Project description:Objective: To study the potential effect of COVID-19 on the endometrium of affected symptomatic women. Design: Preliminary study of the endometrial transcriptomes in women with COVID-19 through RNA sequencing. Setting: Hospital and university laboratories. Subjects: Women with COVID-19 lacking SARS-CoV-2 infection in endometrial tissue. Intervention/Exposure: Endometrial biopsy collection. Main outcomes measures: Endometrial gene expression and functional analysis of patients with COVID-19 versus uninfected individuals. Results: COVID-19 systemic disease alters endometrial gene expression in 75% of women, with patients exhibiting a preponderance of 163 up-regulated (e.g., UTS2, IFI6, IFIH1, BNIP3) and 72 down-regulated genes (e.g., CPZ, CDH3, IRF4) (FDR<0.05). A total of 161 dysregulated functions (36 up-regulated and 125 down-regulated) were typically enriched in COVID-19 endometria, including upregulation in pathways involved in response to virus and cytokine inflammation, highlighting upregulation of a COVID-19 response pathway. Conclusion: COVID-19 affects endometrial gene expression despite the absence of SARS-CoV-2 particles in endometrial tissues.
Project description:BackgroundPregnant and lactating women were excluded from initial coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine trials; thus, data to guide vaccine decision making are lacking.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of coronavirus disease 2019 messenger RNA vaccination in pregnant and lactating women compared with: (1) nonpregnant controls and (2) natural coronavirus disease 2019 infection in pregnancy.Study designA total of 131 reproductive-age vaccine recipients (84 pregnant, 31 lactating, and 16 nonpregnant women) were enrolled in a prospective cohort study at 2 academic medical centers. Titers of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike and receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, and immunoglobulin M were quantified in participant sera (n=131) and breastmilk (n=31) at baseline, at the second vaccine dose, at 2 to 6 weeks after the second vaccine, and at delivery by Luminex. Umbilical cord sera (n=10) titers were assessed at delivery. Titers were compared with those of pregnant women 4 to 12 weeks from the natural infection (n=37) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A pseudovirus neutralization assay was used to quantify neutralizing antibody titers for the subset of women who delivered during the study period. Postvaccination symptoms were assessed via questionnaire. Kruskal-Wallis tests and a mixed-effects model, with correction for multiple comparisons, were used to assess differences among groups.ResultsVaccine-induced antibody titers were equivalent in pregnant and lactating compared with nonpregnant women (pregnant, median, 5.59; interquartile range, 4.68-5.89; lactating, median, 5.74; interquartile range, 5.06-6.22; nonpregnant, median, 5.62; interquartile range, 4.77-5.98, P=.24). All titers were significantly higher than those induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy (P<.0001). Vaccine-generated antibodies were present in all umbilical cord blood and breastmilk samples. Neutralizing antibody titers were lower in umbilical cord than maternal sera, although this finding did not achieve statistical significance (maternal sera, median, 104.7; interquartile range, 61.2-188.2; cord sera, median, 52.3; interquartile range, 11.7-69.6; P=.05). The second vaccine dose (boost dose) increased severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific immunoglobulin G, but not immunoglobulin A, in maternal blood and breastmilk. No differences were noted in reactogenicity across the groups.ConclusionCoronavirus disease 2019 messenger RNA vaccines generated robust humoral immunity in pregnant and lactating women, with immunogenicity and reactogenicity similar to that observed in nonpregnant women. Vaccine-induced immune responses were statistically significantly greater than the response to natural infection. Immune transfer to neonates occurred via placenta and breastmilk.
