scholarly journals Maternal syphilis treatment and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study in Jiangxi Province, China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihua Wan ◽  
Huan Zhang ◽  
Haigang Xu ◽  
Yang Hu ◽  
Cai Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Jiangxi Province ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Maternal Treatment ◽  
Syphilis Treatment ◽  
Maternal Syphilis ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Studies investigating the associations of maternal syphilis treatment during pregnancy with pregnancy outcomes mainly concentrated in economically developed areas. Limited data are available in economically underdeveloped areas, such as Jiangxi Province. The study aims to investigate the impact of maternal treatment during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes in Jiangxi Province, China. Methods Data were obtained from the China’s Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of syphilis management in Jiangxi Province. All syphilis infected pregnant women who delivered at gestational age of 28 weeks or more and were registered in this system between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were enrolled. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated by group-specific analyses according to their treatment status, adequacy and initiation time. Results 4210 pregnant women with syphilis infection were included in the analyses. Infants born to untreated mothers were at significantly higher risk for stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.74, 95% CI, 1.01-3.00, P = 0.045), preterm birth (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI, 1.02–1.59, P = 0.034) and low birth weight (LBW) (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11–1.86, P = 0.006) than those born to treated mothers after adjustment for confounding factors. Moreover, a significantly higher risk of stillbirth (aOR = 3.68; 95% CI, 1.62–8.34, P = 0.002), preterm birth (aOR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.71-3.00, P < 0.001), LBW (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.59–3.14, P < 0.001) and congenital syphilis (CS) (aOR = 3.63; 95% CI, 1.80–7.31, P < 0.001) was found in infants exposed to mothers treated inadequately than those treated adequately. In addition, no pregnant women who initiated the treatment in the first trimester delivered a neonatal CS case. Compared with mothers who initiated treatment in the first trimester, those initiated in the third trimester suffered an increased risk of stillbirth (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI, 1.31–15.30, P = 0.017), preterm birth (aOR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.61–3.40, P < 0.001) and LBW (aOR = 3.25; 95% CI, 1.97–5.37, P < 0.001). Conclusions Maternal treatment, especially early and adequate treatment, plays a crucial role in mitigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among syphilis infected women.

scholarly journals Maternal syphilis treatment and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study in Jiangxi Province, China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihua Wan ◽  
Huan Zhang ◽  
Haigang Xu ◽  
Yang Hu ◽  
Cai Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Jiangxi Province ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Syphilis Treatment ◽  
Maternal Syphilis ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundStudies investigating the associations of maternal syphilis treatment with birth outcomes mainly concentrated in economically developed areas. Limited data are available in economically underdeveloped areas, such as Jiangxi Province. The study aims to investigate the impact of maternal treatment on birth outcomes in Jiangxi Province, China.MethodsData were obtained from the China’s Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission in Jiangxi Province. All syphilis infected pregnant women who delivered ≥28 gestational weeks and were registered in this system between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were enrolled. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated by group-specific analyses according to their treatment status, adequacy and initiation time.Results4210 syphilis infected pregnant women were included in the analyses. Infants born to untreated mothers (n = 1364) were at significantly higher risk for stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.74, 95% CI, 1.01-3.00, P = 0.045), preterm birth (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI, 1.02-1.59, P = 0.034) and low birth weight (LBW) (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11-1.86, P = 0.006) than those born to treated mothers (n = 2846) after adjustment for confounding factors. A significantly higher risk of stillbirth (aOR = 3.68; 95% CI, 1.62-8.34, P = 0.002), preterm birth (aOR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.71-3.00, P < 0.001), LBW (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.59-3.14, P < 0.001) and congenital syphilis (CS) (aOR = 3.63; 95% CI, 1.80-7.31, P < 0.001) was found in infants exposed to mothers treated inadequately (n = 1299) than those treated adequately (n = 1547). No pregnant women who initiated the treatment in the first trimester (n = 682) delivered a neonatal CS case. Compared with mothers who initiated treatment in the first trimester (n = 682), those initiated in the third trimester (n = 1234) suffered an increased risk of stillbirth (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI, 1.31-15.30, P = 0.017), preterm birth (aOR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.61-3.40, P < 0.001) and LBW (aOR = 3.25; 95% CI, 1.97-5.37, P < 0.001). ConclusionsMaternal treatment, especially early and adequate treatment, plays a crucial role in mitigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among syphilis infected women.

