The effect of obesity on the mortality of hospitalized adults with COVID-19 considering the human development index: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this study is to verify the association between obesity and mortality in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 taking into account the Human Development Index (HDI). A search was performed in the PubMed, Virtual Health Library (Lilacs/Bireme/VHL Brazil), Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to May 2022. To be eligible, studies had to have cohort or case-control designs, be conducted with hospitalized adults (≥18 years old), and evaluate mortality rates between with obesity and without obesity individuals with SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by laboratory tests. The analyses were performed in Stata 12.0 using relative risk (RR) as a summary measure. Heterogeneity was explored by meta-regression and subgroup analyses considering the HDI, age, sex, and follow-up period. Out of 912 studies screened, 49 studies were eligible for qualitative synthesis, and 33 studies were eligible for quantitative analysis, representing 42,905 patients. The mortality risk from SARS-CoV-2 was higher in individuals with obesity compared with without obesity individuals only in the subgroups of patients <60 years old (RR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.18-1.45, I2  = 0.0%) and living in countries with a low HDI (RR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.10-1.48, I2  = 45.4%).

SARS-CoV-2 Is Persistent in Placenta and Causes Macroscopic, Histopathological, and Ultrastructural Changes.

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that belongs to the Betacoronavirus genus of the Coronaviridae family. Other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, were associated with complications in pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to report the clinical history of five pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 (four symptomatic and one asymptomatic who gave birth to a stillborn child) during the COVID-19 pandemic. They gave birth between August 2020 to January 2021, a period in which there was still no vaccination for COVID-19 in Brazil. In addition, their placental alterations were later investigated, focusing on macroscopic, histopathological, and ultrastructural aspects compared to a prepandemic sample. Three of five placentas presented SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by RT-PCRq at least two to twenty weeks after primary pregnancy infection symptoms, and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was detected in all placentas by immunoperoxidase assay. The macroscopic evaluation of the placentas presented congested vascular trunks, massive deposition of fibrin, areas of infarctions, and calcifications. Histopathological analysis showed fibrin deposition, inflammatory infiltrate, necrosis, and blood vessel thrombosis. Ultrastructural aspects of the infected placentas showed a similar pattern of alterations between the samples, with predominant characteristics of apoptosis and detection of virus-like particles. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in placental tissue, vertical transmission.

Mismatch Negativity is associated with affective social behavior in microcephaly.

Some children with severe microcephaly related to Zika virus infection show affective social-like behavior, such as smiling and rejection to a stranger's lap. Our objective was to check the association between this behavior and the occurrence of Mismatch Response (MMR) in event-related potentials. Twenty eight microcephalic children, aged 1-3 years, were divided in Affect(+) and Affect(-) groups, according to either the presence or absence of affective social-like behavior, respectively, and underwent the OddBall paradigm with vowels as auditory stimuli. MMR was statistically estimated comparing MMR sample means between both groups. The Affect(+) group significantly differed from the Affect(-) group and, as opposed to the latter, showed MMR as Mismatch Negativity (MMN) in the left occipital, left and right posterior temporal, and (especially) the right and median parietal leads. The relationship observed between MMN and affective social-like behavior suggests that these children may have cognitive mechanisms capable of providing some social interaction, despite their profound neurological dysfunction. MMN diagnostic techniques seem to be promising for the triage of microcephalic subjects regarding cognitive functions and for choosing a strategy for some social adaptation.

Assessment of the feasibility of Juntos: A support programme for families of children affected by Congenital Zika Syndrome.

