Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by infection of the respiratory tract by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which survives in the tissues during the clinical course of infection but there is limited evidence on placental infection and vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The impact of COVID-19 in first trimester pregnancy remains poorly understood. Moreover, how long SARS-CoV-2 can survive in placenta is unknown. Herein, we report a case of a pregnant woman in the first trimester who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at 8 weeks of gestation, although her clinical course was asymptomatic. At 13 weeks of gestation, her throat swab tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 but viral RNA was detected in the placenta, and the Spike (S) proteins (S1 and S2) were immunolocalized in cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells of the placental villi. Histologically, the villi were generally avascular with peri-villus fibrin deposition and in some areas the syncytiotrophoblast layer appeared lysed. The decidua also had fibrin deposition with extensive leukocyte infiltration suggestive of inflammation. The SARS-CoV-2 crossed the placental barrier, as the viral RNA was detected in the amniotic fluid and the S proteins were detected in the fetal membrane. Ultrasonography revealed extensively subcutaneous edema with pleural effusion suggestive of hydrops fetalis and the absence of cardiac activity indicated fetal demise. This is the first study to provide concrete evidence of persistent placental infection of SARS-CoV-2 and its congenital transmission is associated with hydrops fetalis and intrauterine fetal demise in early pregnancy.

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Multi vessel color Doppler studies are useful in these cases for timely intervention. The aim of present study was to know the significance of umbilical, middle cerebral and uterine artery Doppler studies in PIH and to analyse its role in predicting perinatal outcome.Methods: This was a prospective study of 106 singleton pregnancies in the third trimester with PIH. The results of last Doppler ultrasound within one week of delivery were used for analysis. Adverse perinatal outcome was studied in the form of emergency cesarean section for fetal distress, meconium stained amniotic fluid, Apgar at 5 min <7, NICU admission and perinatal mortality (stillbirths and neonatal death). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of various Doppler parameters were calculated after comparing with standard.Results: In the present study specificity and diagnostic accuracy of all Doppler ultrasound parameters was high in predicting adverse perinatal outcome. Cerebroplacental ratio showed highest specificity (98.55%), PPV (94.44%) and diagnostic accuracy (80.19%) in predicting adverse perinatal outcome and it is better than MCA PI and UA PI alone. Uterine artery Doppler evaluation also gives additional information in predicting adverse perinatal outcome.Conclusions: Amongst various Doppler parameters cerebroplacental index (MCA/UA PI) is best predictor of adverse perinatal outcome.

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Background: An analytical study to diagnose genital tuberculosis, using various modalities, it`s treatment options and fertility outcomes in infertile labour class women.Methods: A prospective study, where 120 women, presented to hospital due to infertility were subjected to hystero-laparoscopy over 36 months. Endometrium sent for TB-PCR and HPR. Those diagnosed with GTB were given Anti-Tubercular Drugs as per standard regimes and their fertility outcome was studied.Results: Out of 120 women, 32(27%) were diagnosed with GTB using accepted clinical criteria, TB-PCR and endometrial HPR. 30 of these 32 were diagnosed by HLscopic picture (94%) alone, 18 by positive endometrial TB-PCR (58%) and another 3 by HPR (10%). Among 32 women treated, 9(28%) conceived after treatment.Conclusions: High incidence of GTB amongst the labour class warrants strong suspicion and early diagnosis using hystero-laparoscopy and prompt treatment to minimize the short and long-term effects of GTB on fertility.

Coronaviruses infect the respiratory tract and are known to survive in these tissues during the clinical course of infection. However, how long can SARS-CoV-2 survive in the tissues is hitherto unknown. Herein, we report a case where the virus is detected in the first trimester placental cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblasts five weeks after the asymptomatic mother cleared the virus from the respiratory tract. This first trimester placental infection was vertically transmitted as the virus was detected in the amniotic fluid and fetal membranes. This congenitally acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with hydrops and fetal demise. This is the first study providing concrete evidences towards persistent tissue infection of SARS-CoV-2, its congenital transmission in early pregnancy leading to intrauterine fetal death.