High Incidence Rates of Early-onset Bacterial Sepsis in Infants Born in Two Brazilian Maternities: A 15-Year Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Data on the burden and etiology of neonatal early-onset bacterial sepsis (EOBS) in low-to-middle-income countries are scarce. Surveillance is critical for optimizing prevention and treatment strategies. We aimed to estimate the incidence of EOBS in 2 large Brazilian cohorts of neonates. METHODS: Data were retrospectively obtained from 33,794 neonates born between 2009 and 2017 at low-risk (n = 17,981) and high-risk maternity centers (n = 15,813). Blood cultures were taken within 72 hours of life from neonates with perinatal risk factors for EOBS or suspected EOBS. A positive blood culture for a pathogenic microorganism and a compatible clinical evolution confirmed the diagnosis of EOBS. RESULTS: One-third of the infants born from high-risk and 18.5% from low-risk maternities were investigated for EOBS. Overall, EOBS was more incident in neonates born in the high-risk facilities [66 cases or 4.2/1000 (95% CI: 3.2-5.3)] than in the low-risk facilities [24 cases or 1.3/1000 (95% CI: 0.9-2.0)]. The incidence rate of EOBS increased with decreasing gestational age (<32 weeks: 20.5/1000; 32-36 weeks: 5.6/1000; ≥37 weeks: 1.5/1000). Group B Streptococcus (GBS) was the agent more frequently identified in high-risk and low-risk maternities: 1.8/1000 (95% CI: 1.1-2.4) and 0.4/1000 (95% CI: 0.2-0.9), respectively. EOBS's overall case fatality rate was 17.8% for all the agents and 22% for GBS. CONCLUSIONS: EOBS remains unacceptably high and is frequently fatal in preterm and term infants cared for in high- or low-risk maternities. Because GBS has emerged as the most frequent causative agent, preventive strategies are urgently needed.

Condyloma acuminata: An evaluation of the immune response at cellular and molecular levels.

Condyloma acuminata (CA) is a benign proliferative disease mainly affecting in non-keratinized epithelia. Most cases of CA are caused by low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), mainly HPV 6 and 11. The aim of the current study was to highlight the candidate genes and pathways associated with immune alterations in individuals who did not spontaneously eliminate the virus and, thus, develop genital warts. Paraffin-embedded condyloma samples (n = 56) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against CD1a, FOXP3, CD3, CD4, CD8, and IFN-γ. The immunomarkers were chosen based on the evaluation of the innate and adaptive immune pathways using qPCR analysis of 92 immune-related genes, applying a TaqMan Array Immune Response assay in HPV 6 or HPV 11 positive samples (n = 27). Gene expression analysis revealed 31 differentially expressed genes in CA lesions. Gene expression validation revealed upregulation of GZMB, IFNG, IL12B, and IL8 and downregulation of NFATC4 and IL7 in CA samples. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased FOXP3, IFN-γ, CD1a, and CD4 expression in CA than in the control tissue samples. In contrast, CD3 and CD8 expression was decreased in CA lesion samples. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in HPV-positive patients compared with HPV-negative patients seem to reflect the elevated immunogenicity of HPV-positive CA lesions. Host defense against HPV begins during the early stages of the innate immune response and is followed by activation of T lymphocytes, which are mainly represented by CD4+ and regulatory T cells. The low CD8+ T cell count in CA may contribute to this recurrent behavior. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of host defense against HPV infection in CA.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Puerperal Women Treated at a Tertiary Referral Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among puerperal women cared for at a tertiary university hospital and the level of understanding of these puerperal women about toxoplasmosis, vertical transmission, and its prophylaxis. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 225 patients using presential interviews, prenatal documentation, and electronic medical records. Data were stored using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software. Prevalence rates were estimated by the presence of reactive IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test and calculation of the odds ratio (OR). Seroreactivity to T. gondii and exposure variables (age, educational level, and parity) were analyzed using a confidence interval (95%CI) and a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The seropositivity rate for T. gondii was 40%. There was no association between seroprevalence and age. Primiparity was a protective factor against seropositivity and low education was a risk factor. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of T. gondii infection and its transmission forms was significantly limited, presenting a risk for acute maternal toxoplasmosis and vertical transmission of this protozoan. Increasing the education level regarding the risk of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy could reduce the rates of infection and vertical transmission of this parasite.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a soroprevalência de toxoplasmose entre puérperas atendidas em um hospital universitário terciário e o nível de compreensão dessas puérperas sobre toxoplasmose, transmissão vertical e sua profilaxia. MéTODOS: Para esse estudo transversal, foram avaliadas 225 pacientes utilizando entrevistas presenciais, documentação de pré-natal e prontuário eletrônico. Os dados foram armazenados usando o software Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). As taxas de prevalência foram estimadas pela presença de anticorpos IgG reativos contra o Toxoplasma gondii. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do teste do qui-quadrado e cálculo do odds ratio (OR). A sororreatividade ao T. gondii e as variáveis de exposição (idade, escolaridade e paridade) foram analisadas, utilizando-se intervalo de confiança (IC95%) e nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: A taxa de soropositividade para T. gondii foi de 40%. Não houve associação entre soroprevalência e idade. A primiparidade foi fator de proteção contra a soropositividade e a baixa escolaridade foi fator de risco. CONCLUSãO: O conhecimento da infecção por T. gondii e suas formas de transmissão foi significativamente limitado, apresentando risco para toxoplasmose materna aguda e transmissão vertical desse protozoário. Aumentar o nível de escolaridade quanto ao risco de toxoplasmose durante a gravidez pode reduzir as taxas de infecção e transmissão vertical desse parasita.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Puerperal Women Treated at a Tertiary Referral Hospital / Soroprevalência de toxoplasmose em puérperas atendidas em um hospital terciário de referência

