A Prospective Study to Identify Rates of SARS-CoV-2 Virus in the Peritoneum and Lower Genital Tract of Patients Having Surgery: An Observational Study

Study ObjectiveThe risks to surgeons of carrying out aerosol-generating procedures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are unknown. To start to define these risks, in a systematic manner, we investigated the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus in the abdominal fluid and lower genital tract of patients undergoing surgery.DesignProspective cross-sectional observational study.SettingSingle, large United Kingdom hospital.PatientsTotal of 113 patients undergoing abdominal surgery or instrumentation of the lower genital tract.InterventionsWe took COVID-19 swabs from the peritoneal cavity and from the vagina from all eligible patients. Results were stratified by preoperative COVID-19 status.Measurements and Main ResultsIn patients who were presumed COVID-19 negative at the time of surgery, SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA was detected in 0 of 102 peritoneal samples and 0 of 98 vaginal samples. Both cohorts included 4 patients who were antibody positive but nasopharyngeal swab test negative at the time of surgery. Peritoneal and vaginal swabs were also negative in 1 patient who had a positive nasopharyngeal swab immediately before surgery.ConclusionThe presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the abdominal fluid or lower genital tract of presumed negative patients is nil or extremely low. These data will inform surgeons of the risks of restarting laparoscopic surgery at a time when COVID-19 is endemic in the population.     

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Pregnant Women Assessed by RT-PCR in Franconia,Germany: First Results of the SCENARIO Study (SARS-CoV-2 prEvalence in pregNAncy and at biRth In FrancOnia)

Purpose Detection of SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant women admitted to maternity units during a pandemic is crucial. In addition to the fact that pregnancy is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and that medical surveillance has to be adjusted in infected women and their offspring, knowledge about infection status can provide the opportunity to protect other patients and healthcare workers against virus transmission. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant women in the hospital setting. Material and Methods All eligible pregnant women admitted to the nine participating hospitals in Franconia, Germany, from 2 June 2020 to 24 January 2021 were included. COVID-19-related symptoms, secondary diseases and pregnancy abnormalities were documented. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs. The prevalence of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection was estimated by correcting the positive rate using the Rogan–Gladen method. The risk of infection for healthcare workers during delivery was estimated using a risk calculator. Results Of 2414 recruited pregnant women, six were newly diagnosed RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2, which yielded a prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection of 0.26% (95% CI, 0.10 – 0.57%). Combining active room ventilation and wearing FFP2 masks showed an estimated reduction of risk of infection for healthcare workers in the delivery room to < 1%. Conclusions The prevalence of newly diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy in this study is low. Nevertheless, a systematic screening in maternity units during pandemic situations is important to adjust hygienic and medical management. An adequate hygienic setting can minimise the calculated infection risk for medical healthcare workers during patientsʼ labour. Key words: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, pregnancy, prevalence, infection     

Maternal and fetal outcomes of the pregnant woman with COVID-19: The first case report in Taiwan

ObjectiveA real-Taiwan experience to deal with near-term pregnant woman infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) is extremely limited. We described the first case in Taiwan.Case reportA 30-year-old woman, primigravida had a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection at 36 gestational weeks (GW). She was asymptomatic. Ten days later, she was hospitalized and receive a selective cesarean section with a term baby weighted 3142 gm (Apgar score 8 and 9 at 1st and 5th minute, respectively) at 38 GW. No evidence of in utero and direct transmission was found and newborn was free of COVID-19.ConclusionIt is still uncertain whether timing or mode of delivery is appropriate in SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant woman in near term, but we suggested that a selective delivery time at 38 GW or later, regardless of which mode of delivery is finally decided, can be considered.     

A symptomatic near-term pregnant woman recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection

ObjectiveCoronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) is a global health crisis. Although pregnant women are a vulnerable population during the infectious pandemics, extremely rare cases of pregnant women infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are described in Taiwan. We share our experience to manage a pregnant women with COVID-19 in the third trimester and subsequent delivery at term.Case reportA 43-year-old woman presented with sore throat, cough and rhinorrhea was diagnosed as laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at the 35 gestational weeks (GW). During the hospitalization, the disease progressed with a need of oxygen supplement and prednisolone therapy. She was discharged uneventfully at 37 GW. Finally, she delivered a female baby with Apgar score of 8–9 points at 38 GW by cesarean section due to the deformity of pelvic cavity resulted from previous surgery for pelvic bone tumor. Both mother and her offspring (without SARS-CoV-2 infection) were discharged uneventfully.ConclusionOur report adds the growing body of experience toward management of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Decision making of timing and method of delivery is regarding to individualized condition and hospital setting.     

