Article
Immunology
Charlotte Cubizolles, Tiphaine Barjat, Celine Chauleur, Sebastien Bruel, Elisabeth Botelho-Nevers, Amandine Gagneux-Brunon
Summary: This study assessed the intentions of pregnant women to receive seasonal influenza, COVID-19, pertussis, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, and identified factors associated with these intentions. The results showed that confidence in vaccines, healthcare professional recommendations, knowledge about diseases and vaccines, and previous vaccination history were associated with vaccine acceptance among pregnant women.
Article
Immunology
Tracy A. Becerra-Culqui, Darios Getahun, Vicki Chiu, Lina S. Sy, Hung Fu Tseng
Summary: This study investigated the association between prenatal influenza vaccination or infection and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. The findings showed no association between prenatal influenza vaccination or infection and ASD risk in children.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Wendy Pringle, Devon Greyson, Janice E. Graham, Eve Dube, Hana Mitchell, Marie-eve Trottier, Robyn Berman, Margaret L. Russell, Shannon E. MacDonald, Julie A. Bettinger
Summary: Vaccination uptake during pregnancy is lower in Canada compared to other countries. Trusted perinatal healthcare providers recommending vaccines is a crucial opportunity to improve vaccination rates and boost confidence. This study aims to identify barriers and opportunities to vaccine administration and counseling in midwifery care. Interviews and document reviews revealed logistical, interprofessional, and information barriers, along with potential interventions in logistics, training, and client information materials to address these barriers and integrate midwives into the provision and recommendation of vaccines in perinatal care across Canada.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Francesca Licata, Concetta Paola Pelullo, Giorgia Della Polla, Emma Antonia Citrino, Aida Bianco
Summary: This study investigated the practices, knowledge, and attitudes of Italian healthcare workers (HCWs) regarding influenza vaccination during pregnancy. The findings revealed that a significant number of HCWs had misconceptions about the risks of vaccines and lacked up-to-date knowledge. These findings are valuable for promoting evidence-based recommendations among HCWs.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kaiyi Han, Zhiyuan Hou, Shiyi Tu, Qian Wang, Simeng Hu, Yuting Xing, Jing Du, Shujie Zang, Tracey Chantler, Heidi Larson
Summary: This study examined influenza vaccination coverage and factors influencing vaccination uptake among children in three Chinese provinces. The findings revealed that the province of residence, educational level, annual income, confidence in vaccine, and vaccine uptake among others were associated with childhood influenza vaccination. Furthermore, access to vaccination services also played a role in vaccination rates. To promote childhood influenza vaccination, public health information campaigns should target caregivers with lower education levels and increase accessibility to vaccination services, while encouraging healthcare workers to promote vaccination.
Article
Immunology
M. Lumbreras Areta, A. Valiton, A. Diana, M. Morales, J. Wiederrecht-Gasser, S. Jacob, A. Chilin, S. Quarta, C. Jaksic, JR. Vallarta-Robledo, B. Martinez de Tejada
Summary: This study investigated the pertussis and influenza vaccination coverage during pregnancy in Geneva maternity hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that most gynecologists offer pertussis vaccination during antenatal care and the uptake is high, but more efforts are needed to increase influenza vaccination coverage. The education level of women has an impact on maternal flu vaccination uptake, while other social disparities do not.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Pere Godoy, Manuel Garcia-Cenoz, Cristina Rius, Carmen Munoz-Almagro, Gloria Carmona, Miquel Alseda, Mireia Jane, Maria-Jose Vidal, Raquel Rodriguez, Josep Alvarez, Neus Camps, Sofia Minguell, Monica Carol, Maria-Rosa Sala, Jesus Castilla, Angela Dominguez
Summary: Maternal pertussis vaccination during pregnancy is highly effective in reducing pertussis in infants aged < 2 months, with a vaccine effectiveness of 88%. Vaccination before and after the 32nd week of pregnancy are equally effective in reducing the risk of pertussis.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Lore Merdrignac, Lesly Acosta, Adele Habington, Manuel Garcia Cenoz, Elisabetta Pandolfi, Katerina Fabianova, Iolanda Jordan, Niam O'Sullivan, Ana Navasues, Alberto E. Tozzi, Jana Zavadilova, Mireia Jane, Suzanne Cotter, Nerea Pitillas, Caterina Rizzo, Pavla Krizova, Thomas Hanslik, Carmen Munoz Almagro, Lucia Pastore, Sabrina Bacci, Alain Moren, Marta Valenciano
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of pertussis vaccination during pregnancy and the effectiveness of infant vaccination against pertussis. The results showed that vaccination during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pertussis infection in infants.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Theophile Baissas, Florence Boisnard, Inmaculada Cuesta Esteve, Marta Garcia Sanchez, Christine E. Jones, Thierry Rigoine de Fougerolles, Litjen Tan, Olivier Vitoux, Christina Klein
Summary: The study identified key interventions that contributed to high vaccine coverage rates among pregnant women in Spain, the UK, and the US. These interventions included national immunisation programmes, vaccine reimbursement, mobilisation of health authorities, involvement of healthcare professionals and scientific societies, vaccination inclusion in antenatal medical guidance, provision of educational material to healthcare professionals, and heightened disease awareness due to recent pertussis outbreaks.
