Legal abortion requests and outcomes for women when the law is restrictive - experience from a referral centre in south-eastern Brazil.

METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with review of medical records of women assisted between 2015 and 2020. The variables were socio-demographic and SV characteristics, gestational age, reactions towards pregnancy and outcome. We compared outcome groups using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: We evaluated the medical records of 235 women, of which 153(65%) had undergone to abortion; 17(7.2%) had a spontaneous abortion; 19(8%) remained pregnant; 25(10.6%) had an abortion denied; and 21(8.9%) had been lost to follow-up. Out of the total number of women, 44(18.7%) were adolescents, 152(65.2%) were white and 201(88.5%) had an education ≥9 years. Women who remained pregnant had a known aggressor, disclosed the pregnancy (p < 0.001) and were more ambivalent (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Gestational age was higher in the denied abortion group than in the performed abortion group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Feelings related to decision-making about abortion affected all groups, with differences. It is important to give women space to be heard, so they can make their own decisions.

Abortion care is possible in places with restrictive laws; however, women with more vulnerable characteristics did not seek the service. Legal restrictions interfere with women's decision-making about abortion and can promote inequality in gaining access to health services.

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs for forcibly displaced adolescent girls and young women (10-24 years old) in humanitarian settings: a mixed-methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Globally, there are 42 million women and girls estimated to be forcibly displaced. Adolescent girls and young women in humanitarian settings have their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) neglected. This systematic review aimed to describe SRH obstacles that adolescent girls and young women (10-24 years old) face in humanitarian settings in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review in six databases, focusing on migrant women ages 10 - 24and their SRH outcomes. The mixed-methods appraisal tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. This review follows PRISMA and the Systematic Review Guidelines from the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination recommendations. RESULTS: Among the 1290 studies screened by abstracts, 32 met the eligibility criteria: 15 were qualitative, 10 were quantitative and seven were mixed-methods studies. Most studies were performed in the last four years, in African countries. They discussed the increased frequency of adolescent pregnancies (16-23%), lack of contraceptive use and access (8-32%), poor menstrual hygiene management (lack of water, shortage of menstrual hygiene supplies), ignorance and stigma about sexually transmitted infections and HIV, a higher number of child, early and forced marriage or partnership and sexual and gender-based violence, challenging to obtain SRH information/knowledge/access, and unmet SRH needs. CONCLUSION: Migration is a current issue. Although there is a growing number of studies on adolescent girls and young women's SRH in humanitarian settings, this population remains overlooked, and face several challenges in SRH. There is a need for targeting interventions on SRH.

This systematic review describes the available evidence on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges faced by adolescent girls and young women in humanitarian settings. Thirty-two studies were analyzed, demonstrating poor SRH outcomes: higher incidence of adolescent pregnancy, lack of access to contraceptives and low rates of its use, precarious menstrual hygiene management (MHM), ignorance and stigma about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, higher rates of child, early and forced marriage or partnership (CEFMP) and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Identifying these challenges can help humanitarian actors address the SRH needs of these populations.

Impacts of childbirth on anxiety, disability, and depression: Results from a Brazilian cohort.

Conditions such as violence, drug abuse, sexual satisfaction, anxiety, depression, and disability interfere with a healthy pregnancy and can also account for maternal morbidity. The instrument WOICE was built by WHO to measure it. We applied WOICE in a prospective cohort of 125 pregnant women, using a before-after approach, during the third trimester of pregnancy, and after 42 until 90 days of childbirth. 60% had anxiety during pregnancy, decreasing to 48.8% after delivery (p = 0.07), and depression scores decreased from 7.56 to 5.80 (p = 0.014). Disability affected 62.4% and 56, respectively. 9.6% used drugs during pregnancy, reducing to 4.0% after delivery (RR 0.69, IC 0.49 - 0.69).

Specific Biomarkers Associated With Neurological Complications and Congenital Central Nervous System Abnormalities From Zika Virus-Infected Patients in Brazil.

