The impact of emergent infections on the fetal state.

THE AIM

To study the impact of emergent infections (human herpesvirus type 6) on the fetal state.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved examination of 90 pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of gestation (Group 1 (25 pregnant) consisted of patients with a viral infection, CMV carriers, Group 2 (25 pregnant) included women with a viral infection, herpes simplex virus types 1/2, Group 3 amounted for 20 patients with a viral infection, herpes simplex virus type 6, Group 4 comprised 20 patients with normal pregnancy and no signs of infection. Concentration of IgM and IgG to herpes simplex virus types 1/2, IgM and IgG to herpesvirus type 6 in venous blood of the pregnant was determined by enzyme-immunoassay. Giant cells typical for CMV were determined by cytological examination of saliva sediment. All the pregnant underwent ultrasound somatogenetic examination, Doppler evaluation of maternal-placental-fetal hemodynamics and biophysical profile (BPP) assessment. Results and their discussion: Ultrasound examination of Group 1, 2 and 3 pregnant showed signs of intrauterine infection. Pregnant women with a viral infection were found to have intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and Group 3 patients more commonly had symmetrical 3rd degree IUGR. BPP indices showed initial signs of fetal distress in 5 (20%) Group 1 pregnant, 7 (27%) Group 2 pregnant and 11 (55%) Group 3 pregnant women. Doppler examination of uterine-feto-placental hemodynamics revealed a more pronounced increase in vascular resistance indices in Group 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergent infections (herpesvirus type 6) of pregnant trigger more pronounced changes in the feto-placental system than other viral infections. Herpesvirus type 6 is a common cause of fetal state deterioration, which manifests in intrauterine growth retardation, changes in biophysical profile and hemodynamic disorders in the mother-placenta-fetus system.