RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) use during pregnancy is essential to prevent vertical transmission of HIV, but it may also increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. This study investigated the impact of both maternal HIV infection and the timing of ART initiation on birth outcomes in women living with HIV in South Africa. METHODS: This secondary data analysis examined the dataset from an earlier cohort study involving 1709 pregnant women living with HIV who delivered their babies at three major maternity centres in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa between September 2015 and May 2018. The associations between adverse birth outcomes (stillbirth, preterm birth, very preterm birth, and low birth weight) and the timing of maternal ART initiation, peripartum CD4 count, and HIV viral load were examined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The observed rates of stillbirth, preterm birth, very preterm birth, and low birth weight were 1.4%, 33.5%, 5.4% and 18.0%, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, low birth weight was associated with ART initiated during the second trimester (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.85), low-level viraemia (21-999 copies/ml) (aOR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.17-2.22), and high-level viraemia (≥1000 copies/ml) (aOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.66-2.38) during the peripartum period. Preterm birth was associated with low-level viraemia (aOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.16-1.79) and a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm3 (aOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.01-1.82). Very preterm birth was associated with detectable maternal viraemia. CONCLUSION: Adverse birth outcomes are common among pregnant women living with HIV, especially those with unsuppressed viraemia. Clinicians and programme managers should prioritise timeous ART initiation and virological suppression in all pregnant women living with HIV.
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Infecciones por VIH , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Resultado del Embarazo , Carga Viral , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Sudáfrica/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/virología , Adulto , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/virología , Recién Nacido , Nacimiento Prematuro/epidemiología , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Adulto Joven , Recién Nacido de Bajo Peso , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Mortinato/epidemiología , Análisis de Datos SecundariosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection remains a leading cause of newborn morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to determine the adherence rate to the universal screening policy a decade after its introduction. Secondly, whether the timing of antibiotics given in GBS carriers reduces the incidence of neonatal sepsis. METHODS: Delivery records at Hong Kong Baptist Hospital in 2022 were examined to retrieve antenatal and intrapartum details regarding maternal GBS carrier status, previous maternal GBS carrier status, antibiotic treatment, timing of treatment, neonatal condition at birth and whether the neonate had sepsis. Univariate statistics was used to assess the relationship between maternal GBS carrier and neonatal sepsis overall. Incidence of neonatal sepsis was stratified according to mode of delivery and timing of antibiotic. RESULTS: The adherence rate to the universal GBS screening policy was 97%. The risk of neonatal sepsis was 5.45 (95% CI 3.05 to 9.75) times higher in women who were GBS screened positive when compared to non-GBS carriers (p < 0.001). Amongst term neonates from GBS carriers delivered by Caesarean section, the risk of neonatal sepsis significantly decreased by 70% after antenatal antibiotic treatment (p = 0.041) whereas in term neonates delivered vaginally, the risk of neonatal sepsis decreased by 71% (p = 0.022) if intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis was given 4 or more hours. CONCLUSION: Giving antenatal antibiotic treatment before Caesarean section or intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for 4 or more hours before vaginal delivery may decrease the risk of neonatal sepsis in term neonates delivered from GBS carriers.
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Antibacterianos , Sepsis Neonatal , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Infecciones Estreptocócicas , Streptococcus agalactiae , Humanos , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/prevención & control , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/diagnóstico , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/epidemiología , Recién Nacido , Sepsis Neonatal/prevención & control , Sepsis Neonatal/diagnóstico , Sepsis Neonatal/epidemiología , Sepsis Neonatal/microbiología , Femenino , Streptococcus agalactiae/aislamiento & purificación , Embarazo , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/diagnóstico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/epidemiología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/prevención & control , Hong Kong/epidemiología , Portador Sano/diagnóstico , Adulto , Profilaxis Antibiótica/métodos , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Incidencia , Cesárea , Tamizaje Masivo/métodos , Adhesión a Directriz/estadística & datos numéricos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Parto ObstétricoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Uptake of HIV early infant diagnosis (HEID) among HIV-exposed infants is the key to timely initiation of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART). However, despite the availability of HEID services in Tanzania, its uptake is low. We aimed to determine predictors of mothers living with HIV' with HIV-exposed infants' uptake of HEID services in Iringa District, Tanzania. METHODS: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Iringa District from May to June 2023. Mothers with HIV-exposed infants were recruited in the study through a multistage sampling technique and interviewed using pre-tested structured questions. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine potential predictors of HEID uptake. RESULTS: A total of 309 mothers with HIV-exposed infants participated in the study. About 78.3% of the HIV-exposed infants had initial DNA PCR for HEID within 6 weeks of age and 86.1% within 8 weeks. Most mothers had high perceived benefits on uptake of HEID with a mean score of 4.3, high perceived self-efficacy with a mean score of 3.8 and 2.7 perceived risk of HIV infection on their HIV-exposed infants on the 5 scale Likert scale with 5 showing the highest perceived benefit, self-efficacy and risk. High perceived self-efficacy and being a businesswoman were the predictors of uptake of HEID. The odds of self-efficacy on the uptake of HEID by 2.4 times (aOR 2.4 95% CI 1.6-3.2) within 6 weeks of age and 1.9 (aOR 1.9 95% CI 1.3-2.7) within 8 weeks. The odds of being a businesswoman were 0.4 for 6 weeks and 0.3 for 8 weeks (aOR 0.4 95% CI 0.2-0.8) and (aOR 0.3 95% CI 0.1-0.8) respectively. CONCLUSION: Over three-quarters of the HIV-exposed infants had initial DNA PCR for HEID testing as recommended. Perceived self-efficacy was the main factor influencing HEID uptake. These findings highlight the need for strengthening HIV-positive mother's self-efficacy for improved uptake of HEID services.