Article
Immunology
K. Maertens, M. R. P. Orije, C. Huoi, F. Boisnard, O. Lyabis
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of Tdap vaccination during pregnancy on the immunogenicity of various vaccines in both term and preterm infants. The results showed that infants of Tdap-vaccinated women had higher antibody levels, indicating a better immunogenic response.
Article
Immunology
Nusrat Homaira, Wen-Qiang He, Jocelynne Mcrae, Kristine Macartney, Bette Liu
Summary: This study examined the uptake of influenza and pertussis vaccination during pregnancy among women giving birth in New South Wales, Australia. The findings showed that while the coverage of both vaccines has increased over time, there are disparities in coverage based on maternal characteristics such as age, socioeconomic status, and health-related factors.
Article
Immunology
James Wright, Michelle Science, Selma Osman, Callum Arnold, Maya Sumaida, Natasha Crowcroft, Shelley L. Deeks, Kevin Brown, Scott Halperin, Todd Hatchette, Elizabeth McLachlan, Aaron Campigotto, Susan Richardson, Shelly Bolotin
Summary: This study examined the uptake of pertussis vaccination among pregnant women in Toronto, Canada. The findings indicate that although the vaccination rate has increased in recent years, it is still below the desired level. Pregnant women who are older and born in Canada are more likely to receive the vaccination.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alexandra Brixner, Susanne Brandstetter, Merle M. Boehmer, Birgit Seelbach-Goebel, Michael Melter, Michael Kabesch, Christian Apfelbacher
Summary: This study examined the prevalence and determinants of provider recommendation for influenza vaccination and vaccination uptake during pregnancy in Germany. The results showed that only 20.3% of pregnant women received a vaccination recommendation, with a vaccination uptake rate of 13%. Higher risk pregnancy increased the odds of receiving a vaccination recommendation, while pregnancy onset in seasons other than spring reduced the chance of recommendation. Having received a recommendation strongly influenced vaccination uptake, highlighting the importance of physician awareness to increase vaccination uptake and prevent influenza-related complications in pregnant women.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Miranda K. Kiefer, Rebecca Mehl, Maged M. Costantine, Mark B. Landon, Anna Bartholomew, Divya Mallampati, Tracy Manuck, William Grobman, Kara M. Rood, Kartik K. Venkatesh
Summary: The study evaluated the association between community-level social vulnerability and influenza and anticipated tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccinations among pregnant and postpartum individuals. Residents in areas with higher social vulnerability were less likely to receive vaccinations. The Social Vulnerability Index could be utilized to address disparities in vaccine uptake among pregnant and postpartum individuals.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Maarten M. Immink, Nicoline A. T. van der Maas, Hester E. de Melker, Jose A. Ferreira, Mireille N. Bekker
Summary: A study investigated the factors influencing the acceptance of maternal Tdap vaccine during the second trimester of pregnancy in the Netherlands. It was found that intention, attitude, beliefs, risk perception and moral responsibility were the most predictive factors for vaccine acceptance. This study highlights the importance of discussing these factors with pregnant women early in pregnancy.