Project description:BACKGROUND:2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a worldwide pandemic. Under such circumstance pregnant women are also affected significantly. OBJECTIVE:This study aims to observe the clinical features and outcomes of pregnant women who have been confirmed with COVID-19. METHODS:The research objects were 55 cases of suspected COVID-19 pregnant women who gave a birth from Jan 20th 2020 to Mar 5th 2020 in our hospital-a big birth center delivering about 30,000 babies in the last 3 years. These cases were subjected to pulmonary CT scan and routine blood test, manifested symptoms of fever, cough, chest tightness or gastrointestinal symptoms. They were admitted to an isolated suite, with clinical features and newborn babies being carefully observed. Among the 55 cases, 13 patients were assigned into the confirmed COVID-19 group for being tested positive sever acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) via maternal throat swab test, and the other 42 patients were assigned into the control group for being ruled out COVID-19 pneumonia based on new coronavirus pneumonia prevention and control program(the 7th edition). RESULTS:There were 2 fever patients during the prenatal period and 8 fever patients during the postpartum period in the confirmed COVID-19 group. In contrast, there were 11 prenatal fever patients and 20 postpartum fever patients in the control group (p>0.05). Among 55 cases, only 2 case had cough in the confirmed group. The imaging of pulmonary CT scan showed ground- glass opacity (46.2%, 6/13), patch-like shadows(38.5%, 5/13), fiber shadow(23.1%, 3/13), pleural effusion (38.5%, 5/13)and pleural thickening(7.7%, 1/13), and there was no statistical difference between the confirmed COVID-19 group and the control group (p>0.05). During the prenatal and postpartum period, there was no difference in the count of WBC, Neutrophils and Lymphocyte, the radio of Neutrophils and Lymphocyte and the level of CRP between the confirmed COVID-19 group and the control group(p<0.05). 20 babies (from confirmed mother and from normal mother) were subjected to SARS-CoV-2 examination by throat swab samples in 24 h after birth and no case was tested positive. CONCLUSION:The clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators are not obvious for asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 pregnant women. Pulmonary CT scan plus blood routine examination are more suitable for finding pregnancy women with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infection, and can be used screening COVID-19 pregnant women in the outbreak area of COVID-19 infection.
Project description:BackgroundRemdesivir is efficacious for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in adults, but data in pregnant women are limited. We describe outcomes in the first 86 pregnant women with severe COVID-19 who were treated with remdesivir.MethodsThe reported data span 21 March to 16 June 2020 for hospitalized pregnant women with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and room air oxygen saturation ≤94% whose clinicians requested remdesivir through the compassionate use program. The intended remdesivir treatment course was 10 days (200 mg on day 1, followed by 100 mg for days 2-10, given intravenously).ResultsNineteen of 86 women delivered before their first dose and were reclassified as immediate "postpartum" (median postpartum day 1 [range, 0-3]). At baseline, 40% of pregnant women (median gestational age, 28 weeks) required invasive ventilation, in contrast to 95% of postpartum women (median gestational age at delivery 30 weeks). By day 28 of follow-up, the level of oxygen requirement decreased in 96% and 89% of pregnant and postpartum women, respectively. Among pregnant women, 93% of those on mechanical ventilation were extubated, 93% recovered, and 90% were discharged. Among postpartum women, 89% were extubated, 89% recovered, and 84% were discharged. Remdesivir was well tolerated, with a low incidence of serious adverse events (AEs) (16%). Most AEs were related to pregnancy and underlying disease; most laboratory abnormalities were grade 1 or 2. There was 1 maternal death attributed to underlying disease and no neonatal deaths.ConclusionsAmong 86 pregnant and postpartum women with severe COVID-19 who received compassionate-use remdesivir, recovery rates were high, with a low rate of serious AEs.
Project description:BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, is a global public health emergency. Data on the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy are limited to small case series.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes in pregnancy and the vertical transmission potential of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.Study designClinical records were retrospectively reviewed for 116 pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia from 25 hospitals in China between January 20, 2020, and March 24, 2020. Evidence of vertical transmission was assessed by testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in amniotic fluid, cord blood, and neonatal pharyngeal swab samples.ResultsThe median gestational age on admission was 38+0 (interquartile range, 36+0-39+1) weeks. The most common symptoms were fever (50.9%, 59/116) and cough (28.4%, 33/116); 23.3% (27/116) patients presented without symptoms. Abnormal radiologic findings were found in 96.3% (104/108) of cases. Of the 116 cases, there were 8 cases (6.9%) of severe pneumonia but no maternal deaths. One of 8 patients who presented in the first trimester and early second trimester had a missed spontaneous abortion. Of 99 patients, 21 (21.2%) who delivered had preterm birth, including 6 with preterm premature rupture of membranes. The rate of spontaneous preterm birth before 37 weeks' gestation was 6.1% (6/99). One case of severe neonatal asphyxia resulted in neonatal death. Furthermore, 86 of the 100 neonates tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 had negative results; of these, paired amniotic fluid and cord blood samples from 10 neonates used to test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 had negative results.ConclusionSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion and spontaneous preterm birth. There is no evidence of vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection when the infection manifests during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Project description:AimTo evaluate psychological stress among pregnant and puerperal women in Japan during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we recruited pregnant women and puerperal women who delivered between January and September 2020 in Japan, using an online questionnaire. Participants were divided into low, middle, and high groups according to the degree of the epidemic in their region of residence. Related factors were analyzed using the chi-squared test. The relationship between COVID-19 epidemic regions and depression risks and anxiety using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Kessler 6 scale (K6) was evaluated using a univariate and multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsOverall, 7775 cases, including 4798 pregnant and 2977 puerperal women, were analyzed. The prevalence of high EPDS and K6 scores was significantly increased in pregnant women in the high than those in the low epidemic regions (EPDS: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.453, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.205-1.753; K6: aOR 1.601, 95% CI 1.338-1.918). There was no difference in EPDS score, but the prevalence of high K6 scores was significantly increased in puerperal women in the high than those in the low epidemic regions (aOR 1.342, 95% CI 1.066-1.690). Further, restriction on going to their hometown for delivery increased the prevalence of high EPDS scores among pregnant (aOR 1.663, 95% CI 1.296-2.133) and puerperal women (aOR 1.604, 95% CI 1.006-2.557).ConclusionsDecreased support due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the psychological status of pregnant and puerperal women; hence, investing medical resources in their healthcare essential.
