Maternal mortality and COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to collect and analyze data from different sources to have a general overview of COVID-19-related maternal deaths in Brazil, as well as to compare data with worldwide reports. STUDY DESIGN: We systematically searched data about COVID-19 maternal deaths from the Brazilian Ministry of Health surveillance system, State Departments of Health epidemiological reports, and media coverage. Data about timing of symptom onset and death (pregnancy or postpartum), gestational age, mode of birth, maternal age, comorbidities and/or risk factors, date of death, and place of death were retrieved when available. RESULTS: We identified 20 COVID-19-related maternal deaths, age range 20-43 years. Symptoms onset was reported as on pregnancy for 12 cases, postpartum for 3 cases, and during the cesarean section for 1 case (missing data for 4). In 16 cases, death occurred in the postpartum period. At least one comorbidity or risk factor was present in 11 cases (missing data for 4). Asthma was the most common risk factor (5/11). Ten cases occurred in the Northeast region, and nine cases occurred in the Southeast region (5 of them in São Paulo, the first epicenter of COVID-19 in the country). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest available series of maternal deaths due to COVID-19. Barriers to access healthcare, differences in pandemic containment measures in the country and high prevalence of concomitant risk factors for COVID-19 severe disease may play a role in the observed disparity compared to worldwide reports on maternal outcomes.

Metabolic syndrome markers and risk of hyperglycemia in pregnancy: a cross-sectional cohort study.

The aim was to assess the role of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) diagnostic markers, recommended by three different guidelines, in the prediction of hyperglycemia in pregnancy. This cross-sectional cohort study included 506 non-diabetic women, with a singleton pregnancy, who underwent a diagnostic test for hyperglycemia at 24-28 weeks. Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory data were obtained. The relationship between MetS markers and the risk of hyperglycemia was evaluated by backward stepwise logistic regression analysis (OR, 95% CI). The limit of statistical significance was 95% (p < 0.05). Triglycerides (TG) ≥ 150 mg/dL, blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130/85 mmHg, fasting glucose (FG) ≥ 100 mg/dL, and waist circumference (WC) > 88 cm were identified as independent risk factors for hyperglycemia in pregnancy. These results might help the selective screening of hyperglycemia in pregnancy.

Risk factors for adverse outcomes among pregnant and postpartum women with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether clinical and social risk factors are associated with negative outcomes for COVID-19 disease among Brazilian pregnant and postpartum women. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted of the official Acute Respiratory Syndrome Surveillance System database. Pregnant and postpartum women diagnosed with COVID-19 ARDS until July 14, 2020, were included. Adverse outcomes were a composite endpoint of either death, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), or mechanical ventilation. Risk factors were examined by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 2475 cases of COVID-19 ARDS. Among them, 23.8% of women had the composite endpoint and 8.2% died. Of those who died, 5.9% were not hospitalized, 39.7% were not admitted to the ICU, 42.6% did not receive mechanical ventilation, and 25.5% did not have access to respiratory support. Multivariate analysis showed that postpartum period, age over 35 years, obesity, diabetes, black ethnicity, living in a peri-urban area, no access to Family Health Strategy, or living more than 100 km from the notification hospital were associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Clinical and social risk factors and barriers to access health care are associated with adverse outcomes among maternal cases of COVID-19 ARDS in Brazil.

