COVID-19 during pregnancy: an overview of maternal characteristics, clinical symptoms, maternal and neonatal outcomes of 10,996 cases described in 15 countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 900-911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Antonio Figueiro-Filho ◽  
Mark Yudin ◽  
Dan Farine

AbstractThe objective of this review was to identify the most significant studies reporting on COVID-19 during pregnancy and to provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and perinatal outcomes. Eligibility criteria included all reports, reviews; case series with more than 100 individuals and that reported at least three of the following: maternal characteristics, maternal COVID-19 clinical presentation, pregnancy outcomes, maternal outcomes and/or neonatal/perinatal outcomes. We included eight studies that met the inclusion criteria, representing 10,966 cases distributed in 15 countries around the world until July 20, 2020. The results of our review demonstrate that the maternal characteristics, clinical symptoms, maternal and neonatal outcomes almost 11,000 cases of COVID-19 and pregnancy described in 15 different countries are not worse or different from the general population. We suggest that pregnant women are not more affected by the respiratory complications of COVID-19, when compared to the outcomes described in the general population. We also suggest that the important gestational shift Th1-Th2 immune response, known as a potential contributor to the severity in cases of viral infections during pregnancy, are counter-regulated by the enhanced-pregnancy-induced ACE2-Ang-(1–7) axis. Moreover, the relatively small number of reported cases during pregnancy does not allow us to affirm that COVID-19 is more aggressive during pregnancy. Conversely, we also suggest, that down-regulation of ACE2 receptors induced by SARS-CoV-2 cell entry might have been detrimental in subjects with pre-existing ACE2 deficiency associated with pregnancy. This association might explain the worse perinatal outcomes described in the literature.

Author(s):  
Juan Juan ◽  
María M. Gil ◽  
Zhihui Rong ◽  
Yuanzhen Zhang ◽  
Huixia Yang ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo perform a systematic review of available published literature on pregnancies affected by COVID-19 to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes.MethodsWe performed a systematic review to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy, perinatal and neonatal outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database and Wan Fang Data until April 20, 2020 (studies were identified through PubMed alert after April 20, 2020). For the research strategy, combinations of the following keywords and MeSH terms were used: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019, pregnancy, gestation, maternal, mothers, vertical transmission, maternal-fetal transmission, intrauterine transmission, neonates, infant, delivery. Eligibility criteria included laboratory-confirmed and/or clinically diagnosed COVID-19, patient was pregnant on admission, availability of clinical characteristics, including maternal, perinatal or neonatal outcomes. Exclusion criteria were unpublished reports, unspecified date and location of the study or suspicion of duplicate reporting, and unreported maternal or perinatal outcomes. No language restrictions were applied.ResultsWe identified several case-reports and case-series but only 19 studies, including a total of 266 pregnant women with COVID-19, met eligibility criteria and were finally included in the review. In the combined data from seven case-series, the maternal age ranged from 20 to 41 years and the gestational age on admission ranged from 5 to 41 weeks. The most common symptoms at presentation were fever, cough, dyspnea/shortness of breath and fatigue. The rate of severe pneumonia was relatively low, with the majority of the cases requiring intensive care unit admission. Almost all cases from the case-series had positive computer tomography chest findings. There were six and 22 cases that had nucleic-acid testing in vaginal mucus and breast milk samples, respectively, which were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Only a few cases had spontaneous miscarriage or abortion. 177 cases had delivered, of which the majority by Cesarean section. The gestational age at delivery ranged from 28 to 41 weeks. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes ranged from 7 to 10 and 8 to 10, respectively. A few neonates had birthweight less than 2500 grams and over one-third of cases were transferred to neonatal intensive care unit. There was one case each of neonatal asphyxia and neonatal death. There were 113 neonates that had nucleic-acid testing in throat swab, which was negative for SARS-CoV-2. From the case-reports, two maternal deaths among pregnant women with COVID-19 were reported.ConclusionsThe clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 are similar to those of nonpregnant adults with COVID-19. Currently, there is no evidence that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more prone to develop severe pneumonia, in comparison to nonpregnant patients. The subject of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains controversial and more data is needed to investigate this possibility. Most importantly, in order to collect meaningful pregnancy and perinatal outcome data, we urge researchers and investigators to reference previously published cases in their publications and to record such reporting when the data of a case is being entered into a registry or several registries.ContributionWhat are the novel findings of this work?Amongst a few cases from the case-series that had qRT-PCR testing in vaginal mucus and breast milks, the results were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, some of the cases from the case-series had qRT-PCR testing in amniotic fluid, cord blood, neonatal throat swab and neonatal feces, and the results were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Amongst the case-reports, there were two maternal deaths and two neonates tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at 16 / 24 hours of life.What are the clinical implications of this work?The subject of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains controversial and more data is needed to investigate this possibility. In order to collect meaningful pregnancy and perinatal outcome data, we urge researchers and investigators to reference previously published cases in their publications and to record such reporting when the data of a case is being entered into a registry or several registries.


