No evidence of fetal defects or anti-syncytin-1 antibody induction following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination on pregnancy and fertility has become a major topic of public interest. We investigated two of the most widely propagated claims to determine 1) whether COVID-19 mRNA vaccination of mice during early pregnancy is associated with an increased incidence of birth defects or growth abnormalities, and 2) whether COVID-19 mRNA-vaccinated human volunteers exhibit elevated levels of antibodies to the human placental protein syncytin-1. Using a mouse model, we found that intramuscular COVID-19 mRNA vaccination during early pregnancy at gestational age E7.5 did not lead to differences in fetal size by crown-rump length or weight at term, nor did we observe any gross birth defects. In contrast, injection of the TLR3 agonist and double-stranded RNA mimic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, or poly(I:C), impacted growth in utero leading to reduced fetal size. No overt maternal illness following either vaccination or poly(I:C) exposure was observed. We also found that term fetuses from vaccinated murine pregnancies exhibit high circulating levels of anti-Spike and anti-RBD antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 consistent with maternal antibody status, indicating transplacental transfer. Finally, we did not detect increased levels of circulating anti-syncytin-1 antibodies in a cohort of COVID-19 vaccinated adults compared to unvaccinated adults by ELISA. Our findings contradict popular claims associating COVID-19 mRNA vaccination with infertility and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Frequency of Complications in Neonates with Low Birth Weight

Objective: To identify and determine the frequency of complications in neonates with low birth weight. Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted at Khairpur Medical College and Lady Willingdon Hospital, Khairpur Mirs from January 2018 to July 2021. Two hundred (n=200) neonates with low birth weight (<2500 grams) were recruited and frequency of different complications were observed. Results: The mean age of the neonates was 10.50 ± 4.34 days. Of the 200 neonates with low birth weight, 132 neonates (66%) presented with various complications; however 68 neonates (34%) were normal and without complications. Of the 200 neonates with low birth weight, the following complications were observed, hypoglycaemia (14.5%), jaundice (12.5%), respiratory distress syndrome (8%), feeding problems (8%), congenital cardiac defects (5%), hypothermia (4%), other complications such as sepsis (2%), apnea of prematurity (2%), intraventricular haemorrhage (2%), and more than 1 complications (16 neonates, 8%). Conclusions: In conclusion, hypoglycaemia and jaundice were the common complications associated with low birth weight in neonates. Advanced maternal age during childbirth, stress, lower socioeconomic conditions, consanguineous marriages, lower body mass index and maternal illness such as preeclampsia and anaemia were the risk factors of low birth weight observed in our study. Risk factors may be identified earlier in order to lessen the morbidities and mortality in low birth weight neonates.

The First Thousand Days: Kidney Health and Beyond

The global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising. A superior strategy to advance global kidney health is required to prevent and treat CKD early. Kidney development can be impacted during the first 1000 days of life by numerous factors, including malnutrition, maternal illness, exposure to chemicals, substance abuse, medication use, infection, and exogenous stress. In the current review, we summarize environmental risk factors reported thus far in clinical and experimental studies relating to the programming of kidney disease, and systematize the knowledge on common mechanisms underlying renal programming. The aim of this review is to discuss the primary and secondary prevention actions for enhancing kidney health from pregnancy to age 2. The final task is to address the potential interventions to target renal programming through updating animal studies. Together, we can enhance the future of global kidney health in the first 1000 days of life.