Predictors of mothers living with HIV' uptake of HIV early infant diagnosis services in Iringa District, TanzaniaThis study aimed to find out the factors associated with the uptake of HIV early infant diagnosis (HEID) services among mothers living with HIV in Iringa District, Tanzania. The uptake of HEID in Tanzania is still below the 95% national and global target of ending AIDS as a public health by 2030 We employed a cross-sectional study design and collected data from May to June 2023 to determine predictors of mothers with HIV-exposed infants' uptake of HEID in Iringa District, Tanzania. The analysis was done by descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. A total of 309 mothers with HIV-exposed infants participated in the study. About 78.3% of the HIV-exposed infants had initial DNA PCR for HEID within 6 weeks of age and 86.1% within 8 weeks. Most mothers had high perceived benefits on uptake of HEID with a mean score of 4.3, high perceived self-efficacy with a mean score of 3.8 and 2.7 perceived risk of HIV infection on their HIV-exposed infants. High perceived self-efficacy was positively associated These findings highlight the need for strengthening HIV-positive mother's self-efficacy for improved uptake of HEID services.
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Diagnóstico Precoz , Infecciones por VIH , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Madres , Humanos , Tanzanía , Infecciones por VIH/diagnóstico , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/psicología , Femenino , Estudios Transversales , Adulto , Lactante , Madres/psicología , Madres/estadística & datos numéricos , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Adulto Joven , Aceptación de la Atención de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Modelos Logísticos , EmbarazoAsunto(s)
Hepatitis C , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Humanos , Embarazo , Femenino , Lactante , Hepatitis C/diagnóstico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/diagnóstico , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Niño , Recién Nacido , Hepacivirus/aislamiento & purificación , PreescolarRESUMEN
Loss to follow-up (LTFU) from Option B plus, a lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), irrespective of their clinical stage and CD4 count, threatens the elimination of vertical transmission of the virus from mothers to their infants. However, evidence on reasons for LTFU and resumption after LTFU to Option B plus care among women has been limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study explored why women were LTFU from the service and what made them resume or refuse resumption after LTFU in Ethiopia. An exploratory, descriptive qualitative study using 46 in-depth interviews was employed among purposely selected women who were lost from Option B plus care or resumed care after LTFU, health care providers, and mother support group (MSG) members working in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission unit. A thematic analysis using an inductive approach was used to analyze the data and build subthemes and themes. Open Code Version 4.03 software assists in data management, from open coding to developing themes and sub-themes. We found that low socioeconomic status, poor relationship with husband and/or family, lack of support from partners, family members, or government, HIV-related stigma, and discrimination, lack of awareness on HIV treatment and perceived drug side effects, religious belief, shortage of drug supply, inadequate service access, and fear of confidentiality breach by healthcare workers were major reasons for LTFU. Healthcare workers' dedication to tracing lost women, partner encouragement, and feeling sick prompted women to resume care after LTFU. This study highlighted financial burdens, partner violence, and societal and health service-related factors discouraged compliance to retention among women in Option B plus care in Ethiopia. Women's empowerment and partner engagement were of vital importance to retain them in care and eliminate vertical transmission of the virus among infants born to HIV-positive women.
