Clinical characteristics, complications, and predictive model of histological chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

We aimed to analyze the impact of histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) in the presence of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) on obstetric and neonatal outcomes, and its possible predictability. A retrospective cohort analysis of PPROM cases (20-37 weeks) was conducted comparing the patients with and without HCA, seeking a predictive model of HCA using logistic regression. A total of 295 cases of PPROM were selected, of which 72 (24.4%) had HCA. The group with HCA had a shorter latency period and a greater number of clinical and laboratory criteria in the evolution. The group with HCA had a worse comparative result and presented: lower gestational age at delivery, lower average birth weight, lower Apgar scores, longer neonatal hospitalization, worse maternal clinical conditions and, higher rates of stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), complications in pregnancy and childbirth, and cesarean delivery due to fetal distress or chorioamnionitis. A predictive model for HCA was developed, with the following independent variables: abdominal pain (odds ratio [OR] = 11.61), uterine activity (noticeable contractions on physical exam) (OR = 5.97), fever (OR = 5.77), latency > 3 days (OR = 2.13), and C-reactive protein (OR = 1.01). With this model, an adequate receiver operating characteristic curve was found, with an area under the curve of 0.726, and some HCA probability curves were constructed for different clinical situations. In this novel study, we present a non-invasive predictive model, with clinical and laboratory variables, which may help in decision-making in a patient with PPROM.

Current evidence of SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current scientific evidence of vertical transmission related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: An integrative review was performed by two independent researchers, based on the literature available in the MEDLINE (via PubMed) and LILACS databases, using the descriptors "pregnancy" AND "COVID-19" AND "vertical transmission". This search included case reports or case series published up until 17th June 2020 in English or Portuguese. After reading the articles available in their entirety, those related specifically to the potential risks of vertical transmission of COVID-19 during pregnancy were selected. We initially found a total of 57 articles; 26 were carefully screened and 15 were finally selected. RESULTS: Pregnancy can make women more susceptible to infections, especially by viral pathogens, given the various physiological and immunological changes that occur to maintain maternal-fetal balance. It is speculated that the fetus may be a possible target for COVID-19. Few studies (3 out of 15) in our analysis have found positive results for SARS-CoV-2 in fetal membranes, placenta, and in newborns right after birth. Additionally, no difference was noticed when comparing different modes of delivery, and seems reasonable to assume that pregnant women with stable clinical conditions can be encouraged for vaginal delivery. CONCLUSION: Further studies with a great number of cases are warranted to elucidate whether the virus may be vertically transmitted to the fetus and if any maternal conditions can influence that. Our findings seem to demonstrate that vertical transmission is possible but quite unusual.

Immunological aspects of coronavirus disease during pregnancy: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE To review the immunological aspects of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in pregnancy, based on the scientific evidence currently available. METHODS An integrative review was performed by two independent researchers, based on the literature available in the MEDLINE (via PubMed) and LILACS databases, using the descriptors "pregnancy" and "COVID-19". This search included articles published up until 14th April 2020 published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. After reading the articles available in their entirety, those related specifically to the immunological aspects of the disease in pregnancy were selected. We initially found a total of 62 articles; 52 were accessed in full-text, and 5 were finally selected. RESULTS Pregnant women are more affected by respiratory diseases possibly because of physiological, immune, and anatomical changes. Some studies highlight the important shift to a T-helper lymphocyte type 2 (Th2) immune response in pregnancy, as a potential contributor to the severity in cases of COVID-19. Additionally, the cytokine storm present in severe cases leads to an increased inflammatory state, which may deteriorate the clinical prognosis in this population. Therefore, pregnant women may represent a vulnerable group to COVID-19 infection, primarily due to the immune imbalance in the maternal-fetal interface. CONCLUSION Maternal immune response probably plays an important role in the pathophysiology of this infection, although some details remain unsolved. Although further studies are needed to deeply investigate the immunological aspects of the disease in pregnancy, our findings may provide insights into the possible immune mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in pregnancy.

