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Cristina Dragomir,1 Roxana Popescu,2,3 Monica Alisa Jurca,4 Ruxandra Laza,5 Roxana Ivan Florian,6 Ion Dragomir,7 Romeo Negrea,8 Marius Craina,9 Cristina Adriana Dehelean10,11 1Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania; 2Department II – Microscopic Morphology, Discipline of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania; 3ANAPATMOL Research Center, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania; 4County Emergency Clinical Hospital “Pius Brinzeu”, Timisoara, Romania; 5Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Disease, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania; 6Dynata Company, Timisoara, Romania; 7Individual Family Medical Office, Ostroveni, Dolj, Romania; 8Department of Mathematics, Polytechnica University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania; 9Department XII - Obstetrics-Gynecology, Discipline of Obstetrics-Gynecology III, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, Romania; 10Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara “Victor Babes”, Timișoara, Romania; 11FARMATOX Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Timisoara, RomaniaCorrespondence: Roxana Popescu; Cristina Dragomir, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes”, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, Timisoara, 300041, Romania, Tel +40723649886 ; +40753036306, Email popescu.roxana@umft.ro; dr.cristinadragomir@yahoo.comPurpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the relationships between postpartum emotional manifestations and various neonatal variables, as well as variables within this category, in the context of hospitalization together after birth.Patients and Methods: Between 1 March 2020 and 1 September 2020, a cross-sectional research design was used including mother–child couples (112 mothers, 121 newborns - 13 twins/triplets).Results: Using a t-test for independent samples, we observed: a) the symptoms of depression were more severe in mothers of newborns hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) [t(110) = 4.334)], provided oxygen therapy [t(109.99) = 3.162], born prematurely [t(110) = 3.157], or with adjustment disorders [t(109) = − 2.947] (p < 0.01); b) a similar, for anxiety as a state [t(82.38) = 5.251], t(107.29) = 4.523, t(110) = 3.416, t(109) = − 3.268, p < 0.01], and as a trait was more common [t(80.79) = 4.501, t(108.790) = 4.669, t(109) = − 3.268, p < 0.001] compared to other mothers. Using Pearson’s test (p < 0.001), several very strong correlations were observed between neonatal variables, including number (no.) of days of hospitalization with birth weight (BW) (r = − 0.802), head circumference (HC) (r = − 0.822), and gestational age (GA) (r = − 0.800) and the mother’s postpartum anxiety as a state/trait (r = 0.770). Using Poisson regression, it was observed that anxiety as a state (Λ = 0.020, z = 4.029, p < 0.001) and as a trait (Λ = 0.800, z = 6.160, p < 0.001) stimulated the intensity of symptoms of postpartum depression (optimal models).Conclusion: Postpartum maternal psychological manifestations were associated with NICU hospitalization, pathology, and some neonatal therapies. We also noticed, that the duration of hospitalization, BW, HC, and GA, were correlated with maternal emotional disorders. Results will facilitate future optimization of birth management and postnatal care.Keywords: anxiety as a state, anxiety as a trait, attachment, postpartum depression symptoms, newborn at risk, prematurity

