scholarly journals Neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants secondary to in utero exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection: A national prospective study in Kuwait

Author(s):  
Mariam Ayed ◽  
Alia Embaireeg ◽  
Mais Kartam ◽  
Kiran More ◽  
Mafaza Alqallaf ◽  
...  

Background An increasing proportion of women are being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during pregnancy. Intrauterine viral infections induce an increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which inhibit the proliferation of neuronal precursor cells and stimulate oligodendrocyte cell death, leading to abnormal neurodevelopment. Whether a maternal cytokine storm can affect neonatal brain development is unclear. The objective of the present study is to assess neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy. Methods In this prospective cohort study, the neurodevelopment status of infants (N=298) born to women with SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy was assessed at 10-12 months post-discharge using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 3rd edition (ASQ-3). The ASQ-3 scores were classified into developmental delays (cutoff score: ≤2 standard deviations (SDs) below the population mean) and no delay (score >2 SDs above the population mean). Results Approximately 10% of infants born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy showed developmental delays. Two of 298 infants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and both had normal ASQ-3 scores. The majority of the pregnant women had SARS-CoV-2 infection during their third trimester. The risk of developmental delays among infants was higher in those whose mothers had SARS-CoV-2 infections during the first (P=0.039) and second trimesters (P=0.001) than in those whose mothers had SARS-CoV-2 infections during the third trimester. Infants born at <31 weeks gestation were more prone to developmental delays than those born at >31 weeks gestation (10% versus 0.8%; P=0.002). Conclusion The findings of the study highlight the need for long-term neurodevelopmental assessment of infants born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Author(s):  
Steven L. Shein ◽  
Elizabeth Roth ◽  
Elizabeth Pace ◽  
Katherine N. Slain ◽  
Deanne Wilson-Costello

AbstractBronchiolitis is a common pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) illness and often affects generally healthy children, making it a promising disease in which to study long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. We previously found that approximately 15% of critical bronchiolitis patients have evidence of post-PICU morbidity using coarse definitions available in administrative data sets. In this study, we measured neurodevelopmental outcomes using four more precise tools. Children who had previously been admitted to our PICU with bronchiolitis were included; those with evidence of developmental delay at PICU admission were excluded. Approximately 1 to 2 years after PICU discharge, the parent of each subject completed two questionnaires (Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test). Each subject also underwent two in-person assessments administered by a certified examiner (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition, and the Amiel-Tison neurological assessment). For each domain of each test, a score of > 1 standard deviation below the norm for the subject's age defined “moderate” disability and a score ≥ 2 standard deviations below the norm defined “severe” disability. Eighteen subjects (median ages of 3.7 months at PICU admission and 2.3 years at testing) were enrolled, 17 of whom were supported by high-flow nasal cannula and/or mechanical ventilation. Fifteen children (83%) scored abnormally on ≥ 1test. Eight children (44%) had disabilities in ≥ 3 domains and/or ≥ 1 severe disability identified. Our findings that motor, language, and cognitive disabilities are commonly observed months to years after critical bronchiolitis require larger studies to confirm this finding, assess causality, and identify modifiable risk factors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S17-S17
Author(s):  
Julian Wier ◽  
Ian F Hulsebos ◽  
Haig A Yenikomshian ◽  
Justin Gillenwater