Author(s):  
Elham Askary ◽  
Poordast Tahereh ◽  
Zahra Shiravani ◽  
Mohammad Ali Ashraf ◽  
Atefeh Hashemi ◽  
...  

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns about the susceptibility amongst different groups of the population. Pregnant women are one such group. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy and maternal/neonatal outcomes. Case presentation: This case series was conducted on 16 pregnant women with COVID-19 from March 21 to May 11, 2020. Clinical characteristics, pregnancy complications, medication used, maternal/neonatal outcomes, and fatality rate were investigated through this study. The mean age of the patients was 30.06 yrs. Patients from all three trimesters were included (1 in first, 5 in second, and 10 in the third trimesters). The most common clinical symptoms were shortness of breath (n = 10), dry cough (n = 10), myalgia (n = 8), and chills (n = 7). Also, three cases had papulosquamous skin lesions with fissuring. The most common laboratory results were leukocytosis (n = 8), increased liver enzymes (n = 6), elevated CRP (n = 5), and thrombocytopenia (n = 4). There was one case of maternal mortality, five of premature labor pain (PLP), two of preeclampsia, and two of placenta accreta. Twelve pregnancies were terminated (nine cesarean sections, three vaginal deliveries). Among neonates, we had 6 cases of preterm labor. All neonates had negative PCR results. Conclusion: Clinical manifestations and paraclinical results were similar to nonpregnant patients. There was no evidence of vertical transmission. PLP and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) were the most common complications in the second and third trimesters of pregnant COVID-19 women, which can lead to rupture of the uterus. Termination and delivery should be planned individually. Key words: Pregnancy, COVID-19, Maternal-fetal infection transmission, Vertical transmission of infectious disease, Papulosquamous skin diseases.


Author(s):  
Fatemeh Azarkish ◽  
Roksana Janghorban

Pregnant women are vulnerable group in viral outbreaks especially in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. The aim of this review was to identify maternal and neonatal outcomes in available articles on pregnancies affected by COVID-19. The articles that had assessed outcomes of pregnancy and perinatal of women with COVID-19 between Oct 2019 and Apr 30, 2020 without language limitation were considered. All kinds of studies such as case report, case series, retrospective cohort, case control were included. We searched databases, selected relevant studies and extracted data regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes from each article. Data of 287 pregnant women with COVID-19 of 6 countries were assessed from 28 articles between December 8, 2019 and April 6, 2020. Most pregnant women reported in their third trimester, 102 (35.5%) cases were symptomatic at the time of admission. Common onset symptoms, abnormal laboratory findings, and chest computed tomography pattern were fever (51.5%), lymphocytopenia (67.9%), and multiple ground-glass opacities (78.5%) respectively. 93% of all deliveries were done through cesarean section. No maternal mortality and 3 % ICU admission were reported. Vertical transmission was not reported but its possibility was suggested in three neonates. One neonatal death, one stillbirth, and one abortion were reported. All newborns were not breastfed. This review showed fewer adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 in comparison with previous coronavirus outbreak infection in pregnancy. Limited data are available regarding possibility of virus transmission in utero, during vaginal childbirth and breastfeeding. Effect of COVID-19 on first and second trimester and ongoing pregnancy outcomes in infected mothers is still questionable.


2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristy M. Fennessy ◽  
Lex W. Doyle ◽  
Kentia Naud ◽  
Karen Reidy ◽  
Mark P. Umstad

