Non-infected Women Research Articles

Role of Oxidative Strees and Antioxidants in Obese and non-obese womans with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The study was conducted on (90) blood samples, 60 samples from patients with (PCOS) and 30 of them were healthy women. Blood samples were collected from women attending outpatient clinics in Kirkuk Governorate, after their diagnosis. By obstetrics and gynecologists for the period from 11/20/2021 to 25/2/2022, as their ages ranged between (17-42) years, and they were divided into three groups depending on the body mass index (BMI), the first group (30) samples for patients with (PCOS) who are obese with BMI of more than 30 kg/m2 , and second group (30) samples for ladies without obesity who have polycystic ovary syndrome with a BMI of less than 25 kg / m2 and the third group (30) samples of non-infected women with a BMI of more than 30 kg / m2 as a control group. The study included the measurement of antioxidants, including non-enzymatic antioxidants It includes (glutathione, uric acid, and bilirubin), as well as measuring the concentration of malondialdehyde in obese, and without obesity (PCOS). The findings of this researh show following: * Increase that is statistically significant (P ≤0.01) in the concentration malondialdehyde when comparing obese women with PCOS with control, and increase that is statistically significant (P ≤0.05) when comparing between PCOS-afflicted obese and non-obese women * A notable reduction in the p-valu (P≤0.01) in the (bilirubin and glutathione) of concentration when comparing obese PCOS patients with control, a notable reduction and at the level of probability (P≤0.01) in the concentration of bilirubin and (P≤0.05) in the concentration of glutathione at Comparing obese women with PCOS to non-obese patients. * A notable reduction (P≤0.05) in the total capacity of antioxidants in obese women with PCOS compared with the control group, the results showed decrease that is statistically significant (P ≤0.01) when comparing the concentration of the total capacity of antioxidants between women Obese and non-obese patients. * A non-significant differences in uric acid concentration when comparing women with PCOS with control, and the results showed a increase that is statistically significant (P ≤0.05) when comparing women with PCOS who are obese with those who are not obese.

Effects of ABO Blood Groups on Psychological and Physical Activity Outcomes with COVID-19: A Comparative Study on Women

Background and Aim: This study compared the effects of ABO blood groups on COVID-19 and its psychological and physical activity outcomes in infected and non-infected women. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted using a web-based online survey on social media platforms (such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram). The sample included 409 women (206 COVID-19(+); 203 COVID-19(-)). Results: While that 65% of the participants with the blood group A were infected with COVID-19, having the blood group A increased the risk of infection 3.929 times. Conversely, the participants with the blood group O had the lowest rate of infection at 33.6% as well as the lowest risk. Considering the Rh factor, 66% of the participants with the Rh factor (Rh(+)) were infected with COVID-19, and Rh(+) increased the risk of infection 2.506 times. Those infected with COVID-19 had more psychological symptoms than those who were not, where those infected with COVID-19 had a 1.241-fold increase in somatization and a 1.354-fold increase in obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Those infected with COVID-19 had lower moderate physical activity scores than those who were not. Among only the COVID-19-infected participants, psychological symptoms were more prevalent among those with the blood group A than others. There was no difference between the physical activity levels of the infected participants according to their blood groups. Conclusions: It was concluded that the blood group A and Rh(+) increased the risk of COVID-19 infection, and psychological symptoms were more prevalent among women infected with COVID-19 and having the blood group A.

