scholarly journals Compassionate use of remdesivir in pregnancy: a case series

Author(s):  
Jui R. Shah ◽  
Khushali P. Parikh ◽  
Aayushi A. Suthar ◽  
Sushma R. Shah ◽  
Supriya D. Malhotra

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in an unprecedented global healthcare crisis. One special population that poses a challenge is pregnant women with COVID-19. However, there is limited data on treatment options for severe coronavirus disease in pregnancy. Remdesivir, an antiviral drug, is currently being studied as a potential treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia. Nevertheless, pregnant women are also being excluded from various clinical trials for the disease. There are some studies mentioned in the literature which have shown no adverse effects of remdesivir during pregnancy. In this study, we present four serial cases of COVID-19 in pregnant women with moderate to severe symptoms who were treated with remdesivir. All of the them showed positive fetal outcome without any birth defects or malformations. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the biosafety and effects of remdesivir in pregnant women.

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-166
Author(s):  
Hazari Komal Sundeep ◽  
Paulose Litty ◽  
Kurien Nimmi ◽  
Mohammad Hozaifah ◽  
A Elgergawi Taghrid Faek ◽  
...  

Pneumonia caused by the Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease and the ongoing outbreak has been declared as a Pandemic by the World health organization. Pneumonia is a serious disease in pregnancy and requires prompt attention. Viral pneumonia has higher morbidity and mortality compared to bacterial pneumonia in pregnancy. All efforts are well exerted to understand the newly emerged disease features but still some areas are gray. The treatment is primarily supportive with antivirals, steroids, anticoagulation and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection. Severe cases require intensive care monitoring with oxygen support, mechanical ventilation. Investigational therapies include convalescent plasma, cytokine release inhibitors and other immunomodulatory agents like interferons. The mortality appears driven by the presence of severe Adult Respiratory Syndrome (ARDS) and organs failure. COVID pandemic is a challenging and stressful socio-economic situation with widespread fear of infection, disease and death. In the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology, studies are being conducted to ascertain the manifestation of disease in pregnant women and the fetal outcome. The aim of our case series is to describe the demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory and radiological findings, feto- maternal outcome of severe and critical COVID pneumonia in pregnant women in Latifa Hospital.


Author(s):  
Dr. Archana Mohana ◽  
Dr. Sujata Badoniya

The Aim of this study is to Review the timing of intervention which will provide the Best Outcome in Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy. Hypothyroid pregnant women are appropriately managed with regular antenatal checkup and thyroxine therapy during pregnancy, a good maternal and fetal outcome can be achieved and congenital cretinism and other neuro developmental sequele in the offspring can be averted. Keywords: Intervention, Hyperthyroidism, Pregnancy & Thyroid disease.


2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Sharmeen ◽  
PA Shamsunnahar ◽  
TR Laita ◽  
SB Chowdhury

Objectives: Thyroid disorders are among the common endocrine problems in pregnant women. It is now well established that not only overt but subclinical thyroid dysfunction also has adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcome. There are few data from Bangladesh about the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy. With this background, this study aims to find out thyroid dysfunction (both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism) in pregnancy and its impact on obstetrical outcome.Methods: We studied the evaluation of 50 admitted pregnancies corresponding to 29 women with subclinical hypothyroidism and rest 21 was overt hypothyroidism. Detailed history and examination were performed. Apart from routine obstetrical investigations, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) estimation was done. Their obstetrical and perinatal outcomes were noted.Results: Overt hypothyroidism was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 25 to 44 years age group. However two and three abortions were significantly (p<0.05) higher in overt hypothyroidism patients. In sub clinical hypothyroidism 86.2% conceived firstly within 2 years and 66.7% in overt hypothyroidism patients conceived firstly in between 3 to 5 years after marriage. Overt hypothyroids were prone to have pregnancy-induced hypertension 42.9%, intrauterine growth restriction (P=0.001) and gestational diabetes (38.1%) as compared to subclinical cases. Neonatal complications were significantly more in overt hypothyroidism group. Mean TSH level was significantly (p<0.05) higher in overt hypothyroidism patients but mean FT4 level was almost similar in both groups. Majority of the patient underwent caesarean section in both groups due to associated medical and obstetrical complications. None of the babies showed hypothyroidism by cord blood tests. In this analysis our results showed that overt hypothyroidism among Bangladeshi pregnant women are associated with more maternal complication & adverse parental outcome than subclinical hypothyroidism. The adequate treatment of hypothyroidism during gestation minimizes risks and generally, makes it possible for pregnancies to be carried to term without complications. Significant adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcome were seen emphasizing the importance of routine antenatal thyroid screening.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (2): 52-57