Abstract Introduction Inhalation injury (INHI) has strong associations with increased rates of in-patient mortality and pneumonia. Data describing long-term health outcomes after inhalation injury are scarce and the true sequelae are largely unknown. The aim of the study is to review long-term pulmonary outcomes in inhalation injury patients. We hypothesize that INHI patients are at greater risk of developing long-term pulmonary sequelae. Methods We present a retrospective case-control of burn patients admitted to an ABA certified facility. We included burn patients with or without medically confirmed INHI who were admitted between 06/2016 to 11/2019 and were part of the regional Department of Health Services (DHS) system. The experimental group was patients with bronchoscopy confirmed INHI. The control groups were ventilated patients with confirmed non-inhalation injury (V) and non-ventilated patients with confirmed non-inhalation injury (NV). These were matched for age, TBSA, sex, previous comorbid pulmonary disease, and smoking status. Primary study outcomes were rates of post-discharge pulmonary sequelae, including ineffective airway clearance, infections, shortness of breath, and malignancy. Secondary outcomes included rates of post-discharge surgeries and readmission, post-discharge non-pulmonary sequelae, and post-discharge days to pulmonary/non-pulmonary sequelae. Results The study population included 33 INHI, 45 V, and 50 NV patients. There were no significant differences in age (P=.98), sex (P=.68), TBSA (P=.18), pulmonary comorbidity (P=.5), or smoking status (P=.92). Outpatient pulmonary sequelae were significantly higher for both INHI and V groups as compared to NV (21% and 17% vs 4%, P=.023, .043). The number of days from discharge to pulmonary sequelae was significantly shorter in the INHI group versus the V group (162±139 days vs 513±314 days, P=.024). Multinomial logistic regression for both INHI and V groups using the variables comorbid pulmonary disease, smoking status, and inpatient course and complications, indicated no effect on post-discharge pulmonary sequelae (all P &gt;.05). All other measures were not significant when comparing INHI to V or NV (all P &gt;.05). Conclusions Both INHI and V groups resulted in higher rates of outpatient pulmonary sequelae independent of inpatient course as compared to NV. While outpatient pulmonary sequelae were not significantly different between INHI and V, the INHI patients presented with complaints earlier. Thus one can conclude that ventilation alone is a significant contributing factor for the long-term pulmonary sequelae reported in this patient population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-334
Author(s):  
Soo Jin Han ◽  
Seung Mi Lee ◽  
Sohee Oh ◽  
Subeen Hong ◽  
Jeong Won Oh ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundIn monochorionic twin pregnancy, placental anastomosis and inter-twin blood transfusion can result in specific complications, such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). It is well established that adverse outcomes are increased in TTTS, but reports on the neonatal and long-term outcomes of TAPS are lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes in spontaneous TAPS.MethodsThe study population consisted of monochorionic twin pregnancies with preterm birth (24–37 weeks of gestation) between November 2003 and December 2016 and in which cord blood was taken at the time of delivery. According to the result of hemoglobin in cord blood, the study population was divided into two groups: a spontaneous TAPS group and a control group. Neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsDuring the study period, 11 cases were diagnosed as spontaneous TAPS (6.4%). The TAPS group had lower gestational age at delivery and had a higher risk for cesarean delivery. However, neonates with TAPS were not at an increased risk for neonatal mortality and significant neonatal morbidity. In addition, the frequency of severe cerebral lesion during the neonatal period and the risk of cerebral palsy at 2 years of age were not different between the two groups.ConclusionThe spontaneous TAPS diagnosed by postnatal diagnostic criteria was not associated with the increased risk of adverse neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the morbidity of antenatally diagnosed TAPS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamyar Khoshnevisan ◽  
Hassan Maleki ◽  
Hadi Baharifar

Abstract The effectiveness of silver nanomaterials (AgNMs), as antiviral agents, has been confirmed in humans against many different types of viruses. Nanobiocides-based AgNMs can be effectively applied to eliminate coronaviruses (CoVs), as the cause of various diseases in animals and humans, particularly the fatal human respiratory infections. Mostly, these NMs act effectively against CoVs, thanks to the NMs’ fundamental anti-viral structures like reactive oxygen species (ROS), and photo-dynamic and photo-thermal abilities. Particularly, the antiviral activity of AgNMs is clarified under three inhibitory mechanisms including viral entry limitation, attachment inhibition, and viral replication limitation. It is believed that nanobiocide with other possible materials such as TiO2, silica and, carbon NMs exclusively nano-graphene materials can emerge as a more effective disinfectant for long-term stability with low toxicity than common disinfectants. Nanobiocides also can be applied for the prevention and treatment of viral infections specifically against COVID-19. Graphic Abstract


Author(s):  
Neil Derridj ◽  
Romain Guedj ◽  
Johanna Calderon ◽  
Lucile Houyel ◽  
Nathalie Lelong ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 345-346
Author(s):  
Michael K. Mwaniki ◽  
Maurine Atieno ◽  
Joy E. Lawn ◽  
Charles R. J. C. Newton

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1383-1394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tori L. Schaefer ◽  
Curtis E. Grace ◽  
Amanda A. Braun ◽  
Robyn M. Amos-Kroohs ◽  
Devon L. Graham ◽  
...  