Abstract Objective To evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among puerperal women cared for at a tertiary university hospital and the level of understanding of these puerperal women about toxoplasmosis, vertical transmission, and its prophylaxis. Methods For this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 225 patients using presential interviews, prenatal documentation, and electronic medical records. Data were stored using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software. Prevalence rates were estimated by the presence of reactive IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test and calculation of the odds ratio (OR). Seroreactivity to T. gondii and exposure variables (age, educational level, and parity) were analyzed using a confidence interval (95%CI) and a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). Results The seropositivity rate for T. gondii was 40%. There was no association between seroprevalence and age. Primiparity was a protective factor against seropositivity and low education was a risk factor. Conclusion Knowledge of T. gondii infection and its transmission forms was significantly limited, presenting a risk for acute maternal toxoplasmosis and vertical transmission of this protozoan. Increasing the education level regarding the risk of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy could reduce the rates of infection and vertical transmission of this parasite.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a soroprevalência de toxoplasmose entre puérperas atendidas em um hospital universitário terciário e o nível de compreensão dessas puérperas sobre toxoplasmose, transmissão vertical e sua profilaxia. Métodos Para esse estudo transversal, foram avaliadas 225 pacientes utilizando entrevistas presenciais, documentação de pré-natal e prontuário eletrônico. Os dados foram armazenados usando o software Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). As taxas de prevalência foram estimadas pela presença de anticorpos IgG reativos contra o Toxoplasma gondii. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do teste do qui-quadrado e cálculo do odds ratio (OR). A sororreatividade ao T. gondii e as variáveis de exposição (idade, escolaridade e paridade) foram analisadas, utilizando-se intervalo de confiança (IC95%) e nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados A taxa de soropositividade para T. gondii foi de 40%. Não houve associação entre soroprevalência e idade. A primiparidade foi fator de proteção contra a soropositividade e a baixa escolaridade foi fator de risco. Conclusão O conhecimento da infecção por T. gondii e suas formas de transmissão foi significativamente limitado, apresentando risco para toxoplasmose materna aguda e transmissão vertical desse protozoário. Aumentar o nível de escolaridade quanto ao risco de toxoplasmose durante a gravidez pode reduzir as taxas de infecção e transmissão vertical desse parasita.