scholarly journals Maternal syphilis treatment and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study in Jiangxi Province, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihua Wan ◽  
Huan Zhang ◽  
Haigang Xu ◽  
Yang Hu ◽  
Cai Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Jiangxi Province ◽  
Maternal Treatment ◽  
Syphilis Treatment ◽  
Maternal Syphilis ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Studies investigating the associations of maternal syphilis treatment with birth outcomes mainly concentrated in economically developed areas. Limited data are available in economically underdeveloped areas, such as Jiangxi Province. The study aims to investigate the impact of maternal treatment on birth outcomes in Jiangxi Province, China. Methods Data were obtained from the China’s Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission in Jiangxi Province. All syphilis infected pregnant women who delivered ≥28 gestational weeks and were registered in this system between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were enrolled. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated by group-specific analyses according to their treatment status, adequacy and initiation time. Results 4210 syphilis infected pregnant women were included in the analyses. Infants born to untreated mothers (n = 1364) were at significantly higher risk for stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.74, 95% CI, 1.01–3.00, P = 0.045), preterm birth (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI, 1.02–1.59, P = 0.034) and low birth weight (LBW) (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11–1.86, P = 0.006) than those born to treated mothers (n = 2846) after adjustment for confounding factors. A significantly higher risk of stillbirth (aOR = 3.68; 95% CI, 1.62–8.34, P = 0.002), preterm birth (aOR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.71–3.00, P < 0.001), LBW (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.59–3.14, P < 0.001) and congenital syphilis (CS) (aOR = 3.63; 95% CI, 1.80–7.31, P < 0.001) was found in infants exposed to mothers treated inadequately (n = 1299) than those treated adequately (n = 1547). No pregnant women who initiated the treatment in the first trimester (n = 682) delivered a neonatal CS case. Compared with mothers who initiated treatment in the first trimester (n = 682), those initiated in the third trimester (n = 1234) suffered an increased risk of stillbirth (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI, 1.31–15.30, P = 0.017), preterm birth (aOR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.61–3.40, P < 0.001) and LBW (aOR = 3.25; 95% CI, 1.97–5.37, P < 0.001). Conclusions Maternal treatment, especially early and adequate treatment, plays a crucial role in mitigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among syphilis infected women.

scholarly journals Maternal syphilis treatment and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study in Jiangxi Province, China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihua Wan ◽  
Huan Zhang ◽  
Haigang Xu ◽  
Yang Hu ◽  
Cai Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Birth Outcomes ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Jiangxi Province ◽  
Maternal Treatment ◽  
Syphilis Treatment ◽  
Maternal Syphilis ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Studies investigating the associations of maternal syphilis treatment with birth outcomes mainly concentrated in economically developed areas. Limited data are available in economically underdeveloped areas, such as Jiangxi Province. The study aims to investigate the impact of maternal treatment on birth outcomes in Jiangxi Province, China.Methods: Data were obtained from the China’s Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission in Jiangxi Province. All syphilis infected pregnant women who delivered ≥28 gestational weeks and were registered in this system between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were enrolled. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated by group-specific analyses according to their treatment status, adequacy and initiation time.Results: 4210 syphilis infected pregnant women were included in the analyses. Infants born to untreated mothers (n = 1364) were at significantly higher risk for stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.74, 95% CI, 1.01-3.00, P = 0.045), preterm birth (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI, 1.02-1.59, P = 0.034) and low birth weight (LBW) (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11-1.86, P = 0.006) than those born to treated mothers (n = 2846) after adjustment for confounding factors. A significantly higher risk of stillbirth (aOR = 3.68; 95% CI, 1.62-8.34, P = 0.002), preterm birth (aOR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.71-3.00, P < 0.001), LBW (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.59-3.14, P < 0.001) and congenital syphilis (CS) (aOR = 3.63; 95% CI, 1.80-7.31, P < 0.001) was found in infants exposed to mothers treated inadequately (n = 1299) than those treated adequately (n = 1547). No pregnant women who initiated the treatment in the first trimester (n = 682) delivered a neonatal CS case. Compared with mothers who initiated treatment in the first trimester (n = 682), those initiated in the third trimester (n = 1234) suffered an increased risk of stillbirth (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI, 1.31-15.30, P = 0.017), preterm birth (aOR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.61-3.40, P < 0.001) and LBW (aOR = 3.25; 95% CI, 1.97-5.37, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Maternal treatment, especially early and adequate treatment, plays a crucial role in mitigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among syphilis infected women.