Introduction The paper addresses from the neonatologist clinician's perspective to a category of high risk newborns, affected by pregnancy-induced hypertension, a pathological entity particular only in gestational period. It is different from pre-existing hypertension before pregnancy and disappears after childbirth and delivery of the placenta. Material and method Based on rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, were established two equal groups of newborns (n=116): a study group including newborns of mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension and a study group including newborns whose mothers have not pregnancy-induced hypertension, randomized case-control pattern. There were analyzed for comparison a number of 18 parameters, focused on their postnatal development issues. For their registration it was used the database from Neonatology Clinic "Bega" Timisoara. For statistical data processing we used SPSS 17.0. Results Significant results were considered those who presented major differences in adaptation and neonatal pathology, the group study being affected. For a confidence interval of 95%, we recorded p < 0,05 (significant differences), for next parameters: low birth weight, the degree of immaturity, early neonatal adapting difficulties, the need of neonatal reanimation and mechanical ventilation in the first 24 hours of life and the incidence of neonatal hypoxic pathology. Conclusions By reducing placental blood flow, pregnancy-induced hypertension significantly affect fetal nutrition and oxygenation with whole metabolic consequences. This is more important when the onset is in early pregnancy and the duration of fetal suffering is more prolonged. This category is represented by neonates of mothers who developed pregnancy-induced hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication associated with pregnancy defined as any degree of glucose intolerance that occurs- or is first discovered during pregnancy, with normal values signaled before, and usually after pregnancy. Material and Method. This study analyzed the cellular differences that might contribute to the injuries of the feto-placental interface of insulin-controlled GDM patients. An optical microscopic analysis was performed on 26 full term placentas, of which 15 were of gestational diabetes mellitus and 11 control group. The histological observation centered upon the: trophoblast, villous stroma and fetal capillary. The fetal average weight was 3840 g for the studied group vs. 2760 g for the control group. Results. Through optical microscopy were identified varying degrees of lesions consisting of: villous edema, proliferation and villous fibrosis of the capillaries, large number of syncytial knots, important fibrinoid necrosis, moderate fibrin thrombi, hyperplasia of the syncytiotrophoblast, chorangiosis, slightly thickened of the basement membrane of the feto-maternal interface. Conclusion. The increased angiogenesis of feto-placental vessels of the terminal villi - considered to be the cause of the placental abnormalities; and the increased risk of complications for e.g. miscarriage, stillbirth, macrosomia, and congenital anomalies may be prevented by a good control over the glycemic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most studied populations of adult multipotent stem cells, being isolated from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or other solid tissues. The fetal MSCs are isolated from placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord and umbilical cord blood. Placental stem cells (PSC) are at the crossroads of adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Although they do not have the same proliferative and differentiation potentials of ESCs, the placenta-derived multipotent cells may be superior to adult stem cells, so that their increased potential should be explored in more detail for further therapeutic strategies. Materials and methods: Placental stem cells (PSCs) were isolated from 20 term-delivered placentas using enzymatic digestion (Collagenase I A). Further cultivation and expansion of single-cell suspension was performed in standard medium containing alpha-MEM, 10% FCS, and antibiotic solution, placed in 6-well culture dishes at 37° C and 5% CO2. Morphological characterization showed fibroblast-shape cellular appearance, adherent to plastic surface, and reaching confluence in spindle-like colonies. For mouse model (CD1 Nu/Nu) of uterine sarcoma we used an immortalized cell line commercially available (MES-SA), admixed with Matrigel scaffold and we injected 1x106 tumor cells in the experimental animal group (n = 10). Tumor formation was completed in 4 weeks. PSCs were transfected with GFP by electroporation method, and 1x106 GFP-expressing PSCs were injected at tumor site for every mouse. For comparative analysis we used bone marrow-derived MSCs stably expressing GFP, and we visualized cellular migration, homing and effects by serial pictures taken every 3 days for 2 weeks using in vivo imaging system Hamamatsu Aequoria. Results: PSCs obtained using enzymatic digestion were similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in morphological and functional characteristics. Tracking of in vivo migration of GFP-PSCs comparative with MSCs-GFP expressing showed an increased ability of PSCs to decrease the size of initial tumor, evidenced by measurement of tumor diameter every 3 days for 2 weeks. Conclusion: The present study shows that PSCs have an increased ability to modulate tumor growth compared to their counterparts, the bone marrow-derived MSCs, which makes them more suitable for therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oils are a class of natural products very frequently used in phytocosmetology. Natural remedies with antiaging action are very popular in our days. Harmfulness of natural compounds on the skin, is quickly observed by the 24-48 hour patch test skin irritation and erythema measurement. Changes in the concentration of melanin and sebum in the dermis represent real parameters which give information regarding the status of skin aging. These parameters were measured with the device Mexameter MX18 and Sebumeter MS 815. Peanut oil and olive oil induced a slight increase in levels of melanin, during the 28 days of study. Grape seed oil had a mean constant action. Argan oil and sesame induced a slight reduction in the concentration of melanin. It was also noted that the application of peanut oil and olive induced an increase in concentration in sebum. Argan oil, grapes oil, and to a lesser extent, sesame oil induced a lower level of sebum in the dermis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives : Hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, pose significant risks during pregnancy, affecting both maternal and neonatal health. The study aims to analyze short- and long-term health implications for mothers and their children, comparing those with pre-eclampsia to those without, to improve understanding of risk factors, diagnostic markers, and outcomes. Materials and Methods : This retrospective observational study involved 235 patients, 98 with pre-eclampsia and 137 without, monitored from 2015 to 2018 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the "Pius Brînzeu" Emergency County Clinical Hospital in Timișoara, Romania. Results : Women with pre-eclampsia were older, had higher BMIs, and more frequently had a family history of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and diabetes. They also had lower educational and socioeconomic levels and fewer prenatal visits. Biochemical markers such as higher proteinuria, elevated sFlt-1, and lower PlGF were significant in diagnosing pre-eclampsia. Short-term maternal complications like eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and acute kidney injury were more prevalent in the pre-eclampsia group. Neonatal outcomes included higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and NICU admissions. Long-term mothers with a history of pre-eclampsia had higher incidences of chronic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Their children faced increased risks of neuropsychological delays, chronic respiratory issues, behavioral disorders, learning difficulties, and frequent infections. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant short- and long-term health impacts of pre-eclampsia on both mothers and their children. Early monitoring, intervention, and comprehensive management are crucial in mitigating these risks. These findings underscore the need for personalized care strategies to improve health outcomes for affected individuals.

