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Flach de Neergaard EE, Egeskov-Cavling AM, Rytter D, Johannesen CK, K Fischer T. Where Birth Month, Sex and Age Matters: The Burden of Severe Respiratory Disease in Danish Children <5 Years, 2016-2022. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024:00006454-990000000-00871. [PMID: 38754008 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In light of the substantial impact that respiratory diseases in young children poses on healthcare systems globally, and in the wake of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing urgency to obtain reliable estimates on the burden of respiratory disease. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to quantify the overall burden of respiratory disease requiring hospitalizations and explore the trends in these admissions in Danish children <5 years, January 1, 2016-October 31, 2022. METHODS The number of hospitalizations attributed to respiratory infections in children <5 years, was extracted from the Danish National Patient Register, and stratified into subgroups based on age, gender and birth month, and presented on a month-to-month basis. RESULTS A total of 48,194 children under the age of 5, were hospitalized due to respiratory infections within the study period and the annual hospitalization incidence exhibited a noteworthy variation. Risk factors associated with the highest hospitalization incidence were young age, male gender and in children under 1-year-old, birth months falling in the period of November to January. Younger age and admission during the winter months were linked to longer hospital stays. The seasonal pattern of hospitalizations and the distribution of hospitalizations across various subgroups were greatly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION This study describes and quantifies the importance of factoring in specific child demographics and seasonal variations in hospitalizations when devising preventive healthcare strategies such as the use of monoclonal antibody therapy and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dorte Rytter
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C
| | | | - Thea K Fischer
- From the Department of Clinical Research, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hilleroed
- Department of Public Health, Global Health Section, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Zazara DE, Giannou O, Schepanski S, Pagenkemper M, Giannou AD, Pincus M, Belios I, Bonn S, Muntau AC, Hecher K, Diemert A, Arck PC. Fetal lung growth predicts the risk for early-life respiratory infections and childhood asthma. World J Pediatr 2024; 20:481-495. [PMID: 38261172 PMCID: PMC11136800 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00782-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-life respiratory infections and asthma are major health burdens during childhood. Markers predicting an increased risk for early-life respiratory diseases are sparse. Here, we identified the predictive value of ultrasound-monitored fetal lung growth for the risk of early-life respiratory infections and asthma. METHODS Fetal lung size was serially assessed at standardized time points by transabdominal ultrasound in pregnant women participating in a pregnancy cohort. Correlations between fetal lung growth and respiratory infections in infancy or early-onset asthma at five years were examined. Machine-learning models relying on extreme gradient boosting regressor or classifier algorithms were developed to predict respiratory infection or asthma risk based on fetal lung growth. For model development and validation, study participants were randomly divided into a training and a testing group, respectively, by the employed algorithm. RESULTS Enhanced fetal lung growth throughout pregnancy predicted a lower early-life respiratory infection risk. Male sex was associated with a higher risk for respiratory infections in infancy. Fetal lung growth could also predict the risk of asthma at five years of age. We designed three machine-learning models to predict the risk and number of infections in infancy as well as the risk of early-onset asthma. The models' R2 values were 0.92, 0.90 and 0.93, respectively, underscoring a high accuracy and agreement between the actual and predicted values. Influential variables included known risk factors and novel predictors, such as ultrasound-monitored fetal lung growth. CONCLUSION Sonographic monitoring of fetal lung growth allows to predict the risk for early-life respiratory infections and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra E Zazara
- Division for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
- University Children's Hospital, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olympia Giannou
- Computer Engineering and Informatics Department, Polytechnic School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Steven Schepanski
- Division for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Anastasios D Giannou
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
- Section of Molecular Immunology and Gastroenterology, I. Department of Medicine, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maike Pincus
- Pediatrics and Pediatric Pneumology Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ioannis Belios
- Division for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bonn
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, ZMNH, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ania C Muntau
- University Children's Hospital, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Diemert
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, UKE, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Division for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, UKE, Hamburg, Germany.
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Salemi TF, McLean VR, Jnah AJ. Congenital and Postnatal Cytomegalovirus: Case Series and State of the Science for Neonatal Providers. Neonatal Netw 2024; 43:92-104. [PMID: 38599771 DOI: 10.1891/nn-2023-0069] [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] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a beta-herpes virus, is the most common viral infection in infants. Transmission may occur congenitally (cCMV) or postnatally (pCMV). Early detection and intervention are crucial in reducing morbidities, notable developmental delays, and sensorineural hearing loss. However, more than 90% of infants are asymptomatic at birth. Treatment involves intravenous ganciclovir or the oral prodrug, valganciclovir, drugs usually reserved for use with symptomatic infants because of the toxicity profile. Research currently supports standardized antenatal CMV screening and treatment of affected pregnant patients with hyperimmune globulin as well as vaccination against CMV in unaffected pregnant patients, although widespread adoption is lacking. Standardized postnatal CMV screening is a proven, cost-effective way to detect and diagnose CMV and optimize outcomes across the lifespan. This article presents a case series of cCMV and pCMV and a review of the state of science of CMV as well as promising scientific advances that are on the horizon.