Nutrition, Genital Tract Infection, Hematologic Values, and Premature Rupture of Membranes Among African American Women

Using a prospective comparative design, African American gravidae with and without genital tract infection were assessed with respect to dietary intakes, serum nutrient values, hematologic values, and pregnancy outcomes. Intakes of ascorbic acid, vitamin A, protein, and iron were the dietary variables while levels of ascorbic acid, protein, albumin, globulin, and ferritin were the variables measured in serum. The hematologic variables included hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red and white blood cell counts. Pregnancy outcome was defined on the basis of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), and infant birth weight, birth length, gestational age, and head circumference. The sample consisted of 335 nulliparous women who were between 16-35 years of age, 96 of whom had genital tract infection based on laboratory reports. Findings indicated no significant differences between the mean dietary intakes as well as serum values of the infected and non-infected women, and no difference in the incidence of PROM. However, non-infected women had a better mean hematologic profile than the infected gravidae during pregnancy. Also, for the non-infected group, there were significant relationships between head circumference and protein consumption (P = .015) and serum ferritin (P = .05). For the infected women, the relationship between the hemoglobin and hematocrit measurements obtained at the first prenatal visit and infant birth weight, birth length and head circumference were statistically significant.

Risk factors for and pregnancy outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy according to disease severity: A nationwide cohort study with validation of the SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.

We identified risk factors and outcomes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy in a universally tested population according to disease severity and validated information on SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy in national health registers in Denmark. Cohort study using data from national registers and medical records including all pregnancies between March 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. We compared women with a validated positive SARS-CoV-2 test during pregnancy with non-infected pregnant women. Risk factors and pregnancy outcomes were assessed by Poisson and Cox regression models and stratified according to disease severity defined by hospital admission status and admission reason (COVID-19 symptoms or other). Using medical record data on actual period of pregnancy, we calculated predictive values of the SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis in pregnancy in the registers. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in 1819 (1.6%) of 111 185 pregnancies. Asthma was associated with infection (relative risk [RR] 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-2.07). Risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease requiring hospital admission were high body mass index (median ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.04-1.09), asthma (RR 7.47, 95% CI 3.51-15.90) and gestational age at the time of infection (gestational age 28-36 vs < 22: RR 3.53, 95% CI 1.75-7.10). SARS-CoV-2-infected women more frequently had hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.31, 95% CI 1.04-1.64), early pregnancy loss (aHR 1.37, 95% CI 1.00-1.88), preterm delivery before gestational age 28 (aHR 2.31, 95% CI 1.01-5.26), iatrogenically preterm delivery before gestational age 37 (aHR 1.49, 95% CI 1.01-2.19) and small-for-gestational age children (aHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05-1.54). The associations were stronger among women admitted to hospital for any reason. The validity of the SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis in relation to pregnancy in the registers compared with medical records showed a negative predictive value of 99.9 (95% CI 99.9-100.0) and a positive predictive value of 82.1 (95% CI 80.4-83.7). Women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy were at increased risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, preterm delivery and having children small for gestational age. The validity of Danish national registers was acceptable for identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection in Pregnancy.

Limited data is available on the full spectrum of maternal COVID-19 infection in terms of pregnancy outcomes. The present study aimed to compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19 in infected and non-infected pregnant women. A dual-site retrospective cohort study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. The sample included 104 infected and 210 non-infected hospitalized pregnant women. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using multivariate logistic regression. There were significant differences between COVID-19-infected and non-infected pregnant women regarding preterm labor (PTL) (odds ratio [OR]: 11.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-48.54, P=0.035); hospitalization days (OR: 7.21, 95% CI: 4.05-12.85, P≤0.001); cesarean section (CS) (OR: 4.76, 95% CI: 1.78-12.45, P=0.002); neonatal admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.12-1.67, P=0.004); and neonatal respiratory distress (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.02- 5.47, P=0.044). No significant association was found between COVID-19 infection and abortion (OR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-1.45, P=0.084); stillbirth (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 0.05-39.68, P=0.743); Apgar score (1 minute) (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.74-1.13, P=0.382); Apgar score (5 minutes) (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.81-1.18, P=0.765); and low birth weight (LBW) (OR: 4.76, 95% CI: 1.78-12.45, P=0.002). PTL, CS, neonatal admission in NICU, neonatal respiratory distress, and hospitalization days were significantly higher in pregnant women with COVID-19 compared to those without infection.

Clinical Characteristics of Pregnant Women with Sars-Cov2 Infection in the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy

Objectives: The aim of our study is to present the cclinical characteristics of pregnant women with SARS-COV2 infection in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all pregnant women from March to December 2020 in Infanta Leonor University Hospital, in Madrid. Infected women during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy or at delivery time with SARS-CoV2 diagnosis composed infected group, and non-infected women with SARS-CoV2 composed non-infected group. The infection status was determined via RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab specimen. Women in our study were not vaccinated because in the first and second waves of the epidemic the indication for vaccination in pregnant women was not clear. Results: 1262 non-infected pregnant women and 86 SARS-CoV2 positive pregnant women were admitted to our clinic during the study period. Within the group of infected pregnant women, they were 49 cases (56.98 %) symptomatic and 37 cases (43.02 %) asymptomatic. In the group of symptomatic infected women, the majority were mild cases (80.23 %). In the group of uninfected pregnant women, the main complication was gestational diabetes 14 (1.09 %) We did not find any complications during pregnancy in case group. Cesarean section was performed in 16.67 % of the infected pregnant women and in 21.71 % of the control group. Mean neonatal birth weight was 3.240 g in case group and 3.210 g in non-infected group. Neonatal admission to NICU was 9.52 % in cases while in the control group was 1.19 % being the most frequent reason for admission due to respiratory distress syndrome. Conclusion: SARS-CoV2 infection in pregnant women in the third trimester does not worsen the prognosis of pregnancy in our study, although metaanalyses suggest heightened risk of COVID-19 severity and adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes among women with certain demographic and health profiles.

Examining the immune signatures of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and the impact on neurodevelopment: Protocol of the SIGNATURE longitudinal study.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a valuable opportunity to carry out cohort studies that allow us to advance our knowledge on pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases. One of these opportunities is the study of the relationships between inflammation, brain development and an increased risk of suffering neuropsychiatric disorders. Based on the hypothesis that neuroinflammation during early stages of life is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and confers a greater risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, we propose a cohort study of SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant women and their newborns. The main objective of SIGNATURE project is to explore how the presence of prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and other non-infectious stressors generates an abnormal inflammatory activity in the newborn. The cohort of women during the COVID-19 pandemic will be psychological and biological monitored during their pregnancy, delivery, childbirth and postpartum. The biological information of the umbilical cord (foetus blood) and peripheral blood from the mother will be obtained after childbirth. These samples and the clinical characterisation of the cohort of mothers and newborns, are tremendously valuable at this time. This is a protocol report and no analyses have been conducted yet, being currently at, our study is in the recruitment process step. At the time of this publication, we have identified 1,060 SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers and all have already given birth. From the total of identified mothers, we have recruited 537 SARS-COV-2 infected women and all of them have completed the mental health assessment during pregnancy. We have collected biological samples from 119 mothers and babies. Additionally, we have recruited 390 non-infected pregnant women.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome in a sample of climacteric women living in Latin America.

The aim of this study was to assess resilience, fear of COVID-19, sleep disorders, and menopause-related symptoms after the acute phase of COVID-19 in middle-aged women with positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and noninfected women. This is a cross-sectional, analytical study of climacteric women from 9 Latin American countries, aged 40-64 years, attending a routine health checkup. We evaluated clinical characteristics and used the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Jenkins Sleep Scale, and the Menopause Rating Scale to evaluate their health. A total of 1,238 women were studied, including 304 who were positive for COVID-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The median (interquartile range) age was 53 (12) years; years of studies, 16 (6); body mass index, 25.6 (5.1) kg/m 2 ; and time since first COVID-19 symptom, 8 (6) months. COVID-19 patients reported fatigability (18.8%), joint and muscular discomfort (14.1%), and anosmia (9.5%). They had a significantly lower resilience score (26.87 ± 8.94 vs 29.94 ± 6.65), higher Fear of COVID-19 score (17.55 ± 7.44 vs 15.61 ± 6.34), and a higher Jenkins Scale score (6.10 ± 5.70 vs 5.09 ± 5.32) compared with control women. A logistic regression model confirmed these results. There was not a significant difference in the total Menopause Rating Scale score, although the odds ratios for both severe menopausal symptoms (1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.76) and the use of hypnotics were higher in women with COVID-19 (1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-2.50) compared with those without infection. We found no decrease in studied outcomes between the initial 7 months versus those reported after 8 to 18 months since first COVID-19 symptoms. COVID-19 climacteric women have sleep disorders, lower resilience and higher fear of COVID-19.

