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Review Article04-08-2022
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Gynecological Health: An Integrative Review
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(2):194-200
Abstract
Review ArticleEffects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Gynecological Health: An Integrative Review
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(2):194-200
Views212Abstract
Objective
To analyze the existing scientific literature to find out if the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has an effect on gynecological health.
Search Strategy
We performed an integrative review of articles published between April 2020 and April 2021 on the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, using COVID-19 and the following relevant terms: Menstrual change; Ovarian function; Violence against women; Contraception; HPV; Mental health; and Urogynecology.
Selection Criteria
Among the eligible studies found, editorials and primary research articles, which describe the dynamics between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection (the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic) and gynecological health, were included.
Data Collection and Analysis
Through qualitative synthesis, data were extracted from the included publications and from guidelines of national and international societies of gynecology.
Main Results
The 34 publications included in the present study showed that some factors of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and, consequently, the COVID-19 pandemic, might be associated with menstrual abnormalities, effects on contraception, alterations in steroid hormones, changes in urogynecological care, effects on women’s mental health, and negative impact on violence against women.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the health of women. The scientific community encourages the development of recommendations for specialized care for women and strategies to prevent and respond to violence during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key-words ContraceptionCOVID-19 pandemicmenstrual changeovarian functionSARS-CoV-2urogynecologyViolence against womenSee more -
Review Article01-31-2022
Health of the Newborn and Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(3):311-318
Abstract
Review ArticleHealth of the Newborn and Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(3):311-318
Views243See moreAbstract
Objective
The present article presents a literature review concerning the microbiota of breast milk and the influence of epigenetics in the susceptibility to COVID-19.
Methods
A literature review.
Results
Breastfeeding transfers microbiota, nutrients, diverse white blood cells, prebiotics, hormones, and antibodies to the baby, which provide short- and longterm immunological protection against several infectious, gastrointestinal, and respiratory illnesses. The little evidence available shows that breast milk very rarely carries the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and even in those cases, it has been discarded as the source of contagion.
Conclusion
The reviewed studies show evidence of a beneficial effect of breastfeeding and highlights its importance on the current pandemic due to the immune reinforcement that it provides. Breastfed individuals showed better clinical response due to the influence on the microbiota and to the nutritional and immune contribution provided by breast milk, compared with those who were not breastfed.
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Review Article07-30-2021
Clinical Features and Maternal-fetal Results of Pregnant Women in COVID-19 Times
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(5):384-394
Abstract
Review ArticleClinical Features and Maternal-fetal Results of Pregnant Women in COVID-19 Times
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(5):384-394
Views260See moreAbstract
Objective
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), which usually leads to non-specific respiratory symptoms. Although pregnant women are considered at risk for respiratory infections by other viruses, such as SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), little is known about their vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, this study aims to identify and present the main studies on the topic, including the postpartum period.
Methods
In this narrative review, articles were searched in various databases, organizations, and health entities using keywords compatible with medical subject headings (MeSH), such as: COVID-19, pregnancy, vertical transmission, coronavirus 2019, and SARS-CoV-2.
Results
The review of the scientific literature on the subject revealed that pregnant women with COVID-19 did not present clinical manifestations significantly different from those of non-pregnant women; however, there are contraindicated therapies. Regarding fetuses, studies were identified that reported that infection by SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women can cause fetal distress, breathing difficulties and premature birth, but there is no substantial evidence of vertical transmission.
Conclusion
Due to the lack of adequate information and the limitations of the analyzed studies, it is necessary to provide detailed clinical data on pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 and on the maternal-fetal repercussions caused by this infection. Thus, this review may contribute to expand the knowledge of professionals working in the area as well as to guide more advanced studies on the risk related to pregnant women and their newborns. Meanwhile, monitoring of confirmed or suspected pregnant women with COVID-19 is essential, including in the postpartum period.
