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Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2002;24(1):09-13
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032002000100002
Purpose: to investigate the association between serum C-reactive protein concentration and preeclampsia occurrence, as well as its relation to the disease severity. Patients and Methods: twenty-seven preeclamptic pregnant women and 27 pregnant women with no clinical intercurrences, in the third trimester of pregnancy, were evaluated in a transversal case-control study. Serum C-reactive protein dosage, besides clinical examination and laboratory tests for the diagnosis of the disease, were performed in the antenatal period. The association between C-reactive protein and the presence of preeclampsia, and the correlation between plasma protein values and blood pressure values were investigated. The chi² significance test and regression analysis through the square minimum technique were used, and the results were considered to be statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: the preeclamptic pregnant women presented mean blood pressure levels higher than their controls (129.9±12.1 and 87.2±6.5 mmHg, respectively) and significantly higher C-reactive protein mean values than the normotensive women (18.9±4.9 and 1.56±0.8 mg/L, respectively). There was a significant association between the C-reactive protein concentration increase and preeclampsia occurrence (p<0.0001, odds ratio: 20.1). It was also observed that the mean arterial pressure and proteinuria presented a direct correlation with the circulating C-reactive protein in maternal blood (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: C-reactive protein is an effective marker of preeclampsia occurrence and significantly correlates with the disease severity. The use of this test for the differential diagnosis of pregnant women in several hypertensive situations and its utilization as a marker of preeclampsia prognosis deserve further studies.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2002;24(1):09-13
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032002000100002
Purpose: to investigate the association between serum C-reactive protein concentration and preeclampsia occurrence, as well as its relation to the disease severity. Patients and Methods: twenty-seven preeclamptic pregnant women and 27 pregnant women with no clinical intercurrences, in the third trimester of pregnancy, were evaluated in a transversal case-control study. Serum C-reactive protein dosage, besides clinical examination and laboratory tests for the diagnosis of the disease, were performed in the antenatal period. The association between C-reactive protein and the presence of preeclampsia, and the correlation between plasma protein values and blood pressure values were investigated. The chi² significance test and regression analysis through the square minimum technique were used, and the results were considered to be statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: the preeclamptic pregnant women presented mean blood pressure levels higher than their controls (129.9±12.1 and 87.2±6.5 mmHg, respectively) and significantly higher C-reactive protein mean values than the normotensive women (18.9±4.9 and 1.56±0.8 mg/L, respectively). There was a significant association between the C-reactive protein concentration increase and preeclampsia occurrence (p<0.0001, odds ratio: 20.1). It was also observed that the mean arterial pressure and proteinuria presented a direct correlation with the circulating C-reactive protein in maternal blood (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: C-reactive protein is an effective marker of preeclampsia occurrence and significantly correlates with the disease severity. The use of this test for the differential diagnosis of pregnant women in several hypertensive situations and its utilization as a marker of preeclampsia prognosis deserve further studies.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2005;27(3):149-154
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000300009
PURPOSE: to analyze the efficacy, safety and real advantage of vesicoamniotic shunt catheter in the intrauterine treatment of obstructive uropathy. METHODS: a retrospective and descriptive study, in which the evolution of 35 fetuses with obstructive uropathy, submitted to vesicoamniotic shunt from 1990 to 2004 in a Fetal Medical Center was evaluated. All these fetuses fitted the selection criteria defined by a protocol of this service, and had the parents' consent for the procedure. The Pediatric Nephrology Sector of the Hospital das Clínicas of UFMG assessed all of them after delivery to confirm the prenatal diagnosis and outcome. The dead neonates were studied by the Pathological Anatomy Sector of UFMG. Descriptive analysis of the following parameters was performed: prenatal diagnosis of the uropathy, gestational age at shunt insertion, time of catheter utilization, post-surgery complications, perinatal mortality and neonatal survival. RESULTS: posterior urethral valve was the most common uropathy (62.8%). The