Moderate-to-late preterm infants constitute the majority within the preterm infant population. Most research on preterm infants has focused on very preterm children, often treating moderate-to-late ...preterm infants as similar to full-term infants. Our objective was to compare clinical, respiratory, cardio-metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes in adolescents aged 12-15 years born moderate and late preterm with a control group of the same age born full-term.IntroductionModerate-to-late preterm infants constitute the majority within the preterm infant population. Most research on preterm infants has focused on very preterm children, often treating moderate-to-late preterm infants as similar to full-term infants. Our objective was to compare clinical, respiratory, cardio-metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes in adolescents aged 12-15 years born moderate and late preterm with a control group of the same age born full-term.Observational cross-sectional study, comparing moderate-to-late preterm (32-36+6 weeks' gestational age) with full-term adolescents (37-41+6 weeks' gestational age; 75 each group). Perinatal and neonatal history were collected as well as data on respiratory evolution (ISAAC questionnaire for asthma symptoms for adolescents 13-14 years), anthropometric values, learning difficulties, behavioral test (screening questionnaire for high-performance autism spectrum disorder and evaluation test for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), skin prick test, pulmonary function test, echocardiogram and blood pressure. A blood test with metabolic profile was conducted.MethodsObservational cross-sectional study, comparing moderate-to-late preterm (32-36+6 weeks' gestational age) with full-term adolescents (37-41+6 weeks' gestational age; 75 each group). Perinatal and neonatal history were collected as well as data on respiratory evolution (ISAAC questionnaire for asthma symptoms for adolescents 13-14 years), anthropometric values, learning difficulties, behavioral test (screening questionnaire for high-performance autism spectrum disorder and evaluation test for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), skin prick test, pulmonary function test, echocardiogram and blood pressure. A blood test with metabolic profile was conducted.Moderate-to-late preterm adolescents had more current asthma p = 0.008, OR3 (95% CI 1.26-7.14) and longer duration of combined treatments to control asthma (inhaled corticosteroids and anti-leukotrienes; p = 0.048). Forced vital capacity <80% was detected more often in moderate-to-late preterm patients (p = 0.013). When assessing right ventricle, moderate-to-late preterm adolescents showed better tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion z-score (p = 0.003), shortening fraction (p < 0.001) and E/A ratio z-score (p = 0.002). Regarding left ventricular assessment, moderate-to-late preterm group had smaller ventricle diastolic diameter (p = 0.04) and lower posterior wall z-score values (p = 0.037). They also showed a better S'wave z-score (p = 0.027), E wave (p = 0.005), E/A ratio (p = 0.003) and a higher septal myocardial performance index z-score (p = 0.025). Moderate-to-late preterm adolescents presented lower weight z-score (p = 0.039), body mass index z-score (p = 0.013), Waterlow weight index (p = 0.006) and higher undernutrition index p = 0.04; OR 1.4 (95% CI 1-1.9). Although there were no differences in neurodevelopmental survey or behavioral tests.ResultsModerate-to-late preterm adolescents had more current asthma p = 0.008, OR3 (95% CI 1.26-7.14) and longer duration of combined treatments to control asthma (inhaled corticosteroids and anti-leukotrienes; p = 0.048). Forced vital capacity <80% was detected more often in moderate-to-late preterm patients (p = 0.013). When assessing right ventricle, moderate-to-late preterm adolescents showed better tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion z-score (p = 0.003), shortening fraction (p < 0.001) and E/A ratio z-score (p = 0.002). Regarding left ventricular assessment, moderate-to-late preterm group had smaller ventricle diastolic diameter (p = 0.04) and lower posterior wall z-score values (p = 0.037). They also showed a better S'wave z-score (p = 0.027), E wave (p = 0.005), E/A ratio (p = 0.003) and a higher septal myocardial performance index z-score (p = 0.025). Moderate-to-late preterm adolescents presented lower weight z-score (p = 0.039), body mass index z-score (p = 0.013), Waterlow weight index (p = 0.006) and higher undernutrition index p = 0.04; OR 1.4 (95% CI 1-1.9). Although there were no differences in neurodevelopmental survey or behavioral tests.Our findings underscore the importance of extended follow-up for this predominant group of premature infants to identify potential respiratory, cardiac and anthropometric issues that may emerge in the future.ConclusionOur findings underscore the importance of extended follow-up for this predominant group of premature infants to identify potential respiratory, cardiac and anthropometric issues that may emerge in the future.