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Review Article06-02-2021
SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Placental Pathology Infecção por SARS-CoV-2 e patologia placentária
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(6):474-479
Abstract
Review ArticleSARS-CoV-2 Infection and Placental Pathology Infecção por SARS-CoV-2 e patologia placentária
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(6):474-479
Views223See moreAbstract
Placental pathophysiology in SARS-CoV-2 infection can help researchers understand more about the infection and its impact on thematernal/neonatal outcomes. This brief review provides an overview about some aspects of the placental pathology in SARSCoV- 2 infection. In total, 11 papers were included. The current literature suggests that there are no specific histopathological characteristics in the placenta related to SARSCoV- 2 infection, but placentas frominfected women aremore likely to show findings of maternal and/or fetal malperfusion. The most common findings in placentas from infected women were fibrin deposition and intense recruitment of inflammatory infiltrates. The transplacental transmission of this virus is unlikely to occur, probably due to low expression of the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 in placental cell types. Further studies are needed to improve our knowledge about the interaction between the virus and the mother-fetus dyad and the impact on maternal and neonatal/fetal outcomes.
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Systematic Review05-24-2021
Vertical Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(3):207-215
Abstract
Systematic ReviewVertical Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(3):207-215
Views211See moreAbstract
Objective
The evaluation of the available evidence on vertical transmission by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV)-2.
Data Sources
An electronic search was performed on June 13, 2020 on the Embase, PubMed and Scopus databases using the following search terms: (Coronavirus OR COVID-19 OR COVID19 OR SARS-CoV-2 OR SARS-CoV2 OR SARSCoV2) AND (vertical OR pregnancy OR fetal).
Selection of Studies
The electronic search resulted in a total of 2,073 records. Titles and abstracts were reviewed by two authors (WPM, IDESB), who checked for duplicates using the pre-established criteria for screening (studies published in English without limitation regarding the date or the status of the publication).
Data Collection
Data extraction was performed in a standardized way, and the final eligibility was assessed by reading the full text of the articles. We retrieved data regarding the delivery of the potential cases of vertical transmission, as well as themain findings and conclusions of systematic reviews.
Data Synthesis
The 2,073 records were reviewed; 1,000 duplicates and 896 clearly not eligible records were excluded. We evaluated the full text of 177 records, and identified only 9 suspected cases of possible vertical transmission. The only case with sufficient evidence of vertical transmission was reported in France.
Conclusion
The risk of vertical transmission by SARS-CoV-2 is probably very low. Despite several thousands of affected pregnant women, we have identified only one case that has fulfilled sufficient criteria to be confirmed as a case of vertical transmission. Well-designed observational studies evaluating large samples are still necessary to determine the risk of vertical transmission depending on the gestational age at infection.
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Review Article10-23-2020
SARS-CoV-2 and Pregnancy: A Review of the Facts
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(9):562-568
Abstract
Review ArticleSARS-CoV-2 and Pregnancy: A Review of the Facts
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(9):562-568
Views254See moreAbstract
Objective
The present comprehensive review aims to show the full extent of what is known to date and provide a more thorough view on the effects of SARS-CoV2 in pregnancy.
Methods
Between March 29 and May, 2020, the words COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, COVID- 19 and pregnancy, SARS-CoV2 and pregnancy, and SARS and pregnancy were searched in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases; the guidelines from well-known societies and institutions (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [RCOG], American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology [ISUOG], Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO]) were also included.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 outbreak resulted in a pandemic with > 3.3 million cases and 230 thousand deaths until May 2nd. It is caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus and may lead to severe pulmonary infection and multi-organ failure. Past experiences show that unique characteristics in pregnancy make pregnant women more susceptible to complications from viral infections. Yet, this has not been reported with this new virus. There are risk factors that seem to increase morbidity in pregnancy, such as obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 35), asthma and cardiovascular disease. Current reports describe an increased rate of pretermbirth and C-section. Vertical transmission
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Letter to the Editor06-22-2020
The Real Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (covid-19) on the Pregnancy Outcome
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(5):303-304
Abstract
Letter to the EditorThe Real Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (covid-19) on the Pregnancy Outcome
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(5):303-304
Views104See moreAbstract
The COVID-19 outbreak is increasing around the world in the number of cases, deaths, and affected countries. Currently, the knowledge regarding the clinical impact of COVID-19 on maternal, fetal, and placental aspects of pregnancy is minimal. Although the elderly and men were the most affected population, in previous situations, such as the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and the Ebola epidemic, pregnant women were more likely to develop complications than nonpregnant women. There are unanswered questions specific to pregnant women, such as whether pregnant women are more severely affected and whether intrauterine transmission occurs. Additional information is needed to inform key decisions, such as whether pregnant health care workers should receive special consideration, whether to separate infected mothers and their new borns, and whether it is safe for infected women to breastfeed.