Background: The 2015-16 Zika epidemic resulted in thousands of children born with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). In Brazil, gaps in the health system often caused parents to be left with insufficient information and support. Consequently, we developed and piloted Juntos - a participatory support programme which aims to improve knowledge, capacities and build support networks for caregivers of children with CZS.   Methods: Six caregiver groups received the programme between August 2017 and June 2018: three in Rio de Janeiro and three in Bahia. We assessed the feasibility of Juntos against six of the eight areas of a feasibility framework described by Bowen et al. to consider whether Juntos 'could work'. These areas were: acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation and limited efficacy. We used mixed methods including: 1) baseline and end-line questionnaires completed by all group participants; 2) in-depth interviews with 18 participants, seven facilitators and three key stakeholders; 3) participant focus group discussions after each session; 4) researchers session observation; and 5) recording programme costs.  Results: 37/48 (77%) enrolled families completed both questionnaires. Acceptability and demand were noted as high, based on participant responses to interview questions, focus group feedback and satisfaction scores. Potential for implementation and practicality were also demonstrated through interviews with facilitators and key stakeholders and analysis of project documents. Two groups included caregivers of children with non-Zika related developmental disabilities, showing potential for adaptability. Self-reported quality of life scores increased in caregivers between baseline and end-line, as did the dimensions of family relationships and daily activities in the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDS QL) Family Impact Module, showing limited efficacy.   Conclusions: The programme showed feasibility according to Bowen's framework. However, further research of scale up, particularly in the areas of integration, expansion and limited efficacy are needed to ascertain if the programme is effective.

Stigmas of congenital Zika syndrome: family perspectives.

This article uses a socio-anthropological framework to explore the stigmas around interactions with children born with congenital Zika syndrome caused by the Zika virus epidemic in two Brazilian municipalities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents and other relatives. We reflected on the search for meaning when having a baby with unexpected body marks, the moral suffering, the societal ableism, the burden of care, and the need for support networks. We concluded that public policies, especially social policies (health, education, and social assistance), are essential for compensatory mechanisms, recognition, and social inclusion of these children and their families.

Stigmas of congenital Zika syndrome: family perspectives / Estigmas da síndrome da Zika congênita: perspectivas das famílias / Estigmas del síndrome Zika congénito: perspectivas familiares

This article uses a socio-anthropological framework to explore the stigmas around interactions with children born with congenital Zika syndrome caused by the Zika virus epidemic in two Brazilian municipalities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents and other relatives. We reflected on the search for meaning when having a baby with unexpected body marks, the moral suffering, the societal ableism, the burden of care, and the need for support networks. We concluded that public policies, especially social policies (health, education, and social assistance), are essential for compensatory mechanisms, recognition, and social inclusion of these children and their families.

O artigo adota um referencial socioantropológico para explorar os estigmas subjacentes às interações com crianças que nascem com a síndrome congênita do vírus Zika provocada pela epidemia de Zika em duas cidades brasileiras. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com os pais e outros familiares. Os autores refletem sobre a busca de sentido ao ter um filho com marcas corporais inesperadas, sofrimento moral, capacitismo, o fardo pesado dos cuidados e a necessidade de redes de apoio. Concluem que políticas públicas, principalmente sociais (saúde, educação e assistência social) são essenciais para produzir mecanismos compensatórios, reconhecimento e inclusão social dessas crianças e de suas famílias.

Este artículo adopta un marco socioantropológico para investigar los estigmas subyacentes a las interacciones con niños, nacidos con el síndrome congénito del virus Zika, causado por la epidemia de Zika en dos ciudades brasileñas. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con padres y otros parientes. Reflejamos en la investigación el significado de tener un bebé con marcas corporales inesperadas, sufrimiento moral, razón de la discapacidad social y carga de cuidado, así como la necesidad de redes de apoyo. Concluimos que las políticas públicas, especialmente las políticas sociales (salud, educación, y asistencia social), son cruciales produciendo mecanismos compensatorios, reconocimiento e inclusión social de estos niños y sus familias.

Spontaneous Abortion and Chikungunya Infection: Pathological Findings.