mean gestational age at the vesicoamniotic shunt placement was 26.1weeks and the mean time of its presence was 46 days (1-119 days). There were four intrauterine fetal deaths and 17 in the neonatal period (60% perinatal mortality). The main cause of death was pulmonary hypoplasia. Olygohidramnios was present in 33/35 fetuses (94.3%) and it was reversed in 23 of them (70%); fourteen fetuses survived the neonatal period. At present, there are 4 children followed up by the Pediatric Sector of Nephrology of Hospital das Clínicas. Two of them have been treated with peritoneal dialysis, awaiting renal transplantation. The other two have normal renal function. Their age varies from 2 months to 4 years. CONCLUSION: the vesicoamniotic shunt may be a viable intrauterine treatment for severe obstructive uropathy, with 40% of survival rate of fetuses that might have progressed to death. However, the procedure's success was directly related to the adequate selection, and to the early intervention in the uterus, performed before 32 weeks of gestation in fetuses with bilateral obstruction, without any associated malformation and with still preserved renal function. Olygohidramnios reversion did not guarantee a good prognosis. It remains controversial if the vesicoamniotic shunt can really ensure long-term renal function.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2005;27(3):149-154
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000300009
PURPOSE: to analyze the efficacy, safety and real advantage of vesicoamniotic shunt catheter in the intrauterine treatment of obstructive uropathy. METHODS: a retrospective and descriptive study, in which the evolution of 35 fetuses with obstructive uropathy, submitted to vesicoamniotic shunt from 1990 to 2004 in a Fetal Medical Center was evaluated. All these fetuses fitted the selection criteria defined by a protocol of this service, and had the parents' consent for the procedure. The Pediatric Nephrology Sector of the Hospital das Clínicas of UFMG assessed all of them after delivery to confirm the prenatal diagnosis and outcome. The dead neonates were studied by the Pathological Anatomy Sector of UFMG. Descriptive analysis of the following parameters was performed: prenatal diagnosis of the uropathy, gestational age at shunt insertion, time of catheter utilization, post-surgery complications, perinatal mortality and neonatal survival. RESULTS: posterior urethral valve was the most common uropathy (62.8%). The mean gestational age at the vesicoamniotic shunt placement was 26.1weeks and the mean time of its presence was 46 days (1-119 days). There were four intrauterine fetal deaths and 17 in the neonatal period (60% perinatal mortality). The main cause of death was pulmonary hypoplasia. Olygohidramnios was present in 33/35 fetuses (94.3%) and it was reversed in 23 of them (70%); fourteen fetuses survived the neonatal period. At present, there are 4 children followed up by the Pediatric Sector of Nephrology of Hospital das Clínicas. Two of them have been treated with peritoneal dialysis, awaiting renal transplantation. The other two have normal renal function. Their age varies from 2 months to 4 years. CONCLUSION: the vesicoamniotic shunt may be a viable intrauterine treatment for severe obstructive uropathy, with 40% of survival rate of fetuses that might have progressed to death. However, the procedure's success was directly related to the adequate selection, and to the early intervention in the uterus, performed before 32 weeks of gestation in fetuses with bilateral obstruction, without any associated malformation and with still preserved renal function. Olygohidramnios reversion did not guarantee a good prognosis. It remains controversial if the vesicoamniotic shunt can really ensure long-term renal function.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2008;30(4):196-200
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008000400007
PURPOSE: to obtain an equation to estimate the volume of red blood cells concentrate to be infused to correct anemia in fetuses of pregnant women with Rh factor isoimmunization, based in parameters obtained along the cordocentesis previous to intrauterine transfusion. METHODS: a transversal study analyzing 89 intrauterine transfusions to correct anemia in 48 fetuses followed-up in the Centro de Medicina Fetal do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de Minas Gerais. The median gestational age at the cordocentesis was 29 weeks and the average number of procedures was 2.1. Fetal hemoglobin was assayed before and after cordocentesis, leading to the volume of transfused red blood cells concentrate. The determination of an equation to estimate the blood volume necessary to correct the fetal anemia was based in the blood volume necessary to raise the fetal hemoglobin in 1 g% (the difference between the final and the initial hemoglobin concentration divided by the transfused volume) and in the volume of the amount necessary to reach 14 g%, in the multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: the concentration of pre-transfusion hemoglobin varied between 2.3 and 15.7 g%. The prevalence of fetal anemia (Hb<10 g%) was 52%. The regression equation obtained in the determination of blood volume necessary to reach the concentration of 14 g% of Hb was: transfusion volume (mL)=18.2 - 13.4 x pre- intrauterine transfusion hemoglobin + 6.0 x gestational age in weeks. This equation was statistically significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: the study has shown that it is possible to estimate the transfusion volume necessary to correct fetal anemia, based on easily obtainable parameters: gestational age and level of pre-transfusion hemoglobin.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2008;30(4):196-200
