Awareness of Cytomegalovirus Infection among Pregnant Women in Geneva, Switzerland: A Cross-sectional Study.
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ABSTRACT: Background
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infection and commonly associated with sensorineural deficit. At present, there is neither prophylaxis nor treatment during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness regarding CMV infection and its consequences in women delivering at the University of Geneva Hospitals (Geneva, Switzerland).Methods
The study consisted of a validated questionnaire completed by women in the immediate postpartum period.Results
The questionnaire was completed by 59% (314/528) of delivering women. Only 39% (123/314) knew about CMV and 19.7% (62/314) had received information about preventive measures. Women were more aware about other congenital diseases, such as toxoplasmosis (87%); human immunodeficiency virus (99%); syphilis (85.5%); rubella (92.3%); and group B Streptococcus (63%). Factors associated with CMV awareness were Swiss nationality, high education level, employment in health care or with children, and being followed by an obstetrician. Regarding quality of information, few were aware of the main CMV complications (deafness, 25.2%; mental retardation, 34.5%). Among those informed about CMV, most (74.6%) knew about preventive measures. Among these, 82.5% thought that these were easily applicable.Conclusions
Most women were unaware of CMV infection and its potential risks during pregnancy. It is crucial to improve CMV information given to pregnant women to prevent the risks for the fetus/newborn.
SUBMITTER: Willame A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4690918 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:PURPOSE:Voluntary salt iodization at 50 mg/kg salt ensures adequate iodine nutrition in Swedish school-aged children, but iodine status in pregnant women is uncertain. METHODS:We conducted a cross-sectional national study of 743 pregnant women, at median gestational age of 23 weeks (IQR 9, 38), recruited from maternal health care centers. We measured: urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and urinary creatinine concentration in spot urine samples; thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and total thyroxine (tT4) on dried blood spots (DBS); and thyreoperoxidase antibodies in serum samples. Data on dietary supplement use were obtained, and women were classified as supplement users (consuming multivitamins containing???150 µg iodine/day) and non-supplement users (no supplements or?<?150 µg iodine/day from supplements). RESULTS:Overall median UIC [bootstrapped 95% confidence interval (CI)] was 101 µg/L (95, 108; n?=?737): 149 µg/L (132, 164) in supplement users (n?=?253) and 85 µg/L (79, 92) in non-supplement users (n?=?440) (p?<?0.001). Overall geometric mean DBS-Tg (95% CI) was 22.1 ?g/L (20.8, 23.5; n?=?675) and the prevalence of elevated DBS-Tg was 19%. DBS-Tg was lower in supplement users (n?=?229) than in non-supplement users (n?=?405) (19.1 vs 24.4 ?g/L, p?<?0.001). DBS-TSH, DBS-tT4, and S-TPOab positivity did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:Pregnant women in Sweden have inadequate iodine nutrition. Women not taking iodine supplements containing???150 µg iodine/day are affected by mild iodine deficiency and are at higher risk for increased thyroid activity, while maintaining euthyroidism. Iodine intake should be improved in women both before and after conception by promotion of iodized salt instead of non-iodized salt. We urge regular monitoring of iodine status in the general Swedish population, as well as in risk groups.
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Project description:BACKGROUND:Herbal medicines in pregnancy are increasingly used worldwide with prevalence of up to 67%. Although this popularity is mainly because of the common belief that these medicines are safe, recent reports suggest that several herbal medicines are potentially harmful to mother and fetus if used in pregnancy. METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted in July and August of year 2017, at maternity wards of two public hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Postpartum women were interviewed via the structured questionnaire to collect information regarding socio-demographic and health characteristics, patterns of herbal medicines used in the previous pregnancy, and outcome of pregnancy. RESULTS:Two hundred forty-three postpartum women participated in the study, with 70% of them using at least one modality of herbal medicines in previous pregnancy. Ginger, black seed, lemon tea, prune, and mustard oil were most commonly used herbal medicines. Herbal medicines were mostly used for pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and cold. Fifteen (8.8%) herbal medicine users reported side effects. CONCLUSIONS:This study highlights popularity of herbal medicines during pregnancy in Bangladesh. Previous herbal medicine users and unemployed women turned significantly more to herbal medicines during pregnancy. Reports of side effects and use of some potentially harmful modalities warrant awareness regarding proper use of herbal medicines in pregnancy and its pharmacovigilance.
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