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Infection in the Female Partner of Infertile Couples Undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET and Subsequent Reproductive Outcomes.

We investigated the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the female partner of infertile couples and the reproductive outcomes after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). We conducted a retrospective analysis on 8117 women from infertile couples who underwent IVF/ICSI treatment and evaluated the prevalence of HPV infection in these women. The prevalence of HPV infection in the female partner of infertile couples was 9.2% (747/8117). These HPV-infected female patients undergoing ART were divided into high-risk HPV (hrHPV) (n = 130) and low-risk HPV (lrHPV) groups (n = 94), and non-infected women patients formed the negative group (n = 126). Of the 747 cases infected with HPV, 529 showed hrHPV infection (70.82%; primarily genotypes 16, 52, 53, 58, and 59); 175 exhibited lrHPV infection (23.43%; primarily genotypes 6, 43, 44, 55, 61, and 81); and 43 cases were co-infected with hrHPV and lrHPV (5.76%). Except for the Day-3 high-quality embryo rate, there were no differences in ovum maturation, fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy, live birth, or miscarriage rates between women infected with HPV and non-infected women (p > 0.05); however, we noted an increased miscarriage rate after logistic regression analyses (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03−0.84; p = 0.041). For single-male-factor-induced infertility in couples (smHPV), although we likewise observed no differences in ovum maturation, fertilization, or implantation rates (p > 0.05) between the smHPV group and the negative group, we discerned diminutions in the Day-3 high-quality embryo rate (46.01% vs. 70.04%, p = 0.013), clinical pregnancy rate (46.67% vs. 57.94%, p = 0.003), and live birth rate (33.33% vs. 46.83%, p = 0.027) as well as an augmented miscarriage rate (11.11% vs. 4.76%, p = 0.003), respectively. Logistic regression analyses indicated that smHPV was a risk factor for decreased clinical pregnancy rate (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 2.31−7.53; p < 0.001) and live birth rate (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.81−2.14; p = 0.045) and elevated miscarriage rate (OR, 6.83; 95% CI, 2.22−21.00; p = 0.001). HPV infection in women was associated with increased miscarriage rate, and single-male-factor infertility influenced reproductive outcomes in couples undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment. Both were potentially due to HPV infection in the couple.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections, Treatment and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Sao Tome and Principe: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a public health problem in developing countries such as Sao Tome and Principe (STP) although the pregnancy burden of IPIs is unknown in this endemic country. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs, prescribed anthelmintics, and associated factors among pregnant women admitted to Hospital Dr. Ayres de Menezes (HAM). A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women admitted to the HAM who had undergone antenatal copro-parasitological screening. Data were abstracted from antenatal care (ANC) cards regarding parasitological results and anthelmintic prescriptions. A structured questionnaire face-to-face interview was also applied. Pregnant women with an IPI (210) were compared to noninfected women (151). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with IPIs were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 361 participants (210 IPI and 151 no-IPI) with a mean age of 26.96 (SD: 7.00) were included. The overall prevalence of IPI was 58.2% (95% CI 52.9 to 63.3), mainly due to helminthiasis, with a 55.9% (95% CI 50.7-61.2%) rate. Ascaris lumbricoides (90.9%) was the most predominant parasite species identified followed by Trichuris trichiura (13.8%). Polyparasitism was observed in 25 cases (11.9%). Anthelmintics were prescribed to 23% of pregnant women. S intercalatum (11) and E histolytica (7) infections were not adequately treated. IPI was significantly associated with primary education (AOR 1.73 (95% CI: 1.10-2.71)), unemployment (AOR 1.94 (95% CI: 1.20-3.13)), and parity of five or above (AOR 3.82 (95% CI: 1.32-11.08)). This study highlights the IPI burden, associated factors, and missing treatment opportunities among pregnant women with STP. This study is a useful tool for policymakers in STP to enhance the health of women and their unborn babies.