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Infecciones por VIH , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Investigación Cualitativa , Humanos , Femenino , Etiopía , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/psicología , Adulto , Embarazo , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Perdida de Seguimiento , Adulto Joven , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/psicología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Estigma SocialRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Maternal-foetal transmission of Chagas disease (CD) affects newborns worldwide. Although Benznidazole and Nifurtimox therapies are the standard treatments, their use during pregnancy is contra-indicated. The effectiveness of trypanocidal medications in preventing congenital Chagas Disease (cCD) in the offsprings of women diagnosed with CD was highly suggested by other studies. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for CD in women of childbearing age and reporting frequencies of cCD in their children. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and LILACS databases were systematically searched. Statistical analysis was performed using Rstudio 4.2 using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. Heterogeneity was examined with the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Six studies were included, comprising 744 children, of whom 286 (38.4%) were born from women previously treated with Benznidazole or Nifurtimox, trypanocidal agents. The primary outcome of the proportion of children who were seropositive for cCD, confirmed by serology, was signigicantly lower among women who were previously treated with no congenital transmission registered (OR 0.05; 95% Cl 0.01-0.27; p = 0.000432; I2 = 0%). In women previously treated with trypanocidal drugs, the pooled prevalence of cCD was 0.0% (95% Cl 0-0.91%; I2 = 0%), our meta-analysis confirms the excellent effectiveness of this treatment. The prevalence of adverse events in women previously treated with antitrypanocidal therapies was 14.01% (95% CI 1.87-26.14%; I2 = 80%), Benznidazole had a higher incidence of side effects than Nifurtimox (76% vs 24%). CONCLUSION: The use of trypanocidal therapy in women at reproductive age with CD is an effective strategy for the prevention of cCD, with a complete elimination of congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in treated vs untreated infected women.
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Enfermedad de Chagas , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Nifurtimox , Nitroimidazoles , Tripanocidas , Humanos , Femenino , Tripanocidas/uso terapéutico , Tripanocidas/efectos adversos , Enfermedad de Chagas/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad de Chagas/prevención & control , Enfermedad de Chagas/congénito , Enfermedad de Chagas/transmisión , Embarazo , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Nifurtimox/uso terapéutico , Nifurtimox/efectos adversos , Nitroimidazoles/uso terapéutico , Nitroimidazoles/efectos adversos , Estudios Observacionales como Asunto , Recién Nacido , Adulto , Trypanosoma cruzi/efectos de los fármacos , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/prevención & control , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológicoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B poses a significant global public health challenge, with mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) being the primary method of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission. The prevalence of HBV infection in China is the highest in Asia, and it carries the greatest burden globally. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to critically evaluate the existing local strategies for preventing MTCT and the proposed potential enhancements by analyzing the prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women and their neonates in Yinchuan. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2021, 37,557 prenatal screening records were collected. Among them, 947 pregnant women who tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) near delivery and their 960 neonates were included in an HBV-exposed group, while 29 pregnant women who tested negative and their 30 neonates were included in an HBV-nonexposed group. HBV markers in maternal peripheral blood and neonatal cord blood were analyzed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, logistic regression, chi-square test, t-test, and U-test. Additionally, to further evaluate the diagnostic value of HBsAg positivity in cord blood, we conducted an additional follow-up study on 103 infants who tested positive for HBsAg in their cord blood. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBV among pregnant women was 2.5% (947/37,557), with a declining trend every year (χ²4=19.7; P=.001). From 2018 to 2020, only 33.0% (35/106) of eligible pregnant women received antiviral medication treatment. Using LASSO regression to screen risk factors correlated with HBsAg positivity in cord blood (when log [λ] reached a minimum value of -5.02), 5 variables with nonzero coefficients were selected, including maternal hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) status, maternal hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) status, maternal HBV DNA load, delivery method, and neonatal birth weight. Through univariate and multivariate logistic regression, delivery by cesarean section (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.52, 95% CI 0.31-0.87), maternal HBeAg positivity (aOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.27-3.33), low maternal viral load (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.33-5.46), and high maternal viral load (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.32-5.51) were found to be strongly associated with cord blood HBsAg positivity. In the additional follow-up study, 61 infants successfully completed the follow-up, and only 2 were found to be infected with HBV. The mothers of both these infants had detectable HBV DNA levels and should have received standard antiviral therapy. The results of the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) positivity rate and titer test indicated a gradual decline in the immunity of vaccinated infants as the interval after vaccination increased. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical relevance of HBV marker detection in cord blood is restricted within the current prevention measures for MTCT. There is an emphasis on the significance of public education regarding hepatitis B and the reinforcement of postnatal follow-up for the prevention of MTCT.
