scholarly journals COVID-19 in pregnancy: What do we really know?

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 362
Author(s):  
Jerome Bouaziz ◽  
Marc Even ◽  
Frederique Isnard-Bogillot ◽  
Eli Vesale ◽  
Mariam Nikpayam ◽  
...  

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to escalate worldwide and has become a pressing global health concern. This article comprehensively reviews the current knowledge on the impact of COVID-19 over pregnant women and neonates, as well as current recommendations for their management. We also analyse previous evidences from viral respiratory diseases such as SARS, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and influenza that may help to guide clinical practice during the current pandemic. We collected 23 case reports, case series, and case-control studies (18 from China) comprising 174 pregnant women with COVID-19. The majority of mothers showed a clinical presentation of the disease similar to that of non-infected adults. Preliminary evidences point towards a potentially increased risk of pregnancy adverse outcomes in women with COVID-19, with preterm delivery the most frequently observed (16.7%) followed by fetal distress (9.77%). The most commonly reported adverse neonatal outcomes included respiratory symptoms (7.95%) and low birth weight (6.81%). A few studies reported other maternal comorbidities that can influence these outcomes. Mothers with other comorbidities may be at higher risk of infection. Mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2 appears unlikely, with no study observing intrauterine transmission, and a few cases of neonatal infection reported a few hours after birth. Although the WHO and other health authorities have published interim recommendations for care and management of pregnant women and infants during COVID-19 pandemic, many questions remain open. Pregnant women should be considered in prevention and control efforts, including the development of drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Further research is needed to confirm the exact impact of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. To fully quantify this impact, we urgently need to integrate the current knowledge about viral characteristics, epidemiology, disease immunopathology, and potential therapeutic strategies with data from the clinical practice.

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e021793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Bunch ◽  
Nia Roberts ◽  
Marian Knight ◽  
Manisha Nair

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review to investigate the safety of induction and/or augmentation of labour compared with spontaneous-onset normal labour among pregnant women with iron-deficiency anaemia.DesignSystematic review.SettingStudies from all countries, worldwide.PopulationPregnant women with iron-deficiency anaemia at labour and delivery.InterventionAny intervention related to induction and/or augmentation of labour.Outcome measuresPrimary: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), heart failure and maternal death. Secondary: Emergency caesarean section, hysterectomy, admission to intensive care unit.MethodWe searched 10 databases, including Medline and Embase, from database inception to 1 October 2018. We included all study designs except cross-sectional studies without a comparator group, case reports, case series, ecological studies, and expert opinion. The searches were conducted by a healthcare librarian and two authors independently screened and reviewed the studies. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approachto ascertain risk of bias and conducted a narrative synthesis.ResultsWe identified 3217 journal articles, 223 conference papers, 45 dissertations and 218 registered trials. Ten articles were included for full-text review and only one was found to fulfil the eligibility criteria. This was a retrospective cohort study from India, which showed that pregnant women with moderate and severe anaemia could have an increased risk of PPH if they underwent induction and/or augmentation of labour, but the evidence was weak (graded as ‘high risk of bias’).ConclusionThe best approach is to prevent anaemia, but a large number of women in low-to-middle-income countries present with severe anaemia during labour. In such women, appropriate peripartum management could prevent complications and death. Our review showed that at present we do not know if induction and augmentation of labour is safe in pregnant women with iron-deficiency anaemia and further research is required.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42015032421.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupalakshmi Vijayan ◽  
Hanna Moon ◽  
Jasmine Joseph ◽  
Madiha Zaidi ◽  
Chhaya Kamwal ◽  
...  

In December 2019, a novel strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), was declared as a cause of respiratory illness, called coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), characterized by fever and cough. In diagnostic imaging, the afflicted population showed pathognomonic findings of pneumonia. What started out as an epidemic in China, rapidly spread across geographical locations with a significant daily increase in the number of affected cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, the range of worldwide mortality is 3 to 4%. Maternal adaptations and immunological changes predispose pregnant women to a prolonged and severe form of pneumonia, which results in higher rates of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is limited data about the consequences of COVID-19 in pregnancy, thereby limiting the prevention, counseling, and management of these patients. The objective of this literature review is to explore pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19, complications, morbidity, and mortality in this sub-population. We conducted a literature review pertaining to COVID-19 and pregnancy in databases such as: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The studies we chose to focus on were systematic reviews, meta-analysis, case series, and case reports. Twenty four articles were reviewed regarding COVID-19 and pregnancy, complications and their outcomes. Due to immunological changes during pregnancy as evidenced by the flaring of auto-immune diseases; pregnant women may be at an increased risk for infection. Women (19.7%) who had underlying comorbidities such as gestational DM, HTN, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune disease, COPD, or HBV infection were considered high risk. The most common maternal outcomes were premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and pre-eclampsia. Asthma was the most common comorbidity associated with maternal mortality. The most common neonatal complications were fetal distress leading to NICU admissions and preterm birth <37 weeks. The most common laboratory changes were elevated CRP and lymphocytopenia. Most patients underwent C-section due to their underlying comorbidities. Pregnant and lactating women did not shed viral particles through their vaginal mucus and milk, as evidenced by negative nucleic-acid tests of these secretions. Neonatal infections as demonstrated by positive RT-PCR were rare, but direct evidence supporting intrauterine transmission was not confirmed. Direct evidence indicating vertical transmission of COVID-19 is not available, but risk for transmission cannot be ruled out. Pregnant women should be closely monitored due to increased risk of adverse outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Oltean ◽  
Dina El Demellawy

