Journal of reproductive immunology
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J. Reprod. Immunol. · Sep 2020
ReviewCOVID-19 and immunomodulation treatment for women with reproductive failures.
COVID-19 pandemic is affecting various areas of health care, including human reproduction. Many women with reproductive failures, during the peri-implantation period and pregnancy, are on the immunotherapy using immune modulators and immunosuppressant due to underlying autoimmune diseases, cellular immune dysfunction, and rheumatic conditions. ⋯ SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus, and not enough information exists. Yet, we aim to review the data from previous coronavirus outbreaks and current COVID-19 and provide interim guidelines for immunotherapy in women with reproductive failures.
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J. Reprod. Immunol. · Jun 2020
ReviewWhy are pregnant women susceptible to COVID-19? An immunological viewpoint.
The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first detected in December 2019 and became epidemic in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. COVID-19 has been rapidly spreading out in China and all over the world. The virus causing COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 has been known to be genetically similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) but distinct from it. ⋯ In pregnant women with COVID-19, there is no evidence for vertical transmission of the virus, but an increased prevalence of preterm deliveries has been noticed. The COVID-19 may alter immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface, and affect the well-being of mothers and infants. In this review, we focused on the reason why pregnant women are more susceptible to COVID-19 and the potential maternal and fetal complications from an immunological viewpoint.
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J. Reprod. Immunol. · Nov 2019
Comparative StudyChanges of platelet count throughout pregnancy in women with antiphospholipid syndrome.
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) activate several cell types, such as endothelial cells, monocytes, neutrophils, fibroblasts, trophoblasts and platelets, thus leading to thrombosis and obstetric complications in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The aim of the present study was the longitudinal investigation of platelet count in women with APS. Additionally, platelet count in women with APS who developed preeclampsia during pregnancy were compared to women with APS and uncomplicated pregnancy for potential early detection of preeclampsia. ⋯ We demonstrated a significant lower platelet count in women with APS throughout gestation. Additionally, platelet count is significantly decreased in women with APS who developed preeclampsia. According to our results, platelet count seems to have a predictive value for the development of preeclampsia in these women.
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J. Reprod. Immunol. · Apr 2019
Observational StudyAssessment efficacy of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio in preeclampsia.
Abnormal changes in immune-mediated inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). We aim to investigate the value of systemic immune inflammation indices-neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR)-to identify and evaluate the prognosis of patients with PE. ⋯ Secondary analyses of white blood cell differential count parameters effectively evaluate the systemic inflammatory/immune state. Compared with absolute cell counts, NLR and MLR offer more effective indicators of clinical assessment, disease severity evaluation, and prognosis evaluation of PE.