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032008000400007
PURPOSE: to obtain an equation to estimate the volume of red blood cells concentrate to be infused to correct anemia in fetuses of pregnant women with Rh factor isoimmunization, based in parameters obtained along the cordocentesis previous to intrauterine transfusion. METHODS: a transversal study analyzing 89 intrauterine transfusions to correct anemia in 48 fetuses followed-up in the Centro de Medicina Fetal do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de Minas Gerais. The median gestational age at the cordocentesis was 29 weeks and the average number of procedures was 2.1. Fetal hemoglobin was assayed before and after cordocentesis, leading to the volume of transfused red blood cells concentrate. The determination of an equation to estimate the blood volume necessary to correct the fetal anemia was based in the blood volume necessary to raise the fetal hemoglobin in 1 g% (the difference between the final and the initial hemoglobin concentration divided by the transfused volume) and in the volume of the amount necessary to reach 14 g%, in the multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: the concentration of pre-transfusion hemoglobin varied between 2.3 and 15.7 g%. The prevalence of fetal anemia (Hb<10 g%) was 52%. The regression equation obtained in the determination of blood volume necessary to reach the concentration of 14 g% of Hb was: transfusion volume (mL)=18.2 - 13.4 x pre- intrauterine transfusion hemoglobin + 6.0 x gestational age in weeks. This equation was statistically significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: the study has shown that it is possible to estimate the transfusion volume necessary to correct fetal anemia, based on easily obtainable parameters: gestational age and level of pre-transfusion hemoglobin.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2011;33(9):234-239
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000900003
PURPOSE: To analyze comparatively the conditions of birth in Portugal and Brazil from 1975 to 2007. METHODS: Indicators of maternal and child health: rates of maternal death and neonatal mortality, cesarean rate and public spending on health were retrospectively collected from electronic databases of health information from the Unified Health System (DATASUS) and the National Institute of Statistics of Portugal (INE), among others. Their values were descriptively analyzed in terms of trends and the temporal sanitary scenarios were presented and discussed, comparing, when possible, the information from the two countries. RESULTS: Births in Portugal were characterized by lower maternal mortality (12.2x76.2/100.000) and neonatal mortality (2.2x14.6/1000), compared to Brazil, considering the average of the years from 2004 to 2007. The history of the conquest of maternal and child indicators of excellence in Portugal involved a phase that paralleled the significant socio-economic improvements and the increasing contribution of public health, followed by another from the 1990s, involving better equipped health care units. In Brazil, rates of maternal and neonatal mortality are declining, but satisfactory values have not yet been achieved. The historical difference in the amount of social spending on health, both in current and historical values, was a crucial difference between countries. Despite the disparities in maternal and neonatal outcomes, cesarean section rates were equally ascendant (34.5% in Portugal and 45.5% in Brazil), considering the average for the period from 2004 to 2007. CONCLUSION: The indicators of maternal and neonatal death in Portugal and Brazil have aligned themselves to social, economic and contributions of public investments in health. The increasing rates of caesarean section do not explain the discrepancies in maternal and neonatal outcome between countries.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2011;33(9):234-239
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000900003