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) infections have been linked to different levels of clinical outcomes, ranging from mild rash and fever to severe neurological complications and congenital malformations. Methods: We investigated the clinical and immunological response, focusing on the immune mediators profile in 95 acute ZIKV-infected adult patients from Campinas, Brazil. These patients included 6 pregnant women who later delivered during the course of this study. Clinical observations were recorded during hospitalization. Levels of 45 immune mediators were quantified using multiplex microbead-based immunoassays. Results: Whereas 11.6% of patients had neurological complications, 88.4% displayed mild disease of rash and fever. Several immune mediators were specifically higher in ZIKV-infected patients, and levels of interleukin 10, interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), and hepatocyte growth factor differentiated between patients with or without neurological complications. Interestingly, higher levels of interleukin 22, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, TNF-α, and IP-10 were observed in ZIKV-infected pregnant women carrying fetuses with fetal growth-associated malformations. Notably, infants with congenital central nervous system deformities had significantly higher levels of interleukin 18 and IP-10 but lower levels of hepatocyte growth factor than those without such abnormalities born to ZIKV-infected mothers. Conclusions: This study identified several key markers for the control of ZIKV pathogenesis. This will allow a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ZIKV infection in patients.

Sickle cell disease and increased adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in different genotypes.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) comprises a heterogeneous group of inherited hemolytic disorders that increases the risk of maternal and perinatal complications due to chronic systemic inflammatory response, endothelial damage and vaso-occlusion. The contribution of genotypes to the severity of outcomes during pregnancy is not completely established. METHODS: A retrospective study of medical charts was performed to compare maternal and perinatal outcomes in Hb SS, Hb SC disease and sickle-beta thalassemia (Hb Sß) pregnancies followed at a high-risk antenatal care unit over a 6-year period. A descriptive analysis of morphological findings was performed of the placenta when pathology reports were available. RESULTS: Sixty-two SCD pregnant women [25 Hb SS (40 %), 29 Hb SC (47 %) and 8 Hb Sß (13 %)] were included. Overall, SCD was associated with maternal complications (77 %), preterm birth (30 %), cesarean section (80 %) and a need of blood transfusion. In general there were no statistically significant differences between genotypes. The only significant difference was the hemoglobin level at first antenatal care visit which was lower for the homozygous genotype (7.7 g/dL) compared to Hb SC and Hb Sß (9.7 g/dL and 8.4 g/dL, respectively; p-value = 0.01). Ten of 15 evaluated placentas showed abnormal morphological findings CONCLUSION: SCD, regardless of the underlying genotype, is associated with increased adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes and placental abnormalities associated with maternal vascular malperfusion.

Maternal deaths among Brazilian indigenous women-Analysis from 2015 to 2021.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines maternal mortality among Brazilian indigenous women from 2015 to 2021, contrasting their causes of death with non-indigenous women. METHODS: An observational study utilizing Ministry of Health data analyzed maternal deaths' characteristics, comparing indigenous and non-indigenous groups based on death certificates and live-birth records. Variables included age, region, location, time, and cause of death. Maternal mortality ratios (MMR) were calculated with linear regression and outliers identified with Grubbs test. Prevalence ratios compared MMR and causes of death. RESULTS: Between 2015 to 2021, Brazil recorded 13 023 maternal deaths. Among these, with 205 among indigenous women (1.60% of total). Indigenous women had higher MMR (115.14/100 000), than non- indigenous women (66.92/100 000), consistently across years. Hemorrhagic causes notably contributed to the indigenous women's elevated MMR. CONCLUSION: Indigenous Brazilian women face elevated maternal mortality rates across all causes, primarily due to hemorrhage, contrasting wih national trends.

Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy as a major cause of preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes: findings from a Brazilian National Survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy among Brazilian women with preterm births and to compare the epidemiological characteristics and perinatal outcomes among preterm births of women with and without hypertension. METHODS: This was a secondary cross-sectional analysis of the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth. During the study period, all women with preterm births were included and further split into two groups according to the occurrence of any hypertensive disorder during pregnancy. Prevalence ratios were calculated for each variable. Maternal characteristics, prenatal care, and gestational and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups using χ2 and t-tests. RESULTS: A total of 4,150 women with preterm births were included, and 1,169 (28.2%) were identified as having hypertensive disorders. Advanced maternal age (prevalence ratio (PR) 2.49) and obesity (PR= 2.64) were more common in the hypertensive group. The gestational outcomes were worse in women with hypertension. Early preterm births were also more frequent in women with hypertension. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were frequent among women with preterm births, and provider-initiated preterm births were the leading causes of premature births in this group. The factors significantly associated with hypertensive disorders among women with preterm births were obesity, excessive weight gain, and higher maternal age.