Project description:Limited data are available about the outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during pregnancy and risk of vertical transmission in exposed neonates. We reviewed studies published February 1, 2020, through August 15, 2020, on outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 and neonates with perinatal exposure. Among pregnant women with COVID-19, 181 (11%) required intensive care unit admission and 123 (8%) required mechanical ventilation. There were 22 maternal deaths. Most infections occurred in the third trimester. Among women who delivered, 28% had a preterm birth, and 57% had a Caesarean section. Sixty-one (4%) of 1222 neonates with reported testing had at least 1 positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 polymerase chain reaction test. The most common symptom among neonates was respiratory distress (n = 126; 21%). There were 14 neonatal deaths, one of which occurred in a neonate with positive testing. Further study of COVID-19 in pregnant women and neonates, including standardized reporting of outcomes, testing and treatment protocols, is essential to optimize maternal and neonatal care.
Project description:ObjectiveTo describe the maternal clinical characteristics, maternal and perinatal outcomes in COVID-19-positive pregnant women.MethodsArticles in all languages on the SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women were sought from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and LILACS; China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and Wan Fang Data between December 1, 2019 and April 27, 2020. Bulletins and national reports were also searched.ResultsFrom 12,168 retrieved articles, 143 were selected for full-text assessment; 33 for descriptive analyses, and 4 case-controls for meta-analysis. In 322 infected pregnant women, aged 20-45 years, the most frequent maternal comorbidity was obesity (24.2%). Forty-two (28.4%) were asymptomatic at admission. Cough (n = 148,59.7%) and fever (n = 147,59.3%) were the most prevalent symptoms. In the meta-analysis, fever (OR: 0.13,95% CI 0.05 to 0.36) and cough (0.26,95% CI 0.11 to 0.59) were lower in pregnant women with COVID-19 than non-pregnant women with COVID-19.195 (60.6%) delivered, and 125 (38.8%) remained pregnant during the study. Cesarean was reported in 99 (50.8%) women and vaginal delivery in 64 (32.8%). The main adverse obstetric outcome was premature birth (n = 37,18.9%). Thirty patients (10.3%) with COVID-19-related complications required intensive care, one (0.3%) died. SARS-CoV-2 was absent in breast milk, amniotic fluid, placenta or umbilical cord blood.ConclusionsThe maternal clinical characteristics of COVID-19-positive pregnant include frequently fever and cough; however significantly less frequently than non-pregnant women with COVID-19. Iatrogenic preterm birth is the main adverse obstetric outcome. Current data does not support vertical transmission in the third trimester.
Project description:BackgroundPregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be at greater risk of poor maternal and pregnancy outcomes. This retrospective analysis reports clinical and pregnancy outcomes among hospitalized pregnant women with COVID-19 in the United States.MethodsThe Premier Healthcare Database-Special Release was used to examine the impact of COVID-19 among pregnant women aged 15-44 years who were hospitalized and who delivered compared with pregnant women without COVID-19. Outcomes evaluated were COVID-19 clinical progression, including the use of supplemental oxygen therapy, intensive care unit admission, critical illness, receipt of invasive mechanical ventilation/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, maternal death, and pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery and stillbirth.ResultsOverall, 473 902 hospitalized pregnant women were included, 8584 (1.8%) of whom had a COVID-19 diagnosis (mean age = 28.4 [standard deviation = 6.1] years; 40% Hispanic). The risk of poor clinical and pregnancy outcomes was greater among pregnant women with COVID-19 compared with pregnant women without a COVID-19 diagnosis in 2020; the risk of poor clinical and pregnancy outcomes increased with increasing age. Hispanic and Black non-Hispanic women were consistently observed to have the highest relative risk of experiencing poor clinical or pregnancy outcomes across all age groups.ConclusionsOverall, COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. These data help inform clinical practice and counseling to pregnant women regarding the risks of COVID-19. Clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in pregnant women are urgently needed.