Chagas disease (CD) has become an emerging global health problem in association with the immigration of individuals from endemic areas (in LatinAmerica) to other countries.Spain is the country in ...Europe with the highest number of CD cases. Concerning pediatric CD, treatment is not only better tolerated by younger children but also has greater cure possibilities. The aim of this study was to describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of CD in a pediatric population diagnosed of 10 hospitals in the Community of Madrid during the 2004-2018 period, as well as the safety and efficacy of CD treatment on this population.
A multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study was conducted. The studied population included all identified children under the age of 18 with a diagnosis of CD. Diagnosis was performed with a positive parasitological test (with subsequent confirmation) or confirmed persistence of positive serology beyond 9 months, for children younger than one year-old, and with two different positive serological tests, for children older than one. Fifty-one children were included (59% male; 50.9% born in Spain). All mothers were from Latin America. The median age at diagnosis was 0.7 months for those under one year of age, and 11.08 years for those older than one year-old. Only one case presented a symptomatic course (hydrops faetalis, haemodynamic instability at birth, ascites, anaemia). For 94% treatment was completed. Considering patients who received benznidazole (47), AE were recorded in 48,9%. Among the 32 patients older than one year-old treated with benznidazole, 18 (56.25%) had adverse events whereas in the 15 under one year, 5(33,3%) did. Eigtheen (78.2%) of the patients with benznidazole AE were older than one year-old(median age 11.4 years). Of the patients treated with nifurtimox (9), AE were reported in 3 cases (33,3%). Cure was confirmed in 80% of the children under one year-old vs 4.3% in those older (p<0.001). Loss to follow- up occurred in 35.3% of patients.
Screening programs of CD since birth allow early diagnosis and treatment, with a significantly higher cure rate in children treated before one year of age, with lower incidence of adverse events. The high proportion of patients lost to follow-up in this vulnerable population is of concern.
Background
During early skin-to-skin contact (ESSC), alterations in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO
2
) and heart rate (HR) have been frequently observed.
Objectives
This study aimed to determine ...the incidence of cardiorespiratory events (CREs) during ESSC in healthy term newborns (HTNs) and estimate the association of maternal and neonatal prognostic factors with the risk of CREs.
Methods
A pooled analysis of the cohort from a clinical trial involving healthy mother–child dyads during ESSC was performed. Pulse oximetry was employed to continuously monitor SpO
2
and HR within 2 h after birth. The individual and combined prognostic relevance of the demographic and clinical characteristics of dyads for the occurrence of a CRE (SpO
2
<91% or HR <111 or >180 bpm) was analyzed through logistic regression models.
Results
Of the 254 children assessed, 169 66.5%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 60.5–72.5% had at least one CRE. The characteristics that increased the risk of CRE were maternal age ≥35 years (odds ratio, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.19–4.09), primiparity (1.96; 1.03–3.72), gestational body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m
2
(1.92; 1.05–3.53), and birth time between 09:00 p.m. and 08:59 a.m. (2.47; 1.02–5.97).
Conclusion
CREs were more frequent in HTNs born during nighttime and in HTNs born to first-time mothers, mothers ≥35 years, and mothers with a gestational BMI >25 kg/m
2
. These predictor variables can be determined during childbirth. Identification of neonates at higher risk of developing CREs would allow for closer surveillance during ESSC.
The objective of this study was to assess the role of T-lymphocyte immune responses in newborns with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (cCMV) and their potential association with the ...development of long-term sequelae.
A multicenter, prospective study from 2017 to 2022 was conducted across 8 hospitals in Spain. Blood samples were collected within the first month of life from neonates diagnosed with cCMV. Intracellular cytokine staining was employed to evaluate the presence of CMV-specific interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)–producing CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes (CMV-IFN-γ-CD8+/CD4+) using flow cytometry. The development of sequelae, including hearing loss and neurologic impairment, was assessed during follow-up.