Intrauterine transmission of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) during early pregnancy has rarely been reported, although vertical transmission has been observed in newborns. Here, we report four cases of spontaneous abortion in women who became infected with CHIKV between the 11th and 17th weeks of pregnancy. Laboratorial confirmation of the infection was conducted by RT-PCR on a urine sample for one case, and the other three were by detection of IgM anti-CHIKV antibodies. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and an electron microscopy assay allowed us to find histopathological, such as inflammatory infiltrate in the decidua and chorionic villi, as well as areas of calcification, edema and the deposition of fibrinoid material, and ultrastructural changes, such as mitochondria with fewer cristae and ruptured membranes, endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisterns, dispersed chromatin in the nuclei and the presence of an apoptotic body in case 1. In addition, by immunohistochemistry (IHC), we found a positivity for the anti-CHIKV antibody in cells of the endometrial glands, decidual cells, syncytiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts, Hofbauer cells and decidual macrophages. Electron microscopy also helped in identifying virus-like particles in the aborted material with a diameter of 40-50 nm, which was consistent with the size of CHIKV particles in the literature. Our findings in this study suggest early maternal fetal transmission, adding more evidence on the role of CHIKV in fetal death.

24-hour Holter findings in infants with in-utero exposure to the Zika virus: a series of cases.

Severe neurological problems and other special manifestations such as high prevalence of structural cardiac changes has been described in infants vertically exposed to the Zika virus (ZIKV) and has been called congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZS). Previous studies have shown that the 24-hour Holter heart rate variability (HRV) analysis allows the prediction of worse outcomes in infants with neurological impairment and higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), hypertension, diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular diseases. This study describes the 24-hour Holter findings of infants with confirmed vertical exposure to the ZIKV by positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in the mother's blood during pregnancy and/or in the urine or cerebrospinal fluid of the newborn. Data analysis was descriptive and included two subgroups according to the presence of fetal distress, positive PCR to ZIKV in the newborn, CZS and severe microcephaly. Heart rate, pauses, arrhythmias, ST segment and QT interval analyses and HRV evaluation through R-R, SDNN, pNN50 and rMMSD were described. The Mann-Whitney test was performed to assess differences between the two subgroups. The sample consisted of 15 infants with a mean age of 16 months, nine of whom were male. No arrhythmias or QT interval changes were observed. The comparison of HRV through the Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference between patients with and without CZS, with and without severe microcephaly, with lower HRV in the groups with severe microcephaly and CZS. The study suggests that there is an increased risk of SIDS and cardiovascular diseases in this group of patients.

Prevalence and factors associated with surfactant use in Brazilian Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A multilevel analysis.

The treatment with exogenous surfactant reduces mortality and the risk of complications in preterm newborns with Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Higher usage levels have been associated with individual and institutional factors. The study aimed to identify these factors associated with use of this technology in 16 public Brazilian Neonatal Units using logistic multilevel analysis. In a sample of 630 newborns the use at some time was 82.6%. Only 24.7% made use of this technology up to two hours after birth. An intraclass correlation of 0.30 showed that 30% of the variance in the use of exogenous surfactant could be assigned to the contextual level. In the final model, a greater severity score (SNAPPE-II) was associated with increased surfactant use (OR = 2.64), whereas being small for gestational age (SGA) (OR = 0.59) was associated with lower use of this technology. At the contextual level the number of beds in the unit >15 (OR = 5.86), units with higher complexity (OR = 1.73) or units with implemented Kangaroo Mother Care (OR = 2.91), especially units in Rio de Janeiro state (OR = 16.17) were associated with greater surfactant use. Although individual clinical features explained most of the variation in the use of this technology, factors linked to the institution were also of utmost importance.