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 230-234
Author(s):  
Anita Banerjee ◽  
◽  
Lindsay A Arrandale ◽  
Srividhya Sankaran ◽  
Guy W Glover ◽  
...  

Importance: Dyspnoea and hypoxia in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic may be due to causes other than SARS Co-V-2 infection which should not be ignored. Shared decision-making regarding early delivery is paramount. Objective: To highlight and discuss the differential diagnoses of dyspnoea and hypoxia in pregnant women and to discuss the risks versus benefit of delivery for maternal compromise. Design, setting and participants: Case series of two pregnant women who presented with dyspnoea and hypoxia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Two pregnant women presented with dyspnoea and hypoxia. The first case had COVID-19 infection in the 3rd trimester. The second case had an exacerbation of asthma without concurrent COVID-19. Only the first case required intubation and delivery. Both recovered and were discharged home. Conclusion and relevance: Our two cases highlight the importance of making the correct diagnosis and timely decision-making to consider if delivery for maternal compromise is warranted. Whilst COVID-19 is a current healthcare concern other differential diagnoses must still be considered when pregnant women present with dyspnoea and hypoxia.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Evans ◽  
Stefan Rennick-Egglestone ◽  
Serena Cox ◽  
Yvonne Kuipers ◽  
Helen Spiby

BACKGROUND Symptoms of anxiety are common in pregnancy, with severe symptoms associated with negative outcomes for women and babies. Low level psychological therapy is recommended as first line treatment options for women with mild to moderate anxiety, with the aim to prevent an escalation of symptoms and provide women with coping strategies. Remotely delivered interventions have been suggested to improve access to treatment and support for women in pregnancy and provide a cost-effective, flexible and timely solution. OBJECTIVE To identify and evaluate remotely delivered, digital or on-line interventions to support women with symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy. METHODS A mixed method systematic review following a convergent segregated approach to synthesise the qualitative and quantitative data. The ACM Digital Library, AMED, ASSIA, CRD, CENTRAL, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, HTA, IEEE Xplore, JBI, Maternity and Infant Care, Medline, PsycINFO and the Social Science Citation Index were searched in October 2020. Quantitative or qualitative primary research including pregnant women which evaluated remotely delivered interventions reporting measures of anxiety, fear, stress, distress, women’s views, feedback and opinions were included in the review. RESULTS Three qualitative and 14 were quantitative studies included. Populations included a general antenatal population, and pregnant women with anxiety and depression, fear of childbirth, insomnia and pre-term labour. Interventions included CBT, Problem Solving, Mindfulness and Educational designs. Most interventions were delivered via on-line platforms and 8 included direct contact from trained therapists or coaches. A meta-analysis of the quantitative data found for I-CBT and facilitated interventions there was observed beneficial effect in relation to the reduction of anxiety scores (SMD=-0.49; 95% CI=-0.75 to -0.22; SMD=-0.48; 95% CI=-0.75 to -0.22). However, due to limitations in the amount of available data and study quality, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Synthesised findings from quantitative and qualitative data found some evidence to suggest that interventions are more effective when women are motivated to maintain regular participation in interventions. Participation may be enhanced by providing regular contact with therapists, targeting interventions for women with anxiety symptoms; providing peer support forums; including components of relaxation and cognitive based skills; and providing sufficient sessions to develop new skills without being too time consuming. CONCLUSIONS There is limited evidence to suggest that pregnant women may benefit from remotely delivered interventions. The synthesised findings highlighted components of interventions which may improve the effectiveness and acceptability of remotely delivered interventions. These include providing women with contact with a therapist, healthcare professional or peer community. Women may be more motivated to complete interventions which are perceived as relevant or tailored to their needs and situations. Remote interventions may also provide women with greater anonymity to help them feel more confident in disclosing their symptoms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roopali Rajput ◽  
Jitender Sharma

