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Voina VC, Swain S, Kammili N, Mahalakshmi G, Muttineni R, Chander Bingi T, Kondapi AK. Effect of Early pregnancy associated protein-1 on Spike protein and ACE2 interactions: Implications in SARS Cov-2 vertical transmission. Placenta 2024; 152:39-52. [PMID: 38788480 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.05.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several factors influence transmission of 2019-nCoV from mother to fetus during pregnancy, thus the dynamics of vertical transmission is unclear. The role of cellular protective factors, namely a 90 KDa glycoprotein, Early pregnancy-associated protein (Epap-1), expressed by placental endothelial cells in women during early pregnancy would provide an insight into role of placental factors in virus transmission. Since viral spike protein binding to the ACE2 receptors of the host cells promotes virus invasion in placental tissue, an analysis of effects of Epap-1 on the Spike-ACE2 protein binding was studied. METHODS Epap-1 was isolated from MTP placental tissue. Molecular interaction of Epap-1 and variants of the spike was analyzed in silco. The interaction of Epap-1 with Spike and RBD were analyzed using ELISA and immunofluorescence studies. RESULTS The results in silico showed an interaction of Epap-1 with S-protein at RBD region involving K417, Y449, Y453, Y456, Y473, Q474, F486, Q498, N501 residues of spike with Y61, F287, I302, N303, N305, S334, N465, G467, N468 residues of Epap-1 leading to interference of S-protein and ACE2 interaction [1]. Further, the interaction is conserved among the variants. The studies in vitro confirm that Epap-1 affects S protein-ACE2 and RBD- ACE2 binding, thus suggesting that during early pregnancy, SARS CoV-2 infection may be protected by Epap-1 protein present in placental tissue. The results were further confirmed by pseudovirus expressing Spike and RBD in an infection assay. DISCUSSION Epap-1 interferes with Spike and RBD interaction with ACE2, suggesting a possible mechanism of the antiviral environment during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Chitta Voina
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Sarita Swain
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Nagamani Kammili
- Department of Microbiology, Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Secunderabad, India
| | - G Mahalakshmi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Secunderabad, India
| | | | - Thrilok Chander Bingi
- Department of General Medicine, Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Secunderabad, India
| | - Anand K Kondapi
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
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Partey FD, Obiri D, Bonney EY, Pobee ANA, Damptey IK, Ennuson K, Akwetea-Foli J, Nuokpem FY, Courtin D, Kusi KA, Mensah BA. Efficient transplacental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies between naturally exposed mothers and infants in Accra, Ghana. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10772. [PMID: 38730052 PMCID: PMC11087586 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61496-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among pregnant women and the transplacental transfer efficiency of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies relative to malaria antibodies among SARS-CoV-2 seropositive mother-cord pairs. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Accra, Ghana, from March to May 2022. Antigen- specific IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (nucleoprotein and spike-receptor binding domain) and malarial antigens (circumsporozoite protein and merozoite surface protein 3) in maternal and cord plasma were measured by ELISA. Plasma from both vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women were tested for neutralizing antibodies using commercial kit. Of the unvaccinated pregnant women tested, 58.12% at antenatal clinics and 55.56% at the delivery wards were seropositive for both SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein and RBD antibodies. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cord samples correlated with maternal antibody levels (N antigen rs = 0.7155, p < 0.001; RBD rs = 0.8693, p < 0.001). Transplacental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein antibodies was comparable to circumsporozoite protein antibodies (p = 0.9999) but both were higher than transfer rates of merozoite surface protein 3 antibodies (p < 0.001). SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity among pregnant women in Accra is high with a boost of SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific IgG in vaccinated women. Transplacental transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 and malarial antibodies was efficient, supporting vaccination of mothers as a strategy to protect infants against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederica D Partey
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorotheah Obiri
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Yayra Bonney
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abigail Naa Adjorkor Pobee
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Kumi Damptey
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Keren Ennuson
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jayln Akwetea-Foli
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - David Courtin
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Université Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Kwadwo A Kusi
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benedicta A Mensah
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, P.O BOX LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Hookham L, Cantrell L, Cose S, Freyne B, Gadama L, Imede E, Kawaza K, Lissauer S, Musoke P, Nankabirwa V, Sekikubo M, Sommerfelt H, Voysey M, Le Doare K. Seroepidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in a cohort of pregnant women and their infants in Uganda and Malawi. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0290913. [PMID: 38427691 PMCID: PMC10906847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and infancy has accumulated throughout the course of the pandemic, though evidence regarding asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and adverse birth outcomes are scarce. Limited information is available from countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The pregnant woman and infant COVID in Africa study (PeriCOVID Africa) is a South-South-North partnership involving hospitals and health centres in five countries: Malawi, Uganda, Mozambique, The Gambia, and Kenya. The study leveraged data from three ongoing prospective cohort studies: Preparing for Group B Streptococcal Vaccines (GBS PREPARE), SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 in women and their infants in Kampala and Mukono (COMAC) and Pregnancy Care Integrating Translational Science Everywhere (PRECISE). In this paper we describe the seroepidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women enrolled in sites in Uganda and