Post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in children aged 3-11 years and the positivity in unvaccinated children: A retrospective, single-center study.

To analyze the positivity and levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in vaccinated children to evaluate the humoral immune response of vaccination on pediatric population. Analysis on the causes of antibody positivity in unvaccinated children. A retrospective study was conducted on children who were admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics. The clinical data of serological testing of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies were collected from SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated or unvaccinated children with no evidence of prior novel coronavirus infection. Chemiluminescence immunoassay was utilized for the in vitro determination of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A total of 3,321 healthy children aged 6-11 years received two doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. At 1 month after the second dose, the positive rate (96.5%) and levels [8.039 (interquartile range (IQR), 6.067-9.098)] of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies reached the peak and remained at a high level for 2-3 months, after which the positive rate and level of vaccine-induced IgG antibody gradually decreased. Compared with 1 month after the second dose of vaccine, the positive rate of IgG antibody decreased to 70.4% at 7 months, and the antibody level decreased by 69.0%. A total of 945 children aged 3-5 years received one or two doses of inactivated vaccine. The positive rate and levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody in participants remained high for 3 months after vaccination. There was no gender-based difference in positive rate of IgG antibody in children aged 3-11 years old (P>0.05). Among the 5,309 unvaccinated children aged 0 day to 11 years, 105 (2.0%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody, which was associated with passive infusion. The maternal humoral response to COVID-19 vaccination in noninfected pregnant women was transferred through the placenta to the fetus, and some children obtained SARS-CoV-2-positive antibodies through blood transfusion. Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines could induce robust humoral immune response that gradually declined within several months after the second dose. Therefore, it helps to determine whether children receive a booster dose and elicit a long-term memory immune response. Positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in unvaccinated children were associated with passive IgG antibody infusion.

Relationship between monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and pathogenicity of Trichomonas vaginalis

The most common non-viral, global curable sexually transmitted diseases, that annually affects millions of people is trichomoniasis, which is caused by the parasiteTrichomonas vaginalis.It was found that several immunologic and biochemical factors play a role in the pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship betweentheMonocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and the pathogenicity of Trichomonas vaginalis.In this study, vaginal swabs, urine and blood samples were taken from (350) women, whose ages ranged between (15-65) yearsand were attending the women’s obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Karbala province during the period from November 2021 to June 2022. The general urine examination and direct microscopic examination of the vaginal swabs were used to detect the parasite, while the serum (MCP-1) level was estimated by ELISA technique. A questionnaire form was used to collect information from the participant women including age, residency, marital status, educational level, fertility and using contraceptives.The results showed that only (100) out of the (350) cases were positive for Trichomonas vaginalis, and the highest incidence of positive cases was within the age group (15-24) years and the lowest incidence was within the age group (55-65) years. According to educational levels, our results revealed that the number and percentage of illiterate women was 18 (28.57%), and for primary school level was 22 (29.33%), while for secondary school level was 42 (28.18), whereas for women with bachelor level was 18 (28.57%), with no significant difference between them (P=0.998).The mean and standard deviation of serum(MCP-1) was (15.83±3.1) in the healthy non-infected women, while the mean and standard deviation of serum (MCP-1) was (35.65±41.3) in the patient infected women, with a highly significant difference (P&lt;0.001).It can be concluded from the current study that the levels of serum MCP-1were highly increased in women infected with Trichomonas vaginalis.