A STUDY OF NEONATAL OUTCOMES IN BABIES BORN TO COVID- 19 POSITIVE MOTHERS

MATERIAL & METHOD: This retrospective study was conducted during the period of June-August 2020 for 3months in newborns born to COVID-19 positive mothers at YMCH after obtaining ethical clearance. All newborns born to mothers with COVID-19 positive status during any trimester of pregnancy, irrespective of neonatal COVID-19 RT-PCR test, and delivered at YMCH during the study period were included. Relevant history and complete systemic examination ndings of the neonate were noted down from the case records and laboratory results of RT-PCR test on nasopharyngeal and throat swab if done was noted down which was done at 24-48hours of birth.RESULT:Total of 25newborns born to COVID-19 positive mothers were included in the study. Among the neonates born, 64% were female and 36% were male. 76% of the pregnant mothers were asymptomatic at the time of detection of COVID-19 infection. The neonatal outcome found to have only 1 newborn with positive COVID-19 infection compared to 24 healthy newborns. CONCLUSION: Signicant measures for preventing neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection are to prevent maternal illness and to decrease the potential of neonatal viral exposure.

Attitude and usage of Contraceptives among Married Couples in Northern Nigeria: A Review

In Nigeria, particularly in Northern Nigeria, low contraception use is one of the most important predictors of high fertility. Traditional methods such as periodic abstinence and coitus interrupts are recommended over modern contraceptives, which include hormonal and non-hormonal options, because they are more effective and have lower failure rates. High rates of unplanned pregnancies, abortions, maternal illness, and mortality are all associated with low contraceptive use. Contrary to popular belief, modern contraception is an important part of maternal, infant, and child health care. The idea of contraception, modern and traditional methods of contraception, couples' attitudes about contraceptive usage, and variables that limit contraceptive use are all discussed in the report. The internet, academic publications, conference papers, and textbooks were used to gather secondary data. Women's attitudes regarding contraception were influenced by myths and misconceptions, opposition from their spouses, religion, traditional beliefs, and habits, according to the study.

Predictors of congenital anomalies among newborns in Arsi zone public hospitals, Southeast Ethiopia: a case-control study

Background Congenital anomaly is a partial or complete structural and/or functional defect during intrauterine life. Globally, major congenital anomalies account for 6% of all newborns among which about 94% of cases occurred in developing countries. In spite of its public health importance, very limited studies are reported in Ethiopia, and hardly any study in Arsi Zone. Objectives To determine the predictors of congenital anomalies among newborns in Arsi Zone Public Hospitals, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods A multi-center institutional-based case-control study was conducted in 418 (105 cases and 313 controls) of newborns in Arsi Zone Public Hospitals. Descriptive analysis, binary and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented. Results In this study, women who have been drinking alcohol during pregnancy were 3.48 times more prone to have newborns with congenital anomalies than their counterparts (AOR = 3.48; 95% CI: 1.38, 8.74). The likelihood of having a newborn with congenital anomalies was six and four times higher for women who had a maternal illness (AOR = 6.10; 95%CI: 2.39, 15.57) and chewing khat during pregnancy (AOR = 4; 95%CI: 1.49, 10.65), respectively. Moreover, the lack of folic acid supplementation and pesticides during pregnancy were 3.25 and 4.76 times more likely to experience a newborn with congenital anomalies, respectively. Conclusion Alcohol drinking, maternal illness, khat chewing, and chemical exposure during pregnancy had a significant association with the occurrence of congenital anomalies. While, taking folic acid supplements had a protective effect. Health experts and the community should take these factors into consideration and act accordingly.

Neurodevelopment in the third year of life in children with antenatal ZIKV-exposure

We report cognitive, language and motor neurodevelopment, assessed by the Bayley-III test, in 31 non-microcephalic children at age 3 with PCR-confirmed maternal Zika virus exposure (Rio de Janeiro, 2015–2016). Most children had average neurodevelopmental scores, however, 8 children (26%) presented delay in some domain. Language was the most affected: 7 children (22.6%) had a delay in this domain (2 presenting severe delay). Moderate delay was detected in the cognitive (3.2%) and motor (10%) domains. Maternal illness in the third trimester of pregnancy and later gestational age at birth were associated with higher Bayley-III scores. Zika-exposed children require long-term follow-up until school age.