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis of pregnant women at early stages of COVID-19

ObjectiveTo determine the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 in the cerebrospinal fluid of pregnant women at early stages of COVID-19.Materials and methodsWe conducted a prospective observational study with pregnant women undergoing cesarean section and real-time polymerase chain reaction to SARS-CoV-2 was performed in the cerebrospinal fluid in the early stages of COVID-19.ResultsFourteen pregnant women, whose COVID-19 symptoms started between four to 18 days prior to delivery, were included. Eleven of the women reported anosmia, dysgeusia, and headaches and there were two fatal cases. SARS-Cov-2 was not present in the cerebrospinal fluid of these COVID-19 patients with early neurological symptoms, even in severe cases.ConclusionOur study suggests that peripheric cell damage and parainfectious phenomena may predominate over direct central nervous system injury in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 related early neurological symptoms on pregnant women.     

The influence of COVID-19 pandemic on intrauterine fetal demise and possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2

ObjectiveThe impact of COVID-19 on intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 from the mother to the fetus are crucial issues of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the current study, we aimed to detect the pandemic's influence on the IUFD and evaluate the vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 through analysis of placental tissues collected from PCR positive women with IUFD above 20 weeks of gestation.Materials and methodsThe pregnant women above 20 weeks of gestation and had a fetus intrauterine demised during pandemic were included in the study. The pregnant women screened for COVID-19. Vertical transmission searched from placental tissues of COVID-19 positive women by RT-PCR tests for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The number of IUFD before the pandemic and during the pandemic compared to assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the IUFD ratio.ResultsAmong 138 pregnant women with IUFD, 100 of them could screen for COVID-19 status. RT-PCR test results of 6 of the screened pregnant women were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Placental tissues of these six women were analyzed, and one test result was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The IUFD ratio was significantly increased during the pandemic.ConclusionIt is clear that COVID-19 increases the IUFD ratio. Previous data for vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the second trimester is limited. We present the third case of literature that has positive placental results for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the second trimester of pregnancy.     

Screening and Testing Pregnant Patients for SARS-CoV-2: First-Wave Experience of a Designated COVID-19 Hospitalization Centre in Montréal

ObjectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present asymptomatically in a large proportion of cases in endemic areas. Accordingly, universal testing has been suggested as a potential strategy for reducing transmission in the obstetrical setting. We describe the clinical characteristics of patients who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during pregnancy at a designated COVID-19 hospitalization centre in Montréal, Québec.MethodsA single-centre retrospective cohort was constructed to include all pregnant patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between March 22 and July 31, 2020, and received care at the Jewish General Hospital. Initially, testing was restricted to at-risk patients, identified through the use of a screening questionnaire. Beginning on May 15, 2020, universal testing was implemented, and all pregnant patients admitted to the hospital were tested. Data were collected through chart review.ResultsOf 803 patients tested for SARS-CoV-2 during the study period, 41 (5%) tested positive. Among those patients who were symptomatic, the most commonly reported symptoms were cough (53%), fever (37%), dyspnea (30%), and anosmia and/or ageusia (20%). Before the implementation of universal testing, 13% (3 of 24) of patients with SARS-CoV-2 were asymptomatic. After implementation of universal testing, 80% (8 of 10) of patients with SARS-CoV-2 were asymptomatic.ConclusionOur findings suggest that most pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms of COVID-19. Particularly in endemic areas, universal testing of pregnant patients presenting to the hospital should be strongly considered as an important measure to prevent in-hospital and community transmission of COVID-19.     

SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia Affects Male Reproductive Hormone Levels: A Prospective,Cohort Study

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) binds to angiotensin-converting enyzme 2 (ACE2) and enters the host cell. ACE2 protein is expressed highly in the testis.AimThe aim of this study was to compare male reproductive hormones such as total testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulant hormone (FSH), and prolactin between patients with COVID-19, age-matched cases with non–COVID-19 respiratory tract infection, and age-matched controls.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study and included 262 men aged between 20 and 65 years. The study comprised 3 groups including patients with COVID-19 (n = 89), cases with non–COVID-19 respiratory tract infection (n = 30), and age-matched controls (n = 143). All cases were evaluated using TT, LH, FSH, and prolactin. Correlations between TT and clinical parameters of patient groups were investigated using Pearson's correlation test.OutcomesThe primary outcome of the study was detection of the difference of TT, FSH, LH, and prolactin levels between the groups. Secondary outcome was to correlate TT and hospitalization time and oxygen saturation on hospital admission (SpO2) of patients.ResultsThe mean age of study groups was 49.9 ± 12.5 years, 52.7 ± 9.6 years, and 50 ± 7.8 years, respectively (P = .06). Serum TT levels was median 185.52 ng/dL in patients with COVID-19, median 288.67 ng/dL in patients with non–COVID-19 respiratory tract infection and median 332 ng/dL in control cases, (P < .0001). The proportion of patients with testosterone deficiency in group 1, group 2, and group 3 was 74.2%, 53.3%, and 37.8%, respectively (P < .0001). Serum LH levels (P = 0.0003) and serum prolactin levels (P = .0007) were higher in patients with COVID-19 and patients with non–COVID-19 respiratory tract infection than control cases. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlation between serum TT levels and hospitalization time of patients with COVID-19 (r = –0.45, P < .0001). In addition, a significant positive correlation was observed between SpO2 and serum TT levels in patients with COVID-19 ( r = 0.32, P = .0028).Clinical ImplicationsPhysicians may consider to evaluate male patients with COVID-19 for concomitant androgen deficiency.Strengths & LimitationsStrengths include the evidence about the alteration of male reproductive hormones under COVID-19. Limitations include the analysis limited to one general hospital, only a single measurement of TT was available, free and bioavailable testosterone levels were not evaluated.ConclusionThis study demonstrates COVID-19 is associated with decreased level of TT and increased level of LH and prolactin. More serious COVID-19 causes more reduction in TT levels and prolongs hospitalization period.Kadihasanoglu M, Aktas S, Yardimci E, et al. SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia Affects Male Reproductive Hormone Levels: A Prospective, Cohort Study. J Sex Med 2021;18:256–264.     

Perinatal outcomes of pregnant women having SARS-CoV-2 infection

ObjectivesAim of this study is to evaluate the prognosis of pregnant women having SARS-CoV-2 infection and investigate whether there was a difference in perinatal outcomes between pregnant women who had SARS-CoV-2 infection and those who did not.Materials and methodsThis prospective observational study was conducted with 116 singleton pregnancies. Cases enrolling in the study were divided into two groups. While those in the first group had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 46) the second group consisted of healthy pregnant women (n = 70).ResultsEmergency Cesarean section was performed on three SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnancies (30, 33 and 34 gestational weeks). Intensive care unit admission was required for all three cases after delivery and two of them died. Among the pregnancies that had an infection in the third trimester, 71.4% (n = 20) of them had delivery in 14 days after diagnosis and 17.4% (n = 8) of their newborns were followed up at newborn intensive care unit. Overall, only one newborn had a positive swab test result for SARS-CoV-2. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding their delivery week (37.02 ± 5.85 vs 38.5 ± 2.33). Similarly, there was no significant difference between groups, concerning mean age, parity, and birth weight (P = 0.707, P = 0.092, P = 0.334; P < 0.05). Furthermore, the difference between SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnancies that were followed up as inpatient or outpatient with respect to the delivery week and birth weight was not significant (p > 0.05). Also, APGAR 5 scores of hospitalized women (9.3 ± 1.1) were found to be lower than the outpatient group (9.8 ± 0.8) (P = 0.043; p < 0.05).ConclusionNo significant difference was detected between groups in terms of the delivery week, birth weight, and APGAR scores. The inpatient group was found to have lower APGAR 5 scores.     