PURPOSE: To analyze comparatively the conditions of birth in Portugal and Brazil from 1975 to 2007. METHODS: Indicators of maternal and child health: rates of maternal death and neonatal mortality, cesarean rate and public spending on health were retrospectively collected from electronic databases of health information from the Unified Health System (DATASUS) and the National Institute of Statistics of Portugal (INE), among others. Their values were descriptively analyzed in terms of trends and the temporal sanitary scenarios were presented and discussed, comparing, when possible, the information from the two countries. RESULTS: Births in Portugal were characterized by lower maternal mortality (12.2x76.2/100.000) and neonatal mortality (2.2x14.6/1000), compared to Brazil, considering the average of the years from 2004 to 2007. The history of the conquest of maternal and child indicators of excellence in Portugal involved a phase that paralleled the significant socio-economic improvements and the increasing contribution of public health, followed by another from the 1990s, involving better equipped health care units. In Brazil, rates of maternal and neonatal mortality are declining, but satisfactory values have not yet been achieved. The historical difference in the amount of social spending on health, both in current and historical values, was a crucial difference between countries. Despite the disparities in maternal and neonatal outcomes, cesarean section rates were equally ascendant (34.5% in Portugal and 45.5% in Brazil), considering the average for the period from 2004 to 2007. CONCLUSION: The indicators of maternal and neonatal death in Portugal and Brazil have aligned themselves to social, economic and contributions of public investments in health. The increasing rates of caesarean section do not explain the discrepancies in maternal and neonatal outcome between countries.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2001;23(4):243-246
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032001000400007
Purpose: to evaluate the possibility and accuracy of fetal karyotyping in pleural effusions. Methods: we studied fifteen fetuses with unilateral or bilateral pleural effusions. All of these fetuses underwent intrauterine thoracocentesis guided by ultrasound examinations. The gestational age varied from 19 to 34 weeks. A morphogenetic ultrasound examination was performed in each case by the authors in order to identify associated structural anomalies. When the cellular cultures of pleural effusion samples were negative, an alternative karyotype was obtained by cordocentesis. A fetal lymphocyte culture was made of pleural effusion samples for karyotype in a similar technique as for fetal blood. Results: the fetal karyotype was successful in 12 cases. There were 4 abnormal results, all of them were Down syndromes, and in the other 8 cases the chromosomal analyses were normal. The fetal karyotype was confirmed and compared by newborn blood chromosomal analysis, genetic evaluation or necropsy. There were no maternal or fetal side effects related to the procedure. Conclusions: the fetal karyotyping performed in pleural effusions obtained by intrauterine thoracocentesis proved to be highly efficient and safe. It must be the method of choice for rapid karyotyping in fetuses with pleural edema.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2001;23(4):243-246
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032001000400007
Purpose: to evaluate the possibility and accuracy of fetal karyotyping in pleural effusions. Methods: we studied fifteen fetuses with unilateral or bilateral pleural effusions. All of these fetuses underwent intrauterine thoracocentesis guided by ultrasound examinations. The gestational age varied from 19 to 34 weeks. A morphogenetic ultrasound examination was performed in each case by the authors in order to identify associated structural anomalies. When the cellular cultures of pleural effusion samples were negative, an alternative karyotype was obtained by cordocentesis. A fetal lymphocyte culture was made of pleural effusion samples for karyotype in a similar technique as for fetal blood. Results: the fetal karyotype was successful in 12 cases. There were 4 abnormal results, all of them were Down syndromes, and in the other 8 cases the chromosomal analyses were normal. The fetal karyotype was confirmed and compared by newborn blood chromosomal analysis, genetic evaluation or necropsy. There were no maternal or fetal side effects related to the procedure. Conclusions: the fetal karyotyping performed in pleural effusions obtained by intrauterine thoracocentesis proved to be highly efficient and safe. It must be the method of choice for rapid karyotyping in fetuses with pleural edema.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(4):261-268
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000400007