Prevalence and factors associated with surfactant use in Brazilian Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A multilevel analysis / Prevalência e fatores associados ao uso de surfactante em unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatais brasileiras: análise multinível

Abstract The treatment with exogenous surfactant reduces mortality and the risk of complications in preterm newborns with Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Higher usage levels have been associated with individual and institutional factors. The study aimed to identify these factors associated with use of this technology in 16 public Brazilian Neonatal Units using logistic multilevel analysis. In a sample of 630 newborns the use at some time was 82.6%. Only 24.7% made use of this technology up to two hours after birth. An intraclass correlation of 0.30 showed that 30% of the variance in the use of exogenous surfactant could be assigned to the contextual level. In the final model, a greater severity score (SNAPPE-II) was associated with increased surfactant use (OR = 2.64), whereas being small for gestational age (SGA) (OR = 0.59) was associated with lower use of this technology. At the contextual level the number of beds in the unit >15 (OR = 5.86), units with higher complexity (OR = 1.73) or units with implemented Kangaroo Mother Care (OR = 2.91), especially units in Rio de Janeiro state (OR = 16.17) were associated with greater surfactant use. Although individual clinical features explained most of the variation in the use of this technology, factors linked to the institution were also of utmost importance.

Resumo O tratamento com surfactante exógeno reduz a mortalidade e o risco de complicações em recém-nascidos com Síndrome de Angústia Respiratória. Maiores níveis de utilização dessa tecnologia têm sido associados tanto a fatores individuais como institucionais. O estudo teve como objetivo identificar esses fatores em 16 unidades neonatais públicas brasileiras usando análise multinível. De 630 recém-nascidos, 82,6% usaram a tecnologia em algum momento. Apenas 24,7% fizeram uso até duas horas após o nascimento. Uma correlação intraclasse de 0,30 mostrou que 30% da variação no uso podem ser atribuídos ao nível contextual. No modelo final, um escore de gravidade maior (SNAPPE-II) foi associado com aumento do uso de surfactante (OR = 2,64), enquanto que ser pequeno para a idade gestacional (PIG) (OR = 0,59) foi associado a um menor uso dessa tecnologia. No nível contextual o número de leitos na unidade > 15 (OR = 5,86), as unidades com mais alta complexidade (OR = 1,73) ou unidades com Método Canguru implementado (OR = 2,91), especialmente unidades no estado do Rio de Janeiro (OR = 16,17), foram associados com uma maior utilização de surfactante. Embora características individuais tenham explicado a maior parte da variação no uso desta tecnologia, fatores ligados à instituição também foram de extrema importância.

Cardiac findings in infants with in utero exposure to Zika virus- a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal exposure to Zika virus (ZIKV) is related to severe neurological manifestations. A previous study in Brazil reported an increased incidence of non-severe congenital heart defects in infants with diagnosis of congenital Zika syndrome but without laboratory confirmation of ZIKV infection in the mother or infant. The objective of this study is to report echocardiographic (ECHO) findings in infants with laboratory confirmed antenatal exposure to ZIKV. METHODOLOGY: Cross sectional study of cardiologic assessments of infants born between November 2015 and January 2017 with confirmed vertical exposure to ZIKV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. RESULTS: The study enrolled 120 children with a median age of 97 days (1 to 376 days). In utero exposure to ZIKV was confirmed in 97 children (80,8%) through positive maternal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results during pregnancy or a positive PCR result at birth; 23 additional children (19.2%) had maternal positive PCR results during pregnancy and postnatally. Forty- eight infants (40%) had cardiac defects noted on ECHO. Thirteen infants (10.8%) had major cardiac defects (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus). None of the defects were severe. The frequency of major defects was higher in infants whose mothers had a rash in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, or who had altered Central Nervous System (CNS) imaging postnatally or were preterm. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with in utero ZIKV exposure have a higher prevalence of major cardiac defects, however none were severe enough to require immediate intervention. For this reason, guidelines for performance of postnatal ECHO in this population should follow general newborn screening guidelines, which significantly reduces the burden of performing emergent fetal or neonatal ECHOs in a setting where resources are not available, such as most Brazilian municipalities.

