ages. Predictive factors for 'near miss' or maternal death with p-value = 0.25 in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic model (significance set for p-value = 0.05). RESULTS: Group I had more frequent episodes of vaso-occlusive crises, more transfusions in the antepartum and postpartum, and higher percentage of preterm deliveries than Group II. Infections and painful crises during the postpartum period were similar in both the groups. The mortality rate was 4.8%: three deaths in Group I and two in Group II. One-third of the women in both the groups experienced near miss. The most frequent event was pneumonia/acute chest syndrome. Alpha-thalassemia co-inheritance and ß-gene haplotypes were not associated with near miss or maternal death. In multivariate analysis predictors of near miss or death were parity above one and baseline red blood cell macrocytosis. In Group I, baseline hypoxemia (saturation < 94%) was also predictive of near miss or death. CONCLUSION: One-third of pregnant women had near miss and 4.8% died. Both hemoglobin SS and SC pregnant women shared the same risk of death or of severe complications, especially pulmonary events...

Abordagem atual da doença inflamatória pélvica / Current approaches to pelvic inflammatory disease

A doença inflamatória pélvica (DIP) é um processo inflamatório de natureza infecciosa que pode atingir estruturas e órgãos do trato genital superior. Devido à sua importância epidemiológica e de suas graves complicações, este artigo atualiza e propõe uma abordagem sistemática da DIP. Os principais agentes etiológicos são a Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Chlamydia trachomatis e outros agentes etiológicos de uretrites, cervicites, vulvovaginites e vaginoses, em geral, polimicrobiana, o que é a base de sua terapêutica. A mulher deve ser investigada para DIP quando apresenta, especialmente, desconforto abdominal, dor lombar, dispareunia e nódoas ou manchas ao exame ginecológico, previamente a procedimentos transcervicais. A classificação clínico-laparoscópica deDIP pode ser dividida em: a) estágio I (endometrite/salpingite sem peritonite); estágio II (salpingite aguda com peritonite); estágio III (salpingite aguda com oclusão tubária ou abscesso tubo-ovariano); estágio IV (abscesso tubo-ovariano roto). A definição do estágio orienta a conduta e o tratamento, pois em formas leves (estágio I) o tratamento e seguimento podem ser feitos ambulatorialmente, enquanto para os casos moderadosou graves a internação hospitalar está indicada para início do tratamento por via endovenosa e monitorização da resposta ao tratamento. O tratamento suportivo, retirada de dispositivo intrauterino (DIU), abstinência sexual e repouso também são indicados, além de orientações sobre as implicações da doença e abordagem do parceiro.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an inflammatory process of infectious nature that can affect structures and organs of the upper genital tract. Considering this disease's epidemiological relevance and severe complications, this article provides an update and proposes a systematic approach to PID. The main etiological agents are Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and other etiological agents of urethritis, cervicitis, vulvovaginitis and vaginoses. These are generally of polymicrobial origin, which determines the treatment basis for pelvic inflammatory diseases.Women must be checked for PID when experiencing abdominal discomfort, backache, dyspareunia, or presenting with stains during gynecological examination and prior to transcervical procedures. The clinical and laparoscopic classification of PID can be divided into: a) stage I (endometritis/salpingitis without peritonitis), stage II (acute salpingitis with peritonitis), stage III (acute salpingitis with tubal occlusion or tube-ovarian abscess), and stage IV (tube-ovarian abscess rupture). Defining the stage guides procedures and treatment, given that in mild forms (stage I) the treatment and follow-up can be performed in the ambulatory environment while moderate to severe cases require hospitalization so that intravenous treatment and treatment outcome monitoring can be started. Supportive treatment, removal of intrauterine device (IUD), sexual abstinence and rest are also indicated, as well as counseling on the implications of the disease and partner approach.

Rastreamento das infecções perinatais na gravidez: realizar ou não? / Perinatal infections screening during pregnancy: perform it or not?

Devido à conhecida importância das infecções adquiridas intraútero, vários serviços médicos em todo o mundo preconizam o rastreio das doenças passíveis de transmissão vertical. Entretanto, há muitos questionamentos na literatura a respeito da real relevância, custo-benefício e aplicabilidade do rastreamento. Corrobora essa assertiva a terapêutica ineficiente, a baixa prevalência para algumas dessas afecções e a reduzida confiabilidade e elevado custo de certos testes laboratoriais usados para o rastreamento. Por outro lado, o rastreio e posterior tratamento de algumas infecções resultam na diminuição da morbimortalidade, o que é de extrema relevância, uma vez que reduz sequelas fetais e auxilia na manutenção da saúde das gestantes. Mais estudos são necessários para o estabelecimento de um panorama completo a respeito do rastreamento das infecções perinatais, pois, além dos impasses expostos, é importante considerar as características epidemiológicas de cada população, o que requer pesquisas mais aprofundadas. Esta revisão da literatura teve como objetivo reunir evidências quanto à recomendação ou não do rastreamento destas doenças durante o pré-natal nas diversas entidades de relevância nacional e internacional.