Increased Cesarean Section Rates during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Looking for Reasons through the Robson Ten Group Classification System.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cesarean section (CS) rates according to the Robson Ten Group Classification System (RTGCS) and its indications in pregnant women admitted for childbirth during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with those of the previous year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare women admitted for childbirth from April to October 2019 (before the pandemic) and from March to September 2020 (during the pandemic). The CSs and their indications were classified on admission according to the RTGCS, and we also collected data on the route of delivery (vaginal or CS). Both periods were compared using the Chi-squared (χ2) test or the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: In total, 2,493 women were included, 1,291 in the prepandemic and 1,202 in the pandemic period. There was a a significant increase in the CS rate (from 39.66% to 44.01%; p = 0.028), mostly due to maternal request (from 9.58% to 25.38%; p < 0.01). Overall, groups 5 and 2 contributed the most to the CS rates. The rates decreased among group 1 and increased among group 2 during the pandemic, with no changes in group 10. CONCLUSION: There was an apparent change in the RTGSC comparing both periods, with a significant increase in CS rates, mainly by maternal request, most likely because of changes during the pandemic and uncertainties and fear concerning COVID-19.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as taxas de cesárea segundo a Classificação de Robson, assim como suas indicações, em mulheres admitidas para parto durante a primeira onda de doença do coronavírus 2019 (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, em inglês), com as do ano anterior. MATERIAIS E MéTODOS: Conduzimos um estudo transversal que comparou as mulheres admitidas para parto entre abril e outubro de 2019 (pré-pandemia) e entre março e setembro de 2020 (durante a pandemia). As cesarianas e as suas indicações foram classificadas conforme o sistema proposto por Robson, e obteve-se a via de parto (vaginal ou cesárea). Ambos os períodos foram comparados usando-se os testes do Qui quadrado ou o exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Ao todo, 2.943 mulheres foram incluídas, das quais 1.291 antes da pandemia e 1.202 durante a pandemia. A taxa de cesárea aumentou significativamente (de 39.66% para 44,01%; p = 0,028), principalmente devido a desejo materno (de 9,58% para 25,38%; p < 0,01). Os grupos 5 e 2 foram os que mais contribuíram para as taxas de cesárea. Durante a pandemia, o grupo 1 reduziu sua frequência, enquanto o grupo 2 a aumentou. CONCLUSãO: Houve uma aparente mudança nas características da população conforme a classificação de Robson. Observou-se significativo aumento nas taxas de cesárea, principalmente por desejo materno, o que reflete possíveis incertezas e medos relacionados à COVID-19.

Gestational hypertension as a factor associated with chronic kidney disease: the importance of obstetric history of women undergoing hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy-related complications may impact women's reproductive cycle and health through their lives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric history of women undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study in a specialized health facility with four hemodialysis units. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and personal history, obstetric and perinatal results of women with pregnancies before hemodialysis were evaluated. Prevalence, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: We included 208 (87.76%) women. Hypertension was the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (128 women). Rates of adverse perinatal outcomes, including prematurity, low birth weight, miscarriage, fetal death, and neonatal death, were 19.3%, 14.5%, 25.5%, 12.1%, and 5.3%, respectively. Hypertensive syndromes during pregnancy occurred in 37.0% of women, with 12.5% reporting preeclampsia and 1.4% reporting eclampsia. Up to 1 year after birth, 45.2% of women reported hypertension. Hemodialysis due to hypertension was associated with a history of hypertension during pregnancy (OR 2.33, CI 1.27 - 4.24), gestational hypertension (2.41, CI 3.30 - 4.45), and hypertension up to one year after birth (OR 1.98, CI 1.11 - 3.51). Logistic regression showed that gestational hypertension was independently associated with CKD due to hypertension (aOR 2.76, CI 1.45 - 5.24). CONCLUSION: Women undergoing hemodialysis due to hypertension were more likely to have gestational hypertension or hypertension up to one year after birth. To delay end-stage renal disease, it is necessary to identify women at risk of kidney failure according to their reproductive history.