Review
Pediatrics
Christine E. Jones, Heather Bailey, Alasdair Bamford, Anna Calvert, Robert B. Dorey, Simon B. Drysdale, Asma Khalil, Paul T. Heath, Hermione Lyall, Kate Monica Isabel Ralph, Shari Sapuan, Tushna Vandrevala, Simone Walter, Elizabeth Whittaker, Sharon Wood
Summary: Congenital human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common condition with long-term consequences for children. However, it is not well-known among pregnant women, families, and healthcare providers. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important for reducing transmission and improving outcomes for infants. Further research is needed to inform screening, outcomes, and treatment decisions.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2023)
Review
Acoustics
S. Sorrenti, D. Di Mascio, A. Khalil, N. Persico, F. D'antonio, F. Zullo, V. D'ambrosio, G. Greenberg, J. Hasson, F. Vena, L. Muzii, R. Brunelli, A. Giancotti
Summary: This study evaluated outcomes of dichorionic twin pregnancies undergoing early vs late selective termination of pregnancy. The results showed that the risk of pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks was lower in the early-ST group, and the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight were also lower. Therefore, the importance of early diagnosis of fetal anomalies in twin pregnancies was highlighted.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nicholas C. Grassly, Nick Andrews, Gillian Cooper, Laura Stephens, Pauline Waight, Christine E. Jones, Paul T. Heath, Anna Calvert, Jo Southern, Javier Martin, Elizabeth Miller
Summary: A study in the United Kingdom found that infants whose mothers received the DTaP/IPV vaccine during pregnancy were less likely to develop sufficient poliovirus-neutralizing antibodies after receiving IPV vaccine. This suggests that these infants may be inadequately protected against poliomyelitis until their pre-school booster.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alison F. Crawshaw, Caroline Hickey, Laura Muzinga Lutumba, Lusau Mimi Kitoko, Sarah Nkembi, Felicity Knights, Yusuf Ciftci, Lucy Pollyanna Goldsmith, Tushna Vandrevala, Alice S. Forster, Sally Hargreaves
Summary: The LISOLO MALAMU ('Good Talk') project is a community-based participatory research study aiming to involve adult Congolese migrants in developing a tailored intervention to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Through qualitative interviews, stakeholder interviews, and co-design workshops, the study will gather data collaboratively and use behavior change theory to support the co-production of interventions and make recommendations across socio-ecological levels.
Article
Immunology
Erick Auma, Tom Hall, Simran Chopra, Sam Bilton, Laxmee Ramkhelawon, Fahimah Amini, Anna Calvert, Gayatri Amirthalingam, Christine. E. E. Jones, Nick Andrews, Paul. T. T. Heath, Kirsty Le Doare
Summary: Vaccination during pregnancy can protect women and infants from invasive Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease. A study in England showed that neonatal dried blood spots (DBS) can be used to determine the amount of maternally derived antibody protecting infants from GBS disease. However, due to suboptimal storage conditions, no difference in GBS IgG levels was found between DBS samples from cases and controls.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Tushna Vandrevala, Jane Hendy, Kristin Hanson, Lailah Alidu, Aftab Ala
Summary: This study uses sensemaking theory to explain the development of conspiratorial beliefs around COVID-19 within Black African and Caribbean communities in the UK. The research findings suggest that the crisis environment, historical and contemporary mistrust, perceived injustice and inequality provide a conducive context for alternative conspiracy narratives to thrive. These alternative beliefs make more sense to the respondents and lead to non-engagement with COVID protective behaviours.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jose Morales-Rosello, Rohan Bhate, Nashwa Eltaweel, Asma Khalil
Summary: This study compared the accuracy of the ductus venosus pulsatility index (DV PI) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes. The results showed that CPR was a better predictor than DV PI for adverse perinatal outcomes.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Samantha Knights, Smriti Prasad, Erkan Kalafat, Anahita Dadali, Pam Sizer, Francoise Harlow, Asma Khalil
Summary: This study demonstrates that routine third trimester ultrasound or point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is associated with a reduction in undiagnosed term breech presentations and improved neonatal outcomes.
