The neuropathology of stillbirth - correlation with apolipoprotein genotype in a Scottish population based study.

BACKGROUND: The neuropathology of stillbirths has been widely studied but rarely on a population basis. Whether foetal apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype exerts any influence has been little investigated, despite well known effects in adult brains. AIMS: To establish the neuropathology of a population cohort of stillbirths and compare with the APOE genotype. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: The brains of 191 stillbirths (≥24weeks of gestation) were recruited from a Scottish population cohort and grouped by clinical history. APOE genotype was available for 97%. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: One or more neuropathological features, most appearing relatively recent, were found in 54% of 157 antepartum singletons, 44% of 9 abruption-associated stillbirths, 85% of 13 in multiple pregnancies but in only 19% of 12 intrapartum stillbirths. White matter injury (WMI) occurred in 36% of preterm and 21% mature stillbirths. Fresh petechial haemorrhages were common in all groups (29%) but germinal matrix haemorrhage (GMH) (7%) and periventricular leucomalacia (1%) were confined to preterm. GMH was significantly associated with WMI (p=0.003). Placental inflammation was common in intrapartum stillbirths (50%), compared with antepartum (15%), multiple pregnancy (23%) and abruption (0%). ß-Amyloid precursor protein (ßAPP) positive axons (36% stillbirths overall) correlated closely with WMI (p<0.0001), justifying future routine inclusion in foetal neuropathological investigation. This study highlights the paucity of brain damage in intrapartum stillbirths. While APOE2 was significantly overrepresented in stillbirths, there was no correlation between APOE genotype and neuropathological findings. We conclude that APOE does not influence neuropathological outcomes in stillbirths.

The effects of illicit drugs on the HIV infected brain.

Evidence accumulating from clinical observations, neuroimaging and neuropathological studies suggests that illicit drug abuse accentuates the adverse effects of HIV on the central nervous system (CNS). Experimental investigation in cell culture models supports this conclusion. Injecting drug abuse is also a risk factor for the acquisition of HIV infection, the incidence of which continues to rise in intravenous drug users (IVDU) even in countries with access to effective therapy. In order to understand the interactions of drug abuse and HIV infection, it is necessary to examine the effects of each insult in isolation before looking for their combined effects. This review traces progress in understanding the pathogenesis of HIV related CNS disorders before the introduction of effective therapy and compares the state of our knowledge now that effective therapy has significantly modified disease progression. The additional impact of intravenous drug abuse on HIV-associated brain disease, then and now, is also reviewed. Predictions for the future are discussed, based on what is known at present and on recently emerging data.