Parameters Associated with Adverse Fetal Outcomes in Parvovirus B19 Congenital Infection.

Objective To investigate the clinical and sonographic parameters associated with adverse fetal outcomes in patients with congenital parvovirus B19 infection managed by intrauterine transfusion. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study conducted from January 2005 to December 2016 that assessed patients with singleton pregnancies with fetal parvovirus infection confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction of the amniotic fluid or fetal blood samples who underwent at least one intrauterine transfusion. The maternal characteristics, sonographic findings and parameters related to intrauterine transfusion were compared between the two groups (recovery/non-recovery), who were categorized based on fetal response after in-utero transfusions. Progression to fetal death or delivery without fetal recovery after the transfusions was considered non-recovery and categorized as an adverse outcome. Results The final analysis included ten singleton pregnancies: seven of which were categorized into the recovery group and three of which into the non-recovery group. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. All fetuses were hydropic at the time of diagnosis. No significant differences related to sonographic or intrauterine transfusion parameters were identified between the groups; however, the non-recovery group tended to have an increased number of sonographic markers and lower fetal hemoglobin and platelet levels before the transfusion. Conclusion We were unable to firmly establish the clinical or sonographic parameters associated with adverse fetal outcomes in patients with parvovirus infection managed with intrauterine transfusions; however, edema, placental thickening and oligohydramnios may indicate greater fetal compromise and, subsequently, adverse outcomes. However, further studies are necessary, mainly due to the small number of cases analyzed in the present study.

Objetivo Investigar os parâmetros clínicos e ultrassonográficos associados ao desfecho fetal adverso em pacientes com infecção congênita por parvovírus B19 manejada por meio de transfusão intrauterina. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de um único centro realizado entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2016, que avaliou pacientes com gestação única com infecção fetal por parvovírus confirmada por reação em cadeia da polimerase de líquido amniótico ou amostras de sangue fetal submetidas a pelo menos uma transfusão intrauterina. As características maternas, os achados ultrassonográficos e os parâmetros relacionados à transfusão intrauterina foram comparados entre os dois grupos (recuperação/não recuperação), que foram categorizados com base na resposta fetal após transfusão intrauterina. A progressão para morte fetal ou parto sem recuperação fetal após transfusões foi considerada não recuperação, e categorizada como um desfecho adverso. Resultados A análise final incluiu dez gravidezes únicas: sete foram categorizadas no grupo de recuperação, e três, no grupo de não recuperação. As características basais foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Todos os fetos estavam hidrópicos no momento do diagnóstico. Não foram identificadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos em relação aos parâmetros ultrassonográficos ou os das transfusões intrauterinas; Entretanto, o grupo de não recuperação tendeu a ter um número aumentado de marcadores ultrassonográficos e níveis mais baixos de hemoglobina e plaquetas fetais antes da transfusão. Conclusão Não foi possível estabelecer firmemente os parâmetros clínicos ou ultrassonográficos associados ao desfecho fetal adverso em pacientes com infecção por parvovírus manejada por meio de transfusões intrauterinas. Entretanto, edema de pele, espessamento placentário e oligoidrâmnio podem indicar maior comprometimento fetal e, posteriormente, desfechos fetais adversos. No entanto, estudos adicionais são necessários, principalmente devido ao pequeno número de casos analisados neste estudo.