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Hepatitis B , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Humanos , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/estadística & datos numéricos , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Femenino , China/epidemiología , Embarazo , Estudios Transversales , Hepatitis B/epidemiología , Hepatitis B/transmisión , Adulto , Recién Nacido , Prevalencia , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/epidemiología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Antígenos de Superficie de la Hepatitis B/sangreAsunto(s)
Infecciones por Citomegalovirus , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Humanos , Embarazo , Femenino , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/virología , Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Medicina Basada en la EvidenciaRESUMEN
The Chinese Clinical Practice Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus, developed by the Chinese Society of Infectious Diseases of the Chinese Medical Association in 2019, serves as a valuable reference for standardizing the process of preventing mother-to-child transmission in China. As new evidence emerges, it is crucial that timely and regular updates are made to the clinical practice guidelines so that to optimize guidance for clinical practice and research. To this end, the Infectious Disease Physician Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association and the Chinese Society of Infectious Diseases of Chinese Medical Association, in collaboration with multidisciplinary experts, have updated the guidelines based on the latest domestic and international research advancements and clinical practice, in order to provide guidance and reference for clinicians and maternal and child healthcare workers.
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Hepatitis B , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Humanos , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Hepatitis B/transmisión , Hepatitis B/prevención & control , China , Femenino , Embarazo , Virus de la Hepatitis B , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/prevención & control , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/terapia , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/virologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a critical time for women, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases like COVID-19. This study aims to determine the immunogenicity of COVID-19 in pregnant women who have been infected compared to those who have received the inactive COVID-19 vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, pregnant women who received the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Sinopharm) and those with a history of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy were studied. Participants who had experienced stillbirth, received different COVID-19 vaccines, or had intrauterine fetal death were excluded from the study. Overall, the study included 140 participants. The participants were divided into two groups of 70 participants - pregnant women who received the Sinopharm vaccine and pregnant women who had COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. Before delivery, blood samples were collected from all mothers to evaluate the maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) level. Blood samples were also taken from the baby's umbilical cord during delivery to measure the newborn's IgG level. Additionally, blood samples were collected from babies whose mothers showed signs of acute infection to measure their IgM levels and evaluate vertical transmission. FINDINGS: The study found a significant relationship between the mean level of maternal IgG and umbilical cord IgG within the groups (P < 0.001). The highest levels of maternal IgG (2.50 ± 2.17) and umbilical cord IgG (2.43 ± 2.09) were observed in pregnant women with a previous COVID-19 infection and no history of vaccination (P < 0.001). Only one baby was born with a positive IgM, and this baby was born to a mother who showed signs of COVID-19 infection in the last five days of pregnancy. The mother was 28 years old, with a BMI of 33; it was her first pregnancy, and she gave birth to a male newborn at term. CONCLUSION: Administering an inactivated vaccine during pregnancy can generate immunity in both the mother and the child. However, the vaccine's immunity level may not be as potent as that conferred by COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. Nonetheless, the risk of vertical transmission of COVID-19 is considered minimal and can be classified as negligible.
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Anticuerpos Antivirales , Vacunas contra la COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Inmunoglobulina G , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , SARS-CoV-2 , Humanos , Embarazo , Femenino , COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/prevención & control , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/inmunología , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/administración & dosificación , Estudios Retrospectivos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Adulto , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/prevención & control , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/inmunología , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Vacunación , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Recién Nacido , Vacunas de Productos Inactivados/inmunología , Vacunas de Productos Inactivados/administración & dosificación , Mujeres Embarazadas , Inmunogenicidad VacunalRESUMEN
Maternal health remains a global priority, with particular emphasis on combating infectious diseases such as HIV and malaria during pregnancy. Despite significant progress in prevention and treatment efforts, both HIV and malaria continue to pose significant risks to maternal and fetal well-being, particularly in resource-limited settings. The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs for HIV and intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) for malaria represent cornerstone strategies in mitigating the impact of these infections on pregnancy outcomes. PMTCT programs focus on early HIV diagnosis, antiretroviral therapy initiation, and promoting safe infant feeding practices to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Similarly, IPTp involves the administration of antimalarial medication to pregnant women in malaria-endemic regions to prevent maternal and fetal complications associated with malaria infection. Integration of HIV and malaria prevention and treatment services within existing maternal and child health programs is crucial for maximizing impact and minimizing healthcare system strain. Strengthening health systems, improving access to antenatal care services, and enhancing community engagement are essential components of comprehensive maternal health strategies. Furthermore, promoting awareness, education, and empowerment of pregnant women and communities are vital in fostering health-seeking behaviors and adherence to preventive measures against HIV and malaria. In conclusion, protecting maternal health from the dual threat of HIV and malaria requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses prevention, screening, treatment, and community engagement.