The challenge of adequately reporting preeclampsia for epidemiological surveillance: An example from a referral center in a middle-income country.

Adequately reporting of preeclampsia is a challenge. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnosis of preeclampsia based on clinical and laboratory findings and ICD-10 codes (International Classification of Diseases) at admission and discharge in a referral center, over a one-year period. Among 2,839 women admitted for childbirth, 208 presented confirmed preeclampsia, based on chart audits. Among these, 77.4% at admission presented ICD-10 codes assigned as hypertension, and 47.1% at discharge. In 14.4% of confirmed preeclampsia, ICD-10 codes for hypertension were not used. Adequate reporting of preeclampsia is key for clinical surveillance, counselling and guiding public health interventions.

Nutricional intake, maternal outcomes and knowledge on preeclampsia prevention: Was there impact during the COVID-19 pandemic among women with hypertension?

AIM: Compare nutritional intake, weight gain, frequency of superimposed pre-eclampsia (SPE) and adequate use/knowledge on preventive interventions for PE, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women with chronic hypertension (CH) METHODS: Prospective cohort of pregnant women with CH. Inclusion between 13 and 25 weeks, with sociodemographic characterization, food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall (R24h). Indirect adherence test MEDTAKE was employed to investigate adequate use/understanding of calcium and aspirin. Frequency of SPE, weight gain, food intake, maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared between periods. RESULTS: 58 women were included and 116 R24h considered. Over 80 % used aspirin and calcium for PE prophylaxis. However, less than half understood the meaning of such interventions. There were no differences in sociodemographic characteristics, majority white, 20 to 34 years-old, and multiparous. There were 31 women included before and 27 during the pandemic. Frequency of SPE was respectively 40 % and 44.4 % before and during the pandemic (p = 0.746) and weight gain 8.7Kg before and 7.4Kg during the pandemic. There was no difference in macronutrient intake, average calcium consumption was 444.8 mg before and 402.6 mg during the pandemic; with inadequate use/understanding of preventive interventions for PE. CONCLUSION: The pandemic period did not significantly increase the risk of SPE, without significant increase in weight gain or worsening food quality intake and knowledge on preventive interventions.

Diabetes among women with preterm births: outcomes of a Brazilian multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare the maternal and perinatal characteristics and outcomes between women with and without diabetes in a Brazilian cohort of women with preterm births. METHODS: This was an ancillary analysis of the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth, which included 4,150 preterm births. This analysis divided preterm births into two groups according to the presence of diabetes; pregestational and gestational diabetes were clustered in the same Diabetes Group. Differences between both groups were assessed using χ 2 or Student's t tests. RESULTS: Preterm births of 133 and 4,017 women with and without diabetes, respectively, were included. The prevalence of diabetes was 3.2%. Pregnant women aged ≥35 years were more common in the Diabetes Group (31.6% versus 14.0% non-diabetic women, respectively). The rate of cesarean section among patients with diabetes was 68.2% versus 52.3% in non-diabetic cases), with a gestational age at birth between 34 and 36 weeks in 78.9% of the cases and 62.1% of the controls. Large-for-gestational-age babies were 7 times more common in the Diabetes Group. CONCLUSION: Preterm birth among Brazilian women with diabetes was more than twice as prevalent; these women were older and had regular late preterm deliveries, usually by cesarean section. They also had a greater frequency of fetal morbidities, such as malformations and polyhydramnios, and a higher proportion of large-for-gestational-age and macrosomic neonates.