Malawi, and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy and infant outcomes. OUTCOME Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in maternal blood, reported as the proportion of seropositive women by study site and wave of COVID-19 within each country. METHODS The PeriCOVID study was a prospective mother-infant cohort study that recruited pregnant women at any gestation antenatally or on the day of delivery. Maternal and cord blood samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using Wantai and Euroimmune ELISA. In periCOVID Uganda and Malawi nose and throat swabs for SARS-Cov-2 RT-PCR were obtained. RESULTS In total, 1379 women were enrolled, giving birth to 1387 infants. Overall, 63% of pregnant women had a SARS-CoV-2 positive serology. Over subsequent waves (delta and omicron), in the absence of vaccination, seropositivity rose from 20% to over 80%. The placental transfer GMR was 1.7, indicating active placental transfer of anti-spike IgG. There was no association between SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity and adverse pregnancy or infancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Hookham
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liberty Cantrell
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Cose
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Bridget Freyne
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luis Gadama
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Esther Imede
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Samantha Lissauer
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Phillipa Musoke
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Victoria Nankabirwa
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Musa Sekikubo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Halvor Sommerfelt
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Merryn Voysey
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty Le Doare
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Makerere University, John’s Hopkins University, Kampala, Uganda
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Schreurs AMF, Overtoom EM, de Boer MA, van der Houwen LEE, Lier MCI, van den Akker T, Cornette J, Vogelvang TE, Beenakkers ICM, Rosman AN, Maas JWM, Heineman DJ, Finken MJJ, de Vries JJJ, Burger NB, Schaap TP, Bloemenkamp KWM, Mijatovic V. Spontaneous haemoperitoneum in pregnancy: Nationwide surveillance and Delphi audit system. BJOG 2023; 130:1620-1628. [PMID: 37280664 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the incidence, diagnostic management strategies and clinical outcomes of women with spontaneous haemoperitoneum in pregnancy (SHiP) and reassess the definition of SHiP. DESIGN A population-based cohort study using the Netherlands Obstetric Surveillance System (NethOSS). SETTING Nationwide, the Netherlands. POPULATION All pregnant women between April 2016 and April 2018. METHODS This is a case study of SHiP using the monthly registry reports of NethOSS. Complete anonymised case files were obtained. A newly introduced online Delphi audit system (DAS) was used to evaluate each case, to make recommendations on improving the management of SHiP and to propose a new definition of SHiP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence and outcomes, lessons learned about clinical management and the critical appraisal of the current definition of SHiP. RESULTS In total, 24 cases were reported. After a Delphi procedure, 14 cases were classified as SHiP. The nationwide incidence was 4.9 per 100 000 births. Endometriosis and conceiving after artificial reproductive techniques were identified as risk factors. No maternal and three perinatal deaths occurred. Based on the DAS, adequate imaging of free intra-abdominal fluid, and identifying and treating women with signs of hypovolemic shock could improve the early detection and management of SHiP. A revised definition of SHiP was proposed, excluding the need for surgical or radiological intervention. CONCLUSIONS SHiP is a rare and easily misdiagnosed condition that is associated with high perinatal mortality. To improve care, better awareness among healthcare workers is needed. The DAS is a sufficient tool to audit maternal morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneke M F Schreurs
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Evelien M Overtoom
- Department of Obstetrics, Division Woman and Baby, Birth Centre Wilhelmina's Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjon A de Boer
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette E E van der Houwen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marit C I Lier
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas van den Akker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Athena Institute, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jerome Cornette
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tatjana E Vogelvang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid C M Beenakkers
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Division Vital Functions, Wilhelmina's Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jacques W M Maas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - David J Heineman
- Department of Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J J Finken
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J J de Vries
- Department of Radiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole B Burger
- Department of Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Timme P Schaap
- Department of Obstetrics, Division Woman and Baby, Birth Centre Wilhelmina's Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kitty W M Bloemenkamp
- Department of Obstetrics, Division Woman and Baby, Birth Centre Wilhelmina's Children Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Velja Mijatovic
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Khoza LB, Mulondo SA, Lebese RT. Perspectives on pregnant women's educational needs to prevent TB complications during pregnancy and the neonatal period. A qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1997. [PMID: 37833655 PMCID: PMC10576336 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16770-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) during pregnancy could confer a high risk for maternal and infant morbidity. Literature indicates that the global burden of active TB disease among pregnant women is not well researched. Statistics for South Africa from WHO give an estimated incidence of 360, 000 cases of TB in 2019; 14,000 people became ill with multidrug-resistant TB in 2019, with a rate of 615 per 100,000 population, implying that the cohorts included pregnant women with and without a diagnosis of TB infection. Therefore, the study aims to increase the understanding of the educational needs required to prevent TB complications during pregnancy and the neonatal period in women diagnosed with TB infection. METHODS The study used cross-sectional qualitative and descriptive designs to collect data in the clinical setting of the primary health care services of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The population comprised pregnant women diagnosed with TB infection. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to sample 2 health centers and 5 clinics in each of the three sampled districts. The targeted sample size was 63 and it was achieved even though data saturation was observed. Individual interviews were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed. Guided by the study questions, a thematic content analysis of the findings was used. Ethical considerations were also observed. RESULTS Despite that pregnant women have general knowledge about TB disease, the knowledge and awareness regarding the prevention of TB complications in pregnancy and the neonatal period, information on TB/HIV and COVID-19 co-infections, and participants' knowledge about other non-infectious diseases that may affect the mother with TB infection and foetus showed a deficit. CONCLUSION Pregnant women with TB disease need to be educated on the negative effects of non-adherence to TB treatment during pregnancy and the neonatal period. There is a need to educate pregnant women about the variant signs and symptoms of TB, HIV and COVID-19 infections since there is a misconception that the three diseases are similar. It is important that pregnant mothers diagnosed with TB should start treatment as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Khoza
- Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - S A Mulondo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - R T Lebese
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
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Richardson JL, Moore A, Bromley RL, Stellfeld M, Geissbühler Y, Bluett-Duncan M, Winterfeld U, Favre G, Alexe A, Oliver AM, van Rijt-Weetink YRJ, Hodson KK, Rezaallah B, van Puijenbroek EP, Lewis DJ, Yates LM. Core Data Elements for Pregnancy Pharmacovigilance Studies Using Primary Source Data Collection Methods: Recommendations from the IMI ConcePTION Project. Drug Saf 2023; 46:479-491. [PMID: 36976447 PMCID: PMC10164024 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE The risks and benefits of medication use in pregnancy are typically established through post-marketing observational studies. As there is currently no standardised or systematic approach to the post-marketing assessment of medication safety in pregnancy, data generated through pregnancy pharmacovigilance (PregPV) research can be heterogenous and difficult to interpret. The aim of this article is to describe the development of a reference framework of core data elements (CDEs) for collection in primary source PregPV studies that can be used to standardise data collection procedures and, thereby, improve data harmonisation and evidence synthesis capabilities. METHODS This CDE reference framework was developed within the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) ConcePTION project by experts in pharmacovigilance, pharmacoepidemiology, medical statistics, risk-benefit communication, clinical teratology, reproductive toxicology, genetics, obstetrics, paediatrics, and child psychology. The framework was produced through a scoping review of data collection systems used by established PregPV datasets, followed by extensive discussion and debate around the value, definition, and derivation of each data item identified from these systems. RESULTS The finalised listing of CDEs comprises 98 individual data elements, arranged into 14 tables of related fields. These data elements are openly available on the European Network of Teratology Information Services (ENTIS) website ( http://www.entis-org.eu/cde ). DISCUSSION With this set of recommendations, we aim to standardise PregPV primary source data collection processes to improve the speed at which high-quality evidence-based statements can be provided about the safety of medication use in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L Richardson
- UK Teratology Information Service, The Regional Drug and Therapeutics Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 16/17 Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AB, Tyne and Wear, UK.
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Alan Moore
- Quantitative Safety and Epidemiology, Novartis Pharma AG, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca L Bromley
- Division of Neuroscience, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Yvonne Geissbühler
- Evidence and Launch Excellence, Novartis Pharma AG, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Ursula Winterfeld
- Swiss Teratology Information Service and Clinical Pharmacology Service, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Guillaume Favre
- Swiss Teratology Information Service and Clinical Pharmacology Service, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amalia Alexe
- QPPV and PRRC Office, Novartis Pharma AG, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alison M Oliver
- UK Teratology Information Service, The Regional Drug and Therapeutics Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 16/17 Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AB, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | | | - Kenneth K Hodson
- UK Teratology Information Service, The Regional Drug and Therapeutics Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 16/17 Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AB, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | - Bita Rezaallah
- Chief Medical Office and Patient Safety, Novartis Pharma AG, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eugene P van Puijenbroek
- Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
- PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology and Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David J Lewis
- Novartis Global Drug Development, Novartis Pharma GmbH, Oeflinger Strasse 44, 79664, Wehr, Germany
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, England
| | - Laura M Yates
- KRISP, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Attini R, Laudani ME, Versino E, Massaro A, Pagano A, Petey F, Revelli A, Masturzo B. COVID-19 in Pregnancy: Influence of Body Weight and Nutritional Status on Maternal and Pregnancy Outcomes-A Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15041052. [PMID: 36839410 PMCID: PMC9962478 DOI: 10.3390/nu15041052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two and a half years, COVID-19 has been one of the most challenging public health issues worldwide. Based on the available evidence, pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to infection than the general population but having COVID-19 during pregnancy may increase the risk of major complications for both the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study is to identify the correlation between BMI and nutritional status and the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 infection in pregnancy, its severity, and maternal pregnancy outcomes. We carry out a systematic literature search and a meta-analysis using three databases following the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration. We include 45 studies about COVID-19-positive pregnant women. Compared with normal-weight pregnant women with COVID-19, obesity is associated with a more severe infection (OR = 2.32 [1.65-3.25]), increased maternal death (OR = 2.84 [2.01-4.02]), and a higher rate of hospital admission (OR = 2.11 [1.37-3.26]). Obesity may be associated with adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes by increasing symptom severity and, consequently, hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, and, finally, death rates. For micronutrients, the results are less definite, even if there seems to be a lower level of micronutrients, in particular Vitamin D, in COVID-19-positive pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Attini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Elena Laudani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Versino
