Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2009)                   JHNM 2009, 19(1): 37-42 | Back to browse issues page

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rezasoltani P, rafat F. Leptospirosis outcomes in pregnancy. JHNM 2009; 19 (1) :37-42
URL: http://hnmj.gums.ac.ir/article-1-286-en.html
1- , rezasoltani_p@hotmail.com
Abstract:   (6000 Views)

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a serious disease of humans, caused by different strains of the ‎bacteria Leptospira. The disease in humans can include pregnant mothers with poor outcomes ‎such as intrauterine fetal death, abortion, and delivery of a newborn with signs of congenital ‎leptospirosis. Moreover, due to overlapping signs and symptoms, leptospirosis is often ‎difficult to distinguish from HELLP syndrome and Acute Fatty Liver of pregnancy. ‎Therefore, it's necessary to assess the effect of leptospirosis on pregnancy outcome in human.‎

Objective: The goal of this study was to review the articles relating to leptospirosis and ‎pregnancy outcomes.‎

Methods: Data were gathered via a number of electronic databases and books.‎

Results: Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis in the world. In tropical regions, the ‎infection is endemic, while in industrialized countries, the disease is rare. Leptospirosis is ‎difficult to distinguish from many other diseases in humans. Human infection may be ‎subclinical or present with a wide spectrum of symptoms. Common symptoms in humans are ‎similar to influenza and include headache, joint and muscular ache and pain, gastrointestinal ‎discomfort, nausea, vomiting, sweating, high fever. Researches have reported few cases in ‎pregnant women and the effect on prenatal outcome. Intrauterine fetal death, abortion, ‎delivery of a newborn with signs of congenital leptospirosis, and developmental abnormality ‎has all been reported. It has been proven that the bacteria can pass to a baby via breast milk. It ‎has also been detected in placenta, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. Where the mother ‎has suffered a severe illness the cytotoxic impact of leptospires combined with hemorrhagia ‎and pyrexia can be a primary cause of fetal mortality, usually via placental ischaemia. ‎

Conclusion: While leptospirosis is rare in pregnancy, we should consider this infection in ‎pregnant women developing acute liver dysfunction or acute infection without fever, besides ‎HELLP syndrome and Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy. ‎

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Article Type : Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2014/08/23 | Accepted: 2014/08/23 | Published: 2014/08/23

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