Neurogenic bladder findings in patients with Congenital Zika Syndrome: A novel condition.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) has been associated with microcephaly and other central nervous system abnormalities including areas that have been implicated in the control of the lower urinary tract. As such, this descriptive case series has aimed to investigate whether CZS is linked with neurogenic bladder. Identifying such an association is paramount in the effort to recognize CZS complications that have putative treatment options that could mitigate the impact of CZS in infected children. METHODS: Following IRB approval, urological assessment was performed in all patients referred to our clinic between June 2016 and May 2017 who presented with confirmed CZS-associated microcephaly. The research protocol consisted of obtaining clinical history, laboratory tests, lower and upper urinary tract ultrasounds, as well as a diagnostic urodynamic evaluation. ZIKA virus infection was previously confirmed by maternal history and positive PCR in babies and mothers. Microcephaly and other central nervous system abnormalities were established based on neurological assessment and associated imaging of the central nervous system (CT head and/or Brain MRI). RESULTS: Twenty-two consecutive CZS patients were tested and confirmed to have neurogenic bladder. Of the 22 patients assessed, 21 presented with an overactive bladder combined with reduced bladder capacity and elevated detrusor filling pressures. Clinically significant increases in postvoid residual (PVR) were confirmed in 40% of cases while a urinary tract infection (UTI) was identified in 23% of cases. CONCLUSION: Neurogenic bladder, a known treatable health condition, was confirmed in 100% of patients tested in this study, most presenting with high-risk urodynamic patterns known to lead to renal damage when left untreated. Follow up studies are necessary to provide further insight onto long-term disease progression and to investigate the response to standard therapies for neurogenic bladder. Nonetheless, we emphasize the importance of proactive management of neurogenic bladder and prompt referral so as to help mitigate CZS disease burden for patients and their families.

Auditory brainstem function in microcephaly related to Zika virus infection.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of prenatal Zika virus (ZV) infection on brainstem function reflected in brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs). METHODS: In a cross-sectional study in 19 children (12 girls) with microcephaly related to ZV infection, aged between 12 and 62 weeks, the brainstem function was examined through BAEPs. The latencies of wave peaks I, III, and V of the left and right ears (n = 37) were standardized according to normative data, and compared between them by 2-tailed t test. The confounding variables (cephalic perimeter at the born and chronological age) were correlated with the normalized latencies using Pearson test. RESULTS: All patients showed, in general, clear waveforms, with latencies within 3 SDs of the normative values. However, statistically increased latencies of waves I and III (I > III, p = 0.031) were observed, relative to wave V (p < 0.001), the latter being closer to respective normative value. The latency of wave I was observed to increase with age (r = 0.45, p = 0.005). The waves, in turn, did not depend on cephalic perimeter. CONCLUSIONS: These results are consistent with the functional normality of the brainstem structure and its lack of correlation with microcephaly, suggesting that the disruption produced by the ZV infection does not act in the cell proliferation phase, but mostly in the processes of neuronal migration and differentiation in the telencephalon.

Prevalence and risk factors related to preterm birth in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The rate of preterm birth has been increasing worldwide, including in Brazil. This constitutes a significant public health challenge because of the higher levels of morbidity and mortality and long-term health effects associated with preterm birth. This study describes and quantifies factors affecting spontaneous and provider-initiated preterm birth in Brazil. METHODS: Data are from the 2011-2012 "Birth in Brazil" study, which used a national population-based sample of 23,940 women. We analyzed the variables following a three-level hierarchical methodology. For each level, we performed non-conditional multiple logistic regression for both spontaneous and provider-initiated preterm birth. RESULTS: The rate of preterm birth was 11.5 %, (95 % confidence 10.3 % to 12.9 %) 60.7 % spontaneous - with spontaneous onset of labor or premature preterm rupture of membranes - and 39.3 % provider-initiated, with more than 90 % of the last group being pre-labor cesarean deliveries. Socio-demographic factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth were adolescent pregnancy, low total years of schooling, and inadequate prenatal care. Other risk factors were previous preterm birth (OR 3.74; 95 % CI 2.92-4.79), multiple pregnancy (OR 16.42; 95 % CI 10.56-25.53), abruptio placentae (OR 2.38; 95 % CI 1.27-4.47) and infections (OR 4.89; 95 % CI 1.72-13.88). In contrast, provider-initiated preterm birth was associated with private childbirth healthcare (OR 1.47; 95 % CI 1.09-1.97), advanced-age pregnancy (OR 1.27; 95 % CI 1.01-1.59), two or more prior cesarean deliveries (OR 1.64; 95 % CI 1.19-2.26), multiple pregnancy (OR 20.29; 95 % CI 12.58-32.72) and any maternal or fetal pathology (OR 6.84; 95 % CI 5.56-8.42). CONCLUSION: The high proportion of provider-initiated preterm birth and its association with prior cesarean deliveries and all of the studied maternal/fetal pathologies suggest that a reduction of this type of prematurity may be possible. The association of spontaneous preterm birth with socially-disadvantaged groups reaffirms that the reduction of social and health inequalities should continue to be a national priority.