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Infecciones por VIH , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Malaria , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Humanos , Embarazo , Femenino , Infecciones por VIH/prevención & control , Infecciones por VIH/transmisión , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Malaria/prevención & control , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/prevención & control , Salud Materna , Antimaláricos/uso terapéutico , Atención Prenatal/métodosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends to pregnant women, between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation, universal vaginal-rectal screening for GBS colonization, aimed at intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). The latter is the only currently available and highly effective method against early onset GBS neonatal infections. Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the preventive measures implemented to mitigate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection led to the reduction in the access to many health facilities and services, including the obstetric and perinatal ones. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of maternal GBS colonization, as well as use of IAP and incidence of episodes of neonatal GBS infection when antibiotic prophylaxis has not been carried out in colonized and/or at risk subjects, in a population of pregnant women during (years 2020-2021) and after (year 2022) the COVID-19 pandemic, also with the aim to establish possible epidemiological and clinical differences in the two subjects' groups. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of pregnant women admitted to, and delivering, at the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, of the University Hospital of Palermo, Italy, from 01.01.2020 to 31.12.2022. For each of them, we recorded pertinent socio-demographic information, clinical data related to pregnancy, delivery and peripartum, and specifically execution and status of vaginal and rectal swab test for GBS detection, along with eventual administration and modality of IAP. The neonatal outcome was investigated in all cases at risk (positive maternal swabs status for GBS, either vaginal or rectal, with or without/incomplete IAP, preterm labor and/or delivery, premature rupture of membranes ≥ 18 h, previous pregnancy ended with neonatal early onset GBS disease [EOD], urine culture positive for GBS in any trimester of current gestation, intrapartum temperature ≥ 38 °C and/or any clinical/laboratory signs of suspected chorioamnionitis). The data concerning mothers and neonates at risk, observed during the pandemic (years 2020-2021), were compared with those of both subjects' groups with overlapping risk factors recorded in the following period (year 2022). The chi squared test has been applied in order to find out the relationship between pregnant women with GBS colonization receiving IAP and outcome of their neonates. RESULTS: The total source population of the study consisted of 2109 pregnant women, in addition to their 2144 newborns. Our analysis, however, focused on women and neonates with risk factors. The vaginal-rectal swab for GBS was performed in 1559 (73.92%) individuals. The test resulted positive in 178 cases overall (11.42% of those undergoing the screening). Amongst our whole sample of 2109 subjects, 298 women had an indication for IAP (vaginal and/or rectal GBS colonization, previous pregnancy ended with neonatal GBS EOD, urine culture positive for GBS in any trimester of current gestation, and unknown GBS status at labor onset with at least any among delivery at < 37 weeks' gestation, amniotic membranes rupture ≥ 18 h and/or intrapartum temperature ≥ 38.0 °C), and 64 (21.48%) received adequate treatment; for 23 (7.72%) it was inadequate/incomplete, while 211 (70.8%) did not receive IAP despite maternal GBS colonization and/or the presence of any of the above mentioned risk factors. Comparing the frequency of performing vaginal-rectal swabs in the women admitted in the two time periods, the quote of those screened out of the total in the pandemic period (years 2020-2021) was higher than that of those undergoing GBS screening out of the total admitted in the year 2022 (75.65% vs. 70.38%, p = 0.009), while a greater number (not statistically significant, p = 0.12) of adequate and complete IAP was conducted in 2022, than in the previous biennium (26.36 vs. 18.62%). During the whole 3 years study period, as expected, none of the newborns of mothers with GBS colonization and/or risk factors receiving IAP developed EOD. Conversely, 13 neonates with EOD, out of 179 (7.3%) born to mothers with risk factors, were observed: 3 among these patients' mothers performed incomplete IAP, while the other 10 did not receive IAP. Neither cases of neonatal meningitis, nor deaths were observed. The incidence rate in the full triennium under investigation, estimated as the ratio between the number of babies developing the disease out of the total of 2144 newborns, was 6.06; among those born to mothers with risk factors, if comparing the two time periods, the incidence was 8.06% in the pandemic biennium, while 5.45% in the following year, evidencing thus no statistical significance (p = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed in our Department an increased prevalence of pregnant women screened for, and colonized by GBS, in the last decade. However, an overall still low frequency of vaginal-rectal swabs performed for GBS, and low number of adequate and complete IAP despite the presence of risk factors have been found, which did not notably change during the two time periods. Moreover, significant EOD incidence rates have been reported among children of mothers carrying risk factors, although also in this case no statistically significant differences have been observed during and after the pandemic. Such data seem to be in contrast to those reported during the COVID-19, showing a decrease in the access to health facilities and increased mortality/morbidity rates also due to the restrictive measures adopted to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. These findings might be explained by the presence within the same metropolitan area of our Department of a COVID hospital and birthing center, which all the patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection referred to, and likely leading to a weaker concern of getting sick perceived by our patients. Although IAP is an easy procedure to implement, however adherence and uniformity in the management protocols are still not optimal. Therefore, the prophylactic measures adopted to date cannot be considered fully satisfactory, and should be improved. Better skills integration and obstetrical-neonatological collaboration, in addition to new effective preventive tools, like vaccines able to prevent invasive disease, may allow further reduction in morbidity and mortality rates related to GBS perinatal infection.