The risk of viral infection during pregnancy is well-documented; however, the intervention modalities that in practice enable maternal-fetal protection are restricted by limited understanding. This becomes all the more challenging during pandemics. During many different epidemic and pandemic viral outbreaks, worse outcomes (fetal abnormalities, mortality, preterm labor, etc.) seem to affect pregnant women than what has been evident when compared to non-pregnant women. The condition of pregnancy, which is widely understood as “immunosuppressed,” needs to be re-understood in terms of the way the immune system works during such a state. The immune system gets transformed to accommodate and facilitate fetal growth. The interference of such supportive conversion by viral infection and the risk of co-infection lead to adverse fetal outcomes. Hence, it is crucial to understand the risk and impact of potent viral infections likely to be encountered during pregnancy. In the present article, we review the effects imposed by previously established and recently emerging/re-emerging viral infections on maternal and fetal health. Such understanding is important in devising strategies for better preparedness and knowing the treatment options available to mitigate the relevant adverse outcomes.


Author(s):  
Sangeeta Pahwa ◽  
Sabia Mangat

Background: Thyroid disorders are among the common endocrine problems in pregnant women. Often overlooked in pregnancy due to nonspecific symptoms and hyper-metabolic state of pregnancy. Western literature shows prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnancy as 2.5% and hypothyroidism as 0.1-0.4%. There is paucity of data on prevalence of thyroid disorders in India pregnant population. This study was carried out to know prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnant women in Indian population.Methods: One hundred pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in first trimester were registered. Detailed history and examination was done. Apart from routine basic and obstetrical investigations, TSH, FT3 and FT4 level estimation was done.Results: Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was high in this study in first trimester pregnant women, with subclinical hypothyroidism in 6%, overt hypothyroidism in 2%, subclinical hyperthyroidism 2 % and overt hyperthyroidism 0%.Conclusions: Prevalence of thyroid disorders, especially subclinical hypothyroidism (6%), overt hypothyroidism (2%) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (2%) was high. To prevent adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcome, we are emphasizing the importance of routine antenatal thyroid screening.


Author(s):  
Ranjana Mishra ◽  
Arun H. Nayak ◽  
Madhuri Mehendale

Background: Hepatitis E in pregnancy has been a subject of interest in the recent years as the available research work is very limited and conflicting especially in pregnant women as compared to infection in men and non- pregnant women in which the disease is usually self- limiting. The mechanism of liver injury in hepatitis E is not clear and no conclusive theories about the exact pathogenesis are available. This study was done to gain insight into the effects of hepatitis E virus on pregnancy in terms of maternal and fetal outcome.Methods: Total of 40 pregnant women with Hepatitis E Virus IgM antibodies was included in the study. Hepatitis cases due to other viral and non-infective causes were excluded. Maternal outcomes in terms of mode of delivery, complications like PPH, hepatic encephalopathy, fulminant hepatic failure, coagulopathy and maternal mortality was studied. Fetal outcomes in terms of intrauterine fetal deaths, stillbirth, live births, and neonatal deaths were studied.Results: This study showed high mortality rates (42.5%) in pregnant women with hepatitis E. The most common obstetric complication was IUFD (45%) followed by preterm labor (32.5%) and postpartum hemorrhage (22.5%). Hepatic encephalopathy (62.5%) was the commonest medical complication followed by coagulopathy (25%). A statistically significant association was found between the presence of medical complications and poor maternal outcome.Conclusions: Hepatitis E virus infection in pregnancy often has a fulminant course with poor maternal and fetal outcome. Its management therefore requires an early diagnosis, and a multidisciplinary approach.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupalakshmi Vijayan ◽  
Hanna Moon ◽  
Jasmine Joseph ◽  
Madiha Zaidi ◽  
Chhaya Kamwal ◽  
...  

