Cytomegalovirus (CMV), in addition to other agents, is part of the TORCH complex (Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex viruses, and other agents). CMV infection is the most frequent cause of congenital malformations. This study aimed to establish the variation of prevalence of anti-CMV antibodies in pregnant women from the South-West region of Romania, according to demographic factors, such as age and area of residence, in two separate time periods (2013–2016 and 2019–2022). We collected from the hospital records the age, place of residence, and anti-CMV antibody test results using immune electrochemiluminescence and chemiluminescence. This study found that the seroprevalence of anti-CMV IgM antibodies increased slightly from 2013–2016 to 2019–2022, from 1.92% to 2.26%, and for IgG antibodies from 93.68% to 94.96%. In both groups was observed a descending trend of anti-CMV IgM seroprevalence with an increase in age, showing a decrease in seroprevalence from 3.57% to 1.09% in pregnant women from rural areas in the 31–35 years age group, while in urban areas, we observed a decrease in seroprevalence from 11.11% to 3.06% in the <20 years age group. The IgG seroprevalence showed an increase both in rural areas (from 93.97% to 95.52%) and urban areas (from 93.52% to 94.27%). In both groups, seroprevalence was higher in rural areas compared to urban regions. These results show a high rate of immunization against CMV in pregnant women in South-West Romania, which led to a low risk of acquiring the primary infection during pregnancy. However, the increase in the rate of primary CMV infections in pregnancy suggests the need for prioritizing screening programs and improving the existing protocols to enhance maternal and child healthcare.

Background and Objectives: This systematic review synthesized somatic and psychosocial determinants of postpartum sexual dysfunction (PSD) during the first 12 months after childbirth. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to 4 August 2025 without language limits for the indexed records. Eligible studies enrolled postpartum women (≤12 months) and reported validated sexual outcomes (FSFI/FSFI-6, PISQ-12), dyspareunia, or sexual activity, examining breastfeeding, partner support/body image, perineal trauma/instrumentation, or postpartum perineal/musculoskeletal pain. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data; risk of bias was assessed with a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Of 1127 records screened, 15 studies were included. Perineal morbidity and early pain consistently tracked with worse sexual outcomes; assisted vaginal birth increased 6-month dyspareunia odds (OR 2.5). Breastfeeding was often associated with lower early sexual function and higher dyspareunia (6-month dyspareunia OR 4.4), with attenuation by 12 months. Higher partner/family support and more positive body image correlated with better FSFI scores. Heterogeneity in timing, measures, and adjustment precluded meta-analysis; results were narratively synthesized. Conclusions: Perineal trauma and early pain are dominant risk signals; breastfeeding-related symptoms exert early and context-dependent effects; psychosocial resources are protective.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic in Romania exacerbated pediatric antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics may be related to increased multidrug-resistant bacteria. The main aim of this study was to assess pediatric AMR trends and phenotypes, while a secondary objective was to investigate the potential links with hospital abandonment. Methods: This retrospective study from the Children’s Emergency Hospital “Louis Țurcanu”, Timișoara, focused on AMR patterns in 2019 pre-pandemic, 2021 pandemic, and 2023 post-pandemic. The following phenotypes were assessed: MRSA, MRCoNS, VRE, ESBL, CRO, MDR, XDR, and PDR. Results: There were 3530 total patients and 6885 total samples. There were 69.92% of the total samples resistant to at least one antimicrobial class, (72.69% in 2019, 67.05% in 2021, 69.16% in 2023). Specifically, resistance towards penicillins remained high across the entire period (57.45–60.93%), while the following classes presented elevated resistance in the pandemic: cephalosporins (42.91%), combination therapies (40.95%), reserve antibiotics (38.89%), and cyclines (13.83%). As for resistance phenotypes, MRSA and MRCoNS peaked during the pandemic (36.08% and 81.43%, respectively) while VRE remained relatively constant. Overall ESBL declined in 2023 to 14.45%, while overall CRO peaked during the pandemic (8.81%). Overall MDR fell during the pandemic (64.47%), while overall XDR peaked in 2019 (9.87%). No PDR cases were observed. Pediatric abandonment was an increasing concern, with regional cases rising from 5.42% (2019) to 9.83% (2023). Compared to the general population, increased antimicrobial resistance in abandoned patients was observed for fluoroquinolones (50.00%), Aminogycolsides (60.00%), reserve antibiotics (70.00%), cephalosporins (60.00%), and urinary antibiotics (60.00%). Resistance to cephalosporins (OR = 5.17, p = 0.0304) and reserve antibiotics (OR = 5.64, p = 0.0049) were key predictors of abandonment risk. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced resistance trends, with notable peaks in MRSA, MRCoNS, and CRO. Post-pandemic patterns suggest continued escalation of resistance. The association between resistant infections and pediatric abandonment highlights the need for robust antimicrobial stewardship and social intervention policies.