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COVID-19 , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Infecciones Estreptocócicas , Streptococcus agalactiae , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/prevención & control , Estudios Retrospectivos , Recién Nacido , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/epidemiología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/prevención & control , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/diagnóstico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/epidemiología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/diagnóstico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/prevención & control , Streptococcus agalactiae/aislamiento & purificación , Adulto , Profilaxis Antibiótica , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Italia/epidemiología , Resultado del Embarazo , Pandemias , Incidencia , SARS-CoV-2RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: A dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral regimen has been rolled out for pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries since 2020. However, available safety data are limited to a few clinical trials and observational studies. Hence, we present real-world pregnancy and birth outcome safety data from a large sample multicenter cohort study in Ethiopia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in fourteen hospitals across Ethiopia from 2017 to 2022. HIV-infected pregnant women were followed from the date of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) care enrolment until the infant was 6-8 weeks old. The primary safety outcome was a composite of adverse pregnancy events comprising spontaneous abortion, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) before onset of labor, preterm birth, and maternal death. Additionally, a composite adverse birth outcome was assessed, comprising intrapartum fetal demise, low birth weight, and neonatal death. Finally, a composite of adverse pregnancy or birth outcome was also investigated. The exposure of interest was the antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimen used during pregnancy for PMTCT of HIV. RESULTS: During the study period, 2643 women were enrolled in routine PMTCT care. However, 2490 (92.2%) participants were eligible for the study. A total of 136/1724 (7.9%, 95% CI: 6.7-9.3%) women experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes. Fewer women in the DTG-based group (5.4%, 95% CI: 3.7-7.5%) had adverse pregnancy outcomes than in the Efavirenz (EFV)-based group (8.3%, 95% CI: 6.6-10.3%), P = 0.004. After controlling for baseline differences, the DTG group had a 43% lower risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (adjusted odd ratio (AOR), 0.57; 95% CI, 0.32-0.96%) and a 53% lower risk of preterm birth (AOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.22-0.98%) compared to the EFV group. A total of 103/1616 (6.4%, 95% CI: 5.2-7.7%) women had adverse birth outcomes. Although the difference was not statistically significant, fewer women in the DTG group (30/548; 5.5%, 95% CI: 3.7-7.7%) than in the EFV group (57/830; 6.9%, 95% CI: 5.2-8.8%) had adverse birth outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed that DTG-based regimens were associated with better pregnancy and birth outcome safety profiles, reaffirming the WHO recommendation. However, a prospective study is recommended to assess uncaptured maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes, such as congenital abnormalities, and infant growth and neurocognitive development.
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Infecciones por VIH , Compuestos Heterocíclicos con 3 Anillos , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Oxazinas , Piperazinas , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Resultado del Embarazo , Piridonas , Humanos , Embarazo , Femenino , Etiopía/epidemiología , Compuestos Heterocíclicos con 3 Anillos/uso terapéutico , Compuestos Heterocíclicos con 3 Anillos/efectos adversos , Compuestos Heterocíclicos con 3 Anillos/administración & dosificación , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Adulto , Estudios Retrospectivos , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Recién Nacido , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Adulto Joven , Ciclopropanos , Benzoxazinas/uso terapéutico , Benzoxazinas/efectos adversos , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Fármacos Anti-VIH/efectos adversos , Alquinos , Estudios de Cohortes , Nacimiento Prematuro/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although there are multiple benefits of mother's own milk feeding for very-low birth weight, low gestation infants, those born to cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seropositive mothers are at risk for acquiring postnatal CMV infection. This review will describe the risk and consequences of postnatal CMV infection among very preterm infants. RECENT FINDINGS: Postnatal CMV may manifest as clinically silent infection or as mild to severe and occasionally fatal disease. The risk of disease is balanced by the health benefits of human milk feeding to preterm infants. Postnatal CMV infection has been associated with increased risks of multiple preterm morbidities such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis and neurodevelopmental impairment, but current evidence is limited by the selection bias inherent to reporting in case series and retrospective cohort studies. SUMMARY: Knowledge gaps exist regarding the risk-benefit balance of pasteurization to inactivate CMV in fresh breast milk, as well as the optimal dosing, duration and efficacy of treating infected infants with antiviral medications. Multicenter, prospective studies are urgently needed to accurately determine the true burden that postnatal CMV infection presents to very preterm infants. Such studies will inform the need for preventive strategies and treatment guidance.
