Coronavirus in Pregnant Patients and their Clinical Outcomes – Results of a Case-Control Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has prompted extensive research efforts to understand its diverse clinical presentations and impacts on different patient populations. Among these populations, pregnant women have received considerable attention due to concerns about the potential consequences of COVID-19 during pregnancy.

AIM: The primary objective of this study is to determine whether pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 experience different outcomes than age-matched non-pregnant patients in terms of acute episode outcomes such as need for oxygen therapy and treatment outcome. A secondary objective of the study is to determine the presence of risk factors for the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as the presence of comorbidities, but also the level of various laboratory markers during hospital stay, and their differences between cases and controls.

METHODS: Cases were defined as patients who had 1) a finding confirming their pregnancy (ultrasound finding) available in their documentation or electronic record, 2) a positive test for SARS-CoV-2, based on the PCR method, as well as 3) symptomatology from the upper respiratory system or systemic signs. As control patients, they were defined in the same way as the cases, but with the information that they are not pregnant. During the hospital stay, multiple laboratory measurements of peripheral blood parameters, including complete blood count (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, and differential blood count), C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and d -dimers. Statistical analysis was carried out using appropriate software (SPSS). Descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, and percentages, were used to summarize the characteristics of the study population.

RESULTS: Statistically significantly lower values ​​were found in pregnant women for oxygen saturation and the number of platelets, while a statistically significant increase was found in the number of leukocytes, D-dimers, urea and glucose. There are statistically significant differences analyzed by Chi-square test in the variables non-invasive ventilation, specific therapy for corona (remdesivir, tocilizumab, favipiravir), diabetes and other cause that may affect the outcome of SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that pregnant women may have different clinical profiles when affected by COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of tailored health care strategies for this population.