The Impact of Thyroid Function and TPOAb in the First Trimester on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Study in Peking

2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. e368-e380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhang ◽  
Weijie Sun ◽  
Sainan Zhu ◽  
Youyuan Huang ◽  
Yu Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Thyroid Peroxidase ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group D

Abstract Context The impact of mild TSH elevation (2.5–4.08 mIU/L) on pregnancy outcomes is unclear. The treatment strategy for mild TSH elevation is dependent on thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) status according to the guidelines. Objective To assess the effects of mild thyroid dysfunction combined with TPOAb status in the first trimester on pregnancy outcomes and the impact of levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment on pregnancy outcomes. Design The study retrospectively evaluated 3562 pregnant women. A total of 3296 untreated women were divided into 4 subgroups: group A: 4.08 &lt; TSH &lt;10 mIU/L, TPOAb+/-; group B: 2.5 &lt; TSH ≤ 4.08 mIU/L, TPOAb+; group C: 2.5 &lt; TSH ≤ 4.08 mIU/L, TPOAb–; and group D: 0.23 ≤ TSH ≤ 2.5 mIU/L, TPOAb+/-. The other 266 women with L-T4 treatment were divided into TSH 4.08 to 10 mIU/L and 2.5 to 4.08 mIU/L subgroups. Setting The study was conducted at Peking University First Hospital in China. Patients A total of 3562 pregnant women were evaluated. Main Outcome Measures The incidence of pregnancy outcomes in the untreated subgroups (groups A-D) and treated subgroups were measured. Results Miscarriage and maternal composite outcome risks were 3.53 (1.85–6.75) and 2.19 (1.26–3.81) times greater in group A; 1.58 (1.17–2.13) and 1.27 (1.04–1.54) times greater in group C than in group D. L-T4 improved the miscarriage risk in the TSH 4.08 to 10 and 2.5 to 4.08 mIU/L groups but doubled the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in the TSH 2.5 to 4.08 mIU/L treated group compared with the untreated group. Conclusions TSH 2.5 to 4.08 mIU/L combined with TPOAb– during early pregnancy was associated with miscarriages and maternal composite outcomes. The advantages and disadvantages of L-T4 administration in TSH 2.5 to 4.08 mIU/L pregnant women remain uncertain.

scholarly journals No Association Was Found Between Mild Iodine Deficiency During Pregnancy and Pregnancy Outcomes: a Follow-up Study Based on a Birth Registry

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueying Cui ◽  
Huiting Yu ◽  
Zhengyuan Wang ◽  
Hai Wang ◽  
Zehuan Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Iodine Deficiency ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Birth Registry ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Severe iodine deficiency during gestation is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, the impact of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency, though prevalent in pregnancy, remains unclear. Methods We extracted follow-up data for 7435 pregnant women from a national iodine deficiency disorders monitoring program from 2016 to 2018 and a mother–child cohort study in 2017 based on a birth registry in Shanghai. Birth outcomes were collected from the registry. Spot urine and household salt samples were collected for iodine testing. Single-factor analysis and logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between maternal iodine status and pregnancy outcomes. Results The median urine iodine level in pregnant women was 137.5 μg/L (interquartile range 82.4–211.5), suggesting mild deficiency according to WHO standards. The incidence of pregnancy termination, preterm birth, congenital malformations, low birth weight, and cesarean section was 3.2%, 4.3%, 1.4%, 2.7%, and 45.2% in the mildly iodine-deficient group and 3.4%, 4.5%, 1.4%, 2.7%, and 44.5% in the normal group, respectively. After adjusting for maternal age and education, trimesters, and preterm birth rate in the general population, the odds ratios for any outcome did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion The present study suggests that mild maternal iodine deficiency is not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Evaluation of Thyroid Function in Pregnant Women Using Automated Immunoassays