Symphysis-Fundal Height Curve in Pregnancies Complicated by Maternal Hyperglycemia: Comparison with Curves of Nondiabetic Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND: Reference symphysis-fundal height (SFH) curves for pregnancies complicated by maternal hyperglycemia are not available. OBJECTIVE: To build an SFH curve according to gestational age for pregnant women with hyperglycemia-type 2 diabetes (T2DM), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), or mild gestational hyperglycemia (MGH) and compare it with three other curves in use in Brazil. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 422 pregnant women with hyperglycemia attending the Perinatal Diabetes Research Center (PDRC) of Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University/UNESP. Between 13 and 41 weeks of pregnancy, 2470 SFH measurements were obtained (mean 5.85 per woman). For the assessment of glycemic control, 2074 glucose level measurements were taken and the glycemic mean (GM) at each gestational week was estimated. RESULTS: GM was adequate (<120 mg/dL) in 94.9% and inadequate (≥120 mg/dL) in 5.1% of the cases. The equation applied for SFH prediction was expressed as SFH = 1.082 + 0.966∗week (r 2 = 84.6%). At visual analysis, P10 and P90 SFH measurements were higher in the study curve than in the three other curves. Statistical analysis confirmed that SFH median values in this study were higher than those in the reference curve of habitual risk pregnancies, especially after 19 weeks of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Taking into account that the maternal hyperglycemia was at strict control, our unedited results suggest that the current SFH curve can be a useful tool in prenatal care of T2DM, GDM, and MGH pregnant women.

Deleterious effects of gestational diabetes mellitus on the characteristics of the rectus abdominis muscle associated with pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence.

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the structural characteristics of the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) and its indirect effects on pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence (PSUI). METHODS: A total of 92 pregnant women were divided into four groups, according to their clinical conditions: non-GDM continent, non-GDM associated PSUI, GDM continent and GDM associated PSUI. The muscle morphometry (histochemistry and immunohistochemistry) for the fiber types and collagen fiber distribution, the ultrastructural analysis (transmission electron microscopy), the protein expression of fiber types and calcium signaling (Western blotting), and the content of types I and III collagen fiber (ELISA) in RAM collected at delivery were assessed. RESULTS: The GDM groups presented a significantly increased number of slow fibers and slow-twitch oxidative fiber expression; decreased fiber area, number of fast fibers, and area of collagen; an increase in central nuclei; ultrastructural alterations with focal lesion areas such as myeloid structures, sarcomere disorganization, and mitochondrial alteration. The PSUI groups presented a considerable decrease in types I and III collagen contents and the localization of collagen fiber. CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal that GDM causes morphological, biochemical and physiological changes in the RAM, and this might predispose women to PSUI.

Maternal factors associated with hyperglycemia in pregnancy and perinatal outcomes: a Brazilian reference center cohort study.

BACKGROUND: While sufficient evidence supporting universal screening is not available, it is justifiable to look for specific risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP). The objective of this study is to identify independent risk factors for HIP and its adverse perinatal outcomes in a Brazilian public referral center. METHODS: We included 569 singleton pregnant women who were split into three groups by glucose status: GDM (n = 207), mild gestational hyperglycemia (MGH; n = 133), and control (n = 229). Women who used corticosteroids or had a history of DM were excluded. HIP comprised both GDM and MGH, diagnosed by a 100 g- or 75 g-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a glucose profile at 24-28 weeks. Maternal characteristics were tested for their ability to predict HIP and its outcomes. Bivariate analysis (RR; 95% CI) was used to identify potential associations. Logistic regression (RRadj; 95% CI) was used to confirm the independent risk factors for HIP and its perinatal outcomes (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Age ≥ 25 years [1.83, 1.12-2.99], prepregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 [2.88, 1.89-4.39], family history of DM [2.12, 1.42-3.17] and multiparity [2.07, 1.27-3.37] were independent risk factors for HIP. Family history of DM [169, 1.16-2.16] and hypertension [2.00, 1.36-2.98] were independent risk factors for C-section. HbA1c ≥ 6.0% at birth was an independent risk factor for LGA [1.99, 1.05-3.80], macrosomia [2.43, 1.27-4.63], and birthweight Z-score > 2.0 [4.17, 1.57-11.10]. CONCLUSIONS: MGH presents adverse pregnancy outcomes similar to those observed in the GDM group but distinct from those observed in the control (no diabetes) group. In our cohort, age ≥ 25 years, prepregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, family history of DM, and multiparity were independent risk factors for HIP, supporting the use of selective screening for this condition. These results should be validated in populations with similar characteristics in Brazil or other low- and middle-income countries.