Estimation of the concentration of some biomarkers in serum of women with rheumatoid arthritis

The current study was conducted on women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Basrah city, Iraq. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between some biomarkers such as adiponectin hormone, anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA), acute phase C-reactive protein (CRP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the serum of female patients. In this study, 80 serum samples were collected from women and were distributed as follows: 56 serum samples from women with RA and 24 serum samples from non-infected women who were considered as a healthy group. The patient samples were divided into three categories depending on age, disease severity and duration. The samples were obtained from Basrah General Hospital. The results of the current study showed a significant increase in the concentration of adiponectin, ACPA, CRP and VEGF in RA patients compared to healthy subjects. In addition, there were significant differences in the concentration of these biomarkers between some of the three age groups and between the disease of severity and duration. The study concluded that all the biomarkers under investigation have increased their concentrations in the serum of women suffering from RA.

Role of transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1) in pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomoniasis caused by the parasiteTrichomonas vaginalisis the most common non-viral, curable sexually transmitted disease worldwide that annually affects millions of people. It was found that several immunologic and biochemical factors play a role in the pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1) in the pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis.In this study, vaginal swabs, urine and blood samples were taken from (350) women, whose ages ranged between (15-65) yearsand were attending the women’s obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Karbala province during the period from November 2021 to June 2022. The general urine examination and direct microscopic examination of the vaginal swabs were used to detect the parasite, while the serum (TGF-β1) level was estimated by ELISA technique. A questionnaire form was used to collect information from the participant women including age, residency, marital status, educational level, fertility and using contraceptives.The results showed that only (100) cases were positive for Trichomonas vaginalis, and the highest incidence of positive cases was within the age group (15-24) years and the lowest incidence was within the age group (55-65) years. The number and percentage of positive women from rural areas was 49 (28.49%), while the number and percentage of positive women from urban areas was 51 (28.65%), with no significant difference (P=0.973). The mean and standard deviation of serum TGF-β1 was (22.06±10.74) in the healthy non-infected women, while the mean and standard deviation of serum TGF-β1 was (97.93±28.6) in the patient infected women, with a highly significant difference (P&lt;0.001).It can be concluded from the current study that the levels of serum TGF-β1 was highly increased in women infected with Trichomonas vaginalis.

Histopathological Changes in Placenta of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) Infection and Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in COVID-19.

BackgroundWhether vertical transmission or placental pathology occurs after maternal infection during pregnancy remains unknown. There is a clear need for studies on the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcome. A systemic inflammatory or hypercoagulable state may be the contributing factor for placental pathology.MethodsThe pregnant women with COVID-19 who delivered between May 2020 and May 2021 were followed and data were collected about pregnancy course and placentas were examined for macro- and microscopical changes and were compared to controls with non-infected women. ResultsPlacenta of COVID-19-infected females had increased prevalence of decidual arteriopathy and placental injury reflecting hypoxia and uteroplacental insufficiency within the intervillous space. Features of maternal vascular malperfusion such as increased syncytial knots were present in 100% cases. Fibrinoid necrosis was seen in 100% cases and increased focal perivillous fibrin depositions were presented in 37.7% cases. About one fourth infected placentas had evidence of villitis. Even after matching for comorbidities like preeclampsia, these changes were present.ConclusionThe most common pathological findings of the placenta of COVID-19 infections are signs of maternal and fetal malperfusion. Future studies should target infections in different stage of gestation, including first and second trimesters.

Does asymptomatic/uncomplicated SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy increase the risk of spontaneous preterm birth?