Pregnant women are susceptible to viral infections due to physiological changes such as cell-mediated immunity. No severe adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes have been consistently reported in COVID-19 positive pregnancy cases. There are controversies around the role of COVID-19 in pregnancy. A systematic review was conducted to examine clinical maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes. Studies were included if they reported COVID-19 infection among pregnant women and/or COVID-19 positive neonates as validated by positive antibody testing or viral testing using Polymerase Chain Reaction. Case series, case reports, case-control studies, and comparative studies were included. 837 records were identified, resulting in 525 records for level I screening. 41 were included after full-text review. Results suggest elevated rates of ICU admission, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, C-sections, pre-term birth, and CRP in comparison to pregnant women without SARS-CoV-2. Careful monitoring of pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 to minimize adverse clinical outcomes is recommended.


VASA ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 243-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reich-Schupke ◽  
Leiste ◽  
Moritz ◽  
Altmeyer ◽  
Stücker

According to the guidelines and the manufacturer‘s information, pregnancy is a contraindication for sclerotherapy with Polidocanol. However, in some cases sclerotherapy has been conducted in a period when the pregnancy is not known by the patient. When pregnancy is diagnosed, patients and gynecologists often ask the phlebologist if there is an indication for the interruption of pregnancy. Up to now, there is only rare information on sclerotherapy, polidocanol and pregnancy. Current knowledge is summed up in this article together with case reports. The existing case reports and mainly retrospective case series on intended or accidentally conducted sclerotherapy with common sclerosants and doses show no increased risk for the mother and the unborn child. However, in view of the limited literature data available and the high probability for spontaneous regression of varicose veins postpartum, sclerotherapy should be avoided in pregnancy, if possible. Conservative measures during pregnancy or an elimination of varicose veins before pregnancy should be preferred. In single cases e.g. painful genitoanal varices, the use of sclerotherapy can be helpful even during pregnancy. Thereby, a very thorough clarification of the mother with a final written consent and an implementation according to the guidelines are especially important. According to the current data, there is no reason for an interruption after a sclerotherapy that has been conducted during undetected pregnancy.


2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-26
Author(s):  
Santhana Gunasekaran

AbstractObjective: This study aims to identify and review available evidence in the literature to determine the strength of association between antipsychotic medications and thromboembolism as an adverse effect.Method: Electronic databases were searched for evidence.Results: A total of 15 case reports, 14 case series, two observational studies and three case-control studies were found in the literature. Two case control studies found significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (OR 13.3 and 7.1 respectively). The risk was high for low potency antipsychotics. Studies were critically appraised to determine the strength of evidence.Conclusion: The studies reviewed indicate a significant association between antipsychotics and venous thromboembolism. Patients using the antipsychotics and those who prescribe them should be aware of this association.


Author(s):  
Nastaran Ghandali ◽  
Hoda Sabati ◽  
Ali Emami ◽  
Masumeh Dadashaliha

The pregnancy process involves many physiological changes, including weight gain, hormonal, metabolic and immune changes. One of the effective factors in this process is infection caused by microorganisms. Originally, before the advent of antibiotics, pregnancy was known as a risk factor for severe complications of pneumococcal pneumonia. Among viral infections, the 2009 flu pandemic issued a newer warning that some infections may disproportionately affect pregnant women and cause miscarriage and its complications during pregnancy. Generalization of pregnancy as a condition of suppression of the general immune system or increased risk is misleading and prevents the establishment of adequate guidelines for the treatment of pregnant women during epidemics. Viral infection has also become an important factor in pregnancy conditions. The recent outbreak of Ebola and other viral outbreaks and epidemics shows how pregnant women show worse outcomes (such as preterm delivery and fetal adverse outcomes) than the general population and non-pregnant women. The purpose of this article is studying pathogenesis of microorganisms and the risks which pose to the mother and the fetus. In order to investigate these factors, from 120 article prepared from google scholar and Pub med, Elsevier database. Knowing these factors can increase the ability to treat the infections in a timely manner and prevent their effects on the fetus and the patient.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Oltean ◽  
Jason Tran ◽  
Sarah Lawrence ◽  
Brittany Ann Ruschkowski ◽  
Na Zeng ◽  
...  

