COVID-19 and acute coagulopathy in pregnancy

SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant patients on TNFα inhibitor: Real-life data with a review of literature

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is involved in the occurrence of negative pregnancy outcomes. The study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the immunosuppressive TNFα inhibitors (TNFαi) in the treatment of patients with a history of recurrent reproductive failure in the context of COVID-19 pandemics. We reviewed 85 patients who received TNFαi (certolizumab pegol) during Mainland China's first wave of COVID-19 pandemic, from 21st Nov 2022-11 th Jan 2023. We also collected corresponding data from 130 pregnant patients who never used TNFαi for comparison. There were no significant differences in the history of previous pregnancy loss, miscarriage, embryo implantation failure, comorbidities and doses of COVID-19 vaccination. 82.2% and 87.7% pregnant patients contracted primary COVID-19 with symptoms in TNFαi group and no-TNFαi group. Duration of symptoms was significantly longer in TNFαi group and the incidences of cough and lethargy was significantly higher in TNFαi group. Both groups reported similar severity to same-aged close contacts, similar rates of other symptoms and hospitalization. No deaths were reported. In the in vitro fertilization (IVF) subgroup, we achieved a biochemical pregnancy loss rate of 17.4%, miscarriage rate of 21.7%, ongoing pregnancy rate and live birth rate of 34.2%. COVID-19 did not influence the live birth rate. We concluded that TNFαi administration in pregnancy was not associated with increased susceptivity to and severity of COVID-19. However, TNFαi users showed more prominent symptoms and longer recovery time. The pregnancy outcomes with TNFαi in such high-risk group for pregnancy loss was satisfactory.

Coagulation assessment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infected pregnant women and their offspring by using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM)

OBJECTIVES

During pregnancy, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection may intensify the gestational procoagulant state. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated coagulopathy (CAC) constitutes an exacerbated immunothrombosis response. There is limited data regarding the coagulation profile of SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women, especially those with CAC, and the effect on their offspring. This prospective study aimed to compare the hemostatic profile of those women and their neonates with healthy mother-neonate pairs.

METHODS

Conventional coagulation tests (CCTs) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) were employed to evaluate the hemostatic profiles. Neonates were assessed at birth and on the fourth day of life.

RESULTS

We enrolled 46 SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women and 22 healthy controls who gave birth to 47 and 22 neonates, respectively. CAC was present in 10 participants. SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women manifested slightly prolonged APTT and higher fibrinogen levels. Regarding ROTEM, we noted decreased FIBTEM CFT, with higher A10, A-angle, and MCF. The CAC group presented lower platelet count, increased fibrinogen levels, and higher FIBTEM A10 and MCF. PT was slightly prolonged at birth in neonates born to SARS-CoV2-infected mothers. During the fourth day of life, D-dimers were significantly increased. Concerning ROTEM, neonates born to SARS-CoV2-infected mothers showed lower FIBTEM CT at birth.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women present a hypercoagulable profile. Hypercoagulability with elevated fibrinolysis and lower platelet count is observed in participants with CAC. The coagulation profile of neonates born to SARS-CoV2 mothers seems unaffected. Elevated D-dimers on the fourth day may reflect a neonatal inflammatory response to maternal SARS-CoV2.

Report of the ISTH registry on pregnancy and COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (COV-PREG-COAG)

Background

Concerns about COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) in pregnant individuals were raised in early pandemic.

Methods

An ISTH-sponsored COVID-19 coagulopathy in pregnancy (COV-PREG-COAG) international registry was developed to describe incidence of coagulopathy, VTE, and anticoagulation in this group.

Results

All pregnant patients with COVID-19 from participating centers were entered, providing 430 pregnancies for the first pandemic wave. Isolated abnormal coagulation parameters were seen in 20%; more often with moderate/severe disease than asymptomatic/mild disease (49% vs 15%; p < 0.0001). No one met the ISTH criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), though 5/21 (24%) met the pregnancy DIC score. There was no difference in antepartum hemorrhage (APH) with asymptomatic/mild disease versus moderate/severe disease (3.4% vs 7.7%; p = 0.135). More individuals with moderate/severe disease experienced postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (22.4% vs 9.3%; p = 0.006). There were no arterial thrombotic events. Only one COVID-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) was reported.

Conclusions

Low rates of coagulopathy, bleeding, and thrombosis were observed among pregnant people in the first pandemic wave.

Case report: Complex evaluation of coagulation, fibrinolysis and inflammatory cytokines in a SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant woman with fetal loss

Background

SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy increases the risk of severe obstetrical complications. Detailed evaluation of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy in a pregnancy with stillbirth hasn't been described so far. Besides knowledge gaps in the pathomechanism leading to stillbirth in COVID-19 pregnancies, currently, no prognostic biomarker is available to identify pregnant patients who are at imminent risk of COVID-19-associated maternal and fetal complications, requiring immediate medical attention.