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Aaron Geno ◽  
Matthew S Reed ◽  
Mark A Cervinski ◽  
Robert D Nerenz
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Equilibrium Dialysis ◽  
Reference Interval ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Reference Intervals ◽  
Free Thyroxine ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Thyroid Autoantibody ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Automated free thyroxine (FT4) immunoassays are widely available, but professional guidelines discourage their use in pregnant women due to theoretical under-recoveries attributed to increased thyroid hormone binding capacity and instead advocate the use of total T4 (TT4) or free thyroxine index (FTI). The impact of this recommendation on the classification of thyroid status in apparently euthyroid pregnant patients was evaluated. Methods After excluding specimens with thyroid autoantibody concentrations above reference limits, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), FT4, TT4, and T-uptake were measured on the Roche Cobas® platform in remnant clinical specimens from at least 147 nonpregnant women of childbearing age and pregnant women at each trimester. Split-sample comparisons of FT4 as measured by the Cobas and equilibrium dialysis were performed. Results FT4 decreased with advancing gestational age by both immunoassay and equilibrium dialysis. TSH declined during the first trimester, remained constant in the second, and increased throughout the third, peaking just before delivery. Interpretation of TT4 concentrations using 1.5-times the nonpregnant reference interval classified 13.6% of first trimester specimens below the lower reference limit despite TSH concentrations within trimester-specific reference intervals. Five FTI results from 480 pregnant individuals (about 1.0%) fell outside the manufacturer’s reference interval. Conclusions Indirect FT4 immunoassay results interpreted in the context of trimester-specific reference intervals provide a practical and viable alternative to TT4 or FTI. Declining FT4 and increasing TSH concentrations near term suggest that declining FT4 is not an analytical artifact but represents a true physiological change in preparation for labor and delivery.

scholarly journals Relationship between preterm birth and air pollution in Santos, Sao Paulo, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M E L Brandao ◽  
B A L F Braga ◽  
M L C Martins ◽  
P L A A Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Air Humidity ◽  
Relative Air Humidity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fourth Quartile

Abstract Santos is a seaboard Brazilian city recognized by its port activity where the road and rail infrastructure along with the large transportation operation, displays an important factor to contribute with all kinds of toxic and air pollutants. Recent studies have suggested associations between air pollution and various birth outcomes. Pollutant gases such as NOx, O3 and particulate matter PM2,5, PM10 have been cited as factors involved in such outcomes. The present study aims to assess the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and perinatal outcomes in the city of Santos from Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2015. Cross-sectional study that analyzed 10.319 singleton births in an area set with 2 km radius of the monitoring stations. Birth weight and information on mother and pregnancy were obtained at the Brazilian “Born Alive National Information System”. Daily records of air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3), temperature and relative air humidity, for the study period, were obtained from São Paulo State Environmental Agency (CETESB). Associations between preterm birth and air pollutants mean levels at each gestational trimester were investigated using multiple logistic regression model controlled by the variables: infant sex, type of delivery, maternal education. prenatal care, and number of previous live births, temperature and relative air humidity. NO2 e PM2,5 was not associated with preterm birth. O3 was significantly associated in the first trimester in the fourth quartile (OR = 1,47 CI 95% 1,05; 2,07). PM10 was significantly associated in the first trimester for the fourth quartile (OR = 1,28 CI 95% 1,00; 1,64), second trimester for the second quartile (OR = 1,37 CI 95% 1,07; 1,77). Conclusions the results shows evidence that maternal exposure to air pollution especially during the first trimester of pregnancy may contribute to preterm birth. Further actions are needed towards controlling air pollution are strongly recommended for promoting early-life health. Key messages This is the first research of this kind that was made in Santos. It brings important evidence of the impact in the life of the population, especially those whose is not even born yet. It can be used as a resource to guide public policies in health, especially the guidelines that dictate the concentration of air pollutants and air quality.

Factors associated with congenital syphilis: A retrospective study in Jiangxi Province, China

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110521
Author(s):  
Zhihua Wan ◽  
Yuling Tao ◽  
Huan Zhang ◽  
Yang Hu ◽  
Kuanyong Shu
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Congenital Syphilis ◽  
Jiangxi Province ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Maternal Characteristics ◽  
Increased Risk

