SARS-CoV-2 infection and glucose homeostasis in pregnancy. What about antenatal corticosteroids?

Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2020 Jul-Aug;14(4):519-520. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2020.04.045. Epub 2020 May 6.

Abstract

Background and aims: Administration of corticosteroids is common in obstetric practice. In this concise review we queried on the effects of corticosteroids in pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: We performed a literature search on PubMed, regarding the use of corticosteroids in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, in pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2, as well as their impact on glycemia in pregnant women with or without diabetes. Furthermore, we searched for effects of SARS-CoV-2 and of other coronaviridae on insulin secretion and glycemia.

Results: SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be a risk factor for complications in pregnancy. Corticosteroids may not be recommended for treating SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia but they may be needed for at-risk pregnancies. Corticosteroids in pregnancy have a diabetogenic potential. SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviridae may have effects on glycemia.

Conclusions: Caution should be exercised while using corticosteroids in pregnant women with COVID-19 requiring preterm delivery.

Keywords: Betamethasone; Coronavirus; Hyperglycemia; Insulin; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / pharmacology*
  • Betacoronavirus / drug effects
  • Betacoronavirus / pathogenicity
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / etiology
  • Hyperglycemia / metabolism
  • Hyperglycemia / pathology*
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology
  • Hypoglycemia / metabolism
  • Hypoglycemia / pathology*
  • Insulin Secretion / drug effects
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / etiology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / metabolism
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / pathology*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones