Advancing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy management: insights from the 5th preeclampsia scientific symposium in Ghana

Abstract The 5th Preeclampsia Scientific Symposium (PSS2023) organized by Action on Preeclampsia (APEC) Ghana was themed: ‘Realign, Refocus: Improving outcomes of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy through Shared Decision Making, Research & Quality of Care’. It took place on the 18th and 19th of May 2023 at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS), Accra Ghana. This transdisciplinary symposium brought together a national representation of experts, policy makers, scientists, and healthcare professionals to discuss key priorities, opportunities, approaches, and strategies to improve the maternal and perinatal outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in Ghana and the sub-region. The symposium centered around three key themes: realigning/refocusing patient-doctor decision making processes to improve outcomes of HDP; realigning/refocusing clinical care to improve outcomes of HDP; and leveraging on research to predict, recognize and manage high-risk women. This report summarizes insights from the diverse presentations and discussions held at the #PSS2023. This will form a roadmap for future research, policy, and interventions to improve outcomes of HDP in Ghana and the sub-region. The symposium provided a wealth of evidence and knowledge from various experts, highlighting the need for women-centered care, equitable re-allocation of resources, multi-sectoral and innovative approaches, capacity strengthening. Other highlights include knowledge base development and increased stakeholder and community engagement with an overall aim of improving outcomes of HDP. The symposium also fostered inclusivity, welcoming survivors of HDP and their families at a scientific platform. They provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced and the lived experiences of those affected by the disease. Trainees and students also benefited from the symposium as it provided networking opportunities with fellow researchers, and a front row to gaining insights into cutting-edge research in Ghana

Efficient transplacental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies between naturally exposed mothers and infants in Accra, Ghana

Abstract We aimed to determine SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among pregnant women and the transplacental transfer efficiency of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies relative to malaria antibodies among SARS-CoV-2 seropositive mother-cord pairs. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Accra, Ghana, from March to May 2022. Antigen- specific IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (nucleoprotein and spike-receptor binding domain) and malarial antigens (circumsporozoite protein and merozoite surface protein 3) in maternal and cord plasma were measured by ELISA. Plasma from both vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women were tested for neutralizing antibodies using commercial kit. Of the unvaccinated pregnant women tested, 58.12% at antenatal clinics and 55.56% at the delivery wards were seropositive for both SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein and RBD antibodies. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cord samples correlated with maternal antibody levels (N antigen rs = 0.7155, p < 0.001; RBD rs = 0.8693, p < 0.001). Transplacental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein antibodies was comparable to circumsporozoite protein antibodies (p = 0.9999) but both were higher than transfer rates of merozoite surface protein 3 antibodies (p < 0.001). SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity among pregnant women in Accra is high with a boost of SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific IgG in vaccinated women. Transplacental transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 and malarial antibodies was efficient, supporting vaccination of mothers as a strategy to protect infants against SARS-CoV-2