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10100 Turin, Italy
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health (C-BEPH), 10100 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessio Massaro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC1U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Arianna Pagano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Petey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Revelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Bianca Masturzo
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, University Hospital “Degli Infermi”, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
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Zamparini J, Saggers R, Buga CE. A Review of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Pregnancy. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 44:50-65. [PMID: 36646085 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with increased rates of operative delivery, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation as well as a possible increased risk of death, independent of other risk factors, compared with nonpregnant women with COVID-19. Furthermore, pregnancy outcomes are worse in those with COVID-19 with increased risk for preeclampsia, venous thromboembolism, preterm birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth compared with pregnant women without COVID-19. Importantly, pregnant women of nonwhite ethnicity appear to be at greater risk of severe COVID-19, necessitating improved access to care and closer monitoring in these women. The management of COVID-19 in pregnancy is largely similar to that in nonpregnant people; however, there is an important emphasis on multidisciplinary team involvement to ensure favorable outcomes in both mother and baby. Similarly, vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is safe in pregnancy and improves maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod Zamparini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Internal Medicine, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Robin Saggers
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chandia Edward Buga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, Vosloorus, South Africa
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Nunes MC, Jones S, Strehlau R, Baba V, Ditse Z, da Silva K, Bothma L, Serafin N, Baillie VL, Kwatra G, Burke M, Wise A, Adam M, Mlandu P, Melamu M, Phelp J, Fraser W, Wright C, Zell E, Adam Y, Madhi SA. Antepartum SARS-CoV-2 infection and adverse birth outcomes in South African women. J Glob Health 2022; 12:05050. [DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.05050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marta C Nunes
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Jones
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Renate Strehlau
- Nkanyezi Research Unit sub-division of VIDA, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vuyelwa Baba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zanele Ditse
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kelly da Silva
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lané Bothma
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Natali Serafin
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vicky L Baillie
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gaurav Kwatra
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Megan Burke
- Nkanyezi Research Unit sub-division of VIDA, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amy Wise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mary Adam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Philiswa Mlandu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mpolokeng Melamu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Juliette Phelp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Colleen Wright
- Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Zell
- Stat-Epi Associates, Inc., Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Yasmin Adam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shabir A Madhi
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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10
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Gupta A, Kamity R, Sharma R, Caprio M, Mally P, Verma S. Mother to Newborn Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Evolution of Evidence in 1.5 Years of COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:1764-1778. [PMID: 35738288 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1749635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant mortality and morbidity in people of all age groups worldwide. Given the uncertainty regarding the mode of transmission and potential effects of COVID-19 on pregnant mothers and their newborns, guidelines for taking care of maternal-newborn dyads have evolved tremendously since the pandemic began. There has been an enormous influx of published materials regarding the outcomes of mothers and newborns. Still, multiple knowledge gaps regarding comprehensive information about risk to the mothers and newborns exist, which need to be addressed. Current evidence suggests that mothers with symptomatic COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of severe illness during pregnancy, with a higher need for respiratory support and premature deliveries. Neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 are at increased risk of needing intensive care; however, most newborns do well after birth. As new mutant variants arise, we need to be cautious while proactively understanding any new evolving patterns. All leading health authorities strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination before or during pregnancy to reduce the risk of maternal morbidities and benefit from passing antibodies to newborns prenatally and via breastmilk. Additionally, there are racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in outcomes and vaccination coverage for pregnant women. This article summarizes the rapidly evolving evidence for the last 1.5 years and aims to help health care professionals care for mothers with COVID-19 and their newborns. KEY POINTS: · COVID-19 in pregnancy can cause perinatal morbidities.. · Breastfeeding and breast milk are safe for newborns.. · COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk for morbidities..