Predictors of Congenital Anomalies Among Newborns in Arsi Zone Public Hospitals, Southeast Ethiopia: a Case-control Study

Background: Congenital anomaly is a partial or complete structural and/or functional defect during intrauterine life. Globally, major congenital anomalies account for 6% of all newborns among which about 94% of cases occurred in developing countries. In spite of its public health importance, very limited studies are reported in Ethiopia, and hardly any study in Arsi Zone.Objectives: To determine the predictors of congenital anomalies among newborns in Arsi Zone Public Hospitals, Southeast Ethiopia.Methods: A multi-center institutional-based case-control study was conducted in 418 (105 cases and 313 controls) of newborns in Arsi Zone Public Hospitals. Descriptive analysis, binary and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented.Results: In this study, women who have been drinking alcohol during pregnancy were 3.48 times more prone to have newborns with congenital anomalies than their counterparts (AOR=3.48; 95% CI: 1.38, 8.74). The likelihood of having a newborn with congenital anomalies was six and four times higher for women who had a maternal illness (AOR=6.10; 95%CI: 2.39, 15.57) and chewing khat during pregnancy (AOR=4; 95%CI: 1.49, 10.65), respectively. Moreover, the lack of folic acid supplementation and pesticides during pregnancy were 3.25 and 4.76 times more likely to experience a newborn with congenital anomalies, respectively. Conclusion: Alcohol drinking, maternal illness, khat chewing, and chemical exposure during pregnancy had a significant association with the occurrence of congenital anomalies. While, taking folic acid supplements had a protective effect. Health experts and the community should take these factors into consideration and act accordingly.

HARIDRADI GANA KWATHA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF STANYA KSHAYA W.S.R TO HYPOGALACTIA - A CLINICAL STUDY

Stanya Kshaya is a common threat, especially with primiparous women and the incidence had been estimated to range from 23% to 63 % during the first 4 months after delivery. Emotional stress, anxiety and maternal illness are the various psychosomatic factors that influence the production of milk. A total 30 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected randomly selected. Haridradi Gana Kwatha, 48ml, two times a day, after food for a period of 30 days was given. They were followed up every 10th day for 40 days after intervention. Initially all were noted and changes in signs and symptoms in each follow up were observed and noted. Comparing all parameters, before treatment and after treatment the study revealed extremely statistically significant. Haridradi Gana kwatha has promising results in the management of all the parameters of Stanya Kshaya. Haridradi Gana kwatha has promising results in the management of all the parameters of Stanya Kshaya. Mandagni serving as Nidana of all diseases is corrected by the judicial usage of drugs which are having Deepaniya Pachana Guna. The correction of Atisantarpana leads to normalisation of Vata also. Hence the Preenana from the diet is assimilated properly by the Jatharagni.

Faktor Ibu Yang Mempengaruhi Pertumbuhan Janin Terhambat

Intrauterine growth retardation is one of the cause of perinatal and child mortality. Although the incidence varies from 3-10 persent because of differences in definition and standard curves in use,more important is the perinatal mortality rate with IUGR babies approximately 7-8 times higher than normal babies and more or less turned out to be 26% or more events stillbirth associated with IUGR. The research method used descriptive research to describes and illustrates the maternal factors that affect of IUGR. Sample used is all of the mother is experienced in the diagnosis of IUGR in Dr.Soetomo Hospital. The instrument used was a data collection sheet, source data from medical records, data analysis using SPSS program by looking at the frequency distribution and the relationship of each factor with the chi-square test. The results of the 39 respondents who gave birth with IUGR of 21.8% by weight of the baby is less than 1500 and 64.1% a month is not enough. Gained an average weight of babies was 1696 g and the average age of mothers who gave birth with IUGR was 31 years old. From the test results obtained statistical history of the disease and the levels of HB's mother had a powerful effect with p <0.05. This means that there is a relationship in between IUGR with a history of maternal illness and hemoglobin levels. The conclusion of this study is that maternal factors influence the occurrence of growth retardation is a history of the disease, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit levels