Over the past 25 years there has been no reduction in rates of fatal fetomaternal hemorrhage. Female infants and multiple gestations remain at higher risk of antepartum death from fatal fetomaternal hemorrhage.
Two million infants die each year from infectious diseases before they reach 12 mo; many of these diseases are vaccine preventable in older populations. Pattern recognition receptors represent the critical front-line defense against pathogens. Evidence suggests that the innate immune system does not fully develop until puberty, contributing to impaired response to infection and impaired vaccine responses in neonates, infants, and children. The activity of the pattern recognition receptor family of cytosolic nucleic acid (CNA) sensors in this pediatric population has not been reported. We show that in direct contrast to weak TLR-induced type I IFN in human cord blood mononuclear cells, cord blood mononuclear cells are capable of initiating a potent response to CNA, inducing both antiviral type I IFN and, unexpectedly, proinflammatory TNF-α. A deficiency in Rab11-GTPase endosome formation and consequent lack of IRF3 activation in neonatal monocytes is at least in part responsible for the marked disparity in TLR-induced IFN production between neonatal and adult monocytes. CNA receptors do not rely on endosome formation, and therefore, these responses remain intact in neonates. Heightened neonatal responses to CNA challenge are maintained in children up to 2 y of age and, in marked contrast to TLR4/9 agonists, result in IL-12p70 and IFN-γ generation. CNA sensors induce robust antiviral and proinflammatory pathways in neonates and children and possess great potential for use as immunostimulants or vaccine adjuvants for targeted neonatal and pediatric populations to promote cell-mediated immunity against invasive infectious disease.
Objective
Long‐term data regarding risks associated with tension‐free vaginal tapes (TVT) are sparse, and where available are limited to small numbers. We analyse patient‐reported outcomes of TVT after 16–24 years.
Design
Prospective observational study.
Setting
Single‐centre study in a tertiary referral urogynaecology unit.
Population
A cohort of 350 women who had a TVT inserted between 1999 and 2004, in which 96% had urodynamically proven stress incontinence.
Methods
Postal questionnaire survey using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire, a visual analogue scale and a yes/no question as to whether they would have the procedure again.
Main outcome measures
The primary outcome was cure of stress urinary incontinence, which was assessed using the ICIQ‐FLUTS questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included overactive bladder symptoms, pain, sexual dysfunction, and patient satisfaction with the procedure.
Results
A total of 183/350 (52%) responses were received. The median age of women at follow up was 67 years (range 53–93 years) and the median follow up was 20 years (17–24 years). Stress urinary incontinence was denied by 39.3% of women. Urgency was reported by 42.1%. Bladder pain was reported either ‘never’ or ‘occasionally’ by 92.3% of women. The median satisfaction rate was 98/100 and 92.4% said they would have the TVT procedure again.
Conclusions
Tension‐free vaginal tape has high levels of satisfaction and cure up to 24 years after placement. Pain was uncommon and its impact on quality of life was low. Symptoms of urgency were prevalent but may be related to age. TVT is an effective treatment for SUI more than 20 years after initial placement.
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