The aim of this study was to analyze the perinatal outcomes of asymptomatic/uncomplicated SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and the relationship between gestational age at the time of infection and spontaneous preterm birth (PTB). This was a retrospective cohort study. The study population included pregnant women who were 19-45 years old and who had been admitted to a Research and Training Hospital for singleton birth delivery. Women who had contracted SARS-CoV-2 during their pregnancy (n = 102) were compared to those who were not infected (n = 378) for the development of spontaneous PTB and other perinatal outcomes. The factors associated with spontaneous PTB were analyzed through univariate and multivariate methods. Spontaneous PTB developed in 22.5% of the pregnant women with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and in 5.3% without a history of the infection (p < 0.001). The multivariate model determined that compared to the non-infected women, the OR of spontaneous PTB among those who had contracted the virus in the first, second, and the third trimesters were 9.13 (p < 0.001), 1.85 (p = 0.292) and 7.09 (p < 0.001), respectively. Pregnancy cholestasis (3.9% vs 0.5%; p = 0.020) and placental abruption (3.9% vs 0.5%; p = 0.040) were significantly higher in cases with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the non-infected women. Asymptomatic or uncomplicated SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy increases the risk of spontaneous PTB. This risk is higher particularly among pregnant women who develop the infection in the first and the third trimesters.

Primary and Triage Cervical Screening Diagnostic Value of Methods for the Detection of Cervical Dysplasia.

Background Cervical cancer is a leading cause of mortality among women globally. Approaches to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality are “screen-and-treat,” where positive primary test only is used in the treatment and “screen, triage and treat,” where treatment is based on positive primary and triage tests with/without histological analysis. Objectives To determine cervical screening outcomes among HIV-infected and noninfected women using VIA, Pap smear, and HPV-PCR cervical screening methods and to determine the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of VIA, Pap smear, and HPV-PCR as primary test and sequential triage based on abnormal histopathology among HIV-infected and noninfected women. Methodology. This was a comparative cross-sectional study where women aged 18-46 years women underwent cervical screening and colposcopy-biopsy test as a positive-confirmatory test in the Referral Hospitals of Eastern Kenya. Results A total of 317 (HIV negative: 156/317 (49.2%) and HIV positive: 161/317 (50.8%)) women were enrolled. Of these 81/317 (25.6%), 84/317 (26.5%), 96/317 (30.2%), and 78/122 (63.9%) participants had VIA, HPV DNA-PCR, Pap smear, and cervical histology positive results, respectively; average: 27.4% (HIV positive: 21.5%; HIV negative: 5.9%). Majority of women with LSIL [17/317 (5.4%)], HSIL [22/317 (6.9%)], invasive cancer [5/317 (1.6%)], cervicitis [45/317 (14.2%], and candidiasis 47/317 (14.8%) were HIV-infected (p < 0.001). 78/317 (24.6%) participants had positive histology test [ASCUS: 34/317 (10.7%) CIN1:17/317 (5.3%), CIN2: 16/317 (5.0%), CIN3:6/317 (1.9%), and ICC: 5/317 (1.6%)] (p > 0.001). A higher primary diagnostic accuracy was established by HPV DNA-PCR (sensitivity: 95.5%; specificity: 92.6%) than Pap smear and VIA test while in triage testing, high sensitivity was obtained by HPV DNA-PCR parallel testing with VIA test (92.6%) and Pap smear test (92.7%) and VIA cotesting with Pap smear (99.9%). HIV-infected women had increased specificity and reduced sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy by both primary and triage testing approaches. Discussion. Abnormal cervical screening outcome was high among HIV-infected than noninfected women. HIV-infected women had significantly high cases of cervical neoplastic changes. The diagnostic value of primary tests increased upon concurrent testing with other test methods hence reducing the number of women who would have been referred for biopsy. Conclusion High sensitivity and specificity in detection of CIN+ were established among HIV-infected than HIV noninfected women by HPV DNA-PCR and Pap smear than VIA test. HPV DNA-PCR test and Pap smear are more accurate in primary and sequential triage cervical screening based on abnormal histopathology outcomes among HIV-infected than noninfected women.

Do SARS-CoV-2-Infected Pregnant Women Have Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes as Compared to Non-Infected Pregnant Women?