Applying a physiotherapy protocol to women during the active phase of labor improves obstetrical outcomes: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Labor is a physiological process triggered by mechanical and hormonal events that promote uterine contractions to expel the fetus. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a nonpharmacologic childbirth care protocol in women in the active phase of labor in improving obstetrical and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This was a randomized trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis. A total of 80 low-risk primigravida women at the end of pregnancy admitted at the beginning of the active phase of labor participated in the study. The participants were divided into an experimental group (n=40) and a control group (n=40). Women in the experimental group received 4 interventions: ambulation at 4 to 6 cm of cervical dilation, alternation of maternal postures, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at 6 to 7 cm, and a warm shower bath at >7 cm. The control group received only routine obstetrical care during labor. The parturient could request pharmacologic analgesia at any time during the study. The main outcome measures were the duration of the active phase of the first stage of labor, the duration of the expulsive phase of labor, and the prevalence of labor dystocia as assessed by the partograph. The researchers collected other maternal and neonatal data from official birth records. RESULTS: The parturients who received the nonpharmacologic protocol had a shorter active phase of the first stage of labor (444 minutes in the control group and 373 minutes in the experimental group; P=.02), presented rupture of membranes later in labor (7 cm in the control group and 8 cm in the experimental group; P<.01), requested pharmacologic analgesia with more significant cervical dilation (5 cm in the control group and 8 cm in the experimental group; P<.01), requested fewer additional doses of analgesics, and had lower labor dystocia rates than the patients in the control group. In addition, there was no difference in other maternal and perinatal variables between the control group and the experimental group. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a sequential nonpharmacologic protocol composed of ambulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with change of upright positions, and warm shower bath has the potential to reduce labor pain, as reflected in decreased and delayed use of pharmacologic analgesia and reduced duration of the active phase of labor and dystocia rates. Maternity hospitals should provide this protocol, and women should be encouraged to request this childbirth care protocol.

Proteases and HPV-Induced Carcinogenesis.

Persistent infection with Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main etiologic factor for pre-malignant and malignant cervical lesions. Moreover, HPV is also associated with oropharynx and other anogenital carcinomas. Cancer-causing HPV viruses classified as group 1 carcinogens include 12 HPV types, with HPV 16 and 18 being the most prevalent. High-risk HPVs express two oncoproteins, E6 and E7, the products of which are responsible for the inhibition of p53 and pRB proteins, respectively, in human keratinocytes and cellular immortalization. p53 and pRB are pleiotropic proteins that regulate the activity of several signaling pathways and gene expression. Among the important factors that are augmented in HPV-mediated carcinogenesis, proteases not only control processes involved in cellular carcinogenesis but also control the microenvironment. For instance, genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) are associated with carcinoma invasiveness. Similarly, the serine protease inhibitors hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1 (HAI-1) and -2 (HAI-2) have been identified as prognostic markers for HPV-dependent cervical carcinomas. This review highlights the most crucial mechanisms involved in HPV-dependent carcinogenesis, and includes a section on the proteolytic cascades that are important for the progression of this disease and their impact on patient health, treatment, and survival.

Is it Necessary to Evaluate Fear of Childbirth in Pregnant Women? A Scoping Review / É necessário avaliar o medo do parto em gestantes? Uma revisão de escopo

Abstract Objective To review concepts, definitions, and findings about fear of childbirth (FOC). Methods A bibliographic review was carried out through the main scientific databases in 2020. Results All 32 articles considered potentially relevant were analyzed. A recent study suggests that the global prevalence of FOC can reach up to 14%. Factors such as parity, gestational age, previous birth experience, age and nationality of the woman seem to influence FOC. Conclusion Fear of childbirth could be related to an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes such as maternal request for cesarean delivery, preterm birth, prolonged labor, postpartum depression, and post-traumatic stress. These evidence highlight the importance of the discussion regarding this topic.

Resumo Objetivo Revisar conceitos, definições e achados sobre medo do parto (MDP). Métodos Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica nas principais bases de dados científicas em 2020. Resultados Foram analisados todos os 32 artigos considerados potencialmente relevantes. Um estudo recente sugere que a prevalência global do MDP pode chegar a 14%. Fatores como paridade, idade gestacional, experiência anterior de parto, idade da mulher e nacionalidade parecem influenciar o MDC. Conclusão O MDC pode estar relacionado ao aumento do risco de desfechos obstétricos adversos, como solicitação materna de cesariana, parto prematuro, trabalho de parto prolongado, depressão pós-parto e estresse pós-traumático. Estas evidências destacam a importância da discussão sobre este tema.