Case

Here we report the case of a 28-year-old SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant patient, admitted to our hospital at 28 weeks of gestation with intrauterine fetal loss. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 placentitis was confirmed by immunohistological evaluation of the placenta. She had only mild upper respiratory symptoms and her vital signs were within reference throughout labor and postpartum. The stillborn infant was delivered per vias naturales. Fibrinogen concentrate was administered before and after labor due to markedly decreased fibrinogen levels (1.49 g/l) at admission and excessive bleeding during and after delivery. Although coagulation screening tests were not alarming at admission, the balance of hemostasis was strikingly distorted in the patient. As compared to healthy age- and gestational age-matched pregnant controls, increased D-dimer, low FVIII activity, low FXIII level, marked hypocoagulability as demonstrated by the thrombin generation assay, together with shortened clot lysis and decreased levels of fibrinolytic proteins were observed. These alterations most likely have contributed to the increased bleeding observed during labor and in the early postpartum period. Interestingly, at the same time, only moderately altered inflammatory cytokine levels were found at admission. Serum ACE2 activity did not differ in the patient from that of age- and gestational age-matched healthy controls, suggesting that despite previous speculations in the literature, ACE2 may not be used as a potential biomarker for the prediction of COVID-19 placentitis and threatening fetal loss in SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnancies.

Conclusions

Although based on this case report no prognostic biomarker could be identified for use in pregnant patients with imminent risk of fetal loss associated with COVID-19 placentitis, the above-described hemostasis alterations warrant awareness of postpartum hemorrhagic complications and could be helpful to identify patients requiring intensified medical attention.

Hematologic characteristics and coagulopathy in pregnancy with COVID-19 succeeding the first wave: a multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study

Background

Early reports have demonstrated an association of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and postpartum period with coagulopathy and bleeding complications and indicated that pregnant people with COVID-19 are more likely to experience coagulopathy and venous thromboembolism. A recent report concerning such complications during the first wave of the pandemic was reassuring; however, no publications have evaluated these issues in the context of increased illness severity with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Objectives

We performed a retrospective, multinational cohort study in Canada, Romania, and the United Kingdom, aiming to provide a comprehensive analysis of the hematologic test characteristics of pregnancies affected by COVID-19 after the first wave of the pandemic.

Results

Three-hundred-seventy patients were evaluated. Markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were significantly elevated, in keeping with observations in the nonpregnant population. Reassuringly, despite more severe disease noted in succeeding waves of the pandemic, there was no significant evidence of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy, and overall, no association was demonstrated between isolated coagulation abnormalities and bleeding risk. Notably, fibrinogen below 2g/L was again linked with the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Finally, venous thromboembolism risk was low but noted more frequently in those with severe illness despite thromboprophylaxis.

Conclusion

Our findings add valuable insights into the nature of hematologic test characteristics, bleeding, and thrombotic complications for those affected with COVID-19 in pregnancy, reassuring readers of the low incidence of bleeding and thrombotic complications but inviting further debate as to the degree of thromboprophylaxis that may benefit the subgroup with severe disease.

Pregnant women's attitudes and behaviours towards antenatal vaccination against Influenza and COVID-19 in the Liverpool City Region, United Kingdom: Cross-sectional survey

Objectives

Influenza poses a serious health risk to pregnant women and their babies. Despite this risk, influenza vaccine uptake in pregnant women in the UK is less than 50%. Little is known about how COVID-19 affects pregnant women, but its management may affect attitudes and behaviours towards vaccination in pregnancy. The study objectives were to establish attitudes and knowledge of pregnant women towards influenza disease and influenza vaccination and to compare these to attitudes and knowledge about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination.

Design

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed through local advertisement and social media outlets. Information was sought on attitudes and knowledge of influenza and COVID-19 and their respective vaccines.

Participants and setting

Pregnant women residing in Liverpool City Region, UK.

Results

Of the 237 respondents, 73.8% reported receiving an influenza vaccine. Over half (56.5%) perceived themselves to be at risk from influenza, 70.5% believed that if they got influenza, their baby would get ill, and 64.6% believed getting influenza could hurt their baby, 60.3% believed that the influenza vaccine would prevent their baby from getting ill, and 70.8% believed it would protect their baby. Only 32.9% of respondents stated they would receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it were available to them. However, 80.2% stated they would receive a COVID-19 vaccine if they were not pregnant. Most of the women stated that they would accept a vaccine if recommended to them by healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

Acceptance of the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy seems to be more related to the safety of the baby rather than the mother. Women perceived their child to be more at risk than themselves. Information about influenza and COVID-19 vaccine safety as well as healthcare provider recommendations play an important role in vaccine uptake in pregnant women.

Chest CT scan predictors of intensive care unit admission in hospitalized pregnant women with COVID-19: a case-control study

PURPOSE

To investigate the role of chest computed tomography (CT) scan in the prediction of admission of pregnant women with COVID-19 into intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective case-control study. We included pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction between February 2020 and July 2021, requiring hospital admission due to symptoms, who also had a CT chest scan at presentation. Patients admitted to the ICU (case group) were compared with patients who did not require ICU admission (control group). The CT scans were reported by an experienced radiologist, blinded to the patient's course and outcome, aided by an artificial intelligence software. Total CT scan score, chest CT severity score (CT-SS), total lung volume (TLV), infected lung volume (ILV), and infected-to-total lung volume ratio (ILV/TLV) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to test the sensitivity and specificity of each parameter.