Due to the importance of intrauterine acquired infections, severalguidelines suggest the screening of diseases that can be vertically transmitted. However, there are questionsabout the real relevance, cost-benefit and applicability of this practice. The absence of an efficient treatmentand the small prevalence of some of these disorders combined with the reduced reliability and high costsof some laboratorial tests used for screening, confirm this statement. On the other hand, the possibility oftreatment associated with the screening and the subsequent reduction of morbimortality are a very relevantpoint, once it attenuates fetal sequelae and helps keeping pregnant women health. More studies are needed toestablish a complete picture of the screening of perinatal infections because beyond the impasses presentedabove, it is important to consider the epidemiological characteristics of each population, which requires moreextensive research. This literature review attempted to gather information about the importance of the prenatalscreening of perinatal infections in different and relevant national and international entities.

Distócia de ombro / Shoulder dystocia

A Distócia de Ombro é definida, de acordo com os Colégios Americano e Britânico de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, como parto que necessita de manobras obstétricas adicionais, após falência da tração da cabeça fetal para liberar os ombros. Apesar de sua baixa incidência, é uma complicação com importante morbidade para o recém nascido e que pode levar a intercorrências maternas, sendo entretanto passível de ser evitada. Esse artigo de revisão se propõe a sumarizar a epidemiologia, fisiopatologia, conduta e complicações, enfocando os fatores de risco e as manobras mais utilizadas, dada a importância de ambos na prevenção dessa complicação. (AU)

The Shoulder Dystocia is defined, according to British and American Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as delivery which requires additional obstetric maneuvers after failure of traction of the fetal head to release the shoulders. Despite its low incidence, it is a complication with significant morbidity for the newborn and wich can lead to maternal complications. Despite of this, is able to be avoided. This review aims to summarize the epidemiology, pathophysiology, management and complications, focusing on risk factors and the most commonly used maneuvers, due to the importance of both in preventing this complication. (AU)

Uso dos antirretrovirais na gestação e seus possíveis efeitos adversos / Use of antiretroviral agents during pregnancy and their possible adverse effects

A transmissão vertical do HIV tem sido a forma de transmissão que mais sofreu redução nos últimos anos. O principal fator determinante para tal diminuição foi o uso da terapia antirretroviral de alta potência (HAART) nas gestantes infectadas. Atualmente, a taxa de transmissão vertical do HIV em países desenvolvidos está em torno de 2%. Apesar de seu efeito benéfico indiscutível, alguns estudos mostram possíveis efeitos colaterais causados pelo uso dos antirretrovirais nas gestantes e nos recém-nascidos. Entre os efeitos adversos mais frequentes, estão aqueles que podem estar presentes em qualquer paciente que use a medicação, como hipersensibilidade, toxicidade mitocondrial e lipodistrofia. No entanto, existem também os efeitos colaterais específicos do uso destas medicações durante a gestação. Vários estudos têm sido realizados para determinar a segurança dos antirretrovirais no binômio mãe e feto. Os possíveis efeitos adversos descritos pelo uso dos antirretrovirais na gestação são: resistência à insulina e o desenvolvimento de diabetes gestacional; pré-eclâmpsia; aumento de incidência de malformações congênitas; maior índice de parto pré-termo e/ou de baixo peso ao nascer. Esta revisão discute os possíveis efeitos adversos e suas consequências

HIV vertical transmission has been the route of transmission that most declined in the last years. The main factor implied in this mother-to-child-transmission reduction was the routine use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) by infected pregnant women. Currently, the HIV vertical transmission rate in developed countries is about 2%. Although there is an incontestable benefic effect of antiretroviral therapy, some studies show possible adverse effects in pregnant women and newborns after using the antiretroviral therapy. There are collateral effects that can occur in any patient using these drugs, such as hypersensitivity, mitochondrial toxicity, and lipodystrophy. However, there are other collateral effects, which are specific to the use of these drugs during pregnancy. Several authors have studied antiretroviral treatment in pregnancy to determine the safety of HAART to the mother-child binomial. The possible adverse effects caused by antiretroviral therapy use during pregnancy are: insulin resistance and the development of gestational diabetes; preeclampsia; higher incidence of congenital abnormalities; higher rates of preterm birth, and/or low-birth weight. This review discusses the possible adverse effects and their consequences

Doenças sexualmente transmissíveis na mulher: como abordar? / Sexually transmitted diseases in women: how to broach them?