In total, 64 newborns were included; 42 infants (65.6%) had symptomatic cCMV. The median age at the last follow-up visit was 25.3 months (IQR 20.1-34.4). Eighteen infants had long-term sequelae (28.1%), predominantly hearing loss (20.3%) and neurologic disorders (15.6%). No relationship was observed between total count or percentage of CMV-specific IFN-γ-CD8+ or CD4+ lymphocytes and long-term sequelae. Multivariable analysis demonstrated an association between lower total lymphocyte count and long-term sequelae (aOR 0.549, 95% CI: 0.323-0.833), which requires further study.
CMV-specific IFN-γ-CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte responses in neonates with cCMV were not predictive of long-term sequelae.
Aim
Our aim was to describe the clinical features of mothers infected with COVID‐19 and examine any potential vertical mother to newborn transmission. We also assessed how effective the discharge ...recommendations were in preventing transmission during the first month of life.
Methods
This multicentre descriptive study involved 16 Spanish hospitals. We reviewed the medical records of 42 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID‐19 from March 13, 2020, to March 29, 2020, when they were in their third trimester of pregnancy. They and their newborn infants were monitored until the infant was 1 month old.
Results
Over half (52.4%) of the women had a vaginal delivery. The initial clinical symptoms were coughing (66.6%) and fever (59.5%), and one mother died due to thrombo‐embolic events. We admitted 37 newborn infants to the neonatal unit (88%), and 28 were then admitted to intermediate care for organisational virus‐related reasons. No infants died, and no vertical transmission was detected during hospitalisation or follow‐up. Only six were exclusively breastfed at discharge.
Conclusion
There was no evidence of COVID‐19 transmission in any of the infants born to COVID‐19 mothers, and the post‐discharge advice seemed effective. The measures to avoid transmission appeared to reduce exclusive breastfeeding at discharge.
Objective
The aim of this study is to assess Trypanosoma cruzi infection prevalence among pregnant migrants living in Madrid according to the country of origin and to assess screening coverage in ...this at‐risk population.
Methods
Retrospective multicentre cross‐sectional study conducted from January 2011 to December 2016 in eight Madrid hospitals. Each hospital reviewed their microbiology data records to assess the screening coverage and serological diagnosis in all pregnant women coming from endemic areas.
Results
From 2011 to 2016, 149,470 deliveries were attended at the eight hospitals, and 11,048 pregnant women were screened for Chagas disease. Most cases (93.5%) were in women from Bolivia, who also showed the highest prevalence (12.4%, 95% confidence interval: 9.9–15.0). Pooled prevalence amongst the screened women was 2.9% (95% CI: 1.8–4.1). Chagas disease screening coverage varied greatly between centres, with a pooled mean coverage of 47% (95% CI: 37%–57%; 73% 95% CI: 63%–82% for those centres with universal screening vs. 10% 95% CI: 6%–15% for those with a selective screening approach; p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Our study provides useful data for policy makers and epidemiologists in a non‐endemic area without congenital Chagas screening programmes.
Background.
Human cytomegalovirus is a leading cause of congenital infection, and there are limited data on prognosis markers in disease development. We aimed to study 3 virology targets ...(glycoprotein gB, gN, and UL144) to assess their correlation with congenital infection and various organ system involvement.
Methods.
Forty-eight congenital cases and 58 postnatally infected children were included (2003–2014). Genotyping for the 3 targets and distribution among the cohorts were investigated, and the relationship between the gB, gN, and UL144 types with clinical manifestations in congenital infection was also studied.
Results.
All of the genotypes were similarly represented among cohorts, and the most prevalent were the UL144B, gB1, and gN1 genotypes. The gB2 genotype was associated with abnormal image findings by ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance in congenital infection (odds ratio OR, 6.2; 95% confidence interval CI, 1.1–34.3; P = .036); the gN1 genotype was associated with an elevated risk of developing neurological disorders (OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 1.1–45.9; P = .043). Both gN1 and gB2 were independent factors for symptomatic infection. Statistical analyses showed no association between any UL144 genotype and disease severity.
Conclusions.
All of the genotypes can be involved in congenital infection, although the gB2 and gN1 genotypes might be associated with a more serious illness.