Alterations in the structural characteristics of rectus abdominis muscles caused by diabetes and pregnancy: A comparative study of the rat model and women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we compared the effect of diabetic pregnancy on the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) in humans and rats. We hypothesized that our animal model could provide valuable information about alterations in the RAM of women with Gestational Diabetes (GDM). METHOD: Newborns female rats (n = 10/group) were administered streptozotocin (100 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously and were mated on reaching adulthood, to develop the mild hyperglycemic pregnant (MHP) rat model. At the end of pregnancy, the mothers were sacrificed, and the RAM tissue was collected. Pregnant women without GDM (non-GDM group; n = 10) and those diagnosed with GDM (GDM group; n = 8) and undergoing treatment were recruited, and RAM samples were obtained at C-section. The RAM architecture and the distribution of the fast and slow fibers and collagen were studied by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in the maternal and fetal characters were observed between the groups in both rats and women. However, significant changes in RAM architecture were observed. Diabetes in pregnancy increased the abundance of slow fibers and decreased fast fiber number and area in both rats and women. A decrease in collagen distribution was observed in GDM women; however, a similar change was not observed in the MHP rats. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that pregnancy- associated diabetes- induced similar structural adaptations in the RAM of women and rats with slight alterations in fiber type number and area. These findings suggest that the MHP rat model can be used for studying the effects of pregnancy-associated diabetes on the fiber structure of RAM.

Assessment of structural cardiac abnormalities and diastolic function in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The main manifestation of hyperglycaemia during pregnancy is gestational diabetes mellitus. It can herald diabetes mellitus type 2 and its deleterious long-term effects, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to assess diastolic function in women with gestational diabetes mellitus, one of the first signs of future cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A total of 21 women with gestational diabetes mellitus and 23 healthy pregnant women (control group) between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation underwent echocardiographic assessment. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus was made in agreement with the American Diabetes Association criteria. Echocardiographic images obtained were analysed according to the criteria of the American Society of Echocardiography. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance and Student's t-test. RESULTS: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus had higher posterior wall and interventricular septum thickness, increased left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index, lower early diastolic annular velocity and early diastolic annular velocity/late diastolic annular velocity ratio. There was a positive correlation between left ventricular mass index and fasting glucose and pregnancy body mass index. CONCLUSION: Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus seem to have a different diastolic profile as well as a mildly dysfunctional pattern on echocardiogram, which may show a need for greater glycaemic control.

Influence of maternal hyperglycemia on IL-10 and TNF-α production: the relationship with perinatal outcomes.

AIMS: This study was conducted to evaluate maternal and placental concentrations of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in pregnant women with glycemic mean (GM) < or ≥100 mg/dL, as well as correlate IL-10 and TNF-α placental concentrations with perinatal outcomes. METHODS: One hundred eighty-six pregnant women were distributed in groups determined by a GM <100 mg/dL or a GM ≥100 mg/dL. The GM, HbA1c levels, maternal and placental concentrations of IL-10 and TNF-α, and the correlation of placental cytokines with perinatal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: In maternal blood, the lowest concentrations of IL-10 (p = 0.0019) and TNF-α (p = 0.0185) were observed in the GM ≥100-mg/dL group. The placentas from GM ≥100 mg/dL group exhibited higher TNF-α concentrations (p = 0.0385). Placental IL-10 directly correlated with hemoglobin (r = 0.63; p = 0.02) and insulin (r = 0.78; p = 0.01) levels in the umbilical cord and with 1-min (r = 0.53; p = 0.0095) and 5-min (r = 0.69; p = 0.0003) Apgar scores. Placental TNF-α displayed a tendency to inversely correlate with fetal weight (r = -0.41; p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared to GM <100 mg/dL, GM ≥100 mg/dL was associated with a reduction in maternal IL-10 and TNF-α concentrations and increased placental TNF-α production. Placental IL-10 production was similar in both groups studied and directly correlated with hemoglobin and umbilical cord insulin levels, as well as with the 1- and 5-min Apgar scores.