Is it Necessary to Evaluate Fear of Childbirth in Pregnant Women? A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: To review concepts, definitions, and findings about fear of childbirth (FOC). METHODS: A bibliographic review was carried out through the main scientific databases in 2020. RESULTS: All 32 articles considered potentially relevant were analyzed. A recent study suggests that the global prevalence of FOC can reach up to 14%. Factors such as parity, gestational age, previous birth experience, age and nationality of the woman seem to influence FOC. CONCLUSION: Fear of childbirth could be related to an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes such as maternal request for cesarean delivery, preterm birth, prolonged labor, postpartum depression, and post-traumatic stress. These evidence highlight the importance of the discussion regarding this topic.

OBJETIVO: Revisar conceitos, definições e achados sobre medo do parto (MDP). MéTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica nas principais bases de dados científicas em 2020. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados todos os 32 artigos considerados potencialmente relevantes. Um estudo recente sugere que a prevalência global do MDP pode chegar a 14%. Fatores como paridade, idade gestacional, experiência anterior de parto, idade da mulher e nacionalidade parecem influenciar o MDC. CONCLUSãO: O MDC pode estar relacionado ao aumento do risco de desfechos obstétricos adversos, como solicitação materna de cesariana, parto prematuro, trabalho de parto prolongado, depressão pós-parto e estresse pós-traumático. Estas evidências destacam a importância da discussão sobre este tema.

COVID-19 Vaccines Confer Protection in Hospitalized Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had deleterious effects among the obstetric population. Pregnant and postpartum women constitute a high-risk group for severe COVID-19. Vaccination reduces the risk of infection, but it is not known whether women who become infected despite vaccination have a milder course of disease than those who had not been vaccinated. This retrospective cohort study evaluated whether vaccination reduces the severity of COVID-19 infection, as measured by severe maternal morbidity and mortality among hospitalized pregnant and postpartum individuals. A total of 2284 pregnant and postpartum women hospitalized with severe COVID-19 were included. Those who did and who did not receive COVID-19 vaccination were compared. The rates of intensive care unit admission, intubation, and mortality were significantly lower among subjects in the vaccinated group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The numbers of patients who needed to be vaccinated to avoid one case of intensive care unit admission, intubation, or death due to COVID-19 were 7, 7, and 9, respectively. The COVID-19 vaccine offers protective effects against intensive care unit admission, intubation, and death in hospitalized pregnant and postpartum women with severe SARS-CoV-2-induced SARS.

Assistance to Victims of Sexual Violence in a Referral Service: A 10-Year Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the assistance provided to women victims of sexual violence and their participation in the follow-up treatment after the traumatic event, presenting a sociodemographic profile, gynecological background, and circumstances of the event, and reporting the results, acceptance, and side effects of prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study comprising the period between 2007 and 2016. All women receiving medical care and clinical follow-up after a severe episode of sexual violence were included. Records of domestic violence, male victims, children, and adolescents who reported consensual sexual activity were excluded. The present study included descriptive statistics as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: A total of 867 medical records were reviewed and 444 cases of sexual violence were included. The age of the victims ranged from 10 to 77 years old, most of them self-declared white, with between 4 and 8 years of education, and denying having a sexual partner. Sexual violence occurred predominantly at night, on public thoroughfare, being committed by an unknown offender. Most victims were assisted at the referral service center within 72 hours after the violence, enabling the recommended prophylaxis. There was high acceptance of antiretroviral therapy (ART), although half of the users reported side effects. Seroconversion to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or to hepatitis B virus (HBV) was not detected in women undergoing prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: In the present cohort, the profile of victims of sexual violence was low-educated, young, white women. The traumatic event occurred predominantly at night, on public thoroughfare, being committed by an unknown offender. Assistance within the first 72 hours after sexual violence enables the healthcare center to provide prophylactic interventions against STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a assistência prestada às mulheres vítimas de violência sexual e seu acompanhamento após o evento traumático, caracterizando o perfil sociodemográfico, antecedentes ginecológicos e circunstâncias do evento, além de relatar a aceitação e os efeitos colaterais da profilaxia para infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) e a ocorrência de gravidez resultante da violência sexual. MéTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo compreendendo o período entre 2007 e 2016. Foram incluídas todas as mulheres em acompanhamento médico e clínico após episódio de violência sexual. Foram excluídos registros de violência doméstica, vítimas do sexo masculino e crianças e adolescentes que relataram atividade sexual consensual. O estudo incluiu estatísticas descritivas, com frequências e percentuais. RESULTADOS: Foram revisados 867 prontuários e 444 casos de violência sexual foram incluídos. A faixa etária foi 10 a 77 anos; a maioria das vítimas se autodeclarou branca, com entre 4 e 8 anos de escolaridade, e negou ter um parceiro sexual fixo. A violência sexual ocorreu predominantemente à noite, em via pública, por um agressor desconhecido. A maioria foi atendida no serviço de referência em até 72 horas após a violência, possibilitando profilaxias preconizadas. Houve alta aceitação da terapia antirretroviral (TARV), embora metade das usuárias relatasse efeitos colaterais. A soroconversão para o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV, na sigla em inglês) ou para o vírus da hepatite B (HBV, na sigla em inglês) não foi detectada entre as vítimas. CONCLUSãO: Nesta coorte, o perfil das vítimas de violência sexual foi de mulheres brancas, de baixa escolaridade, e jovens. O evento traumático ocorreu predominantemente à noite, em via pública, por um agressor desconhecido. A assistência nas primeiras 72 horas após a violência sexual permite que o serviço de saúde realize intervenções profiláticas contra ISTs e gravidez indesejada.