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpit Gupta
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYC Health, Hospitals/Metropolitan, New York City, New York
| | - Ranjith Kamity
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Rishika Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Family Healthcare Network, Visalia, California
| | - Martha Caprio
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Pradeep Mally
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York
| | - Sourabh Verma
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York
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11
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Sawry S, Le Roux J, Wolter N, Mbatha P, Bhiman J, Balkus J, von Gottberg A, Cohen C, Chersich M, Kekana M, Ndlovu T, Shipalana A, Mthimunye W, Patel F, Gous H, Walaza S, Tempia S, Rees H, Fairlie L. High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in pregnant women after the second wave of infections in the inner-city of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 125:241-249. [PMID: 36347458 PMCID: PMC9637015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES After South Africa's second wave of COVID-19, this study estimated the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among pregnant women in inner-city Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS In this cross-sectional survey, 500 pregnant women who were non-COVID-19-vaccinated (aged ≥12 years) were enrolled, and demographic and clinical data were collected. Serum samples were tested using the Wantai SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Roche Elecsys® anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody assays. Seropositivity was defined as SARS-CoV-2 antibodies on either (primary) or both (secondary) assays. Univariate Poisson regression assessed risk factors associated with seropositivity. RESULTS The median age was 27.4 years, and HIV prevalence was 26.7%. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 64.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 59.6-68.2%) on the primary and 54% (95% CI: 49.5-58.4%) on the secondary measure. Most (96.6%) women who were SARS-CoV-2-seropositive reported no symptoms. On the Roche assay, we detected lower seroprevalence among women living with HIV than women without HIV (48.9% vs 61.7%, P-value = 0.018), and especially low levels among women living with HIV with a clusters of differentiation 4 <350 cells/ml compared with women without immune suppression (22.2% vs 56.4%, prevalence rate ratio = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2-0.9; P-value = 0.046). CONCLUSION Pregnant women attending routine antenatal care had a high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence after the second wave in South Africa, and most had asymptomatic infections. Seroprevalence surveys in pregnant women present a feasible method of monitoring the course of the pandemic over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobna Sawry
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Corresponding author: Shobna Sawry, 22 Esselen Street, Hillbrow, Johannesburg, 2001
| | - Jean Le Roux
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicole Wolter
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa,School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Philile Mbatha
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jinal Bhiman
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa,School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Balkus
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Anne von Gottberg
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa,School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matthew Chersich
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Malolo Kekana
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thatcher Ndlovu
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Angela Shipalana
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wendy Mthimunye
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Faeezah Patel
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hermien Gous
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sibongile Walaza
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stefano Tempia
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Helen Rees
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lee Fairlie
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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12
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Abel T, Moodley J, Khaliq OP, Naicker T. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2: Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential in Preeclampsia Comorbidity with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213752. [PMID: 36430232 PMCID: PMC9691176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review explored the role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in the synergy of preeclampsia (PE), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Downregulation of VEGFR-2 in PE promotes endothelial dysfunction and prevents endothelial cell (EC) migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The HIV-1 accessory protein, tat (trans-activator of transcription), prevents VEGFR-2 signaling via the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) ligand. Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) may cause immune reconstitution, impaired decidualization, and endothelial injury, thus may be a risk factor for PE development. The VEGF/VEGFR-2 interaction may be associated with SARS-CoV-2-related pulmonary oedema. Endothelial dysfunction and heightened inflammation are both associated with PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection; therefore, it is plausible that both characteristics may be exacerbated in the synergy of these events. In addition, this review explored microRNAs (miR) regulating VEGFR-2. An overexpression of miR-126 is evident in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection; thus, modulating the expression of miR-126 may be a therapeutic strategy. However, the involvement of microRNAs in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection needs further investigating. Since these conditions have been evaluated independently, this review attempts to predict their clinical manifestations in their synergy, as well as independently; thereby providing a platform for early diagnosis and therapeutic potential in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tashlen Abel
- Women’s Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Women’s Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Olive P. Khaliq
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institution, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Correspondence:
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13
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Mndala L, Monk EJM, Phiri D, Riches J, Makuluni R, Gadama L, Kachale F, Bilesi R, Mbewe M, Likaka A, Chapuma C, Kumwenda M, Maseko B, Ndamala C, Kuyere A, Munthali L, Henrion MYR, Masesa C, Lissauer D. Comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19 before and after SARS-CoV-2 omicron emergence in maternity facilities in Malawi (MATSurvey): data from a national maternal surveillance platform. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1623-e1631. [PMID: 36155136 PMCID: PMC9553200 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00359-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outcomes of omicron-associated COVID-19 in pregnancy have not been reported from low-resource settings, and data from sub-Saharan Africa before the emergence of omicron are scarce. Using a national maternal surveillance platform (MATSurvey), we aimed to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19 in Malawi during the omicron wave to the preceding waves of beta and delta. METHODS All pregnant and recently pregnant patients, up to 42 days following delivery, admitted to 33 health-care facilities throughout Malawi with symptomatic, test-proven COVID-19 during the second (beta [B.1.351]: January to April, 2021), third (delta [B.1.617.2]: June to October, 2021), and fourth (omicron [B.1.1.529]: December 2021 to March, 2022) waves were included, with no age restrictions. Demographic and clinical features, maternal outcomes of interest (severe maternal outcome [a composite of maternal near-miss events and maternal deaths] and maternal death), and neonatal outcomes of interest (stillbirth and death during maternal stay in the health-care facility of enrolment) were compared between the fourth wave and the second and third waves using Fisher's exact test. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for maternal outcomes were estimated using mixed-effects logistic regression. FINDINGS Between Jan 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, 437 patients admitted to 28 health-care facilities conducting MATSurvey had symptoms of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in 261 patients; of whom 76 (29%) had a severe maternal outcome and 45 (17%) died. These two outcomes were less common during the fourth wave (omicron dominance) than the second wave (adjusted OR of severe maternal outcome: 3·96 [95% CI 1·22-12·83], p=0·022; adjusted OR of maternal death: 5·65 [1·54-20·69], p=0·0090) and the third wave (adjusted OR: 3·18 [1·03-9·80], p=0·044; adjusted OR: 3·52 [0·98-12·60], p=0·053). Shortness of breath was the only symptom associated with poor maternal outcomes of interest (p<0·0001), and was less frequently reported in the fourth wave (23%) than in the second wave (51%; p=0·0007) or third wave (50%; p=0·0004). The demographic characteristics and medical histories of patients were similar across the three waves. During the second and third waves, 12 (13%) of 92 singleton neonates were stillborn or died during maternal stay in the health-care facility of enrolment, compared with 0 of the 25 born in the fourth wave (p=0·067 vs preceding waves combined). INTERPRETATION Maternal and neonatal outcomes from COVID-19 were less severe during the fourth wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Malawi, during omicron dominance, than during the preceding beta and delta waves. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. TRANSLATION For the Chichewa translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Mndala
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Edward J M Monk
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - Deborah Phiri
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jennifer Riches
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Regina Makuluni
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Luis Gadama
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Likaka
- Malawi Blood Transfusion Services, Blantyre, Malawi; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Chikondi Chapuma
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Moses Kumwenda
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Bertha Maseko
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Chifundo Ndamala
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Annie Kuyere
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Laura Munthali
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Marc Y R Henrion
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Clemens Masesa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Lissauer
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi; University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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14
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Masukume G, Ryan M, Masukume R, Zammit D, Grech V, Mapanga W. COVID-19 onset reduced the sex ratio at birth in South Africa. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13985. [PMID: 36061753 PMCID: PMC9435519 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The sex ratio at birth (defined as male/(male+female) live births) is anticipated to approximate 0.510 with a slight male excess. This ratio has been observed to decrease transiently around 3-5 months following sudden unexpected stressful events. We hypothesised that stress engendered by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused such a decrease in South Africa 3-5 months after March 2020 since in this month, South Africa reported its first COVID-19 case, death and nationwide lockdown restrictions were instituted. Methods We used publicly available, recorded monthly live birth data from Statistics South Africa. The most recent month for which data was available publicly was December 2020. We analysed live births for a 100-month period from September 2012 to December 2020, taking seasonality into account. Chi-squared tests were applied. Results Over this 100-month period, there were 8,151,364 live births. The lowest recorded monthly sex ratio at birth of 0.499 was in June 2020, 3 months after March 2020. This June was the only month during this period where the sex ratio inverted i.e., fewer male live births occurred. The predicted June 2020 ratio was 0.504. The observed June 2020 decrease was statistically significant p = 0.045. Conclusions The sex ratio at birth decreased and inverted in South Africa in June 2020, for the first time, during the most recent 100-month period. This decline occurred 3 months after the March 2020 onset of COVID-19 in South Africa. As June 2020 is within the critical window when population stressors are known to impact the sex ratio at birth, these findings suggest that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic engendered population stress with notable effects on pregnancy and public health in South Africa. These findings have implications for future pandemic preparedness and social policy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret Ryan
- School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rumbidzai Masukume
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Victor Grech
- Academic Department of Paediatrics, Medical School, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Witness Mapanga
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd., Johannesburg, South Africa
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15
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Nachega JB, Sam-Agudu NA, Machekano RN, Rosenthal PJ, Schell S, de Waard L, Bekker A, Gachuno OW, Kinuthia J, Mwongeli N, Budhram S, Vannevel V, Somapillay P, Prozesky HW, Taljaard J, Parker A, Agyare E, Opoku AB, Makarfi AU, Abdullahi AM, Adirieje C, Ishoso DK, Pipo MT, Tshilanda MB, Bongo-Pasi Nswe C, Ditekemena J, Sigwadhi LN, Nyasulu PS, Hermans MP, Sekikubo M, Musoke P, Nsereko C, Agbeno EK, Yeboah MY, Umar LW, Ntakwinja M, Mukwege DM, Birindwa EK, Mushamuka SZ, Smith ER, Mills EJ, Otshudiema JO, Mbala-Kingebeni P, Tamfum JJM, Zumla A, Tsegaye A, Mteta A, Sewankambo NK, Suleman F, Adejumo P, Anderson JR, Noormahomed EV, Deckelbaum RJ, Stringer JSA, Mukalay A, Taha TE, Fowler MG, Wasserheit JN, Masekela R, Mellors JW, Siedner MJ, Myer L, Kengne AP, Yotebieng M, Mofenson LM, Langenegger E. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection and Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A 6-Country Retrospective Cohort Analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1950-1961. [PMID: 36130257 PMCID: PMC9214158 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data are available on COVID-19 outcomes among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where high-risk comorbidities are prevalent. We investigated the impact of pregnancy on SARS-CoV-2 infection and of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy to generate evidence for health policy and clinical practice. METHODS We conducted a 6-country retrospective cohort study among hospitalized women of childbearing age between 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2021. Exposures were (1) pregnancy and (2) a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test. The primary outcome for both analyses was intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Secondary outcomes included supplemental oxygen requirement, mechanical ventilation, adverse birth outcomes, and in-hospital mortality. We used log-binomial regression to estimate the effect between pregnancy and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Factors associated with mortality were evaluated using competing-risk proportional subdistribution hazards models. RESULTS Our analyses included 1315 hospitalized women: 510 pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2, 403 nonpregnant women with SARS-CoV-2, and 402 pregnant women without SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among women with SARS-CoV-2 infection, pregnancy was associated with increased risk for ICU admission (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.42-4.01), oxygen supplementation (aRR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.44-2.42), and hazard of in-hospital death (adjusted sub-hazard ratio [aSHR]: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.08-3.70). Among pregnant women, SARS-CoV-2 infection increased the risk of ICU admission (aRR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.20-3.35), oxygen supplementation (aRR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.17-2.11), and hazard of in-hospital death (aSHR: 5.03; 95% CI: 1.79-14.13). CONCLUSIONS Among hospitalized women in SSA, both SARS-CoV-2 infection and pregnancy independently increased risks of ICU admission, oxygen supplementation, and death. These data support international recommendations to prioritize COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean B Nachega
- Correspondence: J. B. Nachega, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and Center for Global Health 130 DeSoto Street, A532 Crabtree Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 ()
| | | | - Rhoderick N Machekano
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Philip J Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sonja Schell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tygerberg Teaching Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liesl de Waard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tygerberg Teaching Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adrie Bekker
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Onesmus W Gachuno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Department of Research, Department of Reproductive Health, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nancy Mwongeli
- Department of Research, Department of Reproductive Health, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samantha Budhram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Valerie Vannevel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kalafong Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Priya Somapillay
- Maternal Foetal Medicine; Steve Biko Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hans W Prozesky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jantjie Taljaard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arifa Parker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Agyare
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast and Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Akwasi Baafuor Opoku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Aminatu Umar Makarfi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Asara M Abdullahi
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Chibueze Adirieje
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Marc B Tshilanda
- Monkole Hospital Center, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Christian Bongo-Pasi Nswe
- Department of Public Health, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Ethnopharmacologie, Faculty of Medicine, Université Notre-Dame du Kasayi, Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo,Faculty of Public Health, Université Moderne de Kinkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - John Ditekemena
- University of Kinshasa School of Medicine, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Lovemore Nyasha Sigwadhi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter S Nyasulu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michel P Hermans
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Musa Sekikubo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Philippa Musoke
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christopher Nsereko
- Department of Medicine, Entebbe Regional Reference Hospital, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Evans K Agbeno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast and Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Michael Yaw Yeboah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Lawal W Umar
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University and Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Mukanire Ntakwinja
- Gynaecology and General Surgery, Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, and Université Evangelique en Afrique (UEA), Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Denis M Mukwege
- Gynaecology and General Surgery, Panzi General Referral Hospital, Bukavu, and Université Evangelique en Afrique (UEA), Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Etienne Kajibwami Birindwa
- Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu and Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu (UCB), Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Serge Zigabe Mushamuka
- Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu and Faculty of Medicine, Université Catholique de Bukavu (UCB), Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Emily R Smith
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Edward J Mills
- Department of Health Research Evidence and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - John Otokoye Otshudiema
- Epidemiological Surveillance Team, COVID-19 Response, Health Emergencies Program, World Health Organization, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Placide Mbala-Kingebeni
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, National Institute of Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, National Institute of Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Department of Infection, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom,National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aster Tsegaye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alfred Mteta
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Nelson K Sewankambo
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fatima Suleman
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Prisca Adejumo
- Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Jean R Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Richard J Deckelbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey S A Stringer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Abdon Mukalay
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Taha E Taha
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Glenn Fowler
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Judith N Wasserheit
- Departments of Global Health and Medicine, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Refiloe Masekela
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - John W Mellors
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre-Pascal Kengne
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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16
