Torch infection and its influence on high-risk pregnancy

Abstract

Ab s t r ac t Introduction: Toxoplasmosis, other agents, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus (TORCH) infections are important groups of organisms which are initially inapparent, asymptomatic, and difficult to diagnose on the clinical ground during pregnancy but have the potential to cause bad obstetrical outcomes. The aim was to study the association of TORCH infection with the perinatal outcome in cases of high-risk pregnancies. Materials and methods: A total of 200 high-risk pregnant patients of age group <35 years attending Antenatal Care Outpatient Department or admitted in Inpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi, were included in the present study. The study group includes high-risk pregnant women with fetal congenital anomalies, recurrent pregnancy loss, oligohydramnios, intrauterine fetal death, fetal growth restriction, hypertensive disorders, bad obstetric history, preterm labor, polyhydramnios, and other medical disorders. Patient’s serum was analyzed for IgG (immunoglobulin G) and IgM (immunoglobulin M) antibodies against TORCH agents using ELISA kit and followed till delivery for the perinatal outcome. Perinatal outcome in high-risk pregnant women with seropositivity and seronegativity was compared. Results: In 200 cases of high-risk pregnancy, the majority of women with seropositivity for TORCH infection were of younger age group with low parity, residing over rural areas and of low socioeconomic status. One hundred sixty-two cases (81%) were seropositive and 38 cases (19%) were seronegative for TORCH antibodies. The seropositivity in high-risk pregnant women for toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes was 5.5, 75.5, 56, and 14.5%, respectively for IgG, while it was 0, 6, 4, and 0% for IgM, respectively. Our study showed that pregnant patients with high-risk factors for TORCH infection with seropositivity showed a significant association with adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusion: Association of seropositivity with high-risk factors for TORCH infection was found to be associated with adverse perinatal outcome as compared to seronegativity in same high-risk groups.