RESULTS

8/28 patients (28.6%) required ICU admission. These also had lower TLV, higher ILV, and ILV/TLV. The area under the curve (AUC) for these three parameters was 0.789, 0.775, and 0.763, respectively. TLV, ILV, and ILV/TLV had good sensitivity (62.5%, 87.5%, and 87.5%, respectively) and specificity (84.2%, 70%, and 73.7%, respectively) for predicting ICU admission at the following selected thresholds: 2255 mL, 319 mL, and 14%, respectively. The performance of CT-SS, CT scan score, and ILV/TLV in predicting ICU admission was comparable.

CONCLUSION

TLV, ILV, and ILV/TLV as measured by an artificial intelligence software on chest CT, may predict ICU admission in hospitalized pregnant women, symptomatic for COVID-19.

Navigation of Knowledge: the Impact of COVID-19 on Pregnancy-a Bibliometric Analysis

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, countries around the world have faced huge economic and social burdens. SARS-COV-2 may exist in nature for a long time due to the diversity of its different variants. Pregnant women and newborns as vulnerable groups will suffer serious health threats. Bibliometrics as a method of summarizing publications can be used to extract important achievements and hot topics in this field. We search the target publications from the Web of Science Core collection database, and then use Microsoft Office Excel, CiteSpace, R, Scimago, and VOSviewer for visual analysis. Finally, we included 1709 publications from 2998 institutions in 104 countries. The number of publications has exploded since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Among them, the USA, China, Britain, and Italy have higher quantity and quality. We identified important journals, authors, keywords, and references in this field. Anxiety, stress, risk of pregnancy complications, and vaccine safety and acceptance have received extensive attention from scholars during the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to be urgent issues to be addressed in the future. Most of the current studies fall into the category of case reports and clinical data analysis. COVID-19 has been linked to serious pregnancy complications and mental illness, and vaccination during pregnancy is recommended to protect both mother and fetus. Further large-scale cohort studies and discovery of molecular mechanisms are needed in this field.

Efficacy and safety of therapies for COVID-19 in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinical evidence suggests that pregnant women are more vulnerable to COVID-19, since they are at increased risk for disease progression and for obstetric complications, such as premature labor, miscarriage, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, fetal growth restriction and perinatal death. Despite this evidence, pregnant women are often excluded from clinical trials, resulting in limited knowledge on COVID-19 management. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide better evidence on the efficacy and safety of available COVID-19 treatment in pregnant women.

METHODS

Four authors searched major electronic databases from inception until 1 st November-2022 for controlled trials/observational studies, investigating outcomes after the administration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatments in pregnant women affected by COVID-19. The analyses investigated the cumulative incidence of delivery and maternal outcomes in pregnant women, comparing those taking active medication vs standard care. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Statistical significance was assessed using the random effects model and inverse-variance method. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the updated 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol has been registered in Prospero (number registration: CRD42023397445).

RESULTS

From initially 937 non duplicate records, we assessed the full texts of 40 articles, finally including ten studies. In six studies, including 1627 patients, the use of casirivimab/imdevimab (CAS/IMD), remdesivir, and IFN-alpha 2b significantly decreased the need of cesarean section ((RR = 0.665; 95%CI: 0.491-0.899; p = 0.008; I 2 = 19.5%;) (Table 1, (Fig. 1). Treatments did not decrease the risk of preterm delivery, admission to neonatal ICU, or stillbirth/perinatal loss (p-values > 0.50 for all these outcomes) and did not prevent the progression of disease towards severe degrees (k = 8; 2,374 pregnant women; RR = 0.778; 95%CI: 0.550-1.099; p = 0.15; I 2 = 0%). Moreover, the use of medications during pregnancy did not modify the incidence of maternal death in two studies (Table 2).

CONCLUSIONS

To our analysis, CAS/IMD, remdesivir, and IFN alpha 2b reduced the number of cesarean sections but demonstrated no effect on disease progression and other obstetric and COVID-19 related outcomes. The inability to evaluate the influence of viral load on illness development in pregnant women was attributed to lack of data. In our systematic review, no major side effects were reported. Though, it is essential for the medical community to focus more on clinical trials and less on episodic case reports and case series, with standardization of fetal and maternal outcomes.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Pregnant COVID-19 Patients with Thrombophilia: A Narrative Review

Pregnancy with SARS-CoV-2 infection can raise the risk of many complications, including severe COVID-19 and maternal-fetal adverse outcomes. Additionally, endothelial damage occurs as a result of direct SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as immune system, cardiovascular, and thrombo-inflammatory reactions. In this narrative review, we focus on endothelial dysfunction (ED) in pregnancy, associated with obstetric complications, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth retardation, gestational diabetes, etc., and SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women that can cause ED itself and overlap with other pregnancy complications. We also discuss some shared mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and ED.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Preeclampsia-How an Infection Can Help Us to Know More about an Obstetric Condition

Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection have a significantly higher risk of maternal death, ICU admission, preterm delivery, and stillbirth compared to those without infection. Additionally, the risk of preeclampsia (PE) increases in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2, particularly in severe cases. The association between COVID-19 and PE is likely attributed to various mechanisms, including direct effects of the virus on trophoblast function and the arterial wall, exaggerated inflammatory response in pregnant women, local inflammation leading to placental ischemia, SARS-CoV-2-related myocardial injury, cytokine storm, and thrombotic microangiopathy. This paper aims to explore the similarities between PE and SARS-CoV-2 infection, considering COVID-19 as a valuable study model. By examining these parallels, we can enhance our knowledge and comprehension of PE. We wish to emphasize the potential for COVID-19-induced myocardial injury in pregnant women and its connection to the increased maternal mortality rate.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Unvaccinated Pregnant Women: Non-Reassuring Fetal Heart Rate Tracing Because of Placentitis

In 2020, a new coronavirus, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in China. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to be highly morbid in pregnant women, being a risk factor for several obstetric conditions leading to increased maternal and neonatal mortality. A few studies since 2020 have shown SARS-CoV-2 maternal-fetal transmission and noted placental abnormalities grouped under the term placentitis. We hypothesized that these placental lesions could be responsible for abnormalities in placental exchange and therefore abnormalities in cardiotocographic monitoring, leading to premature fetal extraction. The objective is to identify the clinical, biochemical, and histological determinants associated with the occurrence of non-reassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR) outside labor in fetuses of SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers. We conducted a retrospective multicenter case series of the natural history of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infections resulting in fetal delivery outside labor due to NRFHR. Collaboration was sought with the maternity hospitals in the CEGORIF, the APHP and Brussels hospitals. The investigators were contacted by e-mail on three successive occasions over a period of one year. Data from 17 mothers and 17 fetuses were analyzed. Most women had a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection; only two women presented severe infection. No woman was vaccinated. We found a substantial proportion of maternal coagulopathy at birth: elevation of APTT ratio (62%), thrombocytopenia (41%) and liver cytolysis (58.3%). Iatrogenic prematurity was noted in 15 of 17 fetuses, and 100% were born by cesarean delivery due to emergency criteria. One male neonate died on the day of birth due to peripartum asphyxia. Three cases of maternal-fetal transmission were recorded following WHO criteria. Placental analysis in 15 cases revealed eight cases of SARS-CoV-2 placentitis, causing placental insufficiency. In total, 100% of the placentas analyzed showed at least one lesion suggestive of placentitis. SARS-CoV-2 maternal infection during pregnancy is likely to generate neonatal morbidity in relation to placental damage resulting in placental insufficiency. This morbidity may be the consequence of induced prematurity as well as acidosis in the most severe situations. Placental damage occurred in unvaccinated women and in women with no identified risk factor, in contrast to severe maternal clinical forms.

Predictive factors for severe placental damage in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection

INTRODUCTION

SARS-Cov-2 infection during pregnancy can lead to severe placental lesions characterized by massive perivillous fibrin deposition, histiocytic intervillositis and trophoblast necrosis. Diffuse placental damage of this kind is rare, but can sometimes lead to obstetric complications, such as intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). The objectives of this study were to identify possible predictors of severe placental lesions.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 96 placentas from SARS-Cov-2 positive pregnant women who gave birth between March 2020 and March 2022. Cases with and without severe placental lesions were compared in terms of clinical and laboratory findings.

RESULTS

Twelve of the 96 patients had severe placental lesions. There was no significant association with diabetes, obesity or severe clinical maternal disease. In contrast, presence of severe placental lesions was significantly associated with neonatal intensive care, cesarean section, prematurity, IUFD, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), gestational age, maternal hypofibrinogenemia and thrombocytopenia. No cases of severe placental lesions were observed in vaccinated patients or in those with the Omicron variant.

DISCUSSION

In these patients, severe placental lesions due to SARS-Cov-2 were significantly associated with the presence of coagulation abnormalities (hypofibrinogenemia and thrombocytopenia), IUGR and gestational age. These results support laboratory and ultrasound monitoring of these parameters in pregnant women with SARS-Cov-2 infection, especially during the second trimester, to predict potential negative fetal outcomes.