O presente estudo visou realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura em relação à abordagem das mulheres com doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST). As síndromes clínicas abordadas abrangeram uretrites, cervicites, corrimento vaginal e úlceras genitais. A propedêutica indicada incluiu exames diretos e bioquímicos, métodos sorológicos, microbiológicos e de biologia molecular. O tratamento foi recomendado de acordo com o diagnóstico sindrômico ou etiológico, de acordo com a disponibilidade de exames complementares. Além disso, incluiu-se também a abordagem de parceiros, gestantes e mulheres coinfectadas pelo HIV.

This paper presents a systematic literature review on the management of women with sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The clinical syndromes discussed were urethritis and cervicitis, vaginal discharge and genital ulcers. Complementary studies included direct examination and biochemical reactions, serology, microbiological and molecular biology methods. The treatment was recommended in accordance with syndromic or etiologic diagnosis and with the availability of complementary examinations. Moreover, the approach towards partners, pregnant women and HIV co-infected women was also included.

Avaliação da aplicação do protocolo de triagem pré-natal para toxoplasmose em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil: estudo transversal em puérperas de duas maternidades / Evaluation of prenatal screening for toxoplasmosis in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil: a cross-sectional study of postpartum women in two maternity hospitals

Foi realizado estudo transversal, em duas maternidades públicas de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, com entrevista de 420 puérperas, de agosto de 2004 a maio de 2005, para avaliar a aplicação do protocolo de triagem pré-natal para toxoplasmose implantado, e as orientações oferecidas às gestantes suscetíveis. A cobertura do pré-natal foi de 98 por cento, e da primeira triagem sorológica de 97 por cento. O início do pré-natal e a realização da primeira sorologia ocorreram em média com 16 semanas. Foram identificadas 163 gestantes suscetíveis à toxoplasmose: 44 por cento não repetiram a sorologia, e 42 por cento alegaram não ter recebido orientações para prevenção da toxoplasmose. O início precoce do pré-natal e um maior número de consultas foram associados à repetição da sorologia e ao recebimento de orientações. As informações oferecidas foram: evitar contato com gatos (95 por cento), não ingerir ou manipular carne crua (70 por cento) e lavar cuidadosamente as hortaliças (53 por cento). Concluiu-se que a adesão inadequada ao protocolo de triagem pré-natal de toxoplasmose encontrada no estudo pode gerar gastos financeiros sem melhoria na qualidade do cuidado perinatal.

This cross-sectional study of 420 women in two public maternity hospitals from August 2004 to May 2005 evaluated the application of a prenatal toxoplasmosis serological screening protocol in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, and the information provided to susceptible pregnant women. Ninety-eight percent of women received prenatal care and 97 percent underwent the initial serological screening test, at an average of 16 weeks gestational age. The initial testing identified 163 women as susceptible to toxoplasmosis: 44 percent of these did not undergo repeat serological testing, and 42 percent of them did not remember having received information on the prevention of toxoplasmosis infection. Early prenatal care and a high number of prenatal visits were associated with repeat serological testing and orientation regarding its implications. Orientation on risk factors included: avoiding contact with cats (95 percent), not handling or eating raw meat (70 percent), and washing vegetables carefully before consumption (53 percent). Inadequate adherence to the prenatal screening protocol for toxoplasmosis, as detected in this study, may be generating health system costs without a corresponding improvement in the quality of perinatal care.

Determinants and trends in perinatal human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil: 1998 - 2005

Significant decrease in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vertical transmission has been observed worldwide in centers where interventions such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), elective cesarean section, and avoidance of breastfeeding have been implemented. This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the determinants of and the temporal trends in HIV-1 vertical transmission in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil from January 1998 to December 2005. The rate of HIV-1 vertical transmission decreased from 20 percent in 1998 to 3 percent in 2005. This decline was associated with increased use of more complex ART regimens during pregnancy. Multivariate analysis restricted to clinical variables demonstrated that non ART, neonatal respiratory distress/sepsis and breastfeeding were independently associated with HIV-1 vertical transmission. When laboratory parameters were included in the model, high maternal viral load and non maternal ART were associated with HIV-1 vertical transmission. The results from this study confirm the impact of ART in the reduction of HIV-1 vertical transmission and indicate the need for improvement in the care and monitoring of mother and infant pairs affected by HIV-1.