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Graf I, Urbschat C, Arck PC. The 'communicatome' of pregnancy: spotlight on cellular and extravesicular chimerism. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:700-714. [PMID: 38467841 PMCID: PMC11018796 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00045-x] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Communication via biological mediators between mother and fetus are key to reproductive success and offspring's future health. The repertoire of mediators coding signals between mother and fetus is broad and includes soluble factors, membrane-bound particles and immune as well as non-immune cells. Based on the emergence of technological advancements over the last years, considerable progress has been made toward deciphering the "communicatome" between fetus and mother during pregnancy and even after birth. In this context, pregnancy-associated chimerism has sparked the attention among immunologists, since chimeric cells-although low in number-are maintained in the allogeneic host (mother or fetus) for years after birth. Other non-cellular structures of chimerism, e.g. extracellular vesicles (EVs), are increasingly recognized as modulators of pregnancy outcome and offspring's health. We here discuss the origin, distribution and function of pregnancy-acquired microchimerism and chimeric EVs in mother and offspring. We also highlight the pioneering concept of maternal microchimeric cell-derived EVs in offspring. Such insights expand the understanding of pregnancy-associated health or disease risks in mother and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Graf
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Urbschat
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra C Arck
- Division of Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Chiang CJ, Hsu WL, Su MT, Ko WC, Hsu KF, Tsai PY. Impact of Antenatal SARS-CoV-2 Exposure on SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Potency. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:164. [PMID: 38400147 PMCID: PMC10892697 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A pregnancy booster dose significantly reduces the risk and severity of COVID-19, and it is widely recommended. A prospective cohort study was conducted to compare the transplacental passage of maternal antibodies from vaccination or infection during three trimesters against both the vaccine-targeted Wuhan strain and the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2. Maternal-infant dyads from vaccinated mothers were collected between 6 June 2022 and 20 September 2022. We analyzed 38 maternal-infant dyads from mothers who had been infected with COVID-19 and 37 from mothers without any previous infection. Pregnant women who received their last COVID-19 vaccine dose in the third trimester exhibited the highest anti-spike protein antibody levels and neutralizing potency against both the Wuhan strain and Omicron BA.2 variant in their maternal and cord plasma. Both second- and third-trimester vaccination could lead to a higher level of neutralization against the Wuhan and Omicron strains. COVID-19 infection had a negative effect on the transplacental transfer ratio of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A booster dose during the second or third trimester is encouraged for the maximum transplacental transfer of humoral protection against COVID-19 for infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jung Chiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704302, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704302, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Tsz Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704302, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704302, Taiwan
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704302, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Fu Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704302, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yin Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704302, Taiwan
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Daidone C, Carper S. Differential Diagnosis and Interdisciplinary Workup of a Pediatric Patient With an Unknown Immune Condition: Chronic Respiratory Distress Secondary to Viral Illness and Developmental Consequences. Cureus 2024; 16:e53109. [PMID: 38414706 PMCID: PMC10898650 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a case of a three-year-old African American male, born at term, who initially presented with bronchiolitis at six months and has since experienced recurrent episodes of respiratory distress and hospitalizations. The patient also has severe eczema, developmental delays, and recurrent viral illnesses. Despite thorough evaluations from various specialists, such as pulmonology, allergy, and gastroenterology, the underlying cause remained elusive. The differential diagnosis for this case is as follows: severe persistent asthma with a possible link to genetic mutations such as CDHR3, hyper-IgE syndrome, atypical presentation of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with aspiration pneumonitis. This patient's chronic condition has contributed to several developmental consequences, including failure to gain weight and possible hypoxic encephalopathy, leading to delays in cognitive and motor milestones and speech delays. Aggressive medical management, especially long-term systemic steroids, raises concerns about future complications. Through this case, we highlight the importance of thorough workups and an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosing and managing an unknown immune condition, as well as consistent pediatric primary care follow-up to assess development and coordinate necessary support. Here, we aim to address a gap in research on the unique presentations of pediatric respiratory distress symptoms by formulating a comprehensive differential diagnosis and exploring the various ways that chronic respiratory illness can contribute to developmental deficits such as speech and cognitive delays in pediatric patients. This study calls for further research into genetic contributions to asthma, diverse presentations of GERD, prevention of viral illnesses, alternative treatments minimizing steroid use, and an understanding of the impact of chronic respiratory distress on cognitive and language development in children. Thorough workups and interdisciplinary approaches are essential for effective diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camryn Daidone
- Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Shreveport, USA
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Day JW, Mendell JR, Burghes AH, van Olden RW, Adhikary RR, Dilly KW. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 antibody seroprevalence for patients in the United States with spinal muscular atrophy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101117. [PMID: 37822718 PMCID: PMC10562739 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Onasemnogene abeparvovec is a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vector-based gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Patients with elevated titers of anti-AAV9 antibodies (AAV9-Ab) should not receive onasemnogene abeparvovec because of potential safety and efficacy implications. We conducted a retrospective study to describe the seroprevalence of anti-AAV9 binding antibodies for pediatric patients with SMA in the United States. At initial testing, 13.0% (115 of 882) of patients (mean [SD] age, 26.29 [33.66] weeks) had elevated AAV9-Ab titers. The prevalence of elevated titers decreased as age increased, with 18.2% (92 of 507) of patients ≤3 months old but only 1.1% (1 of 92) of patients ≥21 months old having elevated titers. This suggests transplacental maternal transfer of antibodies. No patterns of geographic variations in AAV9-Ab prevalence were confirmed. Elevated AAV9-Ab titers in children <6 weeks old decreased in all circumstances. Lower magnitudes of elevated titers declined more rapidly than greater magnitudes. Retesting was completed at the discretion of the treating clinician, so age at testing and time between tests varied. AAV9-Ab retesting should be considered when patients have elevated titers, and elevations at a young age are not a deterrent to eventual onasemnogene abeparvovec administration. Early disease-modifying treatment for SMA leads to optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W. Day
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jerry R. Mendell
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Arthur H.M. Burghes
- Department of Neurology and Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Rishi R. Adhikary
- CONEXTS-Real World Evidence, Novartis Healthcare Private Limited, Hyderabad, India
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Ahmed S, Jiang X, Liu G, Yang H, Sadiq A, Yi D, Farooq U, Yiyu S, Zubair M. The protective role of maternal genetic immunization on maternal-fetal health and welfare. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 163:763-777. [PMID: 37218379 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14853] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a critical period associated with alterations in physiologic, biologic, and immunologic processes, which can affect maternal-fetal health through development of several infectious diseases. At birth, neonates have an immature immune system that makes them more susceptible to severe viral infections and diseases. For this reason, different maternal nutritional and immunization interventions have been used to improve the immune and health status of the mother and her neonate through passive immunity. Here, we reviewed the protective role of maternal immunization with different types of vaccines, especially genetic vaccines, during pregnancy in maternal-fetal health, immune response, colostrum quality, immune response, and anti-oxidative status. For this purpose, we have used different scientific databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) and other official web pages. We customized the search period range from the year 2000 to 2023 using the key words "maternal immunization" OR "gestation period/pregnancy" OR "genetic vaccination" OR "maternal-fetal health" OR "micronutrients" OR "neonatal immunity" "oxidative stress" OR "colostrum quality". The evidence demonstrated that inactivated or killed vaccines produced significant immune protection in the mother and fetus. Furthermore, most recent studies have suggested that the use of genetic vaccines (mRNA and DNA) during pregnancy is efficient at triggering the immune response in mother and neonate without the risk of undesired pregnancy outcomes. However, factors such as maternal redox balance, nutritional status, and the timing of immunization play essential roles in regulating immune response inflammatory status, antioxidant capacity, and the welfare of both the pregnant mother and her newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohail Ahmed
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xunping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Wuhan, China
| | - Guiqiong Liu
- Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiguo Yang
- Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Amber Sadiq
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ding Yi
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Umar Farooq
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sha Yiyu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Sheep and Goat Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Pakistan