Parameters Associated with Adverse Fetal Outcomes in Parvovirus B19 Congenital Infection / Parâmetros associados a desfechos fetais adversos na infecção congênita pelo parvovírus B19

Abstract Objective To investigate the clinical and sonographic parameters associated with adverse fetal outcomes in patients with congenital parvovirus B19 infection managed by intrauterine transfusion. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study conducted from January 2005 to December 2016 that assessed patients with singleton pregnancies with fetal parvovirus infection confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction of the amniotic fluid or fetal blood samples who underwent at least one intrauterine transfusion. The maternal characteristics, sonographic findings and parameters related to intrauterine transfusion were compared between the two groups (recovery/non-recovery), who were categorized based on fetal response after in-utero transfusions. Progression to fetal death or delivery without fetal recovery after the transfusions was considered nonrecovery and categorized as an adverse outcome. Results The final analysis included ten singleton pregnancies: seven of which were categorized into the recovery group and three of which into the non-recovery group. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. All fetuses were hydropic at the time of diagnosis. No significant differences related to sonographic or intrauterine transfusion parameters were identified between the groups; however, the nonrecovery group tended to have an increased number of sonographic markers and lower fetal hemoglobin and platelet levels before the transfusion. Conclusion We were unable to firmly establish the clinical or sonographic parameters associated with adverse fetal outcomes in patients with parvovirus infection managed with intrauterine transfusions; however, edema, placental thickening and oligohydramnios may indicate greater fetal compromise and, subsequently, adverse outcomes. However, further studies are necessary, mainly due to the small number of cases analyzed in the present study.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar os parâmetros clínicos e ultrassonográficos associados ao desfecho fetal adverso em pacientes com infecção congênita por parvovírus B19 manejada por meio de transfusão intrauterina. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de um único centro realizado entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2016, que avaliou pacientes com gestação única com infecção fetal por parvovírus confirmada por reação em cadeia da polimerase de líquido amniótico ou amostras de sangue fetal submetidas a pelo menos uma transfusão intrauterina. As características maternas, os achados ultrassonográficos e os parâmetros relacionados à transfusão intrauterina foram comparados entre os dois grupos (recuperação/não recuperação), que foram categorizados com base na resposta fetal após transfusão intrauterina. A progressão para morte fetal ou parto sem recuperação fetal após transfusões foi considerada não recuperação, e categorizada como um desfecho adverso. Resultados A análise final incluiu dez gravidezes únicas: sete foram categorizadas no grupo de recuperação, e três, no grupo de não recuperação. As características basais foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Todos os fetos estavam hidrópicos no momento do diagnóstico. Não foram identificadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos em relação aos parâmetros ultrassonográficos ou os das transfusões intrauterinas; Entretanto, o grupo de não recuperação tendeu a ter um número aumentado demarcadores ultrassonográficos e níveis mais baixos de hemoglobina e plaquetas fetais antes da transfusão. Conclusão Não foi possível estabelecer firmemente os parâmetros clínicos ou ultrassonográficos associados ao desfecho fetal adverso em pacientes com infecção por parvovírus manejada por meio de transfusões intrauterinas. Entretanto, edema de pele, espessamento placentário e oligoidrâmnio podem indicar maior comprometimento fetal e, posteriormente, desfechos fetais adversos. No entanto, estudos adicionais são necessários, principalmente devido ao pequeno número de casos analisados neste estudo.

Methanol extract from mycelium of endophytic fungus Rhizoctonia sp. induces antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in mice.

The present study aimed to elucidate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanol extract from the mycelium of the endophytic fungus Rhizoctonia sp. (MEMRh) in mice. The antinociceptive activity was assessed using the abdominal constriction, hot plate, and formalin tests. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using a murine model of paw edema. Intraperitoneal administration of MEMRh (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) produced an inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing in mice for at least 8 h. In addition, all doses tested of the methanol extract were able to prevent thermal nociception in the hot-plate test. Furthermore, treatment with MEMRh (10 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited both the early and late phases of formalin-induced nociception. This antinociceptive effect exhibited by MEMRh in the formalin test was reversed by the systemic administration of naloxone. MEMRh produced inhibition in a carrageenan-induced edema model at a dose of 10 mg/kg. The same extract also displayed significant activity against a histamine- or PGE(2)-induced edema model. The experimental data demonstrated that MEMRh showed remarkable anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Further studies are warranted to define and isolate the active anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive components from this endophytic fungus, which may yield effective agents for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.