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Infecciones por Citomegalovirus , Recien Nacido Prematuro , Leche Humana , Humanos , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/prevención & control , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/transmisión , Recién Nacido , Leche Humana/virología , Citomegalovirus , Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Femenino , Lactancia MaternaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Vertical transmission of HIV remains a major challenge in Guinea, especially, in low-resource rural areas. This paper presents the results of a pilot project designed to enhance the prevention of vertical transmission through a comprehensive improvement plan implemented across 66 large-cohort sites. METHODS: Data from 66 large-cohort of mother to child transmission prevention (PMTCT) sites from 2019 to 2022 were analysed to compare PMTCT metrics before (2019-2020) and after (2021-2022) the improvement initiative. Key indicators were reviewed, and trends were statistically analysed using MannâWhitney tests, with a p value less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS: The implementation of this strategy significantly increased the antiretroviral therapy rate among HIV-positive pregnant women from 66 to 94%, and full antiretroviral prophylaxis coverage was achieved in infants. However, early infant diagnosis via polymerase chain reaction testing falls short of the national target, highlighting deficiencies in laboratory and specimen transport capacities. The study also revealed regional disparities in the use of PMTCT services. CONCLUSION: The improvement plan effectively enhanced antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis use, demonstrating the benefits of structured interventions and capacity development. Despite improvements, challenges such as insufficient polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and uneven access to services remain. Future initiatives should aim to equip PMTCT sites with essential resources and promote community-driven health-seeking behaviours in underserved areas.
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Infecciones por VIH , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Humanos , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Infecciones por VIH/prevención & control , Infecciones por VIH/transmisión , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Femenino , Embarazo , Guinea/epidemiología , Proyectos Piloto , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/prevención & control , Lactante , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Estudios de Cohortes , Recién Nacido , AdultoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Following a decline in perinatal HIV transmission from 20% to 10% between 2010 and 2017 in Kenya, rates have since plateaued with an estimated 8% transmission rate in 2021. Between October 2016 and September 2021, Family AIDS Care & Education Services (FACES) supported HIV care and treatment services across 61 facilities in Kisumu County, Kenya with an emphasis on service strengthening for pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV to reduce perinatal HIV transmission. This included rigorous implementation of national HIV guidelines and implementation of 3 locally adapted evidence-based interventions targeted to the unique needs of women and their infants. We examined whether these person-centered program enhancements were associated with changes in perinatal HIV transmission at FACES-supported sites over time. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study of annually aggregated routinely collected documentation of perinatal HIV transmission risk through the end of breastfeeding at FACES-supported facilities between October 2016 and September 2021. Data included 12,599 women living with HIV with baseline antenatal care metrics, and, a separate data set of 11,879 mother-infant pairs who were followed from birth through the end of breastfeeding (overlapping with those in antenatal care 2 years prior). FACES implemented 3 interventions for pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in 2019: (1) high-risk clinics; (2) case management; and (3) a mobile app to support treatment engagement. Our primary outcome was infant HIV acquisition by the end of breastfeeding (18 to 24 months). We compared infant HIV acquisition risk in the final year of the FACES program (2021) to the year before intervention scale-up and following implementation of the "Treat All" policy (2018). Mother-infant pair loss to follow-up was a secondary outcome. Program data were aggregated by year and site, thus in multivariable regression, we adjusted for site-level characteristics, including facility type, urban versus rural, number of women with HIV in antenatal care each year, and the proportion among them under 25 years of age. Between October 2016 and September 2021, 81,172 pregnant women received HIV testing at the initiation of antenatal care, among whom 12,599 (15.5%) were living with HIV, with little variation in HIV prevalence over time. The risk of infant HIV acquisition by 24 months of age declined from 4.9% (101/2,072) in 2018 to 2.2% (48/2,156) in 2021 (adjusted risk difference -2.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): -3.7, -1.6]; p < 0.001). Loss to follow-up declined from 9.9% (253/2,556) in 2018 to 2.5% (59/2,393) in 2021 (risk difference -7.5% [95% CI: -8.8, -6.2]; p < 0.001). During the same period, UNAIDS estimated rates of perinatal transmission in the broader Nyanza region and in Kenya as a whole did not decline. The main limitation of this study is that we lacked a comparable control group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that implementation of person-centered interventions was associated with significant declines in perinatal HIV transmission and loss to follow-up of pregnant and postpartum women.