Provider-Initiated Late Preterm Births in Brazil: Differences between Public and Private Health Services.

BACKGROUND: A large proportion of the rise in prematurity worldwide is owing to late preterm births, which may be due to the expansion of obstetric interventions, especially pre-labour caesarean section. Late preterm births pose similar risks to overall prematurity, making this trend a concern. In this study, we describe factors associated with provider-initiated late preterm birth and verify differences in provider-initiated late preterm birth rates between public and private health services according to obstetric risk. METHODS: This is a sub-analysis of a national population-based survey of postpartum women entitled "Birth in Brazil", performed between 2011 and 2012. We included 23,472 singleton live births. We performed non-conditional multiple logistic regressions assessing associated factors and analysing differences between public and private health services. RESULTS: Provider-initiated births accounted for 38% of late preterm births; 32% in public health services and 61% in private health services. They were associated with previous preterm birth(s) and maternal pathologies for women receiving both public and private services and with maternal age ≥35 years for women receiving public services. Women receiving private health services had higher rates of provider-initiated late preterm birth (rate of 4.8%) when compared to the ones receiving public services (rate of 2.4%), regardless of obstetric risk-adjusted OR of 2.3 (CI 1.5-3.6) for women of low obstetric risk and adjusted OR of 1.6 (CI 1.1-2.3) for women of high obstetric risk. CONCLUSION: The high rates of provider-initiated late preterm birth suggests a considerable potential for reduction, as such prematurity can be avoided, especially in women of low obstetric risk. To promote healthy births, we advise introducing policies with incentives for the adoption of new models of birth care.

Performance of Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis of the Amniotic Fluid of Pregnant Women for Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii can cause serious damage that can be diagnosed in utero or at birth, although most infants are asymptomatic at birth. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis considerably improves the prognosis and outcome for infected infants. For this reason, an assay for the quick, sensitive, and safe diagnosis of fetal toxoplasmosis is desirable. GOAL: To systematically review the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the amniotic fluid of pregnant women with recent serological toxoplasmosis diagnoses for the diagnosis of fetal toxoplasmosis. METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted via a search of electronic databases; the literature included primary studies of the diagnostic accuracy of PCR analysis of amniotic fluid from pregnant women who seroconverted during pregnancy. The PCR test was compared to a gold standard for diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 1.269 summaries were obtained from the electronic database and reviewed, and 20 studies, comprising 4.171 samples, met the established inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The following results were obtained: studies about PCR assays for fetal toxoplasmosis are generally susceptible to bias; reports of the tests' use lack critical information; the protocols varied among studies; the heterogeneity among studies was concentrated in the tests' sensitivity; there was evidence that the sensitivity of the tests increases with time, as represented by the trimester; and there was more heterogeneity among studies in which there was more time between maternal diagnosis and fetal testing. The sensitivity of the method, if performed up to five weeks after maternal diagnosis, was 87% and specificity was 99%. CONCLUSION: The global sensitivity heterogeneity of the PCR test in this review was 66.5% (I(2)). The tests show low evidence of heterogeneity with a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 99% when performed up to five weeks after maternal diagnosis. The test has a known performance and could be recommended for use up to five weeks after maternal diagnosis, when there is suspicion of fetal toxoplasmosis.