In December 2019, a novel strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), was declared as a cause of respiratory illness, called coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), characterized by fever and cough. In diagnostic imaging, the afflicted population showed pathognomonic findings of pneumonia. What started out as an epidemic in China, rapidly spread across geographical locations with a significant daily increase in the number of affected cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, the range of worldwide mortality is 3 to 4%. Maternal adaptations and immunological changes predispose pregnant women to a prolonged and severe form of pneumonia, which results in higher rates of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is limited data about the consequences of COVID-19 in pregnancy, thereby limiting the prevention, counseling, and management of these patients. The objective of this literature review is to explore pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19, complications, morbidity, and mortality in this sub-population. We conducted a literature review pertaining to COVID-19 and pregnancy in databases such as: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The studies we chose to focus on were systematic reviews, meta-analysis, case series, and case reports. Twenty four articles were reviewed regarding COVID-19 and pregnancy, complications and their outcomes. Due to immunological changes during pregnancy as evidenced by the flaring of auto-immune diseases; pregnant women may be at an increased risk for infection. Women (19.7%) who had underlying comorbidities such as gestational DM, HTN, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune disease, COPD, or HBV infection were considered high risk. The most common maternal outcomes were premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and pre-eclampsia. Asthma was the most common comorbidity associated with maternal mortality. The most common neonatal complications were fetal distress leading to NICU admissions and preterm birth <37 weeks. The most common laboratory changes were elevated CRP and lymphocytopenia. Most patients underwent C-section due to their underlying comorbidities. Pregnant and lactating women did not shed viral particles through their vaginal mucus and milk, as evidenced by negative nucleic-acid tests of these secretions. Neonatal infections as demonstrated by positive RT-PCR were rare, but direct evidence supporting intrauterine transmission was not confirmed. Direct evidence indicating vertical transmission of COVID-19 is not available, but risk for transmission cannot be ruled out. Pregnant women should be closely monitored due to increased risk of adverse outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. e0009650
Author(s):  
Prabin Dahal ◽  
Sauman Singh-Phulgenda ◽  
Brittany J. Maguire ◽  
Eli Harriss ◽  
Koert Ritmeijer ◽  
...  

Background Reports on the occurrence and outcome of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in pregnant women is rare in published literature. The occurrence of VL in pregnancy is not systematically captured and cases are rarely followed-up to detect consequences of infection and treatment on the mother and foetus. Methods A review of all published literature was undertaken to identify cases of VL infections among pregnant women by searching the following database: Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; World Health Organization Global Index Medicus: LILACS (Americas); IMSEAR (South-East Asia); IMEMR (Eastern Mediterranean); WPRIM (Western Pacific); ClinicalTrials.gov; and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Selection criteria included any clinical reports describing the disease in pregnancy or vertical transmission of the disease in humans. Articles meeting pre-specified inclusion criteria and non-primary research articles such as textbook, chapters, letters, retrospective case description, or reports of accidental inclusion in trials were also considered. Results The systematic literature search identified 272 unique articles of which 54 records were included in this review; a further 18 records were identified from additional search of the references of the included studies or from personal communication leading to a total of 72 records (71 case reports/case series; 1 retrospective cohort study; 1926–2020) describing 451 cases of VL in pregnant women. The disease was detected during pregnancy in 398 (88.2%), retrospectively confirmed after giving birth in 52 (11.5%), and the time of identification was not clear in 1 (0.2%). Of the 398 mothers whose infection was identified during pregnancy, 346 (86.9%) received a treatment, 3 (0.8%) were untreated, and the treatment status was not clear in the remaining 49 (12.3%). Of 346 mothers, Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) was administered in 202 (58.4%) and pentavalent antimony (PA) in 93 (26.9%). Outcomes were reported in 176 mothers treated with L-AmB with 4 (2.3%) reports of maternal deaths, 5 (2.8%) miscarriages, and 2 (1.1%) foetal death/stillbirth. For PA, outcomes were reported in 88 mothers of whom 4 (4.5%) died, 24 (27.3%) had spontaneous abortion, 2 (2.3%) had miscarriages. A total of 26 cases of confirmed, probable or suspected cases of vertical transmission were identified with a median detection time of 6 months (range: 0–18 months). Conclusions Outcomes of VL treatment during pregnancy is rarely reported and under-researched. The reported articles were mainly case reports and case series and the reported information was often incomplete. From the studies identified, it is difficult to derive a generalisable information on outcomes for mothers and babies, although reported data favours the usage of liposomal amphotericin B for the treatment of VL in pregnant women.


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