PURPOSE: to evaluate Doppler velocimetry of the ductus venosus as a noninvasive test of abnormal pH and gas analysis in preterm fetuses with "brain sparing reflex". METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed. The studied population consisted of 48 pregnant women between the 25th and the 33rd week of gestation, whose fetuses presented brain sparing reflex (umbilical/cerebral ratio >1). The time elapsed between Doppler velocimetry and the birth (cesarean section under peridural anesthesia) was of up to 5 h. The following parameters were studied: S/A ratio of the ductus venosus, pH and base excess (BE) of fetal blood sample (collected from the umbilical vein immediately after birth). The S/A ratio of the ductus venosus was considered abnormal when superior to 3.6. The fetuses were classified according to the gas analysis result. They were considered abnormal when pH <7.26 and BE £ 6 mMol/L. Fisher's test was used for statistical analysis and considered significant when p £ 0.05. RESULTS: there was a significant correlation between umbilical blood gas analysis in preterm fetuses with brain sparing reflex and ductus venosus S/A ratio (p = 0.0000082; Fisher test). Ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry identified 10 of 14 fetuses with abnormal gas analysis. On the other hand, 32 of 34 fetuses with normal gas analysis were correctly identified. The sensitivity of the ductus venosus S/A ratio for the diagnosis of abnormal blood gas analysis was 71%, specificity 94%, false-negative rate 8%, false-positive rate 4%, positive predictive value 83% and negative predictive value 89%. Pretest likelihood, post-test posterior probability following a positive test result (post-test likelihood) and post-test posterior probability following a negative test result (post-test likelihood) were 31, 84 and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION: the analysis of the ductus venosus S/A ratio is adequate for the diagnosis of abnormal blood gas analysis in preterm fetuses presenting brain sparing reflex.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2003;25(4):261-268
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032003000400007
PURPOSE: to evaluate Doppler velocimetry of the ductus venosus as a noninvasive test of abnormal pH and gas analysis in preterm fetuses with "brain sparing reflex". METHODS: a cross-sectional study was performed. The studied population consisted of 48 pregnant women between the 25th and the 33rd week of gestation, whose fetuses presented brain sparing reflex (umbilical/cerebral ratio >1). The time elapsed between Doppler velocimetry and the birth (cesarean section under peridural anesthesia) was of up to 5 h. The following parameters were studied: S/A ratio of the ductus venosus, pH and base excess (BE) of fetal blood sample (collected from the umbilical vein immediately after birth). The S/A ratio of the ductus venosus was considered abnormal when superior to 3.6. The fetuses were classified according to the gas analysis result. They were considered abnormal when pH <7.26 and BE £ 6 mMol/L. Fisher's test was used for statistical analysis and considered significant when p £ 0.05. RESULTS: there was a significant correlation between umbilical blood gas analysis in preterm fetuses with brain sparing reflex and ductus venosus S/A ratio (p = 0.0000082; Fisher test). Ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry identified 10 of 14 fetuses with abnormal gas analysis. On the other hand, 32 of 34 fetuses with normal gas analysis were correctly identified. The sensitivity of the ductus venosus S/A ratio for the diagnosis of abnormal blood gas analysis was 71%, specificity 94%, false-negative rate 8%, false-positive rate 4%, positive predictive value 83% and negative predictive value 89%. Pretest likelihood, post-test posterior probability following a positive test result (post-test likelihood) and post-test posterior probability following a negative test result (post-test likelihood) were 31, 84 and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION: the analysis of the ductus venosus S/A ratio is adequate for the diagnosis of abnormal blood gas analysis in preterm fetuses presenting brain sparing reflex.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2016;38(1):27-34
To determine differences in some nutritional aspects of pregnant women assisted at prenatal care services in a country town and in a metropolitan area.
Pregnant women received prenatal care in the city of Belo Horizonte (BH), metropolitan area, and Paula Cândido (PC), a country town. A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) containing socioeconomic information and information about eating habits was applied. In addition,weight and height were measured on the occasion of the visits and the women were ask to give their prepregnancy weight for subsequent BMI calculation. Data were analyzed according to region and trimester of pregnancy using the SPSS software version 15.0, the t-test to compare averages and the chi-square test of independence, with the level of significance set at 5%.
240 pregnant women were included, 90 fromthe country town and 150 from themetropolitan area. Of these,most weremarried (BH = 56.6%; PC = 46.6%) and did not work outside the home (BH = 54.0%; PC = 84.4%). They predominantly had 3-4 meals/ day during the 1st and 2nd quarters (BH = 54.0 and 46%; PC = 66.7 and 63.3%, respectively) and had 5-6 meals/day during Q3 in BH (44%). There was significant weight gain only in the 1st quarter (BH: 58,0%; PC: 53.3%). Weight gain versus eating habits was significant for the variables "lunch or dinner away from home" for the 1st quarter in BH (p = 0.006), "How many times they consume milk" in the 1 st quarter in PC (p = 0.03), and "How many times they consume junk food" in the 3rd quarter in BH (p = 0.009).