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Wang X, Tong J, Liang C, Wang X, Ma Y, Tao S, Liu M, Wang Y, Liu J, Yan S, Gao G, Wu X, Huang K, Cao Y, Tao F. Trimester-specific effects of maternal exposure to single and mixed metals on cord serum inflammatory cytokines levels: A prospective birth cohort study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165086. [PMID: 37379910 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cord blood inflammatory cytokines are vital in early-life programming. An increasing number of studies concern the effect of maternal exposure to different metal elements during pregnancy on inflammatory cytokines, but limited studies have explored the association between maternal exposure to mixed metals and cord blood inflammatory cytokine levels. METHODS We measured serum concentrations of vanadium (V), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and barium (Ba) in the first, second, and third trimesters and eight cord serum inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, and TNF-α) in 1436 mother-child dyads from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort. Generalized linear models and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were performed to assess the association of single and mixed metal exposure during each trimester with cord serum inflammatory cytokine levels, respectively. RESULTS Regarding metal exposure in the first trimester, V was positively associated with TNF-α (β = 0.33, 95 % CI: 0.13, 0.53); Cu was positively associated with IL-8 (β = 0.23, 95 % CI: 0.07, 0.39); Ba was positively associated with IFN-γ and IL-6; As was negatively associated with IFN-γ and IL-17A; and Cd was negatively associated with IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-12p70, IL-17A, and TNF-α. BKMR revealed that exposure to metal mixtures in the first trimester was positively associated with IL-8 and TNF-α but negatively associated with IL-17A. Moreover, V contributed the most to these associations. Interaction effects were observed between Cd and As and between Cd and Cu with IL-8, and between Cd and V with IL-17A. Among males, As decreased inflammatory cytokines; among females, Cu increased inflammatory cytokine levels, whereas Cd decreased inflammatory cytokine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Maternal exposure to metal mixtures in the first trimester interfered with cord serum inflammatory cytokine levels. The associations of maternal exposure to As, Cu and Cd with inflammatory cytokines showed sex differences. Further studies are warranted to support the findings and explore the mechanism of the susceptibility window and sex-specific disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Juan Tong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chunmei Liang
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xueqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yufan Ma
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shuman Tao
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yafei Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Ma'anshan 243011, Anhui, China
| | - Guopeng Gao
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Ma'anshan 243011, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Yüzen D, Urbschat C, Schepanski S, Thiele K, Arck PC, Mittrücker H. Pregnancy-induced transfer of pathogen-specific T cells from mother to fetus in mice. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56829. [PMID: 37610043 PMCID: PMC10561172 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202356829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal health is determined by the transfer of maternal antibodies from the mother to the fetus. Besides antibodies, maternal cells cross the placental barrier and seed into fetal organs. Contrary to maternal antibodies, maternal microchimeric cells (MMc) show a high longevity, as they can persist in the offspring until adulthood. Recent evidence highlights that MMc leukocytes promote neonatal immunity against early-life infections in mice and humans. As shown in mice, this promotion of immunity was attributable to an improved fetal immune development. Besides this indirect effect, MMc may be pathogen-specific and thus, directly clear pathogen threats in the offspring postnatally. By using ovalbumin recombinant Listeria monocytogenes (LmOVA), we here provide evidence that OVA-specific T cells are transferred from the mother to the fetus, which is associated with increased activation of T cells and a milder course of postnatal infection in the offspring. Our data highlight that maternally-derived passive immunity of the neonate is not limited to antibodies, as MMc have the potential to transfer immune memory between generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Yüzen
- Division of Experimental Feto‐Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Christopher Urbschat
- Division of Experimental Feto‐Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Steven Schepanski
- Division of Experimental Feto‐Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Kristin Thiele
- Division of Experimental Feto‐Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Petra C Arck
- Division of Experimental Feto‐Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Fetal MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
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11
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Baines KJ, West RC. Sex differences in innate and adaptive immunity impact fetal, placental, and maternal health†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:256-270. [PMID: 37418168 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The differences between males and females begin shortly after birth, continue throughout prenatal development, and eventually extend into childhood and adult life. Male embryos and fetuses prioritize proliferation and growth, often at the expense of the fetoplacental energy reserves. This singular focus on growth over adaptability leaves male fetuses and neonates vulnerable to adverse outcomes during pregnancy and birth and can have lasting impacts throughout life. Beyond this prioritization of growth, male placentas and fetuses also respond to infection and inflammation differently than female counterparts. Pregnancies carrying female fetuses have a more regulatory immune response, whereas pregnancies carrying male fetuses have a stronger inflammatory response. These differences can be seen as early as the innate immune response with differences in cytokine and chemokine signaling. The sexual dimorphism in immunity then continues into the adaptive immune response with differences in T-cell biology and antibody production and transfer. As it appears that these sex-specific differences are amplified in pathologic pregnancies, it stands to reason that differences in the placental, fetal, and maternal immune responses in pregnancy contribute to increased male perinatal morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will describe the genetic and hormonal contributions to the sexual dimorphism of fetal and placental immunity. We will also discuss current research efforts to describe the sex-specific differences of the maternal-fetal interface and how it impacts fetal and maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Baines
