SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy - single-center retrospective study

Ginekol Pol. 2023;94(10):831-838. doi: 10.5603/gpl.95565. Epub 2023 Aug 21.

Abstract

Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 virus infection has spread to almost all countries in the last two years. Pregnancy complicated with COVID-19 is a unique situation and challenge for doctors. The study aimed to evaluate obstetric results, and biochemical test results and to analyze the treatment used in pregnant patients complicated with COVID-19 infection.

Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of 146 pregnant patients hospitalized at the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology Jagiellonian University Medical College (JUMC) in Krakow was conducted from July 2020 to August 2021.

Results: In the analyzed group respiratory failure occurred in 19.19% of cases and intravascular coagulation syndrome (DIC) in 1.37%. One patient died (0.68%). 16.6% of cases were transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and required intubation. The remaining cases were mild: 39.04% were asymptomatic, 41.78% reported cough, 30.82% dyspnoea and 23.97% myalgia. In the laboratory tests increased values of CRP and IL-6 were observed with normal levels of leukocytes. Additionally, a decreased level of total protein and an increased level of d-dimers were detected. 98.63% of patients received a prophylactic dose of low molecular weight heparin. 46.58% of cases needed additional antibiotic therapy. Cesarean sections were performed in 59.59% of cases. The children were born in good general condition. Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to the newborn has not been confirmed.

Conclusions: Data from the above study show a significant effect of COVID-19 on pregnant patients. Almost one in five pregnant women occurred respiratory failure and most of them had to be transferred to the ICU department and had to be intubated.

Keywords: COVID-19; ICU; SARS-CoV-2; cesarean section; intensive care unit; pregnancy.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control
  • Parturition
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Insufficiency*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2