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) and eclampsia (E) are severe pregnancy complications with significant maternal and neonatal health impacts. This study explores the association of the rs5707 polymorphism in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with PE/E and related neonatal outcomes., Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 400 mother-newborn dyads at the "Pius Brinzeu" Emergency Clinical Hospital Timisoara. Participants were divided into a control group (254 normotensive women) and a PE/E group (146 women with PE/E). Genotyping for the rs5707 polymorphism was performed using real-time PCR, and statistical analyses assessed associations with maternal body mass index (BMI) and neonatal outcomes., Results: The AA genotype of rs5707 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of PE/E and more favorable neonatal outcomes, including higher Apgar scores, greater birth weights, and longer gestational ages. Conversely, the AC genotype correlated with increased maternal BMI and adverse neonatal outcomes. Odds ratios highlighted the protective effect of the AA genotype against PE/E and the increased risk associated with the AC genotype., Conclusions: This study revealed the critical role of the rs5707 polymorphism in PE/E development and neonatal health. Genetic screening for rs5707 could enhance early identification and personalized intervention strategies, improving outcomes for both mothers and neonates. Further research is needed to validate these findings across diverse populations and to uncover the underlying mechanisms.

Background : Preeclampsia (PE) is a critical condition affecting pregnancies worldwide. Understanding its etiology, particularly the genetic factors, is vital. This study aims to investigate the association between ACE gene polymorphisms, specifically the ACE G2350A (rs4343) variant, and the predisposition to PE, offering insights into the genetic predisposition towards this complex condition. Methods : A case-control study was conducted with 140 participants without PE (Control Group) and 128 participants diagnosed with PE (PE Group). The study focused on comparing the prevalence of the rs4343 polymorphism between the groups. Results : The analysis identified a significantly reduced risk associated with the AG genotype and an insignificant increase in risk with the AA genotype. Statistically significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, such as BMI and marital status, were observed between the groups, suggesting a multifaceted risk profile for PE that includes genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. Conclusions : The study highlight the significant role of genetic variations, specifically the ACE G2350A (rs4343) polymorphism, in influencing PE predisposition. It highlights the intricate interplay between genetic predispositions and other risk factors in the development of PE. Further research is encouraged to expand on these findings and explore a wider range of genetic polymorphisms and their interactions with environmental factors.