Basic vaginal pH, bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis: prevalence in early pregnancy and risk of spontaneous preterm delivery, a prospective study in a low socioeconomic and multiethnic South American population.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) increases the risk of spontaneous preterm deliveries (PD) in developed countries. Its prevalence varies with ethnicity, socioeconomic conditions and gestational age. Aerobic vaginitis (AV) has also been implicated with spontaneous PD. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic BV, the accuracy of vaginal pH level to predict BV and to estimate the risk of spontaneous PD <34 and <37 weeks' gestation of BV and AV. METHODS: Women attending prenatal public services in Rio de Janeiro were screened to select asymptomatic pregnant women, < 20 weeks' gestation, with no indication for elective PD and without risk factors of spontaneous PD. Vaginal smears of women with vaginal pH > = 4.5 were collected to determine the Nugent score; a sample of those smears was also classified according to a modified Donders' score. Primary outcomes were spontaneous PD < 34 and <37 weeks' gestation and abortion. RESULTS: Prevalence of asymptomatic BV was estimated in 28.1% (n = 1699); 42.4% of the smears were collected before 14 weeks' gestation. After an 8-week follow up, nearly 40% of the initially BV positive women became BV negative. The prevalence of BV among white and black women was 28.1% (95% CI: 24.6%-32.0%) and 32.5% (95% CI: 28.2%-37.2%), respectively. The sensitivity of vaginal pH= > 4.5 and = > 5.0 to predict BV status was 100% and 82%, correspondingly; the 5.0 cutoff value doubled the specificity, from 41% to 84%. The incidence of < 37 weeks' spontaneous PDs among BV pregnant women with a pH= > 4.5 was 3.8%. The RR of spontaneous PD < 34 and <37 weeks among BV women with pH > =4.5, as compared with those with intermediate state, were 1.24 and 1.86, respectively (Fisher's exact test, p value = 1; 0.52, respectively, both ns). No spontaneous case of PD or abortion was associated with severe or moderate AV. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of asymptomatic BV was observed without statistically significant difference between black and white women. The RRs of spontaneous PD < 34 and <37 weeks among women with BV, as compared with those with intermediate state were not statistically significant but were consistent with those found in the literature.

Birth in Brazil: national survey into labour and birth.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section rates in Brazil have been steadily increasing. In 2009, for the first time, the number of children born by this type of procedure was greater than the number of vaginal births. Caesarean section is associated with a series of adverse effects on the women and newborn, and recent evidence suggests that the increasing rates of prematurity and low birth weight in Brazil are associated to the increasing rates of Caesarean section and labour induction. METHODS: Nationwide hospital-based cohort study of postnatal women and their offspring with follow-up at 45 to 60 days after birth. The sample was stratified by geographic macro-region, type of the municipality and by type of hospital governance. The number of postnatal women sampled was 23,940, distributed in 191 municipalities throughout Brazil. Two electronic questionnaires were applied to the postnatal women, one baseline face-to-face and one follow-up telephone interview. Two other questionnaires were filled with information on patients' medical records and to assess hospital facilities. The primary outcome was the percentage of Caesarean sections (total, elective and according to Robson's groups). Secondary outcomes were: post-partum pain; breastfeeding initiation; severe/near miss maternal morbidity; reasons for maternal mortality; prematurity; low birth weight; use of oxygen use after birth and mechanical ventilation; admission to neonatal ICU; stillbirths; neonatal mortality; readmission in hospital; use of surfactant; asphyxia; severe/near miss neonatal morbidity. The association between variables were investigated using bivariate, stratified and multivariate model analyses. Statistical tests were applied according to data distribution and homogeneity of variances of groups to be compared. All analyses were taken into consideration for the complex sample design. DISCUSSION: This study, for the first time, depicts a national panorama of labour and birth outcomes in Brazil. Regardless of the socioeconomic level, demand for Caesarean section appears to be based on the belief that the quality of obstetric care is closely associated to the technology used in labour and birth. Within this context, it was justified to conduct a nationwide study to understand the reasons that lead pregnant women to submit to Caesarean sections and to verify any association between this type of birth and it's consequences on postnatal health.