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rachel C West
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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12
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Vigil-Vázquez S, Manzanares Á, Hernanz-Lobo A, Carrasco-García I, Zamora Del Pozo C, Pérez-Pérez A, Rincón-López EM, Santiago-García B, Pintado-Recarte MDP, Alonso-Fernández R, Sánchez-Luna M, Navarro-Gómez ML. Serologic evolution and follow-up to IgG antibodies of infants born to mothers with gestational COVID. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:623. [PMID: 37648971 PMCID: PMC10469412 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05926-6] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is known that SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy cross the placenta but the duration and the protective effect of these antibodies in infants is scarce. METHODS This prospective study included mothers with SARS-COV-2 infection during pregnancy and their infants from April 2020 to March 2021. IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were performed on women and infants at birth and at two and six months during follow-up. Anthropometrical measures and physical and neurological examinations and a clinical history of symptoms and COVID-19 diagnosis were collected. Simple linear regression was performed to compare categorical and continuous variables. To compare the mother's and infant's antibody titers evolution, a mixed linear regression model was used. A predictive model of newborn antibody titers at birth has been established by means of simple stepwise linear regression. RESULTS 51 mother-infant couples were included. 45 (90%) of the mothers and 44 (86.3%) of the newborns had a positive serology al birth. These antibodies were progressively decreasing and were positive in 34 (66.7%) and 7 (13.7%) of infants at 2 and 6 months, respectively. IgG titers of newborns at birth were related to mothers' titers, with a positive moderate correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.82, p < 0,001). Fetal/maternal antibodies placental transference rate was 1.3 (IQR: 0.7-2.2). The maternal IgG titers at delivery and the type of maternal infection (acute, recent, or past infection) was significantly related with infants' antibody titers at birth. No other epidemiological or clinical factors were related to antibodies titers. Neurodevelopment, psychomotor development, and growth were normal in 94.2% of infants in the third follow-up visit. No infants had a COVID-19 diagnosis during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies is high in newborns from mothers with recent or past infection at delivery, but these antibodies decrease after the first months of life. Infant's IgG titers were related to maternal IgG titers at delivery. Further studies are needed to learn about the protective role of maternal antibodies in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vigil-Vázquez
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Calle O'Donnel 48, Madrid, 28009, Spain.
| | - Ángela Manzanares
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Hernanz-Lobo
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Itziar Carrasco-García
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Zamora Del Pozo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Pérez-Pérez
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Calle O'Donnel 48, Madrid, 28009, Spain
| | - Elena María Rincón-López
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Santiago-García
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Roberto Alonso-Fernández
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Luna
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Calle O'Donnel 48, Madrid, 28009, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Luisa Navarro-Gómez
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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13
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Vidal MS, Menon R. In utero priming of fetal immune activation: Myths and mechanisms. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 157:103922. [PMID: 36913842 PMCID: PMC10205680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103922] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms of fetal immune system development in utero remain incompletely elucidated. Protective immunity, the arm of reproductive immunology concerned with the progressive education of the fetal immune system as pregnancy advances, allows for programming of the immune system and immune maturation in utero and provides a responsive system to respond to rapid microbial and other antigenic exposure ex utero. Challenges in studying fetal tissues, immune system development, and the contributions of various endogenous and exogenous factors to this process are difficult to study as a progressive sampling of fetal biological samples is impractical during pregnancy, and animal models are limited. This review provides a summary of mechanisms of protective immunity and how it has been shaped, from transplacental transfer of immunoglobulins, cytokines, metabolites, as well as antigenic microchimeric cells to perhaps more controversial notions of materno-fetal transfer of bacteria that subsequently organize into microbiomes within the fetal tissues. This review will also provide a quick overview of future direction in the area of research on fetal immune system development and discusses methods to visualize fetal immune populations and determine fetal immune functions, as well as a quick look into appropriate models for studying fetal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S Vidal
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston TX, USA.