Many triplets are conceived as a consequence of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Concerns have been raised that triplet pregnancies conceived by ART are more complicated than those conceived spontaneously. The purpose of this study was to evaluate all triplet pregnancies managed over a 12-year period to determine if there were any differences in outcome based on the mode of conception. All triplet pregnancies between 1999 and 2011 that reached at least 20 weeks’ gestation and that were managed at the Royal Women's Hospital (RWH), Melbourne, Victoria were identified. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between ART conceived and spontaneously conceived triplets. In the study period, 53 sets of triplets managed in our institution met the eligibility criteria. Twenty-five triplet sets were conceived by ART and 28 were conceived spontaneously. More ART conceptions resulted in trichorionic triamniotic (TCTA) triplets than did spontaneous conceptions (p= .015). There were no differences between ART and spontaneously conceived triplets for any of the maternal or neonatal complications studied. Trichorionic (TC) triplets delivered at a later gestation than other triplets: 32.1 (SD2.9) versus 30.4 (SD3.9) weeks (p= .08). TC triplets were significantly less likely to die than monochorionic (MC) or dichorionic (DC) triplets: 3/93 (3%) versus 13/66 (20%) (p= .025). In conclusion, triplets conceived by ART are more likely to have TCTA placentation and TCTA triplet sets had lower mortality rates than other triplet combinations. Outcomes for triplets conceived by ART were similar to those of triplets conceived spontaneously.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1277
Author(s):  
Maria de Lourdes Benamor Teixeira ◽  
Orlando da Costa Ferreira Júnior ◽  
Esaú João ◽  
Trevon Fuller ◽  
Juliana Silva Esteves ◽  
...  

There are some reports and case series addressing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections during pregnancy in upper income countries, but there are few data on pregnant women with comorbid conditions in low and middle income Countries. This study evaluated the proportion and the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant women with comorbidities. Participants were recruited consecutively in order of admission to a maternity for pregnant women with comorbidities. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were prospectively collected during hospitalization. Pregnant women were screened at entry: nasopharyngeal swabs were tested by RT-PCR; serum samples were tested for IgG antibodies against spike protein by ELISA. From April to June 2020, 115 eligible women were included in the study. The proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 28.7%. The rate of obesity was 60.9%, vascular hypertension 40.0%, and HIV 21.7%. The most common clinical presentations were ageusia (21.2%), anosmia (18.2%), and fever (18.2%). Prematurity was higher among mothers who had a SARS-CoV-2 infection based on RT-PCR. There were two cases of fetal demise. We found a high proportion of COVID-19 among pregnant women with comorbidities. This underscores the importance of antenatal care during the pandemic to implement universal SARS-CoV-2 screening, precautionary measures, and the rollout of vaccination programs for pregnant women.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 500-509
Author(s):  
Cut Meurah Yeni ◽  
Riza Sufriadi

This aims of the study is to find out Profile of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant woman Infected by HIV/AIDS. This research is a descriptive study, looking at maternal characteristics and infant outcomes of pregnant women infected with HIV / AIDS in RSUDZA. Based on the author's research on maternal profile and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women infected with HIV / AIDS in Banda Aceh, there were 14 cases during 2017-2019. There were 1 babies born with low birth weight, 1 stillbirth, 10 out of 14 vigorous babies, 10 cesarean births, 3 preterm births and 8 patients with no known CD4 + status.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Omani-Samani ◽  
Saman Maroufizadeh ◽  
Nafise Saedi ◽  
Nasim Shokouhi ◽  
Arezoo Esmailzadeh ◽  
...  

Background: Advanced maternal age is an important predictor for maternal and neonatal outcomes such as maternal mortality, low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm birth, cesarean section and preeclampsia. Objective: To determine the association of advanced maternal age and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in Iranian pregnant women. Methods: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 5117 pregnant women from 103 hospitals in Tehran, Iran, were participated in the study in 2015. The required data were gathered from hospitals which equipped to the department of obstetrics and gynecology. Advanced maternal age was considered as an independent variable and unwanted pregnancy, preeclampsia, preterm birth, cesarean section and low birth weight were considered as interested outcomes. Results: In our study, the prevalence of advanced maternal age was 12.08%. Advanced maternal age was significantly associated with higher risk of unwanted pregnancy (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12-1.73), preterm birth (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.28- 2.39) and cesarean section (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.03-1.74). In our study, there was no significant relationship between advanced maternal age and preeclampsia but this relationship could be clinically important (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 0.99-2.20, P=0.052), and there is no significant relationship between advanced maternal age and low birth weight (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.67-1.74, P=0.736). Conclusion: Advanced maternal age is associated with higher risk of unintended pregnancy, preterm birth and cesarean section but our findings did not support advanced maternal age as a risk factor associated with low birth weight.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (05) ◽  
pp. 515-522
Author(s):  
Marissa Berry ◽  
Amanda Wang ◽  
Shannon M. Clark ◽  
Hassan M. Harirah ◽  
Sangeeta Jain ◽  
...  