This comparative cross-sectional study conducted at the "Pius Brinzeu" healthcare center in Timisoara explored the differential impacts of pregnancy planning status on sexual function, body image, and relationship satisfaction among pregnant women. Employing the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAQ), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the study analyzed responses from 107 participants divided into groups of planned ( n = 59, mean age 28.5 ± 5.2) and unplanned ( n = 48, mean age 27.3 ± 4.8) pregnancies. In the first trimester, unplanned pregnancies reported higher median scores in desire (4.7 vs. 3.6, p = 0.005), arousal (4.5 vs. 3.8, p = 0.001), and lubrication (4.6 vs. 3.7, p = 0.015) compared to planned pregnancies. Satisfaction scores also favored unplanned pregnancies in the first trimester (4.8 vs. 3.9, p = 0.009). Similar trends were observed in subsequent trimesters, with unplanned pregnancies consistently reporting higher FSFI scores, indicating a robust sexual function. Risk factors significantly associated with sexual dysfunction were a higher BMI in the first trimester (beta coefficient: -0.124, p = 0.019), unmarried civil status (beta coefficient: -0.323, p = 0.045), history of previous abortion (beta coefficient: -0.451, p = 0.012), irregular menstrual cycles (beta coefficient: -0.384, p = 0.026), and rural living area (beta coefficient: -0.278, p = 0.034). Notably, unplanned pregnancy itself was not a significant risk factor for sexual dysfunction (beta coefficient: -0.054, p = 0.095). Regarding relationship dynamics, planned pregnancies exhibited significantly higher satisfaction with partner support (4.1 ± 0.9 vs. 3.7 ± 1.1, p = 0.041) and communication within the couple (4.0 ± 1.0 vs. 3.5 ± 1.2, p = 0.020), whereas unplanned pregnancies reported higher satisfaction with emotional closeness (4.3 ± 0.7 vs. 3.8 ± 1.0, p = 0.004). Concerns about managing professional activities and household chores were significantly more prevalent in the unplanned pregnancy group (62.50% vs. 33.90%, p = 0.014). Unplanned pregnancies demonstrated better initial sexual function but faced greater challenges in relationship satisfaction and managing pregnancy demands. Identifying and addressing the risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction can provide targeted interventions to improve the well-being of pregnant women, regardless of pregnancy planning status.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy associated with significant fetal and maternal complications. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired form of thrombophilia characterized by recurrent venous or arterial thrombosis and obstetric complications that significantly increases morbidity and mortality rates. While preeclampsia may not be the most prevalent obstetric complication in APS, it significantly impacts the long-term health of both mother and child. The treatment of preeclampsia in antiphospholipid syndrome is different from the treatment of preeclampsia as an independent disease. Despite current treatments involving anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and antihypertensive drugs, obstetric complications may persist, underscoring the need for cohesive management and effective treatments. The objective of our review is to briefly present knowledge about the physiopathology of preeclampsia and the role of antiphospholipid antibodies in this process. Based on the existing literature, our review aims to identify future directions in molecular pathology toward the discovery of biomarkers and targeted treatments. The application of multidisciplinary approaches and prognostic models, including new biomarkers, could be beneficial in the prediction of PE.

During the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the safety and efficacy of vaccination during pregnancy, particularly regarding the risk of preterm birth, have been a subject of concern. This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on preterm birth risk and to inform clinical practice and public health policies. Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a database search included PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, conducted up until October 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on studies that examined COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and its correlation with preterm birth, defined as a birth before 37 weeks of gestation. Six studies met these criteria, encompassing 35,612 patients. A quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Collaboration's tool, with the risk of bias evaluated via a funnel plot analysis and an Egger's regression test. The studies demonstrated geographical diversity, mainly from Israel, Romania, and the United States, with a blend of prospective and retrospective designs. The patient cohort's mean age was 31.2 years, with common comorbidities such as gestational diabetes and obesity affecting 9.85% of the total population. The vaccination types varied across the studies, with BNT162b2 being the most used. The results indicated a low heterogeneity among the included studies, evidenced by a Cochran's Q statistic of 2.10 and an I 2 statistic of 13%. The meta-analysis yielded a pooled odds ratio (OR) for a preterm birth risk post-vaccination of approximately 1.03 (95% CI: 0.82-1.30), suggesting no significant increase in preterm birth risk was associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Notable findings included a low preterm birth rate (as low as 0.6% and up to 6.1%) with minimal differences in neonatal outcomes, such as birth weight and APGAR (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) scores between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. This study concludes that a COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of preterm birth. These findings are crucial for reassuring healthcare providers and pregnant women about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and supporting their use in public health strategies during the pandemic.