Prevalence of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing diagnostic venous ultrasound during the first SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Background: Venous thromboembolism appears to be associated with severe COVID-19 infection than in those without it. However, this varies considerably depending on the cohort studied. The aims of this single-centre, multi-site retrospective cross-sectional study were to assess the number of all venous scans performed in the first month of pandemic in a large university teaching hospital, to evaluate the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and assess the predictive ability of the clinical information available on the electronic patient record in planning work-up for DVT and prioritising ultrasound scans. Patients and methods: All consecutive patients undergoing venous ultrasound for suspected acute DVT between 1st of March and 30th of April 2020 were considered. Primary outcome was the proportion of scans positive for DVT; the secondary outcomes included association of a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, demographic, clinical factors, and Wells scores. Results: 819 ultrasound scans were performed on 762 patients across the Trust in March and April 2020. This number was comparable to the corresponding pre-pandemic cohort from 2019. The overall prevalence of DVT in the studied cohort was 16.1% and was higher than before the pandemic (11.5%, p=.047). Clinical symptoms consistent with COVID-19, irrespective of the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result (positive_COVID_PCR OR 4.97, 95%CI 2.31-10.62, p<.001; negative_COVID_PCR OR 1.97, 95%CI 1.12-3.39, p=.016), a history of AF (OR 0.20, 95%CI 0.03-0.73, p=.037), and personal history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (OR 1.95, 95%CI 1.13-3.31, p=.014), were independently associated with the diagnosis of DVT on ultrasound scan. Wells score was not associated with the incidence of DVT. Conclusions: Amongst those referred for the DVT scan, SARS-CoV-2 PCR test was associated with an increased risk of VTE and should be taken into consideration when planning DVT work-up and prioritising diagnostic imaging. We postulate that the threshold for imaging should possibly be lower.

COVID-19 and hepatic injury: cellular and molecular mechanisms in diverse liver cells

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a global health and economic challenge. Hepatic injuries have been approved to be associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The viral tropism pattern of SARS-CoV-2 can induce hepatic injuries either by itself or by worsening the conditions of patients with hepatic diseases. Besides, other factors have been reported to play a crucial role in the pathological forms of hepatic injuries induced by SARS-CoV-2, including cytokine storm, hypoxia, endothelial cells, and even some treatments for COVID-19. On the other hand, several groups of people could be at risk of hepatic COVID-19 complications, such as pregnant women and neonates. The present review outlines and discusses the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and hepatic injury, hepatic illness comorbidity, and risk factors. Besides, it is focused on the vaccination process and the role of developed vaccines in preventing hepatic injuries due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of COVID-19 Infection in Pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Limited data is available on the full spectrum of maternal COVID-19 infection in terms of pregnancy outcomes. The present study aimed to compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19 in infected and non-infected pregnant women.

METHODS

A dual-site retrospective cohort study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. The sample included 104 infected and 210 non-infected hospitalized pregnant women. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between COVID-19-infected and non-infected pregnant women regarding preterm labor (PTL) (odds ratio [OR]: 11.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-48.54, P=0.035); hospitalization days (OR: 7.21, 95% CI: 4.05-12.85, P≤0.001); cesarean section (CS) (OR: 4.76, 95% CI: 1.78-12.45, P=0.002); neonatal admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.12-1.67, P=0.004); and neonatal respiratory distress (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.02- 5.47, P=0.044). No significant association was found between COVID-19 infection and abortion (OR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-1.45, P=0.084); stillbirth (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 0.05-39.68, P=0.743); Apgar score (1 minute) (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.74-1.13, P=0.382); Apgar score (5 minutes) (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.81-1.18, P=0.765); and low birth weight (LBW) (OR: 4.76, 95% CI: 1.78-12.45, P=0.002).

CONCLUSION

PTL, CS, neonatal admission in NICU, neonatal respiratory distress, and hospitalization days were significantly higher in pregnant women with COVID-19 compared to those without infection.

Third trimester placentitis: an underreported complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection

SARS-CoV-2-related placentitis shows distinctive histologic characteristics, and its impact on perinatal outcomes is increasingly under scrutiny. We present two such cases in the third trimester displaying mild maternal clinical symptoms and associated with maternal coagulopathy, reduced fetal movements, and nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing. Both cases resulted in emergency cesarean deliveries. Our cases and a review of the literature highlight that SARS-CoV-2 undermines placental function and thus greatly impacts late-term pregnancies, even in the absence of severe systemic disease.

Thromboembolic risk in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection - A systematic review

The infection by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a thromboembolic complications risk theoretically increased. Pregnancy, isolated, is considered a pro-thrombotic state. This systematic review has the main goal to evaluate the thromboembolic risk in pregnant women with COVID-19 disease, namely for pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The secondary goal is the evaluation of the need for thromboprophylaxis in these cases. Three databases - PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science - were searched on October 2021, using the following Mesh terms and keywords: "(covid-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 OR Covid) AND (pregnancy) AND (coagulopathy OR blood coagulation disorders OR thrombotic complications OR thromboembolic risk OR venous thromboembolism OR venous thrombosis)". Information about thrombotic complications in pregnancy and thromboprophylaxis was collected, by two independent reviewers. In total, 12 articles were analyzed, corresponding to 18205 pregnant women with SARS- CoV-2 infection. A total of 85 cases of thromboembolic events were diagnosed (0.46%, 95% CI 0.37-0.58%), of which only 17 reported the use of thromboprophylaxis (20.00%, 95% CI 12.10-30.08%). There were 3 deaths due to thromboembolic complications (3.53%, 95% CI 0.73-9.97%). In conclusion, in pregnant women, the SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the risk of thromboembolic complications. However, the risk is not greater than in the general population. It is recommended thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin for hospitalized pregnant women, and in groups with moderate to high thromboembolic risk at home self-isolation.