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14
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Satter SM, Nazneen A, Aquib WR, Sultana S, Rahman MZ, Klena JD, Montgomery JM, Shirin T. Vertical Transfer of Humoral Immunity against Nipah Virus: A Novel Evidence from Bangladesh. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 8:tropicalmed8010016. [PMID: 36668923 PMCID: PMC9866109 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A major obstacle to in-depth investigation of the immune response against Nipah virus (NiV) infection is its rapid progression and high mortality rate. This paper described novel information on the vertical transfer of immune properties. In January 2020, a female aged below five years and her mother from Faridpur district of Bangladesh were infected. Both had a history of raw date palm sap consumption and were diagnosed as confirmed NiV cases. The daughter passed away, and the mother survived with significant residual neurological impairment. She conceived one and a half year later and was under thorough antenatal follow-up by the surveillance authority. A healthy male baby was born. As part of routine survivor follow-up, specimens were collected from the newborn and tested for NiV infection at the reference laboratory to exclude vertical transmission. Although testing negative for anti-Nipah IgM and PCR for NiV, a high titre of anti-Nipah IgG was observed. The transfer of humoral immunity against NiV from mother to neonate was confirmed for the first time. The article will serve as a reference for further exploration regarding NiV-specific antibodies that are transferred through the placenta, their potential to protect newborns, and how this may influence vaccine recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Moinuddin Satter
- Programme for Emerging Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +880-179-066-5868
| | - Arifa Nazneen
- Programme for Emerging Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Wasik Rahman Aquib
- Programme for Emerging Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Sharmin Sultana
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research, 44 Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Ziaur Rahman
- Programme for Emerging Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - John D. Klena
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Joel M. Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Tahmina Shirin
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research, 44 Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
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15
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Tallarek AC, Hollwitz B, Diemert A. Einmalige Möglichkeit für doppelten Nutzen: Impfungen in der Schwangerschaft. DIE GYNÄKOLOGIE 2022. [PMCID: PMC9411844 DOI: 10.1007/s00129-022-04978-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Impfungen sind eine der größten Errungenschaften zum Schutz der öffentlichen Gesundheit. Impfstoffe, die schwangeren Frauen verabreicht werden, schützen dabei nicht nur die Schwangere selbst, sondern auch das Neugeborene. Schwangere Frauen sind von Infektionen unverhältnismäßig stark beeinträchtigt. Die widersprüchlichen Anforderungen an das mütterliche Immunsystem während der Schwangerschaft, mit dem Ziel, die fetale Immuntoleranz aufrechtzuerhalten, erschweren eine schnelle und effektive Immunantwort gegen Krankheitserreger. Dieser dynamische Zustand der Immunadaptation prädisponiert Schwangere für schwerere Krankheitsverläufe. Durch eine Impfung kann einer Infektion oder einem schweren Krankheitsverlauf vorgebeugt werden. In der Folge sinkt auch das Risiko einer Frühgeburt und anderer schwerer Schwangerschaftskomplikationen, die lebenslange Folgen für Mutter und Kind haben können. Nach der Geburt muss das Neugeborene zunächst ein adaptives Gedächtnis für eine bis dahin unbekannte, antigenreiche Umgebung entwickeln; es ist für Infektionen und die daraus resultierenden Komplikationen besonders vulnerabel. Durch den Transfer maternaler Antikörper über die Plazenta werden Säuglinge geschützt, die zu jung sind, um geimpft zu werden. Beim Stillen setzt sich dies durch die Muttermilch fort. Für die von der Ständigen Impfkommission (STIKO) empfohlenen Impfungen in der Schwangerschaft (Influenza, Pertussis, COVID[„coronavirus disease“]-19), gibt es eindeutige Hinweise aus verschiedenen prospektiven und observationellen Studien, dass sie Mutter und Kind entweder vor einer Infektion oder einem schweren Krankheitsverlauf effektiv schützen. Im Beitrag geben wir einen Überblick über die Impfstrategie rund um die Schwangerschaft und fassen die wissenschaftlichen Daten zur Wirksamkeit der empfohlenen Impfungen zusammen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Christin Tallarek
- Klinik für Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251 Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Bettina Hollwitz
- Klinik für Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251 Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Anke Diemert
- Klinik für Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251 Hamburg, Deutschland
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16
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Wu C. Racial concentration and dynamics of COVID-19 vaccination in the United States. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101198. [PMID: 35996681 PMCID: PMC9387067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This article considers how county-level concentrations of Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites are associated with COVID-19 vaccination differently. I argue that racially specific mechanisms-differential concentrations of social vulnerability and political ideology by race-are likely to create diverse associations between racial concentration and COVID-19 vaccination not only across racial groups but also within racial groups over time from early rollout to the time after COVID-19 vaccines became widely available. I test this argument by drawing on data from multiple sources that include county-level information on COVID-19 vaccination rates, racial population make-ups, and measures of political ideology and community vulnerability. Results show that the association between racial concentration and COVID-19 vaccination changes substantially across and within racial groups over time. Counties with higher percent of Asians and percent of Whites have higher vaccination rates at earlier time intervals whereas counties with higher percent of Latinos and percent of Blacks show lower vaccination rates. This trend flips at later dates for percent of Blacks, percent of Latinos, and percent of Whites. Results from multilevel regression models and mediation analysis controlling for vaccine hesitancy show that social vulnerability and political ideology are the underlying factors and their differential associations with diverse racial concentrations help create the racially specific and time-varying patterns. Racial concentration and COVID-19 vaccination are associated differently across race groups. Racial concentration and COVID-19 vaccination are associated differently within race groups over time . Social vulnerability and political dynamics are the underlying factors for the racially specific and time varying patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cary Wu
- Department of Sociology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
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17