Brazilian Black Women are at Higher Risk for COVID-19 Complications: An Analysis of REBRACO, a National Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the race (Black versus non-Black) on maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 in Brazil. METHODS: This is a subanalysis of REBRACO, a Brazilian multicenter cohort study designed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women. From February 2020 until February 2021, 15 maternity hospitals in Brazil collected data on women with respiratory symptoms. We selected all women with a positive test for COVID-19; then, we divided them into two groups: Black and non-Black women. Finally, we compared, between groups, sociodemographic, maternal, and perinatal outcomes. We obtained the frequency of events in each group and compared them using X2 test; p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. We also estimated the odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: 729 symptomatic women were included in the study; of those, 285 were positive for COVID-19, 120 (42.1%) were Black, and 165 (57.9%) were non-Black. Black women had worse education (p = 0.037). The timing of access to the health system was similar between both groups, with 26.3% being included with seven or more days of symptoms. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (OR 2.22 CI 1.17-4.21), intensive care unit admission (OR 2.00 CI 1.07-3.74), and desaturation at admission (OR 3.72 CI 1.41-9.84) were more likely to occur among Black women. Maternal death was higher among Black women (7.8% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.048). Perinatal outcomes were similar between both groups. CONCLUSION: Brazilian Black women were more likely to die due to the consequences of COVID-19.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da raça (negra versus não negra) nos desfechos maternos e perinatais de gestantes com COVID-19 no Brasil. MéTODOS: Esta é uma subanálise da REBRACO, um estudo de coorte multicêntrico brasileiro desenhado para avaliar o impacto da COVID-19 em mulheres grávidas. De fevereiro de 2020 a fevereiro de 2021, 15 maternidades do Brasil coletaram dados de mulheres com sintomas respiratórios. Selecionamos todas as mulheres com teste positivo para COVID-19; em seguida, as dividimos em dois grupos: mulheres negras e não negras. Finalmente, comparamos, entre os grupos, os resultados sociodemográficos, maternos e perinatais. Obtivemos a frequência dos eventos em cada grupo e comparamos usando o teste X2; Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados significativos. Também estimamos o odds ratio (OR) e os intervalos de confiança (IC). RESULTADOS: 729 mulheres sintomáticas foram incluídas no estudo; desses, 285 foram positivos para COVID-19, 120 (42,1%) eram negros e 165 (57,9%) não eram negros. As mulheres negras apresentaram pior escolaridade (p = 0,037). O tempo de acesso ao sistema de saúde foi semelhante entre os dois grupos, com 26,3% incluídos com sete ou mais dias de sintomas. Síndrome respiratória aguda grave (OR 2,22 CI 1,17­4,21), admissão em unidade de terapia intensiva (OR 2,00 CI 1,07­3,74) e dessaturação na admissão (OR 3,72 CI 1,41­9,84) foram mais prováveis de ocorrer entre mulheres negras. A mortalidade materna foi maior entre as negras (7,8% vs. 2,6%, p = 0,048). Os resultados perinatais foram semelhantes entre os dois grupos. CONCLUSãO: Mulheres negras brasileiras tiveram maior probabilidade de morrer devido às consequências da COVID-19.

Prevalence of Preeclampsia in Brazil: An Integrative Review.

OBJECTIVE: To review literature and estimate the occurrence of preeclampsia and its complications in Brazil. METHODS: We performed an integrative review of the literature, and included observational studies published until August 2021 on the SciELO and PubMed databases that evaluated preeclampsia among pregnant women in Brazil. Other variables of interests were maternal death, neonatal death, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome, and eclampsia. Three independent reviewers evaluated all retrieved studies and selected those that met inclusion criteria. A metanalysis of the prevalence of preeclampsia and eclampsia was also performed, to estimate a pooled frequency of those conditions among the studies included. RESULTS: We retrieved 304 studies after the initial search; of those, 10 were included in the final analysis, with a total of 52,986 women considered. The pooled prevalence of preeclampsia was of 6.7%, with a total of 2,988 cases reported. The frequency of eclampsia ranged from 1.7% to 6.2%, while the occurrence of HELLP syndrome was underreported. Prematurity associated to hypertensive disorders ranged from 0.5% to 1.72%. CONCLUSION: The frequency of preeclampsia was similar to that reported in other international studies, and it is increasing in Brazil, probably due to the adoption of new diagnostic criteria. The development of a national surveillance network would be essential to understand the problem of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Revisar a literatura e estimar a ocorrência de pré-eclâmpsia e suas complicações no Brasil. MéTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura, com a inclusão de estudos observacionais publicados até agosto de 2021, nas bases de dados PubMed e SciELO, que avaliavam pré-eclâmpsia em mulheres brasileiras. Outras variáveis de interesse foram morte materna, morte neonatal, síndrome de hemólise, enzimas hepáticas elevadas e plaquetopenia (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count, HELLP, em inglês) e eclâmpsia. Três revisores independentes avaliaram os estudos identificados e selecionaram aqueles que preenchiam os critérios de inclusão. Foi realizada uma meta-análise da prevalência de pré-eclâmpsia e eclâmpsia, para estimar sua frequência acumulada com relação aos estudos incluídos. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 304 estudos, 10 dos quais foram incluídos na análise final, num total de 52.986 mulheres. A frequência acumulada de pré-eclâmpsia foi de 6,7%, com um total de 2.988 casos. A frequência de eclâmpsia variou de 1,7% a 6,2%, ao passo que a ocorrência de síndrome de HELLP foi pouco relatada. A prematuridade associada a hipertensão foi de 0,5% a 1,7%. CONCLUSãO: A frequência de pré-eclâmpsia foi similar à de estudos internacionais; no entanto, ao longo dos últimos anos, ela vem aumentando no Brasil, possivelmente como reflexo da adoção de novos critérios diagnósticos. A criação de uma rede nacional de vigilância seria fundamental para entender o problema da hipertensão na gestação no país.