Postpartum Blood Loss in COVID-19 Patients-Propensity Score Matched Analysis

The aim of this study was to compare the estimated blood loss and the frequency of obstetric hemorrhage among pregnant women with and without COVID-19 infection. The study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, at the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Warsaw, Poland. From 15 May 2020 to 26 April 2021, a total of 224 parturients with COVID-19 infection were admitted for labor. The control group consisted of 300 randomly recruited pre-pandemic deliveries that took place between 15 May 2019 and 26 April 2020 at the Department. The primary outcome was the presence of postpartum hemorrhage, defined as an estimated blood loss of ≥500 mL within 24 h after birth or the need to transfuse 2 or more units of packed red blood cells (pRBCs). Secondary outcomes were the difference between hemoglobin and hematocrit levels at 24 h postpartum, the number of pRBCs units transfused, and the need for transperitoneal drainage. After applying the propensity-score-matching procedure for postpartum bleeding risk factors, 325 eligible patients were included in the final analysis, divided into 203 COVID-19 positive and 122 COVID-19 negative prepandemic deliveries. SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were characterized by a longer activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), a reduced prothrombin time (PT), and lower platelet count at initial presentation. COVID-19 deliveries were found to be associated with a higher frequency of postpartum hemorrhage, an increased estimated blood loss, the more frequent use of peritoneal drainage, and more pRBCs units transfused. During the pandemic, an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage posed another threat to SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women. It is essential to be aware of this when approaching COVID-19 delivery and to implement efficient preventative methods.

Limb ischaemia at birth in a new-born whose mother tested positive for COVID-19 one month before delivery

We report a case of right upper limb ischaemia diagnosed at birth in a neonate whose mother had presented with paucisymptomatic COVID-19 four weeks previously. Typical causes were investigated and excluded. Maternal morbidity and mortality resulting from COVID-19 during pregnancy is well recognised and documented, however, foetal and neonatal complications are increasingly being reported. Our case sheds further light on the diverse nature of such complications, and in particular this type of possible association related to their delayed onset.

A Case Report of Severe Coagulopathy in Antenatal COVID-19

Pregnancy is a naturally occurring hypercoagulable state, and COVID-19 can cause profound changes in the coagulation system associated with thromboinflammation. We report a case of a pregnant woman with moderate symptoms of COVID-19 and a severe coagulopathy with unexpected low levels of fibrinogen and factor VIII as well as atypical thrombelastometry results. She developed a severe placental dysfunction with intrauterine fetal distress and perinatal death. The case did not fulfil the criteria for preeclampsia or sepsis, and the adverse outcome was assessed as a direct effect of the COVID-19 infection with placental insufficiency, despite absence of serious maternal pulmonary symptoms. Atypical persistent coagulopathy may serve as an important marker of a serious obstetrical situation in COVID-19.

Fetal Deaths in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Pregnant Women: A Portuguese Case Series

Introduction

Stillbirth has been documented as an outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy. Placental hypoperfusion and inflammation secondary to maternal immune response seem to play a role in the cascade of events that contribute to fetal death. The aim of our study is to report a perinatal outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy adding information to the pool of data on COVID-19 pregnancy outcomes. Case Presentation. This is the first stillbirth case series occurring in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 in a Portuguese cohort. Between April 2020 and March 2021, we had 2680 births in our centre, of which 130 (4.95%) involved mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2. Of total births, there were 14 stillbirths (0.52%), accounting for the highest stillbirth rate we have had in the last 5 years. Among these 14 stillbirths, 5 (35.71%) occurred in SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers. We report the clinical features and placental histopathologic findings of 4 stillbirth cases that occurred in our hospital. Discussion. The stillbirth rate among SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant women (5/130; 3.84%) was significantly increased compared to noninfected patients (9/2550; 0.35%). Most women (3/4) were asymptomatic for COVID-19, a surprising outcome, given the current literature. All cases had histologic exams showing placental signs of vascular malperfusion, although we acknowledge that 3/5 had obstetric conditions related to placental vascular impairment such as preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

Conclusion

Stillbirth can be a perinatal consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy, even in asymptomatic patients. We urge more studies to explore the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk of stillbirth.

The Risk of Obstetrical Hemorrhage in Placenta Praevia Associated with Coronavirus Infection Antepartum or Intrapartum

Background and Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the severity of obstetrical bleeding in the third trimester associated with COVID infection in placenta previa and accreta. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to compare the risk of obstetrical bleeding in the case of placenta previa with or without associated SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients presenting with placenta previa before labor were classified into three groups: group A (control) as no infection throughout their pregnancy, group B as confirmed infection during the 1st trimester, and group C as confirmed infection at the time of delivery. Infected patients were stratified according to the severity of signs and symptoms. The severity of obstetrical hemorrhage at birth was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. All placentas were analyzed histologically to identify similarities. Results: Prematurity and pregnancy-induced hypertension appear significantly related to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the 3rd trimester. Placenta accreta risk increases significantly with infection during the 1st trimester. No statistically significant differences in the severity of hemorrhage associated with childbirth in cases with placenta previa between groups A and C but increased obstetrical bleeding mainly due to emergency hemostatic hysterectomy in group B driven by placenta accrete were detected. Obstetrical hemorrhage at birth in the case of coexistence of the infection was found not to correlate with the severity of the viral disease. Meanwhile, the number of days of hospitalization after birth is related to the specific treatment of COVID infection and not related to complications related to birth. Conclusions: The study finds an increased incidence of placenta accreta associated with placenta previa in cases where the viral infection occurred in the first trimester of pregnancy, associated with an increased incidence of hemostasis hysterectomies in these patients. Placental histological changes related to viral infection are multiple and more important in patients who had COVID infection in the first trimester.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancy associated with COVID-19: Systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