Assistance to Victims of Sexual Violence in a Referral Service: A 10-Year Experience / Assistência a vítimas de violência sexual em um serviço de referência: Uma experiência de 10 Anos

Abstract Objective To evaluate the assistance provided to women victims of sexual violence and their participation in the follow-up treatment after the traumatic event, presenting a sociodemographic profile, gynecological background, and circumstances of the event, and reporting the results, acceptance, and side effects of prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. Methods A retrospective cohort study comprising the period between 2007 and 2016. All women receiving medical care and clinical follow-up after a severe episode of sexual violence were included. Records of domestic violence, male victims, children, and adolescents who reported consensual sexual activity were excluded. The present study included descriptive statistics as frequencies and percentages. Results A total of 867medical records were reviewed and 444 cases of sexual violence were included. The age of the victims ranged from10 to 77 years old, most of them selfdeclared white, with between 4 and 8 years of education, and denying having a sexual partner. Sexual violence occurred predominantly at night, on public thoroughfare, being committed by an unknown offender. Most victims were assisted at the referral service center within 72 hours after the violence, enabling the recommended prophylaxis. There was high acceptance of antiretroviral therapy (ART), although half of the users reported side effects. Seroconversion to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or to hepatitis B virus (HBV) was not detected in women undergoing prophylaxis. Conclusion In the present cohort, the profile of victims of sexual violence was loweducated, young, white women. The traumatic event occurred predominantly at night, on public thoroughfare, being committed by an unknown offender. Assistance within the first 72 hours after sexual violence enables the healthcare center to provide prophylactic interventions against STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a assistência prestada às mulheres vítimas de violência sexual e seu acompanhamento após o evento traumático, caracterizando o perfil sociodemográfico, antecedentes ginecológicos e circunstâncias do evento, além de relatar a aceitação e os efeitos colaterais da profilaxia para infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) e a ocorrência de gravidez resultante da violência sexual. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo compreendendo o período entre 2007 e 2016. Foram incluídas todas as mulheres em acompanhamento médico e clínico após episódio de violência sexual. Foram excluídos registros de violência doméstica, vítimas do sexo masculino e crianças e adolescentes que relataram atividade sexual consensual. O estudo incluiu estatísticas descritivas, com frequências e percentuais. Resultados Foram revisados 867 prontuários e 444 casos de violência sexual foram incluídos. A faixa etária foi 10 a 77 anos; a maioria das vítimas se autodeclarou branca, com entre 4 e 8 anos de escolaridade, e negou ter um parceiro sexual fixo. A violência sexual ocorreu predominantemente à noite, em via pública, por um agressor desconhecido. A maioria foi atendida no serviço de referência em até 72 horas após a violência, possibilitando profilaxias preconizadas. Houve alta aceitação da terapia antirretroviral (TARV), embora metade das usuárias relatasse efeitos colaterais. A soroconversão para o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV, na sigla em inglês) ou para o vírus da hepatite B (HBV, na sigla em inglês) não foi detectada entre as vítimas. Conclusão Nesta coorte, o perfil das vítimas de violência sexual foi de mulheres brancas, de baixa escolaridade, e jovens. O evento traumático ocorreu predominantemente à noite, em via pública, por um agressor desconhecido. A assistência nas primeiras 72 horas após a violência sexual permite que o serviço de saúde realize intervenções profiláticas contra ISTs e gravidez indesejada.