Background There are a lack of studies about factors influencing congenital syphilis (CS) in economically underdeveloped areas, such as Jiangxi Province, China. Methods A retrospective study was conducted based on the information system of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis management in Jiangxi Province, China. Pregnant women with syphilis infection who delivered ≥28 gestational weeks and registered in this system from 1 January 2013 to 2030 June 2018 were enrolled. Maternal characteristics and treatment regimens associated with CS were evaluated using multivariable regression analysis. Results 1196 syphilis infected mothers and their 1207 infants were included in the analyses, and 116 infants were diagnosed with CS, providing an overall incidence of 9.61% (116/1207). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that increasing maternal age was barely associated with the risk of CS (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.93–1.00, p = .047). Women with a high nontreponemal serum test titer (≥1:8) had a 126% increased risk of delivering an infant with CS than those with a low titer (<1:8) (aOR = 2.26, 95% CI, 1.51–3.39, p < .001). The risk for CS decreased significantly in infants born to mothers receiving adequate treatment than those receiving no treatment (aOR = 0.36, 95% CI, 0.21–0.61, p < .001). Conclusions Adequate treatment is critical for the prevention of CS. Further strategies focusing on early diagnosis and adequate treatment among syphilis infected pregnant women, particularly among those with younger age and high nontreponemal titer, should be strengthened to prevent CS.

scholarly journals Pregnancy and Breastfeeding During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Published Pregnancy Cases

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Rodrigues ◽  
Inês Baía ◽  
Rosa Domingues ◽  
Henrique Barros
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Neonatal Deaths ◽  
Live Births ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
The Impact

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is an emerging concern regarding the potential adverse effects during pregnancy. This study reviews knowledge on the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy and describes the outcome of published cases of pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19.Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed®, Scopus®, Web of Science®, and MedRxiv® up to 26th June 2020, using PRISMA standards, to identify original published studies describing pregnant women at any gestational age diagnosed COVID-19. There were no date or language restrictions on the search. All identified studies were included irrespective of assumptions on study quality.Results: We identified 161 original studies reporting 3,985 cases of pregnant women with COVID-19 (1,007 discharged while pregnant). The 2,059 published cases with pregnancy outcomes resulted in 42 abortions, 21 stillbirths, and 2,015 live births. Preterm birth occurred in 23% of cases. Around 6% of pregnant women required admission to an intensive care unit and 28 died. There were 10 neonatal deaths. From the 163 cases with amniotic fluid, placenta, and/or cord blood analyzed for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, 10 were positive. Sixty-one newborns were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Four breast milk samples from 92 cases showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2.Conclusion: Emerging evidence suggests that vertical transmission is possible, however, there is still a limited number of reported cases with intrapartum samples. Information, counseling and adequate monitoring are essential to prevent and manage adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with Plasmodium vivax malaria in a prospective cohort of women from the Brazilian Amazon

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. e0009390
Author(s):  
Jamille Gregório Dombrowski ◽  
André Barateiro ◽  
Erika Paula Machado Peixoto ◽  
André Boler Cláudio da Silva Barros ◽  
Rodrigo Medeiros de Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
First Trimester Of Pregnancy ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
Angiopoietin 2

Background Malaria in Brazil represents one of the highest percentages of Latin America cases, where approximately 84% of infections are attributed to Plasmodium (P.) vivax. Despite the high incidence, many aspects of gestational malaria resulting from P. vivax infections remain poorly studied. As such, we aimed to evaluate the consequences of P. vivax infections during gestation on the health of mothers and their neonates in an endemic area of the Amazon. Methods and findings We have conducted an observational cohort study in Brazilian Amazon between January 2013 and April 2015. 600 pregnant women were enrolled and followed until delivery. After applying exclusion criteria, 329 mother-child pairs were included in the analysis. Clinical data regarding maternal infection, newborn’s anthropometric measures, placental histopathological characteristics, and angiogenic and inflammatory factors were evaluated. The presence of plasma IgG against the P. vivax (Pv) MSP119 protein was used as marker of exposure and possible associations with pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that P. vivax infections during the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with adverse gestational outcomes such as premature birth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.12, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.69–24.54, p < 0.0001) and reduced head circumference (aOR 3.58, 95%CI 1.29–9.97, p = 0.01). Histopathology analysis showed marked differences between placentas from P. vivax-infected and non-infected pregnant women, especially regarding placental monocytes infiltrate. Placental levels of vasomodulatory factors such as angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) and complement proteins such as C5a were also altered at delivery. Plasma levels of anti-PvMSP119 IgG in infected pregnant women were shown to be a reliable exposure marker; yet, with no association with improved pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions This study indicates that P. vivax malaria during the first trimester of pregnancy represents a higher likelihood of subsequent poor pregnancy outcomes associated with marked placental histologic modification and angiogenic/inflammatory imbalance. Additionally, our findings support the idea that antibodies against PvMSP119 are not protective against poor pregnancy outcomes induced by P. vivax infections.

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