Evaluation of laparoscopy and endocervical swab in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the female genital tract

Summary A group of 60 consecutive women admitted to the gynaecology department of Eastbourne District General Hospital for pelvic pain were entered into this study. Evidence of C. trachomatis infection of the genital tract was investigated by detection of chlamydial lipopolysaccharide antigen in the peritoneal fluid collected from the pouch of Douglas during laparoscopy and in the endocervical swab. The test used was an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Peritoneal fluid was positive in 11 subjects (18%,P<0.05), endocervical swab was positive in 3 (5%,P<0.05). The difference was statistically significant (P=0.01, two tailed test at 1% level). Ten women with a positive ELISA on the peritoneal fluid had a negative cervical swab, 2 women with a positive cervical swab had negative peritoneal fluid and in only one women were both cervical swab and peritoneal fluid positive.     

Clinical and obstetric characteristics of pregnant women with Covid-19: A case series study on 26 patients

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women with Covid-19.Materials and methodsThis case series study was performed to investigate demographic, clinical and obstetric characteristics of 26 pregnant women with COVID-19 referring to a university hospital of Kashan during the epidemic of COVID-19 (March to May 2020).ResultsThe mean gestational age of the patients at admission and delivery was 31.8 ± 5.2 and 36.3 ± 3.4 weeks, respectively. The most common symptoms were fever (96.2%) followed by dyspnea and cough (30.8%). The findings of lung CT scan showed abnormalities confirming the pneumonia in 22 patients (84.6%). Cesarean section was performed in 69.2% of the mothers. The most common maternal–fetal outcome was preterm delivery (38%). Two mothers were transferred to the ICU due to deterioration in clinical condition and they underwent mechanical ventilation without any maternal death. The most common neonatal outcomes were prematurity (38%) and low birth weight (34.6%). No cases of confirmed COVID-19 were observed in the neonates.ConclusionClinical manifestations and laboratory and radiographic findings in pregnant women with COVID-19 are similar to the general population. Common outcomes of pregnancy and delivery in mothers included increased rate of preterm delivery and cesarean section. The most prevalent neonatal outcomes included prematurity and LBW. Careful monitoring of pregnant women with COVID-19 is recommended.     

妊娠不同时期感染新型冠状病毒肺炎的随访研究

目的通过研究不同妊娠时期感染新型冠状病毒患者的妊娠结局,分析新型冠状病毒对孕妇及新生儿出生后近期体格生长发育的影响,了解武汉地区COVID-19孕产妇及新生儿在后期的随访情况及需要解决的问题。方法收集2020年1月30日至2020年4月30日在武汉大学人民医院住院治疗的妊娠合并新型冠状病毒肺炎确诊病例共25例,总结早期(5例)、中期(5例)、晚期妊娠(15例)患者感染SRAS-CoV-2的临床特征、治疗、妊娠结局以及母婴随访等。结果5例早期妊娠合并COVID-19患者中,4例治愈出院后选择放弃妊娠,1例住院期间生化妊娠。5例中期妊娠合并COVID-19的患者中,活产儿4例,引产1例(胎儿心脏多发异常,双肾多发囊性病变,鼻骨偏短,羊水少)。新生儿出生后首次SRAS-CoV-2核酸鼻咽拭纸检测阴性。2020年10月随访结果显示,新生儿身长、体重及神经系统发育未见明显异常,1例患儿溶血性黄疸,1例患儿心脏室间隔缺损,卵圆孔未闭,二尖瓣反流,拟近期手术。15例晚期妊娠合并COVID-19患者中,早产3例,足月产12例。新生儿出生后首次SRAS-CoV-2核酸鼻咽拭纸检测阴性,2020年10月随访结果显示,新生儿身长、体重未见异常,1例小肠坏死伴高胆红素血症,4例细菌性肺炎,2例患儿肌张力过高。选取6例患者的胎盘行SARS-CoV-2检测均为阴性,病理检查中有1例胎盘胎膜未见明显异常,1例胎盘局灶可见散在的中性粒细胞,4例胎盘表现为急性绒毛膜炎(母体反应1级)。结论早期妊娠感染新型冠状病毒患者治愈后均选择终止妊娠。中、晚孕期感染新型冠状病毒肺炎孕妇分娩的新生儿近期随访身长、体重未发现明显异常,但仍有流产、胎儿畸形、绒毛膜炎、新生儿细菌性肺炎、肌张力增高等。因此,孕期新型冠状病毒感染可能导致不良围产期结局,这有待更大样本的流行病学研究调查证实。     