Cardiac troponin T and illness severity in the very-low-birth-weight infant.

Introduction. Respiratory distress are very common in Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants and Myocardial injury may play a role in the disease outcome. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is the most useful marker of injury in adult population, but has not been extensively studied in this population. Aim. To study the role of cTnT in VLBW infants and its association with clinical outcomes. Methods. All VLBW infants admitted to our NICU were included in the study. Echocardiography and blood samples for cTnT determination were collected at 24 and 48 hours of life, and values >0.1 ng/mL were considered CTnT-positive values. Results. A total of 116 neonates had their blood samples collected. The median cTnT concentration within 24 hours was 0.191 (0.1-0.79) ng/mL and within 48 hours was 0.293 (0.1-1.0) ng/mL. A logistic regression analysis showed that PDA, low GA, and use of dopamine were independently associated with positive cTnT and abnormal Dopplerfluxometry and diuretics use had protective effects and was independently associated with troponin values. Conclusion. We observed a high prevalence of positivecTnT values in VLBW infants associated with illness severity. Our findings suggest that cTnT may be a useful and early marker of myocardial injury in VLBW infants.

A randomised controlled trial of probiotics for the prevention of spontaneous preterm delivery associated with bacterial vaginosis: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery at less than 34 weeks of gestation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the early administration of selected lactobacilli strains (probiotics) to pregnant women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis/intermediate-degree infections to prevent spontaneous premature delivery and associated neonatal morbidity. METHODS/DESIGN: Asymptomatic pregnant women at less than 20 weeks of gestation, with no indication of elective preterm delivery, with a vaginal pH ≥ 4.5 and Nugent score > 3 were randomly assigned to the placebo or intervention group (oral administration of selected lactobacilli up to the 24th to 26th week of gestation). The randomisation was stratified for the history of premature delivery (HPD) and blocked. The allocation was concealed, and the participating health professionals and patients were blinded. The primary outcome was preterm delivery (<34 to <32 weeks), and the secondary outcomes were associated neonatal complications. RESULTS: In total, 4,204 pregnant women were screened; 320 and 324 individuals were respectively randomly assigned to the placebo and intervention groups, and 62% finished the trial. None of the randomised patients were lost to follow-up. For the non-HPD stratum, the intent-to-treat relative risks of spontaneous premature birth at < 34 and < 37 weeks' gestation were 0.33 (0.03, 3.16) and 0.49 (0.17, 1.44), respectively, and they were non-significant (ns) with p = 0.31 and 0.14. The corresponding actual treatment figures were zero and 0.32 (0.09, 1.19), which were ns with p = 0.12 and 0.06. The intent-to-treat relative risk of spontaneous premature birth at < 37 weeks of gestation for the trial as a whole, including HPD and non-HPD participants, was 0.69 (0.26, 1.78), p = 0.30 (ns). The neonatal complications under evaluation occurred in only one infant (< 34 weeks; placebo group) who presented with respiratory distress syndrome and suspected early neonatal sepsis. The recorded adverse events were minor and relatively non-specific. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of the tested probiotics to prevent preterm delivery among women without a history of preterm delivery was not determined because the study sample was insufficient to estimate statistically significant intent-to-treat effects; additional studies are needed to evaluate this intervention among these women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration at NIH register: NCT00303082. Sources of funding: the Brazilian Health Ministry and the State of Rio de Janeiro Research Foundation.