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Infecciones por VIH , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Sistema de Registros , Humanos , Kenia/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/transmisión , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/prevención & control , Femenino , Estudios Transversales , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Embarazo , Adulto , Recién Nacido , Adulto Joven , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/epidemiología , Lactante , Atención Prenatal , Atención Dirigida al PacienteRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women with HIV breastfeed for a minimum of one year. In contrast, across high-income countries, HIV and infant-feeding guidelines recommend exclusive formula feeding if parents want to avoid all risk of postpartum transmission. However, recently these guidelines (including in the United Kingdom (UK)) increasingly state that individuals with HIV should be supported to breast/chest feed if they meet certain criteria; such as an undetectable maternal HIV viral load and consent to additional clinical monitoring. Between 600 and 800 pregnancies are reported annually in women with HIV in the UK, with low rates of vertical transmission (0.22%). Informed infant-feeding decision-making requires clinical support. Currently, little research addresses how individuals with HIV in high-income countries navigate infant-feeding decisions with their clinical teams and familial and social networks, and the resources needed to reach an informed decision. METHODS: Semi-structured remote interviews were conducted between April 2021 - January 2022 with UK-based individuals with a confirmed HIV diagnosis who were pregnant or one-year postpartum. Using purposive sampling, pregnant and postpartum participants were recruited through NHS HIV clinics, community-based organisations and snowballing. Data were analysed thematically and organised using NVivo 12. RESULTS: Of the 36 cisgender women interviewed, 28 were postpartum. The majority were of Black African descent (n = 22) and born outside the UK. The majority of postpartum women had chosen to formula feed. Women's decision-making regarding infant-feeding was determined by (1) information and support; (2) practicalities of implementing medical guidance; (3) social implications of infant-feeding decisions. CONCLUSION: The evolution of UK HIV and infant-feeding guidelines are not reflected in the experiences of women living with HIV. Clinicians' emphasis on reducing the risk of vertical transmission, without adequately considering personal, social and financial concerns, prevents women from making fully informed infant-feeding decisions. For some, seeking advice beyond their immediate clinical team was key to feeling empowered in their decision. The significant informational and support need among women with HIV around their infant-feeding options must be addressed. Furthermore, training for and communication by healthcare professionals supporting women with HIV is essential if women are to make fully informed decisions.
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Lactancia Materna , Toma de Decisiones , Infecciones por VIH , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Investigación Cualitativa , Humanos , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Femenino , Infecciones por VIH/transmisión , Infecciones por VIH/prevención & control , Infecciones por VIH/psicología , Reino Unido , Lactancia Materna/psicología , Lactancia Materna/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto , Lactante , Embarazo , Recién Nacido , Entrevistas como Asunto , Adulto JovenAsunto(s)
Infecciones por VIH , Hepatitis B , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Sífilis , Femenino , Humanos , Embarazo , Hepatitis B/transmisión , Hepatitis B/epidemiología , Hepatitis B/prevención & control , Infecciones por VIH/transmisión , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , India/epidemiología , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Sífilis/transmisión , Sífilis/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Introduction: VESTED (NCT03048422) compared the safety and efficacy of three antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens in pregnant and postpartum women: dolutegravir+emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate; dolutegravir+emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF); efavirenz/emtricitabine/TDF. Vertical HIV transmission (VT) occurred to 4/617 (0.60%) live-born infants, who were evaluated for HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) and other risk factors. Setting: In 2018-2020, pregnant (weeks-14-28) women living with HIV and ≤14 days of ART were enrolled at 22 international sites and followed with their infants through 50 weeks postpartum. Methods: HIV sequences derived by single genome amplification (SGA) from longitudinally collected specimens were assessed from VT Cases for HIVDR in protease, reverse transcriptase, integrase, and the nef 3'polypurine tract (3'PPT). Results: The four Case mothers were prescribed efavirenz-based-ART for 1-7 days prior to randomization to study ART. Their infants received postnatal nevirapine+/-zidovudine prophylaxis and were breastfed. A total of 833 SGA sequences were derived. The "major" (Stanford HIVDR Score ≥60) non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutation (K103N) was detected persistently in one viremic mother, and likely contributed to VT of HIVDR. Major NNRTI HIVDR mutations were detected in all three surviving infants. No integrase, nor high frequencies of 3'PPT mutations conferring dolutegravir HIVDR were detected. The timing of HIV infant diagnosis, plasma HIV RNA levels and HIVDR suggests one in utero, one peripartum, one early, and one late breastfeeding transmission. Conclusions: VT was rare. New-onset NNRTI HIVDR in Case mothers was likely from efavirenz-ART prescribed prior to study dolutegravir-ART, and in one case appeared transmitted to the infant despite nevirapine prophylaxis.