PurposeTo determine the feto-maternal outcome in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 in comparison to non-infected pregnant women and plan management strategies.Patients and MethodsA retrospective review of case records in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 1 year was conducted. A total of 6468 case files fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Patients who tested positive for SARS CoV-2 and fulfilled inclusion criteria were labeled as cases, whereas patients who tested negative were labeled as controls. Outcome measures including lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) rate, maternal and neonatal intensive care admission and feto-maternal mortality were compared between the two groups.ResultsOur hospital was not an exclusive COVID-19 designated center, and 117 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Fever (67.52%), cough (56.41%), and altered smell (45.29%) were the frequently reported symptoms. Pneumonia affected 16.23% of the cases. LSCS rate was significantly higher in the COVID-19-infected patients (72.41%; OR 2.19; 95% CI 1.46–3.34; p<0.001). The rate of maternal ICU admission in COVID-19-infected pregnant women was 11.96% as compared to 0.8% in the non-infected women (OR 16.76; 95% CI 8.72–30.77; p<0.001). We observed a significantly higher maternal mortality in COVID-19-infected women (2.56%) [OR 41.61; 95% CI 7.65–203.5; p<0.001]. Viral RNA was detected in cord blood and nasopharyngeal swab of one neonate. The neonatal death ratio was high in infected mothers (2.6%) [OR 8.6; 95% CI 1.99–27.23; p<0.001].ConclusionSignificant maternal morbidity, mortality, and neonatal mortality were observed in COVID-19-positive patients.

Long-term follow-up on HIV infected and non-infected women with cervical cancer from Tanzania: staging, access to cancer-directed therapies and associated survival in a real-life remote setting

BackgroundWorldwide 85% of cervical cancer (CC) related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa is burdend by an overlapping high incidence of CC as well as HIV infection, a risk factor for HPV associated disease progression. Recent upscaling of CC screening activities increased the number of CC diagnoses in a previous unscreened population. The aim of the 2H study was to follow up on women with CC in the context of available health care services in Tanzania in relation to their HIV infection status.MethodsThis longitudinal observational cohort study included women with histological confirmed CC from Mbeya, Tanzania, between 2013–2019. All women were referred for CC staging and cancer-directed therapies (CDT), including surgery and/or radio-chemotherapy, or palliative care. Annual follow-up focused on successful linkage to CDT, interventions and survival. We assessed factors on compliance, used Kaplan–Meier-Survivor functions to evaluate survival time and poisson regression models to calculate incidence rate ratios on mortality (IRR) two years after diagnosis.ResultsOverall, 270 women with CC (123 HIV infected) were included. Staging information, available in 185 cases, showed 84.9% presented with advanced stage disease (FIGO ≥ IIB), no difference was seen in respect to HIV status. HIV-infected women were 12 years younger at the time of cancer diagnosis (median age 44.8 versus 56.4 years, p < 0.001). Median follow up period was 11.9 months (range 0.2–67.2). Survival information, available in 231 cases, demonstrated for women diagnosed in early-stage disease a median survival time of 38.3 months, in advanced-stage 16.0 months and late-stage disease 6.5 months after diagnosis. Of all women, 42% received CDT or palliative support. HIV co-infection and education were associated with higher health care compliance. CDT was significantly associated with lower 2-year mortality rates (IRR 0.62, p = 0.004). HIV coinfection did not impact mortality rates after diagnosis.ConclusionHigh numbers of advanced and late staged CC were diagnosed, compliance to CDT was low. A beneficial impact of CDT on CC mortality could be demonstrated for local health care services. This study indicates challenges for successful linkage and supports an effective scale up of cancer care and treatment facilities.

Measuring the concentration of some hormones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

This study was conducted at the Women and Children’s Hospital in Al-Qadisiyah from 1/10/2021 to 2/1/2022, and 50 patients were followed up for women suffering from polycystic ovaries on the third day of the menstrual cycle, and compared to the control group, which included 50 normal cases, which were confirmed to be free. Of the chronic diseases such as heart disease, thyroid, diabetes and blood pressure, the concentration of hormones was measured for both infected and non-infected women, including PRL, LH and FSH. A significant increase in The results showed a significant increase in prolactin and FSH, LH was observed in women with PCOS compared to the control group.