Pregnant woman showed proper eating habits in both regions despite the prevalence of pregestational overweight in BH and a low level of education and income, especially in the country town, an indicator that may be unfavorable for the nutrition of pregnant women during this period. Studies of association between eating habits and newborn health will provide more information about nutrition during pregnancy.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2016;38(1):27-34
To determine differences in some nutritional aspects of pregnant women assisted at prenatal care services in a country town and in a metropolitan area.
Pregnant women received prenatal care in the city of Belo Horizonte (BH), metropolitan area, and Paula Cândido (PC), a country town. A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) containing socioeconomic information and information about eating habits was applied. In addition,weight and height were measured on the occasion of the visits and the women were ask to give their prepregnancy weight for subsequent BMI calculation. Data were analyzed according to region and trimester of pregnancy using the SPSS software version 15.0, the t-test to compare averages and the chi-square test of independence, with the level of significance set at 5%.
240 pregnant women were included, 90 fromthe country town and 150 from themetropolitan area. Of these,most weremarried (BH = 56.6%; PC = 46.6%) and did not work outside the home (BH = 54.0%; PC = 84.4%). They predominantly had 3-4 meals/ day during the 1st and 2nd quarters (BH = 54.0 and 46%; PC = 66.7 and 63.3%, respectively) and had 5-6 meals/day during Q3 in BH (44%). There was significant weight gain only in the 1st quarter (BH: 58,0%; PC: 53.3%). Weight gain versus eating habits was significant for the variables "lunch or dinner away from home" for the 1st quarter in BH (p = 0.006), "How many times they consume milk" in the 1 st quarter in PC (p = 0.03), and "How many times they consume junk food" in the 3rd quarter in BH (p = 0.009).
Pregnant woman showed proper eating habits in both regions despite the prevalence of pregestational overweight in BH and a low level of education and income, especially in the country town, an indicator that may be unfavorable for the nutrition of pregnant women during this period. Studies of association between eating habits and newborn health will provide more information about nutrition during pregnancy.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2001;23(5):277-282
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032001000500002
Objective: to test the effectiveness of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the amniotic fluid for the detection of fetal contamination due to Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women with acute infection and to correlate it with the inoculation technique and the histology of the placenta. Methods: thirty-seven patients were prospectively studied and the diagnosis was based on the identification of maternal acute infection followed by amniocentesis guided by ultrasound to obtain amniotic fluid for PCR and mice inoculation. The mothers were treated with spiramycin throughout pregnancy; when fetal infection was demonstrated, pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine were added to the regimen. The placentas were processed for histologic examination. The infants were followed for a period that varied from three to 23 months for the confirmation or exclusion of congenital toxoplasmosis. Results: association measures such as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated for PCR in the amniotic fluid, detection of the parasite through mice inoculation and placental histology and showed the following results: PCR values of sensitivity = 66.7% and specificity = 87.1%; the respective values for mice inoculation were 50 and 100% and for the placental histology were 80 and 66.7%. Conclusion: although PCR should not be used alone for the prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, it is a promising method and deserves more studies to improve its efficacy.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2001;23(5):277-282
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032001000500002
Objective: to test the effectiveness of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the amniotic fluid for the detection of fetal contamination due to Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women with acute infection and to correlate it with the inoculation technique and the histology of the placenta. Methods: thirty-seven patients were prospectively studied and the diagnosis was based on the identification of maternal acute infection followed by amniocentesis guided by ultrasound to obtain amniotic fluid for PCR and mice inoculation. The mothers were treated with spiramycin throughout pregnancy; when fetal infection was demonstrated, pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine were added to the regimen. The placentas were processed for histologic examination. The infants were followed for a period that varied from three to 23 months for the confirmation or exclusion of congenital toxoplasmosis. Results: association measures such as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated for PCR in the amniotic fluid, detection of the parasite through mice inoculation and placental histology and showed the following results: PCR values of sensitivity = 66.7% and specificity = 87.1%; the respective values for mice inoculation were 50 and 100% and for the placental histology were 80 and 66.7%. Conclusion: although PCR should not be used alone for the prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, it is a promising method and deserves more studies to improve its efficacy.