This study explored maternal and infant outcomes in the periods of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum, in women with COVID-19.

METHODS

After PROSPERO registration (CRD42020191106), scanning for the studies was carried out over the period 5-15 May 2020 in the PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO and Web of Science databases with the search string: ['COVID-19' AND ('pregnancy' OR 'pregnant' OR 'maternal outcomes' OR 'infant outcomes' OR 'fetal outcomes' OR 'birth')]. Studies reporting maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 were included. Data were extracted independently by two researchers and combined with meta-analysis and pooled analysis.

RESULTS

The 54 studies included in this analysis contained data on 517 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 and 385 infants. Of the pregnant women, 18% had gone into preterm labor and 77% had given birth by caesarean. Of the newborns, 19% had low birth weight, 14% had fetal distress, and 24% were admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit. Nine maternal and eight baby mortalities were reported in the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that COVID-19 in pregnant women appeared to be negative maternal and infant outcomes, with mortalities as well.

COVID-19 in pregnancy-what study designs can we use to assess the risk of congenital anomalies in relation to COVID-19 disease, treatment and vaccination?

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated pregnancy outcome research, but little attention has been given specifically to the risk of congenital anomalies (CA) and first trimester exposures.

OBJECTIVES

We reviewed the main data sources and study designs used internationally, particularly in Europe, for CA research, and their strengths and limitations for investigating COVID-19 disease, medications and vaccines.

POPULATION

We classify research designs based on four data sources: a) spontaneous adverse event reporting, where study subjects are positive for both exposure and outcome, b) pregnancy exposure registries, where study subjects are positive for exposure, c) congenital anomaly registries, where study subjects are positive for outcome and d) population healthcare data where the entire population of births is included, irrespective of exposure and outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

Each data source allows different study designs, including case series, exposed pregnancy cohorts (with external comparator), ecological studies, case-control studies and population cohort studies (with internal comparator).

METHODS

The quality of data sources for CA studies is reviewed in relation to criteria including diagnostic accuracy of CA data, size of study population, inclusion of terminations of pregnancy for foetal anomaly, inclusion of first trimester COVID-19-related exposures and use of an internal comparator group. Multinational collaboration models are reviewed.

RESULTS

Pregnancy exposure registries have been the main design for COVID-19 pregnancy studies, but lack detail regarding first trimester exposures relevant to CA, or a suitable comparator group. CA registries present opportunities for improving diagnostic accuracy in COVID-19 research, especially when linked to other data sources. Availability of inpatient hospital medication use in population healthcare data is limited. More use of ongoing mother-baby linkage systems would improve research efficiency. Multinational collaboration delivers statistical power.

CONCLUSIONS

Challenges and opportunities exist to improve research on CA in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics.

International Registry of Coronavirus Exposure in Pregnancy (IRCEP): Cohort Description and Methodological Considerations

Limited data are available about the potential health effects of infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on pregnant women and their developing offspring. We developed the International Registry of Coronavirus Exposure in Pregnancy (IRCEP) to provide data on the risk of major adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes among women with varying degrees of severity and timing of COVID-19 exposure during pregnancy. We describe here the cohort and share the lessons learned. The IRCEP enrolls women tested for SARS-CoV-2 or with a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 during pregnancy and obtains information using an online data collection system. By March 2021, 17,532 participants from 77 countries had enrolled; 54% enrolled during pregnancy and 46% afterwards. Among women with symptomatic COVID-19 with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test (N=4,934), symptoms were mild in 41%, moderate in 52% and severe in 7%; 7.7% were hospitalized for COVID-19 and 1.7% were admitted to an intensive care unit. The biggest challenges were retention of participants enrolled during pregnancy, and the potential bias introduced when participants enroll after pregnancy outcomes are known. Multiple biases need to be considered and addressed when estimating and interpreting the effects of COVID-19 in pregnancy in these types of cohorts.