Objective This study aimed to describe baseline characteristics of a cohort of pregnant women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and determine if these correlate with disease severity and perinatal outcomes. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort trial conducted at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas. All pregnant women presented to our medical center, who were screened and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus, were included. We stratified our study population in three groups: asymptomatic, symptomatic not requiring oxygen therapy, and patients requiring oxygen support to maintain oxygen saturation >94%. Relevant population characteristics, laboratory data, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were abstracted. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Between March and July 2020, 91 women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 upon admission to our labor and delivery unit. Among these, 61.5% were asymptomatic, 34.1% were symptomatic, and 4.4% required oxygen support. Our population was mainly Hispanic (80.2%), multiparous (76.9%), obese (70.3%), and with a median age of 27 years. Median gestational age at symptom onset or diagnosis was 36 weeks. Significant differences were found between gestational age and disease severity. Maternal characteristics including age, body mass index (BMI), and presence of comorbid conditions did not appear to influence severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Significant laboratory findings associated with increasing disease severity included decreasing hemoglobin and white blood cell count, lymphopenia, and increasing levels of inflammatory markers including CRP, ferritin, and procalcitonin. Maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ among groups. No SARS-CoV-2 was detected by polymerase chain reaction testing in neonates of mothers with COVID-19. Conclusion Pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection are predominantly asymptomatic. Patients appear to be at increased risk for more severe infection requiring oxygen support later in pregnancy. Key Points


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Koech Irene ◽  
Poli Philippe Amubuomombe ◽  
Richard Mogeni ◽  
Cheruiyot Andrew ◽  
Ann Mwangi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Eclampsia, considered as serious complication of preeclampsia, remains a life-threatening condition among pregnant women. It accounts for 12% of maternal deaths and 16–31% of perinatal deaths worldwide. Most deaths from eclampsia occurred in resource-limited settings of sub-Saharan Africa. This study was performed to determine the optimum mode of delivery, as well as factors associated with the mode of delivery, in women admitted with eclampsia at Riley Mother and Baby Hospital. Methods This was a hospital-based longitudinal case-series study conducted at the largest and busiest obstetric unit of the tertiary hospital of western Kenya. Maternal and perinatal variables, such as age, parity, medications, initiation of labour, mode of delivery, admission to the intensive care unit, admission to the newborn care unit, organ injuries, and mortality, were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20.0. Quantitative data were described using frequencies and percentages. The significance of the obtained results was judged at the 5% level. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables, and Fisher’s exact test or the Monte Carlo correction was used for correction of the chi-square test when more than 20% of the cells had an expected count of less than 5. Results During the study period, 53 patients diagnosed with eclampsia were treated and followed up to 6 weeks postpartum. There was zero maternal mortality; however, perinatal mortality was reported in 9.4%. Parity was statistically associated with an increased odds of adverse perinatal outcomes (p = 0.004, OR = 9.1, 95% CI = 2.0–40.8) and caesarean delivery (p = 0.020, OR = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.3–17.1). In addition, the induction of labour decreased the risk of adverse outcomes (p = 0.232, OR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.1–2.0). Conclusion There is no benefit of emergency caesarean section for women with eclampsia. This study showed that induction of labour and vaginal delivery can be successfully achieved in pregnant women with eclampsia. Maternal and perinatal mortality from eclampsia can be prevented through prompt and effective care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-265
Author(s):  
İbrahim Ömeroğlu ◽  
Didem Dereli Akdeniz ◽  
Hakan Gölbaşı ◽  
Ceren Gölbaşı ◽  
Atalay Ekin

Objective Our study aimed to evaluate the perinatal and neonatal outcomes of hypertensive pregnant women with or without proteinuria. We compared the predictivity of spot urinary protein to creatinine (P/C) ratio and 24-hour protein excretions on outcomes. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 230 pregnant women with a new diagnosis of hypertension between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation. We divided the patients into two groups according to the protein level determined by 24-hour urine collection and P/C ratio. The presence and level of proteinuria, its relationship with the P/C ratio, and the relationship between these findings and perinatal outcomes were evaluated. Results Gestational age at delivery weeks and latency period (duration between diagnosis of hypertension and delivery) were significantly earlier in pregnant women with ≥300 mg/24-h and P/C ratio ≥0.3. Adverse neonatal outcomes were significant in patients with proteinuria ≥300 mg/24-hour and P/C ratio ≥0.3. Urinary protein levels in 24-hour urine were significantly higher in pregnant women with P/C ratio ≥0.3 and a significantly positive correlation was found between 24-h proteinuria and P/C (r=0.382, p<0.001). Conclusion Our study demonstrated that a protein loss of ≥300 mg in 24-h and a P/C ratio in spot urine ≥0.3 in hypertensive pregnant women is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Furthermore, we have identified that proteinuria ≥300 mg/day and spot urine P/C ratio ≥0.3 in hypertensive pregnant women make them prone to early delivery risk.


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