Chlamydia trachomatis lower genital tract infection and spontaneous preterm birth: a case-control study nested in the BRISA cohort / Infecção genital do trato genital inferior por Chlamydia trachomatis e parto pré-termo espontâneo: um estudo caso-controle aninhado na coorte BRISA

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a sexually transmitted bacterium that is highly prevalent in young patients. Chlamydial infections during the gestational period have been associated with adverse obstetric outcomes, such as spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). However, results in the literature are inconclusive. Objective: To evaluate the association between CT infection and sPTB. Methods: This was a case-control study nested in the cohort of the prospective Brazilian Ribeirão Preto and São Luís birth cohort study. Pregnant patients were recruited in private and public health clinics in São Luís and Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. At the gestational age of 20-25 weeks, cervicovaginal fluid samples were collected for the diagnosis of CT using a polymerase chain reaction. Plasma levels of Transforming Growth Factor-α (TGF- α), Interferon-γ (IFN- γ), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-13, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF- α), and TNF-ß were measured using a multiplex assay. Results: Of the 561 pregnant patients evaluated, 121 had sPTB and 440 had a full-term delivery (control group). According to our results, CT infection was not associated with sPTB (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.50­2.56); however, it was more frequent among younger patients (p=0.0078), unmarried patients (p=0.0144), and those with multiple sexual partners (p=0.0299). There were no significant differences in the immune mediators between patients with sPTB or full-term deliveries, or between patients with or without a CT infection. Conclusion: In conclusion, CT infection was not associated with sPTB in our study. However, its correlation with younger pregnant patients suggests that these patients require careful clinical management.

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) é uma bactéria sexualmente transmissível com alta prevalência em mulheres jovens. As infecções por CT durante o período gestacional têm sido associadas com desfechos obstétricos adversos como o parto pré-termo espontâneo (PPTe). No entanto, os achados na literatura sobre essa temática ainda são inconclusivos. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre infecção por CT e PPTe. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle aninhado na coorte prospectiva de nascimentos de Ribeirão Preto e São Luís (acrônimo BRISA em inglês). As gestantes incluídas foram recrutadas com idade gestacional entre 20 e 25 semanas em serviços de saúde públicos e privados de São Luis e Ribeirão Preto, Brasil. O diagnóstico de CT foi feito por reação em cadeia da polimerase em amostras de conteúdo cervicovaginal coletadas no momento da inclusão no estudo. Também foram dosados os níveis séricos de fator transformador de crescimento-α (TGF- α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleucina-10 (IL-10), IL-13, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α) e TNF-ß por ensaio multiplex. Resultados: Das 561 gestantes avaliadas, 121 tiveram PPTe e 440 tiveram parto a termo (grupo controle). De acordo com nossos resultados, a infecção por CT não esteve associada ao PPTe (odds ratio 1,13; intervalo de confiança de 95%, 0,50­2,56); no entanto, ela foi mais frequente entre as gestantes mais jovens (p=0,0078), solteiras e divorciadas (p=0,0144) e aquelas com múltiplos parceiros sexuais (p=0,0299). Não houve diferença significativa quanto aos imunomediadores entre o grupo com PPTe e controle nem entre as gestantes com diagnóstico positive para CT e as que não apresentavam a infecção. Conclusão: No presente estudo, a infecção por CT não esteve associada ao PPTe, no entanto sua relação com gestantes jovens sugere que essa população requeira maiores cuidados e atenção no manejo clínico.