Placental Findings in Preterm and Term Preeclampsia: An Integrative Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The disease presents with recent onset hypertension (after 20 weeks of gestation) and proteinuria, and can progress to multiple organ dysfunction, with worse outcomes among early onset preeclampsia (EOP) cases (< 34 weeks). The placenta is considered the root cause of PE; it represents the interface between the mother and the fetus, and acts as a macromembrane between the two circulations, due to its villous and vascular structures. Therefore, in pathological conditions, macroscopic and microscopic evaluation can provide clinically useful information that can confirm diagnosis and enlighten about outcomes and future therapeutic benefit. OBJECTIVE: To perform an integrative review of the literature on pathological placental findings associated to preeclampsia (comparing EOP and late onset preeclampsia [LOP]) and its impacts on clinical manifestations. RESULTS: Cases of EOP presented worse maternal and perinatal outcomes, and pathophysiological and anatomopathological findings were different between EOP and LOP placentas, with less placental perfusion, greater placental pathological changes with less villous volume (villous hypoplasia), greater amount of trophoblastic debris, syncytial nodules, microcalcification, villous infarcts, decidual arteriolopathy in EOP placentas when compared with LOP placentas. Clinically, the use of low doses of aspirin has been shown to be effective in preventing PE, as well as magnesium sulfate in preventing seizures in cases of severe features. CONCLUSION: The anatomopathological characteristics between EOP and LOP are significantly different, with large morphological changes in cases of EOP, such as hypoxia, villous infarctions, and hypoplasia, among others, most likely as an attempt to ascertain adequate blood flow to the fetus. Therefore, a better understanding of the basic macroscopic examination and histological patterns of the injury is important to help justify outcomes and to determine cases more prone to recurrence and long-term consequences.

INTRODUçãO: A pré-eclâmpsia (PE) é uma complicação da gravidez associada ao aumento da morbidade e mortalidade materna e perinatal. A doença se apresenta com hipertensão de início recente (após 20 semanas de gestação) e proteinúria, que pode progredir para disfunção de múltiplos órgãos, com resultados piores entre os casos de início precoce (<34 semanas). A placenta é considerada a principal causa da PE, representando a interface entre a mãe e o feto, e atuando como uma macromembrana entre as duas circulações, devido às suas estruturas vilosas e vasculares, de modo que, em condições patológicas, avaliações macroscópicas e microscópicas podem fornecer informações clinicamente úteis, que podem fornecer diagnóstico, prognóstico e benefício terapêutico. OBJETIVO: Realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura para compreender e descrever os achados placentários patológicos associados à pré-eclâmpsia e seus impactos nas manifestações clínicas. RESULTADOS: Os casos de início precoce apresentaram piores desfechos maternos e perinatais, e os achados fisiopatológicos e anatomopatológicos foram diferentes entre as placentas de início precoce e início tardio, com menor perfusão placentária, maiores alterações patológicas placentárias com menor volume viloso (hipoplasia vilosa), maior quantidade de debris trofoblásticos, nódulos sinciciais, microcalcificação, infartos vilosos, arteriolopatia decidual em placentas de início precoce quando comparadas com placentas de início tardio. Clinicamente, o uso de baixas doses de aspirina tem se mostrado significativo na prevenção da PE, assim como o sulfato de magnésio na prevenção de convulsões na doença com manifestações de gravidade. CONCLUSãO: As características anatomopatológicas entre a pré-eclâmpsia precoce e tardia são significativamente diferentes, com grandes alterações morfológicas nos casos de início precoce, como hipóxia, infartos vilosos e hipoplasia, entre outros, na tentativa de estabilizar o fluxo sanguíneo para o feto. Portanto, um entendimento comum do exame macroscópico básico e dos padrões histológicos da lesão é importante para maximizar o benefício diagnóstico, prognóstico e terapêutico do exame da placenta e, consequentemente, reduzir os riscos para a mãe e o feto.