Vulvar Aphthous Ulcer in an Adolescent With COVID-19

BackgroundVulvar aphthous ulcers have been associated with various prodromal viral illnesses. We describe the case of an adolescent girl who developed vulvar aphthous ulcers during infection with Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.CaseA 19-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with cough, sore throat, fevers, and rash, and tested positive for COVID-19. She re-presented 2 days later with vulvar pain and was found to have a vulvar aphthous ulcer. She was admitted for pain control and treated with oral steroids. Improvement in her vulvar pain was noted, along with resolution of fevers, cough, and rash.Summary and ConclusionThis case illustrates the novel association of COVID-19 with vulvar aphthous ulcers in adolescents. Use of oral steroids for symptomatic management of COVID-19 led to rapid clinical improvement.     

Prevalence of Maternal Mortality and Clinical Course of Maternal Deaths in COVID-19 Pneumonia-A Cross-Sectional Study

IntroductionAfter initial studies suggested that pregnant women were not at a higher risk of complications due to COVID‐19 infection. Recent investigations from Sweden and the US have indicated that pregnant and postpartum women are at increased risk of severe complications associated with COVID‐19. This study aims to find out the prevalence of maternal mortality and the clinical course of maternal mortality cases due to COVID-19 pneumonia.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1st, 2020, to April 30th, 2021, at Postgraduate Institute and YCM Hospital Pimpri Pune (Maharashtra), a dedicated COVID hospital during COVID pandemic. During study period, all pregnant women who were diagnosed to have COVID-19 infection by RT PCR/Rapid Antigen Test were admitted and were enrolled for the study.AimTo audit the maternal mortality due to COVID-19 infection.PrimaryTo estimate the prevalence of maternal mortality due to COVID-19 infection in obstetric patients.SecondaryTo systematically study and analyze the clinical course of infection in mothers who had mortality due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Data collected in standard format regarding Demography, clinical presentation, need for ICU/HDU, CXR findings, laboratory parameters and cases with maternal mortality were studied in detail to fulfill the study objectives.ResultsAmong 871 COVID-19 cases diagnosed during pregnancy, nine patients had maternal mortality due to covid pneumonia. There was no obvious obstetric cause for mortality in these cases. The prevalence of maternal mortality was 0.01 (1.03%). Cases with maternal mortality were mostly in 3rd Trimester (5 of 9 cases) and presented with moderate to severe illness with breathlessness and myalgia in all 9 cases, cough and fever in 7 out of 9 cases, Tachypneoa was noted in all patients. Saturation below 90 in 6 cases and below 94 in 3 cases. Chest X-ray showed bilateral lung affection in all 9 cases. Leukocytosis with raised N:L ratio was predominantly seen, thrombocytopenia noted in 5 cases and elevated levels of acute phase reactants and inflammatory markers such as CRP, S. ferritin, ESR, LDH, D-dimer and S. fibrinogen was observed. None of the study participants received vaccine for COVID-19.ConclusionsCOVID-19 pneumonia is an additional toll for maternal mortality. Obstetric patients in 2nd and 3rd trimester having COVID-19 infection with late presentation to hospital, moderate to severe disease (RR > 30 min), with raised inflammatory markers (N:L ratio, CRP, Ferritin, d-Dimer, etc.) at presentation, having bilateral lung affection are at risk of poor maternal outcome.     

COVID-19 Treatment: Drug Safety Prior to Conception and During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

In December 2019, a new viral respiratory infection known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first diagnosed in the city of Wuhan, China. COVID-19 quickly spread across the world, leading the World Health Organization to declare it a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a similar virus to those involved in other epidemics such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Epidemiological studies have shown that COVID-19 frequently affects young adults of reproductive age and that the elderly and patients with chronic disease have high mortality rates. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most COVID-19 cases present with mild flu-like symptoms and only require treatment with symptomatic relief medications, whereas other cases with COVID-19 require treatment in an intensive care unit. There is currently no specific effective treatment for COVID-19. A large number of drugs are being used to fight infection by SARS-CoV-2. Experience with this therapeutic arsenal has been gained over the years in the treatment of other viral, autoimmune, parasitic, and bacterial diseases. Importantly, the search for an effective treatment for COVID-19 cannot expose pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 to the potential teratogenic risks of these drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to determine and understand the safety of anti-COVID-19 therapies prior to conception and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Key words: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, antiviral, pregnancy, breastfeeding