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Nachega JB, Sam-Agudu NA, Siedner MJ, Rosenthal PJ, Mellors JW, Zumla A, Hermans MP, Ntakwinja MB, Mukwege DM, Langenegger E, Mofenson LM. OUP accepted manuscript. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1462-1466. [PMID: 36130226 PMCID: PMC9214132 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnancy is associated with excess maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in both African and higher-resource settings. Furthermore, mounting evidence demonstrates the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women and infants. However, national guidelines in many African countries are equivocal or lack recommendations on COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy. We summarize key data on COVID-19 epidemiology and vaccination among pregnant African women to highlight major barriers to vaccination and recommend 4 interventions. First, policymakers should prioritize pregnant women for COVID-19 vaccination, with a target of 100% coverage. Second, empirically supported public health campaigns should be sustainably implemented to inform and support pregnant women and their healthcare providers in overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Third, COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women should be expanded to include antenatal care, obstetrics/gynecology, and targeted mass vaccination campaigns. Fourth, national monitoring and evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine uptake, safety, surveillance, and prospective outcomes assessment should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean B. Nachega
- Correspondence: J. B. Nachega, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Departments of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and Center for Global Health, 130 DeSoto St, A532 Crabtree Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 ()
| | - Nadia A. Sam-Agudu
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Mark J. Siedner
- Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Philip J. Rosenthal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John W. Mellors
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Center for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Institutes of Health and Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michel P. Hermans
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mukanire B. Ntakwinja
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Panzi Hospital and Université Evangelique en Afrique, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Denis M. Mukwege
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Panzi Hospital and Université Evangelique en Afrique, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Eduard Langenegger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lynne M. Mofenson
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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17
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Abu-Raya B, Madhi SA, Omer SB, Amirthalingam G, Giles ML, Flanagan KL, Zimmermann P, O’Ryan M, Safadi MA, Papaevangelou V, Maertens K, Wanlapakorn N, Diaz-Brito V, Tommelein E, Esposito S. Global Perspectives on Immunization Against SARS-CoV-2 During Pregnancy and Priorities for Future Research: An International Consensus Paper From the World Association of Infectious Diseases and Immunological Disorders. Front Immunol 2021; 12:808064. [PMID: 35003137 PMCID: PMC8733958 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.808064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk for severe morbidity and mortality when compared with infection in non-pregnant women of childbearing age. An increasing number of countries recommend immunization against SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women. Recent studies provide preliminary and supportive evidence on safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in pregnant women; however, important knowledge gaps remain which warrant further studies. This collaborative consensus paper provides a review of the current literature on COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women, identifies knowledge gaps and outlines priorities for future research to optimize protection against SARS-CoV-2 in the pregnant women and their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahaa Abu-Raya
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shabir A. Madhi
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saad B. Omer
- Department of Internal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gayatri Amirthalingam
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle L. Giles
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Katie L. Flanagan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- School of Health and Biomedical Science, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Tasmanian Vaccine Trial Centre, Clifford Craig Foundation, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Petra Zimmermann
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Paediatrics, Fribourg Hospital HFR, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Miguel O’Ryan
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Marco A. Safadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Casa de Sao Paulo School of Medical Sciences, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vassiliki Papaevangelou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Third Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Attikon, Athens, Greece
| | - Kirsten Maertens
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Diseases Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nasamon Wanlapakorn
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vicens Diaz-Brito
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu,, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eline Tommelein
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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18
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Machluf Y, Rosenfeld S, Ben Shlomo I, Chaiter Y, Dekel Y. The Misattributed and Silent Causes of Poor COVID-19 Outcomes Among Pregnant Women. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:745797. [PMID: 34765620 PMCID: PMC8575767 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.745797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Abundant evidence strongly suggests that the condition of pregnancy makes women and their fetuses highly vulnerable to severe Corona-virus 2019 (COVID-19) complications. Here, two novel hypoxia-related conditions are proposed to play a pivotal role in better understanding the relationship between COVID-19, pregnancy and poor health outcomes. The first condition, "misattributed dyspnea (shortness of breath)" refers to respiratory symptoms common to both advanced pregnancy and COVID-19, which are mistakenly perceived as related to the former rather than to the latter; as a result, pregnant women with this condition receive no medical attention until the disease is in an advanced stage. The second condition, "silent hypoxia", refers to abnormally low blood oxygen saturation levels in COVID-19 patients, which occur in the absence of typical respiratory distress symptoms, such as dyspnea, thereby also leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The delay in diagnosis and referral to treatment, due to either "misattributed dypsnea" or "silent hypoxia", may lead to rapid deterioration and poor health outcome to both the mothers and their fetuses. This is particularly valid among women during advanced stages of pregnancy as the altered respiratory features make the consequences of the disease more challenging to cope with. Studies have demonstrated the importance of monitoring blood oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry as a reliable predictor of disease severity and outcome among COVID-19 patients. We propose the use of home pulse oximetry during pregnancy as a diagnostic measure that, together with proper medical guidance, may allow early diagnosis of hypoxia and better health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yossy Machluf
- Unit of Agrigenomics, Shamir Research Institute, Haifa University, Kazerin, Israel
| | - Sherman Rosenfeld
- The Department of Science Teaching, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Izhar Ben Shlomo
- Emergency Medicine Program, Zefat Academic College, Safed, Israel
| | - Yoram Chaiter
- The Israeli Center for Emerging Technologies in Hospitals and Hospital-Based Health Technology Assessment, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Yaron Dekel
- Unit of Agrigenomics, Shamir Research Institute, Haifa University, Kazerin, Israel
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Zefat Academic College, Safed, Israel
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