Effect of physiological overload on pregnancy in women with mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the structural and functional heart abnormalities in women with mitral regurgitation during pregnancy. INTRODUCTION: Women with mitral regurgitation progress well during pregnancy. However, the effects on the heart of the association between pregnancy and mitral regurgitation are not well established. METHODS: This is a case-control, longitudinal prospective study. Echocardiograms were performed in 18 women with mitral regurgitation at the 12th and 36th week of pregnancy and on the 45th day of the puerperium. Twelve age-matched healthy and pregnant women were included as controls and underwent the same evaluation as the study group. RESULTS: Compared with controls, women with mitral regurgitation presented increased left cardiac chambers in all evaluations. Increasing left atrium during pregnancy occurred only in the mitral regurgitation group. At the end of the puerperium, women with mitral regurgitation showed persistent enlargement of the left atrium compared with the beginning of pregnancy (5.0 ± 1.1 cm vs 4.6 ± 0.9 cm; p < 0.05). Reduced left ventricular relative wall thickness (0.13 ± 0.02 vs 0.16 ± 0.02; p < 0.05) and an increased peak of afterload (278 ± 55 g/cm² vs 207 ± 28 g/cm²; p < 0.05) was still observed on the 45th day after delivery in the mitral regurgitation group compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy causes unfavorable structural alterations in women with mitral regurgitation that are associated with an aggravation of the hemodynamic overload.

Effect of physiological overload on pregnancy in women with mitral regurgitation

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the structural and functional heart abnormalities in women with mitral regurgitation during pregnancy. INTRODUCTION: Women with mitral regurgitation progress well during pregnancy. However, the effects on the heart of the association between pregnancy and mitral regurgitation are not well established. METHODS: This is a case-control, longitudinal prospective study. Echocardiograms were performed in 18 women with mitral regurgitation at the 12th and 36th week of pregnancy and on the 45th day of the puerperium. Twelve age-matched healthy and pregnant women were included as controls and underwent the same evaluation as the study group. RESULTS: Compared with controls, women with mitral regurgitation presented increased left cardiac chambers in all evaluations. Increasing left atrium during pregnancy occurred only in the mitral regurgitation group. At the end of the puerperium, women with mitral regurgitation showed persistent enlargement of the left atrium compared with the beginning of pregnancy (5.0 ± 1.1 cm vs 4.6 ± 0.9 cm; p<0.05). Reduced left ventricular relative wall thickness (0.13 ± 0.02 vs 0.16 ± 0.02; p<0.05) and an increased peak of afterload (278 ± 55 g/cm² vs 207 ± 28 g/cm²;p<0.05) was still observed on the 45th day after delivery in the mitral regurgitation group compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy causes unfavorable structural alterations in women with mitral regurgitation that are associated with an aggravation of the hemodynamic overload.

Digitalis-like induced arrhythmia in a patient with rheumatic mitral regurgitation complicated by preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of cardiac arrhythmia related to a low dose of endovenous lanatoside C. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old pregnant woman with mitral regurgitation complicated with preeclampsia and pulmonary edema presented 2 episodes of atrial tachycardia induced by a intravenous digitalis (2 mg, IV and 1 mg, IV, respectively). CONCLUSION: This case calls attention to the need for further studies analysing the security of digoxin use in preeclampsia.

Cavidade pulmonar tuberculosa de rápida formação em paciente portador de VIH/SIDA

Apresentamos um caso onde foi documentada radiologicamente a rápida formação de cavidades tuberculosas(TB) partir de lesões retículo-nodulares em um paciente portador do VIH,tubercculino negativo e linfócitos baixo de 1.000/mm3.As cavidades apresentavam paredes fibróticas,localização em campos superiores típicas da representação pulmonar da tb de reativação em paciente imunocompetente,contrastando com as características iniciais do paciente/tuberculino negativo e linfocitopenia que sugeriam uma fase mais avançada da infecção pelo.VIH.Discutimos a patogenia das cavidades e as possíveis explicações para obeservação