Pregnant women are susceptible to viral infections due to physiological changes such as cell-mediated immunity. No severe adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes have been consistently reported in COVID-19 positive pregnancy cases. There are controversies around the role of COVID-19 in pregnancy. A systematic review was conducted to examine clinical maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes. Studies were included if they reported COVID-19 infection among pregnant women and/or COVID-19 positive neonates as validated by positive antibody testing or viral testing using Polymerase Chain Reaction. Case series, case reports, case-control studies, and comparative studies were included. 837 records were identified, resulting in 525 records for level I screening. 41 were included after full-text review. Results suggest elevated rates of ICU admission, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, C-sections, pre-term birth, and CRP in comparison to pregnant women without SARS-CoV-2. Careful monitoring of pregnancies with SARS-CoV-2 to minimize adverse clinical outcomes is recommended.


Author(s):  
Shaghayegh Rahmani ◽  
Sonia Norkhomami ◽  
Behzad Shahi ◽  
Mahjoubeh Keykha

Introduction: In March 2020, the World Health Organization introduced the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as a global health concern and predicted that without any changes in the transmission process, the disease would reach its peak in April. Hence, it was not unreasonable to expect the referral of pregnant women in all trimesters. Since respiratory illnesses can increase the risk of infectious diseases and maternal mortality, it is justifiable to consider COVID-19-positive cases as high-risk pregnancies. Case presentation: The present study introduced six pregnant women with COVID-19 and discussed the points to consider in managing these patients. Conclusions: Pregnant women are at increased risk in all epidemics of infectious diseases due to their physiological and immunological changes. Moreover, the safety of the fetus is another important issue to consider.


Author(s):  
Priyanka Mishra ◽  
◽  
Amborish Nath ◽  
Surbhi Sharma ◽  
Ajit Kumar ◽  
...  

The rapidly evolving health concern for COVID-19 has considerably overshadowed the non-COVID ailments. Ranging from delays in diagnosis and treatment, neglect of mild-moderate diseases resulting into their progression, adverse pregnancy outcomes and many others, an array of the collateral damage of this pandemic is still evolving. We have performed this systematic review about the impact of COVID pandemic on patients suffering from other ailments. Our search was conducted through PubMed, Cochrane and Google scholar databases. We included systematic reviews and meta- analysis, and randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case series and case reports to ensure comprehensiveness of our search. We excluded abstract only articles, news articles, the non-scientific commentaries and reports from the review. Primary outcome was assessment of the impact of COVID pandemic on non-COVID diseases and management strategies for tackling the same. This review showed that this crisis has resulted into a significant delay in routine diagnostic procedures and workup with p value < 0.00001 (OR of 0.36; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.55). The highest impacts will be seen with preexisting major health priorities like HIV, tuberculosis, malignancy, various non-communicable diseases, reproductive and child health. The chief culprits for this include inadequate supplies of medicines, healthcare staff, diagnostics and other technologies. Expansion of the health care workforce, enhanced health financing and supply chain resilience can help us override this pandemic. Hence, the intersection of COVID-19 with other non- COVID ailments can have drastic effects. To minimize this surplus morbidity and mortality, we need to adopt comprehensive strategies and maintain the momentum even after this pandemic is surpassed. Keywords: COVID-19; neglect; non-COVID; non-communicable diseases; communicable diseases; management.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 594-598
Author(s):  
Mehmet GÜÇLÜ ◽  
Nazan YURTÇU ◽  
Samettin ÇELİK ◽  
Canan Soyer ÇALIŞKAN ◽  
Şafak HATIRNAZ ◽  
...  

The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of intramuscular meperidine on shortening of the active phase of labor, the neonatal outcome and the rate and severity of perineal lacerations in term pregnant women in the first stage of labor. A total of 571 primiparous term pregnant women delivered vaginally were included into this retrospective study. In 437 of them, meperidine (100 mg IM) at the beginning of the active phase was administered and 134 women did not receive any meperidine dose. The length of labor phases, obstetric lacerations, and neonatal outcomes were recorded. The results of this study showed that meperidine could be used safely as an obstetric analgesic with its additional benefit of shortening the active phase of the first stage and second stage of labor without increased risk of obstetric lacerations and perinatal adverse outcomes. In case of limited use of neuraxial analgesia in a busy state maternity hospital, intramuscular meperidine administration as obstetric analgesia seems beneficial in reducing the length of the active phase of the first stage of labor and the second stage of labor without adversely affecting obstetric lacerations and neonatal outcomes.


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