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Timi P, Kellerhals SE, Joseph NT, Dude CM, Verkerke HP, Irby LS, Smith AK, Stowell SR, Jamieson DJ, Badell ML. Placental Injury and Antibody Transfer Following COVID-19 Disease in Pregnancy. J Infect Dis 2022; 227:850-854. [PMID: 35767286 PMCID: PMC9384443 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac270] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the relationship between placental histopathology and transplacental antibody transfer in pregnant patients following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Differences in plasma concentrations of anti-Receptor Biding Domain (RBD) Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies in maternal and cord blood were analyzed according to presence of placental injury. Median [IQR] anti-RBD IgG concentrations in cord blood with placental injury (n = 7) did not differ significantly from those without injury (n= 16) [(2.7 [1.8,3.6] vs 2.7[2.4, 2.9], p= 0.59). However, they were associated with lower transfer ratios (median [IQR] 0.77[0.61, 0.97] vs. 0.97[0.80, 1.01], p = 0.05) suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 placental injury mediates reduced maternal-fetal antibody transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naima T Joseph
- Correspondence: Naima T. Joseph, MD, MPH, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, 330 Brookline Ave, Kirstein 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02215 ()
| | - Carolynn M Dude
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hans P Verkerke
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Les’Shon S Irby
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sean R Stowell
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Denise J Jamieson
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Martina L Badell
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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18
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Correa VA, Portilho AI, De Gaspari E. Vaccines, Adjuvants and Key Factors for Mucosal Immune Response. Immunology 2022; 167:124-138. [PMID: 35751397 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are the most effective tool to control infectious diseases, which provoke significant morbidity and mortality. Most vaccines are administered through the parenteral route and can elicit a robust systemic humoral response, but they induce a weak T-cell-mediated immunity and are poor inducers of mucosal protection. Considering that most pathogens enter the body through mucosal surfaces, a vaccine that elicits protection in the first site of contact between the host and the pathogen is promising. However, despite the advantages of mucosal vaccines as good options to confer protection on the mucosal surface, only a few mucosal vaccines are currently approved. In this review, we discuss the impact of vaccine administration in different mucosal surfaces; how appropriate adjuvants enhance the induction of protective mucosal immunity and other factors that can influence the mucosal immune response to vaccines. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Araujo Correa
- Adolfo Lutz Institute, Immunology Center, Av Dr Arnaldo, 355, 11th floor, room 1116, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,São Paulo University, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, Av Prof Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB III, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda Izeli Portilho
- Adolfo Lutz Institute, Immunology Center, Av Dr Arnaldo, 355, 11th floor, room 1116, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,São Paulo University, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, Av Prof Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB III, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth De Gaspari
- Adolfo Lutz Institute, Immunology Center, Av Dr Arnaldo, 355, 11th floor, room 1116, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,São Paulo University, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, Av Prof Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB III, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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19
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Langel SN, Blasi M, Permar SR. Maternal immune protection against infectious diseases. Cell Host Microbe 2022; 30:660-674. [PMID: 35550669 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The maternal immune system protects developing offspring against pathogens before birth via transplacental transfer and after birth through secreted milk. This transferred maternal immunity influences each generation's susceptibility to infections and responsiveness to immunization. Thus, boosting immunity in the maternal-neonatal dyad is a potentially valuable public health strategy. Additionally, at critical times during fetal and postnatal development, environmental factors and immune stimuli influence immune development. These "windows of opportunity" offer a chance to identify both risk and protective factors that promote long-term health and limit disease. Here, we review pre- and postpartum maternal immune factors that protect against infectious agents in offspring and how they may shape the infant's immune landscape over time. Additionally, we discuss the influence of maternal immunity on the responsiveness to immunization in early life. Lastly, when maternal factors are insufficient to prevent neonatal infectious diseases, we discuss pre- and postnatal therapeutic strategies for the maternal-neonatal dyad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie N Langel
- Department of Surgery, Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maria Blasi
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sallie R Permar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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20
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Fish EN, Benn CS, Klein SL. Introduction. Vaccine 2022; 40:1513-1515. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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21
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Vertically transferred maternal immune cells promote neonatal immunity against early life infections. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4706. [PMID: 34349112 PMCID: PMC8338998 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24719-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During mammalian pregnancy, immune cells are vertically transferred from mother to fetus. The functional role of these maternal microchimeric cells (MMc) in the offspring is mostly unknown. Here we show a mouse model in which MMc numbers are either normal or low, which enables functional assessment of MMc. We report a functional role of MMc in promoting fetal immune development. MMc induces preferential differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells in fetal bone marrow towards monocytes within the myeloid compartment. Neonatal mice with higher numbers of MMc and monocytes show enhanced resilience against cytomegalovirus infection. Similarly, higher numbers of MMc in human cord blood are linked to a lower number of respiratory infections during the first year of life. Our data highlight the importance of MMc in promoting fetal immune development, potentially averting the threats caused by early life exposure to pathogens. Maternal immune cells seed into the foetus during mammalian pregnancy, yet the functional role of these cells is unclear. Here the authors show that maternal immune cells in foetal bone marrow stimulate immune development, subsequently reducing the risk or severity of infections in newborns.
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22
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Garlasco J, Bordino V, Marengo N, Rainero E, Scacchi A, Ditommaso S, Giacomuzzi M, Bert F, Zotti CM. Pertussis immunisation during pregnancy: Antibody levels and the impact of booster vaccine. Vaccine 2021; 39:4957-4963. [PMID: 34330557 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Mothers lacking adequate immunity and contracting the disease represent the biggest risk of transmission to new-borns, for which the disease is often a threat. The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of pertussis susceptibility among pregnant women, in order to point out the need for a vaccine recall during pregnancy, and to evaluate the antibody response in already vaccinated women. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the blood test centre of "St. Anna" Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital in Turin (Piedmont, Italy). Eligibility criteria included pregnant women coming to the centre for any blood test, aged 18 or above and with gestational age between 33 and 37 weeks at the moment of the blood draw. The data collection was carried out from May 2019 to January 2020 and the concentration of anti-Pertussis Toxin (anti-PT) IgG was measured through the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Two-hundred women (median age 35) were enrolled: 132 (66%) had received at least one dose of pertussis vaccine, 82 of which during pregnancy. Recently vaccinated women had significantly higher antibody titres (even 12-15 times as high) compared to those vaccinated more than 5 years before or never vaccinated at all (p < 0.0001). Moreover, 95.1% of recently vaccinated women had anti-PT IgG levels above 10 IU/ml, and 85.4% above 20 IU/ml, while the same proportions were as low as 37% and 21% (respectively) in the group of women not vaccinated in pregnancy. This study confirmed that the vaccination is greatly effective in ensuring high antibody titres in the first months after the booster vaccine, with considerable differences in anti-PT IgG compared to women vaccinated earlier or never vaccinated at all, and therefore vaccinating pregnant women against pertussis still represents a valuable strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Garlasco
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 5/bis, Via Santena, I-10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Valerio Bordino
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 5/bis, Via Santena, I-10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Noemi Marengo
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 5/bis, Via Santena, I-10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Erika Rainero
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 5/bis, Via Santena, I-10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Scacchi
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 5/bis, Via Santena, I-10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Savina Ditommaso
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 5/bis, Via Santena, I-10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Monica Giacomuzzi
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 5/bis, Via Santena, I-10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Bert
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 5/bis, Via Santena, I-10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Carla Maria Zotti
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 5/bis, Via Santena, I-10126 Turin, Italy.
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23
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Tallarek AC, Urbschat C, Fonseca Brito L, Stanelle-Bertram S, Krasemann S, Frascaroli G, Thiele K, Wieczorek A, Felber N, Lütgehetmann M, Markert UR, Hecher K, Brune W, Stahl F, Gabriel G, Diemert A, Arck PC. Inefficient Placental Virus Replication and Absence of Neonatal Cell-Specific Immunity Upon Sars-CoV-2 Infection During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698578. [PMID: 34149740 PMCID: PMC8211452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women have been carefully observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the pregnancy-specific immune adaptation is known to increase the risk for infections. Recent evidence indicates that even though most pregnant have a mild or asymptomatic course, a severe course of COVID-19 and a higher risk of progression to diseases have also been described, along with a heightened risk for pregnancy complications. Yet, vertical transmission of the virus is rare and the possibility of placental SARS-CoV-2 infection as a prerequisite for vertical transmission requires further studies. We here assessed the severity of COVID-19 and onset of neonatal infections in an observational study of women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. Our placental analyses showed a paucity of SARS-CoV-2 viral expression ex vivo in term placentae under acute infection. No viral placental expression was detectable in convalescent pregnant women. Inoculation of placental explants generated from placentas of non-infected women at birth with SARS-CoV-2 in vitro revealed inefficient SARS-CoV-2 replication in different types of placental tissues, which provides a rationale for the low ex vivo viral expression. We further detected specific SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses in pregnant women within a few days upon infection, which was undetectable in cord blood. Our present findings confirm that vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is rare, likely due to the inefficient virus replication in placental tissues. Despite the predominantly benign course of infection in most mothers and negligible risk of vertical transmission, continuous vigilance on the consequences of COVID-19 during pregnancy is required, since the maternal immune activation in response to the SARS-CoV2 infection may have long-term consequences for children’s health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Christin Tallarek
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Urbschat
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luis Fonseca Brito
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Krasemann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Giada Frascaroli
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Thiele
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Agnes Wieczorek
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Felber
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo R Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfram Brune
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felix Stahl
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gülsah Gabriel
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Diemert
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Petra Clara Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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