Background: The cardiac biomarker NT-proBNP is released by the ventricles in response to increased cardiac wall tension, showing cardiac activity in heart failure. The primary objective of this comparative study was to analyze the variations of NT-proBNP levels among pregnant patients and to determine the potential influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on these values. Secondly, the study focused on NT-proBNP levels and their influence on the type of birth., Methods: Blood samples were taken from 160 pregnant mothers in order to determine, through the solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, the NT-proBNP concentrations from the plasma. The cohort was separated into two distinct groups based on SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic results: negative to the infection, and positive to the infection., Results: The SARS-CoV-2-positive group of patients presented with higher levels of NT-proBNP and had higher rates of cesarean sections. (4) Conclusions: Our research highlights the crucial relationship between elevated NT-proBNP values and the mode of giving birth, natural delivery or cesarean section, and also the influence of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and this biomarker.

Background: NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) has a high negative predictive value for ruling out heart failure, a disorder linked with volume overload of the ventricles, and is used for diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification. Pregnancy causes in healthy women changes in physical and hemodynamic parameters and appears to be a risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness. The purpose of this study is to highlight the significance of monitoring NT-proBNP levels during pregnancy, particularly in patients who were infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy or were infected with the virus while giving birth. The findings of this comparative research indicate the importance of NT-proBNP in terms of foetal prognosis and birthweight., Methods: We collected blood samples to measure NT-proBNP concentrations from a cohort of 186 pregnant patients divided into two groups based on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection., Results: Elevated NT-proBNP had an unfavourable implication on the newborn birth weight and Apgar score and expressed its influence on lower values., Conclusions: We consider that NT-proBNP testing in pregnant patients, especially those with COVID-19 infection, can be relevant and be used as a predictive marker to be taken into consideration when it comes to management, outcome, and treatment regarding pregnant patients and their newborns.

Background : This research delves into the association between altered lipid profiles and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), shedding light on cardiovascular implications in maternal health. Methods : A cohort of 83 pregnant women was studied, with 48.19% diagnosed with HDP. This investigation primarily focused on Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) as indicators of cardiovascular health. A comparative examination was conducted to determine discrepancies in the ApoB and Lp(a) levels between standard pregnancies and those presenting with HDP. Results : Significant elevations in ApoB ( p value = 0.0486) and Lp(a) ( p value < 0.0001) levels were observed in pregnant women with HDP compared to their counterparts with typical pregnancies. The pronounced link between heightened ApoB and Lp(a) concentrations and HDP persisted, even considering pregnancy's distinct physiological conditions. Conclusions : Our research accentuates the crucial role of early detection and specialized handling of cardiovascular risks in expectant mothers, especially those predisposed to HDP. The study indicates ApoB and Lp(a)'s potential as reliable markers for gauging cardiovascular threats during gestation. Furthermore, our findings suggest an integrative care approach and guidance for pregnant women, aspiring to enhance cardiovascular health in the postpartum phase.

Background : Maternal cardiovascular risk and its implications can have significant repercussions for both the mother and the child. This study compares the lipid profiles of two distinct groups of pregnant women, those with and without cardiovascular risk, to shed light on its effects on maternal and outcomes for newborns. Materials and Methods : This study enrolled 86 pregnant women, dividing them into two groups: Group 1 ( n = 46, healthy pregnancies) and Group 2 ( n = 40, pregnancies with cardiovascular risk factors). The data collected included maternal demographics, smoking history, pre-existing pathologies, and a range of laboratory measures. Neonatal outcomes were also recorded. Results : Group 2 showed a significant increase in the percentage of newborns with abnormal APGAR scores ( p -value < 0.0001), congenital abnormalities ( p -value < 0.0001), severe prematurity ( p -value < 0.0001), and neonatal mortality rates ( p -value < 0.0001), as well as differences in birth weight ( p -value = 0.0392) and therapy usage (surfactant: p -value < 0.001, steroids p -value = 0.004, and antibiotics p -value < 0.001). Regarding laboratory measures, Group 2 exhibited significantly elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C ( p -value < 0.0001), ApoB ( p -value < 0.0001), Lp(A) ( p -value = 0.0486), triglycerides ( p -value < 0.0001), and hs-CRP ( p -value = 0.0300). Discussion : These results underscore the elevated risk associated with pregnancies complicated by cardiovascular risk factors. Group 2 demonstrated a more concerning clinical profile, with a higher prevalence of detrimental neonatal outcomes and different lipid and inflammatory profiles, signifying a potential pathophysiological link. Conclusions : The differential lipid profiles and adverse neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with cardiovascular risks highlight the urgency of effective risk stratification and management strategies in this population.

