P. Greco, A. Vimercati, M.C. Angelici, S. Carbonara, G. Doria, L. Nappi, G. Angarano, L. Selvaggi
Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is still an open subject
Objective: To assess the consequences of a systematic
screening for toxoplasma infection in pregnant women
in a potentially high risk population.
Methods: We have investigated all consecutive women
with likely toxoplasma seroconversion in a referral center
setting. Data were obtained from 68 women for
whom an acute infection during pregnancy was considered
likely or definite. They were all treated with antibiotics
in the first instance and offered, if in the first or second
trimester, amniocentesis for detection of vertical
transmission (PCR and IFAT). Third trimester seroconversions
and positive cases after amniocentesis were offered
more aggressive antibiotic treatment.
Results: Five fetuses/neonates (7%) were found to be infected.
Four of them were diagnosed prenatally at amniocentesis,
two women decided for termination of pregnancy,
two were treated and gave birth to seronegative,
normally developing children. One case was found postnatally,
after a third trimester conversion; this developed
into hydrocephalus with neurologic impairment.
Discussion: Prenatal screening and antibiotic treatment
of mothers infected with toxoplasmosis showed good
feasibility in our infection-susceptible population. However,
there were some weak points; for example, the high
number of invasive procedures and the questionable
prevention of mother to child transmission in the second
to third trimester.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 1619-3997
Volume: 31, 01/2003
Pages: 36 - 40
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