Article
Cell Biology
Clara Apicella, Camino S. M. Ruano, Basky Thilaganathan, Asma Khalil, Veronica Giorgione, Geraldine Gascoin, Louis Marcellin, Cassandra Gaspar, Sebastien Jacques, Colin E. Murdoch, Francisco Miralles, Celine Mehats, Daniel Vaiman
Summary: In this study, we aimed to identify genetic variants affecting gene expression in the human placenta, specifically in normal and pathological situations. The analysis was constrained by the fact that placental tissue samples from diseased individuals are typically obtained at an earlier gestational age compared to control samples, leading to confounding factors in transcriptome regulation. To address this issue, we implemented a novel approach that accounted for gestational age and identified disease-specific cis-eQTLs. Through statistical correction and analysis, we identified a list of e-genes that significantly influenced expression levels, demonstrating the validity of our methodology for future research purposes.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anna Calvert, Gayatri Amirthalingam, Nick Andrews, Sneha Basude, Matthew Coleman, Hannah Cuthbertson, Anna England, Vanessa Greening, Bassam Hallis, Edward Johnstone, Christine E. Jones, Konstantinos Karampatsas, Asma Khalil, Kirsty Le Doare, Mary Matheson, Elisabeth Peregrine, Matthew D. Snape, Manu Vatish, Paul T. Heath, OpTIMUM Study Grp
Summary: This study investigates the equivalence of three different time periods for pertussis vaccination in pregnancy. The results show that vaccinating between 16 and 32 weeks of gestation provides equivalent protection against pertussis.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hiba J. Mustafa, Enaja Sambatur, Julie P. Barbera, Giorgio Pagani, Yuval Yaron, Caitlin D. Baptiste, Ronald J. Wapner, Asma Khalil
Summary: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of prenatal exome sequencing after negative chromosomal microarray analysis in cases of prenatally diagnosed bilateral severe ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus. The study identified relevant studies published until June 2022 and included studies in English reporting on the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing following negative chromosomal microarray analysis in cases of prenatally diagnosed bilateral severe ventriculomegaly. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to assess the incremental diagnostic yield of exome sequencing.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
James H. J. Bevan, Anastasia A. Theodosiou, James Corner, Robert B. Dorey, Robert C. Read, Christine E. Jones
Summary: This study investigated the motivations, concerns, and experiences of healthy pregnant women participating in human challenge research. The results showed that participants were primarily motivated by altruism and perceived the research intervention as natural. Therefore, the involvement of healthy pregnant women in human challenge research is acceptable and feasible.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Francesco D'Antonio, Nashwa Eltaweel, Smriti C. Prasad, Maria Elena C. Flacco, Lamberto C. Manzoli, Asma C. Khalil
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the role of cervical cerclage in preventing preterm birth and adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies. The findings suggest that cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies with short cervical length or cervical dilatation is associated with a reduced risk of preterm birth and improved neonatal outcomes. However, confirmation of these findings in large and well-designed randomized controlled trials is needed for stronger evidence.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nawa Schirwani-Hartl, Pilar Palmrich, Christina Haberl, Nicole Perkmann-Nagele, Herbert Kiss, Angelika Berger, Judith Rittenschober-Bohm, Gregor Kasprian, Patric Kienast, Asma Khalil, Julia Binder
Summary: This retrospective analysis investigated the efficacy of administering hyperimmune globulin (HIG) therapy every 2 weeks compared to every 4 weeks in pregnant women with primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The study found no significant difference in congenital CMV rates or fetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) anomalies between the two groups. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the impact of administering HIG every 2 weeks on maternal-fetal transmission rates.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Hajira Dambha-Miller, William Hinton, Christopher R. Wilcox, Agnieszka Lemanska, Mark Joy, Michael Feher, Beth Stuart, Simon de Lusignan, Julia Hippisley-Cox, Simon Griffin
Summary: In the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of common ACE-I/ARB drugs is not associated with mortality.