Abstract We previously showed that developmental 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) treatment induces long-term spatial and egocentric learning and memory deficits and serotonin (5-HT) reductions. During brain development, 5-HT is a neurotrophic factor influencing neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, migration, and target field organization. MDMA (10 mg/kg × 4/d at 2 h intervals) given on post-natal day (PD) 11–20 in rats (a period of limbic system development that approximates human third trimester brain development) induces 50% reductions in 5-HT during treatment and 20% reductions when assessed as adults. To determine whether the 5-HT reduction is responsible for the cognitive deficits, we used citalopram (Cit) pretreatment to inhibit the effects of MDMA on 5-HT reuptake in a companion study. Cit attenuated MDMA-induced 5-HT reductions by 50% (Schaefer et al., 2012). Here we tested whether Cit (5 or 7.5 mg/kg × 2/d) pretreatment attenuates the cognitive effects of MDMA. Within each litter, different offspring were treated on PD11–20 with saline (Sal) + MDMA, Cit + MDMA, Cit + Sal or Sal + Sal. Neither spatial nor egocentric learning/memory was improved by Cit pretreatment. Unexpectedly, Cit + Sal (at both doses) produced spatial and egocentric learning deficits as severe as those caused by Sal + MDMA. These are the first data showing cognitive deficits resulting from developmental exposure to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. These data indicate the need for further research on the long-term safety of antidepressants during pregnancy.


Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara J Lutz ◽  
Mary Ellen Young

Introduction: More than 3.5 million family caregivers provide assistance with activities and instrumental activities of daily living for stroke survivors living at home. Studies consistently indicate that stroke family caregivers are inadequately assessed and under prepared for their new caregiver roles and responsibilities as stroke survivors transition home from inpatient rehabilitation. Several tools exist to assess caregivers once they have assumed the caregiving role, however, there are no tools assess stroke caregiver readiness prior to discharge. Research has indicated the need for a thorough and systematic pre-discharge assessment of the caregiver’s ability to assume the caregiving role. The purpose of this presentation is to describe ten critical stroke caregiver readiness assessment domains and to discuss their relevance for long-term outcomes for stroke survivors and family caregivers. Methods: In this grounded theory study, data were collected from19 persons with stroke and 19 family caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted during inpatient rehabilitation and within 6 months post-discharge. First interviews focused on expectations for recovery and caregiving needs post-discharge. Follow-up interviews focused on how families managed the transition from rehabilitation to home and how their initial expectations matched the reality of their post-discharge experience. Interviews were analyzed using dimensional analysis and coded in NVivo data management software. Findings: Participants indicated that stroke was an overwhelming, life changing crisis event. Family members felt abandoned, isolated, and under prepared to assume the fulltime caregiving role as stroke survivors transitioned home. They described using ineffective or risky caregiving strategies that resulted in safety and health issues for both stroke survivors and caregivers. Ten pre-discharge caregiver readiness assessment domains were identified in the interviews and a corresponding stroke caregiver readiness assessment interview guide was developed. Conclusion: Stroke survivors and family caregivers are extremely vulnerable as they transition home from inpatient rehabilitation leaving them at risk for poorer health, depression, and increased risk for injury. In order to prevent these deleterious outcomes, caregivers should be assessed, and potential areas of risk identified and addressed prior to discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. As new interventions are developed to improve survival rates for persons with stroke, we must also develop and implement primary prevention strategies for family members who are called upon to provide care following discharge to protect their health and improve the long-term recovery outcomes for the stroke survivor.


Author(s):  
Amir Aviram ◽  
Kellie Murphy ◽  
Sarah McDonald ◽  
Elizabeth Asztalos ◽  
Arthur Zaltz ◽  
...  

ObjectivesAntenatal corticosteroids (ACS) decrease neonatal mortality and morbidity among preterm neonates, yet there has been concern regarding their long-term safety. We hypothesised that potential long-term adverse effects of ACS may be observed among infants born during the late preterm period (LPT, 340/7–366/7 weeks of gestation), when the benefits of ACS are subtle.DesignPopulation-based, retrospective cohort.SettingOntario, Canada, between 2006 and 2011.PatientsAll live singleton infants born during the LPT period with a minimum 5-year follow-up.InterventionsExposure to ACS prior to 340/7 weeks of gestation.Main outcome measuresSuspected neurocognitive disorder, audiometry testing or visual testing.ResultsOverall, 25 668 infants were eligible for analysis, of whom 2689 (10.5%) received ACS. Infants in the ACS group had lower mean birth weight and higher rates of birth weight <10th percentile, neonatal resuscitation and neonatal intensive care unit admission. At 5 years of age, ACS exposure was associated with an increased risk of suspected neurocognitive disorder (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.12, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.20), audiometry testing (aHR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.31) and visual testing (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11).ConclusionIn children born during the LPT period, exposure to ACS prior to 340/7 weeks of gestation is associated with an increased utilisation of the healthcare system related to audiometry and visual testing and suspected neurocognitive disorders by 5 years of age.


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