Objectives: To determine risk factors for primary and secondary adverse neonatal outcomes in newborns with congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection., Data Sources: PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from January 2020 to January 2022., Study Eligibility Criteria: newborns delivered after 24 weeks of gestation with confirmed/possible congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to standard classification criteria., Methods: Execution of the IPD analyses followed the PRISMA-IPD statement. Univariate non-parametric tests compared numerical data distributions. Fisher's exact or Chi-square test determined categorical variables' statistical significance. Multivariate logistic regression revealed risk factors for adverse neonatal outcome., Results: Maternal fever was associated with symptomatic congenital infection (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.33-15.57). Two-thirds of women that reported decreased fetal movements were diagnosed with IUFD ( p -value = 0.001). Reduced fetal movement increased the risk of intrauterine fetal death by 7.84 times ( p -value = 0.016, 95% CI: 2.23-27.5). The risk of stillbirth decreased with gestational age at the time of maternal infection ( p -value < 0.05, OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97)., Conclusions: Maternal fever and perception of reduced fetal movement may be predictive risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome in cases with congenital SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Pregnancy imposes unique physiological changes on a woman's cardiovascular system., Materials and Methods: A cohort of 68 participants, comprising 30 pregnant women with cardiovascular risk and 38 without cardiovascular risk, was recruited for this study. These participants were prospectively followed during their pregnancies from 2020 to 2022 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the "Pius Brînzeu" Emergency County Clinical Hospital in Timişoara, Romania. All women included in this study underwent cesarean section deliveries at the same medical facility. Data regarding the gestational weeks at delivery, birth weight, and Apgar scores assessed by neonatologists were collected for each participant. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the neonatal effects between the two groups., Results: The results of this study revealed significant differences between the groups in terms of Apgar scores ( p = 0.0055), gestational weeks ( p = 0.0471), and baby birth weight ( p = 0.0392)., Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of considering maternal cardiovascular health as a potential determinant of neonatal outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and develop strategies for optimizing neonatal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies.

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The role of vitamin D supplementation during early pregnancy in the prevention of preeclampsia remains unclear. Our objective was to synthesize and critically appraise the available evidence from observational and interventional studies to determine the effects of early pregnancy vitamin D supplementation on the risk of preeclampsia. A systematic review was conducted in March 2023 using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus databases, including literature published up to February 2023. In adherence to PRISMA guidelines, a structured and systematic search strategy was employed. A total of five studies were included in the review, encompassing 1474 patients. Overall, vitamin D supplementation during early pregnancy was associated with a reduced incidence of preeclampsia in all studies (ORs ranging from 0.26 to 0.31), while others showed an increased risk of preeclampsia with low vitamin D levels during the first trimester (ORs of 4.60, 1.94, and 2.52). However, other studies found no significant protective effect but good overall safety for various vitamin D dosages administered during the first trimester. Nevertheless, variations in vitamin D dosage, the timing of supplementation, and definitions of vitamin D insufficiency may have contributed to the inconsistencies in the observed outcomes. Some studies reported significant secondary outcomes, such as a reduction in blood pressure, preterm labor, and improved neonatal outcomes, such as birth weight. The evidence from this systematic review suggests that early pregnancy vitamin D supplementation may have a role in reducing the risk of preeclampsia. However, inconsistencies in the timing of supplementation, dosages, and methodological differences between studies highlight the need for further research to determine the optimal supplementation strategy and to clarify the relationship between vitamin D and preeclampsia risk.