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has been associated with congenital microcephaly and other neurodevelopmental abnormalities. There is little published research on the effect of maternal ZIKV infection in ...a non-endemic European region. We aimed to describe the outcomes of pregnant travelers diagnosed as ZIKV-infected in Spain, and their exposed children.
This prospective observational cohort study of nine referral hospitals enrolled pregnant women (PW) who travelled to endemic areas during their pregnancy or the two previous months, or those whose sexual partners visited endemic areas in the previous 6 months. Infants of ZIKV-infected mothers were followed for about two years.
ZIKV infection was diagnosed in 163 PW; 112 (70%) were asymptomatic and 24 (14.7%) were confirmed cases. Among 143 infants, 14 (9.8%) had adverse outcomes during follow-up; three had a congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), and 11 other potential Zika-related outcomes. The overall incidence of CZS was 2.1% (95%CI: 0.4-6.0%), but among infants born to ZIKV-confirmed mothers, this increased to 15.8% (95%CI: 3.4-39.6%).
A nearly 10% overall risk of neurologic and hearing adverse outcomes was found in ZIKV-exposed children born to a ZIKV-infected traveler PW. Longer-term follow-up of these children is needed to assess whether there are any later-onset manifestations.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in pregnancy has resulted in a marked impact on reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MCT) of HIV. However the safety of in utero ART exposure in newborns ...remains a concern.
A multicenter prospective observational study of HIV-infected mother and their infants was performed in Madrid, Spain, from 2000 to 2009. Children had regular visits with clinical examination according to protocol until the age of 24 months. An abdominal ultrasound and an echocardiogram were scheduled during follow up. Birth defects (BDs) were registered according to European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT).
A total of 897 live births from 872 mothers were included. Overall the birth defects prevalence observed was 6.9% (95% CI 5.4-9.1).The most commonly reported birth defects types were in genital organs and urinary system (19 cases, 30.6%) and cardiovascular system (17 cases, 27.4%). There was no increased risk for infants exposed in the first trimester to ARVs compared with unexposed infants. No significant associations were observed between exposure to any individual antiretroviral agent during pregnancy and birth defects
A higher prevalence of BDs was observed, higher than previously reported. In utero exposure to ART was not proved to be a major risk factor of birth defects in infants. However the relatively small number of patients is a major limitation of this study.
Background:
HIV infection continues to be a worldwide public health problem. After the introduction of effective preventive measures, perinatal transmission dramatically decreased. Our aim was to ...assess the sociodemographic changes in pregnant women living with HIV infection and trends in perinatal transmission rates over time.
Setting:
The Madrid cohort of HIV-infected mother–infant pairs is a multicenter, prospective, observational, and cohort study that collects information on HIV-infected pregnant women and their children.
Methods:
Information on clinical–epidemiological characteristics of HIV-infected pregnant women until delivery and their children from 9 public hospitals was included. Data were collected from a standardized questionnaire from medical records. The results were classified in 3 periods: period 1 (P1) 2000–2006, period 2 (P2) 2007–2013, and period 3 (P3) 2014–2020.
Results:
A total of 1521 women living with HIV and 1548 newborns were included. In P1, most mothers (75.8%) were Spanish, whereas in P2 and P3 there was a predominance of foreign origin 62.8% and 70.5% respectively (
P
< 0.01). The percentage of women with antiretroviral treatment before pregnancy increased significantly in P3 (
P
< 0.01). The proportion of Caesarean sections decreased over time (
P
< 0.01): 66.2% (n = 472) in P1, 54.9% (n = 245) in P2, and 46.7% (n = 141) in P3. The percentage of preterm and low birth weight newborns showed a statistically significant decrease. Even though there were no statistically significant differences (
P
= 0.154), a decrease in cases of perinatal infection was observed (1.6% in P1, 1.3% in P2 and 0.3% in P3).
Conclusions:
The epidemiologic characteristics of pregnant women with HIV infection have changed over time in our setting, with an increase of non-Caucasian, heterosexual, and perinatally infected mothers. Although there are still perinatal infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as immigrant women, transmission rate has markedly decreased in recent years and is still of major concern. Prevention measures should be reinforced in the most socially disadvantaged groups.
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