Background and objectives: Sexual function commonly declines during late pregnancy and early postpartum, but recovery is heterogeneous and influenced by obstetric and psychosocial factors. We aimed to (i) describe longitudinal Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) trajectories from the first trimester to 12 months postpartum and (ii) test whether sleep quality and relationship satisfaction are independently associated with sexual function at 6–12 months postpartum, beyond obstetric factors and depressive symptoms. Methods: In this single-center prospective cohort study, pregnant women (singleton pregnancy, ≥18 years, enrolled ≤20 gestational weeks) completed the FSFI at six timepoints: first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, 6–8 weeks postpartum, 3 months postpartum, and 6–12 months postpartum. At 6–12 months postpartum, participants also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality, WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life, a brief body-image disturbance scale, and a 1–5 relationship satisfaction rating. Delivery was categorized as vaginal low trauma, vaginal higher trauma, or cesarean. Multivariable linear and logistic regression modeled FSFI at 6–12 months postpartum and FSFI-defined dysfunction (FSFI < 26.55). Results: Among 112 women, FSFI-defined dysfunction at 6–12 months postpartum affected 58.0% (65/112). Mean FSFI declined from the first trimester (26.5 ± 4.1) to 6–8 weeks postpartum (18.8 ± 4.3) and recovered by 6–12 months postpartum (25.4 ± 5.0) (time effect p < 0.001). Dysfunction prevalence differed by delivery group (42.2% vaginal low trauma, 63.2% cesarean, 75.9% vaginal higher trauma; p = 0.012). In adjusted models, worse sleep quality and higher-trauma vaginal birth increased the odds of dysfunction, whereas higher relationship satisfaction was protective. Depressive symptoms and sleep quality were independently associated with lower FSFI in linear models. Conclusions: Late-postpartum sexual function follows a nadir-then-recovery trajectory shaped by additive psychosocial (sleep, mood, relationship) and obstetric trauma factors, supporting multi-domain postpartum screening and targeted referral pathways.

Background and Objectives: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a prevalent and distressing condition in postmenopausal women, often leading to sexual dysfunction characterized by vaginal dryness, pain, and reduced libido. While local estrogen therapy remains the standard treatment, due to safety concerns and contraindications, there is growing interest in the exploration of alternative interventions. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of intravaginal platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy versus local hormonal treatment in improving sexual function and vaginal health in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: A prospective, controlled clinical trial was conducted between January 2023 and December 2024 across three private gynecology clinics in Timișoara, Romania. Ninety postmenopausal women aged between 50 and 65 years with FSFI scores ≤ 23 were randomized into two groups: one receiving three monthly sessions of autologous PRP and the other undergoing 12 weeks of vaginal estriol therapy. Outcomes were assessed using validated tools—the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Vaginal Health Index (VHI), the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), and patient satisfaction scores—at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Results: Both of the treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in FSFI and VHI scores at 12 weeks, with the PRP group showing a slightly higher, though not statistically significant, mean increase in the total FSFI (+10.1 vs. +9.3 points). Clinical gains were also observed in lubrication, elasticity, and dyspareunia. Patient satisfaction was high in both groups (93.3% PRP vs. 88.9% hormonal), and there were no reports of serious adverse events during the study period. The PRP group exhibited fewer side effects, without systemic symptoms, supporting its favorable safety profile. Conclusions: PRP therapy is a well-tolerated, hormone-free treatment that offers clinically meaningful improvements in sexual function and vaginal health, comparable to estrogen therapy. It may be particularly beneficial for women with contraindications to hormones or in advanced postmenopause. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings and optimize treatment protocols.

Background and objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) frequently coexists with female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Magnetic chair therapies—high-intensity focused electromagnetic stimulation (HIFEM) and extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI)—are increasingly used for UI, but sexual outcomes are less well synthesized. We reviewed open-access clinical studies reporting Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and/or Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ) outcomes. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 and an OSF-registered protocol, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to 25 October 2025. Eligible studies enrolled adult women with UI, used chair-based magnetic stimulation, and reported FSFI and/or PISQ before and after treatment. Data were narratively synthesized. Results: Five studies (n ≈ 219; FSFI n ≈ 170; PISQ n = 49) met the criteria. Randomized and controlled data showed clinically relevant advantages for active therapy: FSFI between-group gains were +6.3 at 8 weeks for HIFEM+PFMT vs. PFMT and +5.63 at 14 weeks for pulsed magnetic stimulation vs. sham. Single-arm cohorts reported FSFI increases of +8.1 at 3 months and +9.4 to +10.0 by ~6–12 months. PISQ-12 improved by +3.86 at 12 weeks when magnetic stimulation was combined with optimized PFMT. UI severity also decreased (ICIQ-UI SF −9.85; 74.4% at 12 weeks; ~71–72% reduction at 9–12 months). Adverse events were uncommon and mild where reported. Conclusions: Across heterogeneous designs, chair-based magnetic stimulation is associated with meaningful improvements in sexual function and continence in women with UI, with signals that combining stimulation with PFMT may enhance benefits. Standardized, longer-term trials centered on FSFI/PISQ are warranted.