Placental Sampling for Understanding Viral Infections - A Simplified Protocol for the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic viral disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The impact of the disease among the obstetric population remains unclear, and the study of the placenta can provide valuable information. Adequate sampling of the placental tissue can help characterize the pathways of viral infections. METHODS: A protocol of placental sampling is proposed, aiming at guaranteeing representativity of the placenta and describing the adequate conservation of samples and their integrity for future analysis. The protocol is presented in its complete and simplified versions, allowing its implementation in different complexity settings. RESULTS: Sampling with the minimum possible interval from childbirth is the key for adequate sampling and storage. This protocol has already been implemented during the Zika virus outbreak. CONCLUSION: A protocol for adequate sampling and storage of placental tissue is fundamental for adequate evaluation of viral infections on the placenta. During the COVID-19 pandemic, implementation of this protocol may help to elucidate critical aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

OBJETIVO: A doença do novo coronavírus (COVID-19) é uma doença viral pandêmica causada pelo coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda 2 (SARS-CoV-2). O impacto da doença entre a população obstétrica ainda é incerto, e o estudo da placenta pode fornecer informações valiosas. Assim, a coleta adequada do tecido placentário pode ajudar a caracterizar algumas propriedades das infecções virais. MéTODOS: Um protocolo de coleta placentária é proposto, objetivando a garantia de representatividade da placenta, descrevendo a maneira de conservação adequada das amostras, e visando garantir sua integridade para análises futuras. O protocolo é apresentado em suas versões completa e simplificada, permitindo sua implementação em diferentes configurações de infraestrutura. RESULTADOS: A amostragem com o intervalo mínimo possível do parto é essencial para coleta e armazenamento adequados. Esse protocolo já foi implementado durante a epidemia de vírus Zika. CONCLUSãO: Um protocolo para coleta e armazenamento adequados de tecido placentário é fundamental para a avaliação adequada de infecções virais na placenta. Durante a pandemia de COVID-19, a implementação deste protocolo pode ajudar a elucidar aspectos críticos da infecção por SARS-CoV-2.

Twin pregnancy after kidney transplantation: case report and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is associated with fertility restoration in more than 50% of women with chronic kidney disease. Pregnancy after transplantation may affect women's health and fetal development, with higher rates of abortion, fetal growth restriction, and neonatal deaths. Twin pregnancy is a condition of high-risk for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, and its occurrence in women with previous kidney transplantation is rare. CASE: 32-year-old woman, recipient of living donor kidney transplantation, with a history of one pregnancy prior to transplantation, with current normal allograft function and no use of contraceptive method. At ten weeks of amenorrhea, ultrasound investigation showed a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy. The following evaluation showed Chiari type II features in one fetus, and no detectable abnormality in the other one. There was appropriate blood pressure control with no need for an antihypertensive drug, and renal function remained normal without proteinuria. Calcium and a low dose of acetylsalicylic acid were used as preeclampsia prophylaxis. At 33 weeks of gestation, she presented premature rupture of membranes with spontaneous preterm labor. A cesarean section was performed due to the breech presentation of the first fetus. The patient persisted with normal graft function and without graft rejection during follow-up. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Twin pregnancies after kidney transplantation are rare, and it is most frequently associated with preterm birth. We reported a successful twin pregnancy after kidney transplantation, with good perinatal and maternal outcomes, and without graft rejection or dysfunction.

Brazilian network of COVID-19 during pregnancy (REBRACO: a multicentre study protocol).