Background and Objectives : Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the end of chromosomes that play a crucial role in maintaining chromosomal stability. Shortening of telomeres has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the length of telomeres in pregnant women with cardiovascular risk is shorter compared to those without cardiovascular risk. Materials and Methods : A total of 68 participants were enrolled, including 30 pregnant women with cardiovascular risk and 38 without cardiovascular risk, who were followed-up during their pregnancy between 2020 and 2022 at the Obstetrical and Gynecology Department of the "Pius Brînzeu" Emergency County Clinical Hospital in Timişoara, Romania. All included women underwent delivery via cesarean section at the same medical institution. The telomere length was measured in each participant using quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results : The results showed that the telomere length was negatively correlated with cardiovascular risk in pregnant women, with significantly shorter telomeres observed in the cardiovascular risk group (mean telomere length = 0.3537) compared to the group without cardiovascular risk (mean telomere length = 0.5728) ( p = 0.0458). Conclusions : These findings suggest that cardiovascular risk during pregnancy may be associated with accelerated telomere shortening, which could have implications for the long-term health of both the mother and the child. Further research is needed to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying this association and to identify interventions that may mitigate the negative effects of cardiovascular risk on the telomere length during pregnancy.

The great majority of existing studies suggests that the prognosis and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections are improved with adequate vitamin D levels, with or without supplementation. Simultaneously, whether vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy lessens the chance of developing gestational hypertension is controversial. The objective of the present research was to evaluate whether vitamin D levels during pregnancy differ substantially among pregnant women who develop gestational hypertension following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The current research was designed as a prospective cohort following the pregnant women admitted to our clinic with COVID-19 until 36 weeks of gestation. Total vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured in the three study groups in which pregnant women with COVID-19 during pregnancy and a diagnosis of hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation were considered the group of cases (GH-CoV). The second group (CoV) included those with COVID-19 and no hypertension, while the third group (GH) included those with hypertension and no COVID-19. It was observed that 64.4% of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the group of cases occurred during the first trimester, compared to 29.2% in the first trimester among the controls who did not develop GH. Normal vitamin D levels were measured at admission in a significantly higher proportion of pregnant women without GH (68.8% in the CoV group vs. 47.9% in the GH-CoV group and 45.8% in the GH group). At 36 weeks of gestation, the median values of 25(OH)D in the CoV group was 34.4 (26.9-39.7) ng/mL compared to 27.9 (16.2-32.4) ng/mL in the GH-CoV group and 29.5 ng/mL (18.4-33.2) in the GH group, while the blood pressure measurements remained over 140 mmHg among the groups who developed GH. There was a statistically significant negative association between serum 25(OH)D levels and systolic blood pressure (rho = -0.295; p -value = 0.031); however, the risk of developing GH was not significantly higher among pregnant women with COVID-19 if the vitamin D levels were insufficient (OR = 1.19; p -value = 0.092) or deficient (OR = 1.26; p -value = 0.057). Although insufficient or deficient vitamin D among pregnant women with COVID-19 was not an independent risk factor for the development of GH, it is likely that an association between first-trimester SARS-CoV-2 infection and low vitamin D plays a key role in developing gestational hypertension.

Background and Objectives : The SARS-CoV-2 infection brings supplemental risks for pregnant women. Due to controversial hesitancy, their vaccination rate was lower in 2021 compared to the general population. In addition, access to maternal care was reduced during the pandemic. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the health records data over 20 months (1 April 2020 to 20 November 2021) aiming to explore the outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-positive cases referred for delivery to a tertiary public hospital in Western Romania. Materials and Methods : Women with SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed for the first time at the moment of birth who delivered singletons after 24 weeks of gestation, and had a clear immunization status were included in the analysis. Results : Out of the 97 patients included in the study, 35 (36%) had undergone ARN-based vaccination. Five cases of maternal death were recorded (all unvaccinated). Our retrospective exploratory analysis showed that the presence of COVID-19 symptoms in the SARS-CoV-2-positive patients made a significant impact on the delivery hospitalization, with a median hospital stay increase from 5 to 9 days (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.014): longer hospitalization was recorded in the symptomatic cases irrespective of their vaccination status. No other adverse outcomes, such as gestational age at delivery, C-section rate, 5 min Apgar index, or birth weight were associated with the presence of symptoms. Conclusions : Our clinic maintained safe maternal care for the COVID-19 patients during the analyzed period. Vaccination of the expectant women was beneficial in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients by lowering the risk of COVID-19 symptoms, with subsequent implications on the newborns' health and maternal attachment., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.