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and postpartum in 16 maternity hospitals. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A prospective multicentre study, with five axes. First, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among women admitted for childbirth will be described in a cross-sectional study. Second, maternal and perinatal outcomes will be assessed in a prospective cohort study including pregnant or postpartum women with suspected COVID-19. Third, a cohort of positive COVID-19 cases with sampling of a variety of biological material. Histopathological and viral analysis of biological maternal and neonatal samples will be performed, and the assessment of nutritional variables to evaluate the association between vitamin D and severity of infection. Fourth, a monitoring and evaluation committee to collect relevant healthcare information and plan actions in centres facing the pandemic. Furthermore, qualitative studies will be performed to study pregnant women, their families and health professionals. Fifth, an ecological study will monitor the number of live births, stillbirths and other outcomes to explore any trend among the periods before, during and after the pandemic. Data will systematically be collected in an electronic platform following standardised operational procedures. For quantitative study components, an appropriate statistical approach will be used for each analysis. For qualitative data, in-depth interviews recorded in audio will be transcribed, checking the text obtained with the recording. Subsequently, thematic analysis with the aid of the NVivo programme will be performed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was obtained (letters of approval numbers 4.047.168, 4.179.679 and 4.083.988). All women will be fully informed to sign the consent form before enrolment in the study. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnancies Complicated by Chronic Hypertension Followed at a Referral Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To assess maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies in women with chronic hypertension (CH). METHODS: Retrospective cohort of women with CH followed at a referral center for a 5 year period (2012-2017). Data were obtained from medical charts review and described as means and frequencies, and a Poisson regression was performed to identify factors independently associated to the occurrence of superimposed pre-eclampsia (sPE). RESULTS: A total of 385 women were included in the present study; the majority were > than 30 years old, multiparous, mostly white and obese before pregnancy. One third had pre-eclampsia (PE) in a previous pregnancy and 17% of them had organ damage associated with hypertension, mainly kidney dysfunction. A total of 85% of the patients used aspirin and calcium carbonate for pre-eclampsia prophylaxis and our frequency of sPE was 40%, with an early onset (32.98 ± 6.14 weeks). Of those, 40% had severe features of PE, including 5 cases of HELLP syndrome; however, no cases of eclampsia or maternal death were reported. C-section incidence was high, gestational age at birth was 36 weeks, and nearly a third (115 cases) of newborns had complications at birth One third of the women remained using antihypertensive drugs after pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Chronic hypertension is related with the high occurrence of PE, C-sections, prematurity and neonatal complications. Close surveillance and multidisciplinary care are important for early diagnosis of complications.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados maternos e perinatais em gestação de mulheres com hipertensão crônica. MéTODOS: Coorte retrospectiva de mulheres hipertensas crônicas acompanhadas em hospital de referência por 5 anos (2012­2017). Foi realizada revisão dos prontuários médicos e os resultados são descritos em médias e frequências. A regressão de Poisson foi usada para identificar os fatores independentemente associados à ocorrência de pré-eclâmpsia superajuntada. RESULTADOS: Um total de 385 mulheres foram incluídas no presente estudo, e a maioria tinha idade > 35 anos, era multípara, majoritariamente brancas e obesas antes da gravidez. Um terço teve pré-eclâmpsia em gestação anterior, e 17% apresentavam lesão de órgão-alvo associada à hipertensão, majoritariamente disfunção renal. Um total de 85% das pacientes usaram ácido acetilsalicílico e carbonato de cálcio para a profilaxia de pré-eclâmpsia, sendo que a frequência de pré-eclâmpsia superajuntada foi de 40%, com um início prematuro (32.98 ± 6.14 semanas). Destas, 40% apresentaram sinais de gravidade associados à pré-eclâmpsia, com 5 casos de síndrome HELLP; entretanto sem nenhum caso de eclampsia ou morte materna. A incidência de cesárea foi alta, com idade gestacional de 36 semanas ao parto, e um terço dos recém-nascidos tiveram complicações ao nascimento. Um terço das mulheres permaneceu usando medicamentos anti-hipertensivos ao fim da gravidez. CONCLUSãO: A hipertensão crônica se relaciona com alta prevalência de pré-eclâmpsia, cesárea, prematuridade e complicações neonatais. Vigilância e cuidado multidisciplinar são importantes para o diagnóstico precoce das complicações.