Progression of COVID-19 Among Black Pregnant Women: Population-Based Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of COVID-19 related to race/skin color among Brazilian pregnant women registered on the Sistema de Informação de Vigilância da Gripe (SIVEP Gripe). This is a population-based study, based on the data from SIVEP Gripe, with data collected at two time points, August 2020 and February 2021. From the complete database (575,935 cases on August 8, 2020 and 1,048,576 cases on January 2, 2021), the weeks 13 to 32 (563,851 cases) and 33 to 53 (469,241 cases) were selected. We selected cases of pregnant women with white, brown and black skin color and final evolution (1,884 and 1,286 cases). The final sample (939 and 858 cases) was defined by including participants who had all the targeted information recorded. The outcome variables were hospitalization, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission and COVID-19 deaths. The present study identified that there was a drop of approximately two-thirds in the proportion of pregnant women who required ICU care or died, when comparing the first and second periods. In the second period, black pregnant women had approximately five times higher risk of death compared to white and brown women.

Maternal thrombocytopenia precedes fetal death associated with COVID ‐19

Acute coagulopathy, specific placental pathology, and an increased risk of fetal death have been reported in pregnant women with COVID‐19; however, the association between coagulopathy and fetal death remains unknown. We report two pregnant women with COVID‐19 who showed acute coagulopathy prior to fetal death. Both pregnant women presented with thrombocytopenia after testing positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 (days 5 and 7). They had mild symptoms, but coagulopathy progressed, and their fetuses died on day 9 at 27 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Their coagulability improved after delivery. Placental histology in both cases showed intervillous infiltration of histiocytes, necrosis of trophoblasts, and intervillous fibrin deposition, which were consistent with previously reported pathological findings related to SARS‐CoV‐2. In the management of pregnant women with COVID‐19, thrombocytopenia may be a predictive marker of fetal death following coagulopathy and placental inflammatory changes due to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Intrauteriner Fruchttod bei massiver SARS-CoV-2-assoziierter („severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2“) plazentarer maternaler Malperfusion im Rahmen einer SARS-CoV-2-Plazentitis

Wir berichten über die Befunde einer Plazenta der 31. Schwangerschaftswoche bei intrauterinem Fruchttod (IUFT) mit ungewöhnlich ausgeprägter maternaler Malperfusion und chronisch-histiozytärer Intervillositis im Sinn einer SARS-CoV-2(„severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2“)-Plazentitis. Mikrobiologisch sowie mittels Realtime-PCR wurde SARS-CoV-2- und B‑beta-Coronavirus-spezifische RNA am Plazenta‑, Nabelschnur- und Eihautgewebe nachgewiesen. Die bei SARS-CoV-2-Infektion inzwischen wiederholt beschriebene maternale Malperfusion ist in der vorliegenden Ausprägung Ausprägung im Rahmen einer schweren SARS-CoV-2-Plazentitis ungewöhnlich. Es betont die Notwendigkeit einer maternalen Thromboembolieprophylaxe.

Prenatal and neonatal complications of COVID ‐19: A systematic review

Background and Aims

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) over the past year has affected public health worldwide. During pregnancy, the maternal immune system and inflammatory responses are widely suppressed. Pregnancy‐related immune system suppression could make the mother vulnerable to infectious diseases like SARS‐COV‐2. However, current data suggest little to no possibility of COVID‐19 transmission in pregnant women to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. This systematic review focused on the possible complications of COVID‐19 infection in the fetus and newborn babies including the possibility and evidence of vertical transmission by reviewing articles published during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search using keywords on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. The studies followed a title/abstract and a full‐text screening process, and the eligible articles were included in the study.

Results

In total, 238 published papers were identified using a systematic search strategy (44 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review). In all studies, a total of 2375 women with signs and symptoms of COVID‐19, who were in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, were assessed mild to moderate pneumonia was one of the most common symptoms. Seventy‐three percent of the women did not present any comorbidity, 19% had a fever, 17% had to cough as the most frequent clinical signs and symptoms, 7.5% had pulmonary changes with chest scans, 8% had increased C reactive protein, and 9.4% had decreased lymphocytes (lymphocytopenia). A total of 2716 newborns and fetal were assessed; the delivery method of 1725 of them was reported, 913 (53%) through C‐section delivery, and 812 through normal vaginal delivery (47%). Of total newborns, 13 died (five died along with the mother), and 1965 were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2:118 tested positive. In a study, vertical transmission in seven cases was reported in total of 145 cases assessed.

Conclusion

It appeared that most pregnant COVID patients were mildly ill, and there is currently no convincing evidence to support the vertical transmission of COVID‐19 disease. Therefore, neonates do not represent any additional risk for adverse outcomes neither during the prenatal period nor after birth.

COVID-19 and Preeclampsia: Overlapping Features in Pregnancy

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global respiratory disease with unique features that have placed all medical professionals in an alarming situation. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy affecting 8%-10% of India's pregnant population. Assuming that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters host cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the resulting symptoms are due to vasoconstriction, caused by disturbances in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Other features of preeclampsia include endothelial dysfunction due to placental ischemia, leading to imbalances in angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors which result in increased blood pressure, proteinuria, altered hepatic enzymes, renal failure, and thrombocytopenia, amongst others. The increased prevalence of preeclampsia that was seen among mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection might be due to misdiagnosis, as COVID-19 and preeclampsia have coincidental medical features. The major similarities of SARS-CoV-2-infected and preeclamptic women are a rise in pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased serum ferritin and thrombocytopenia. Therefore, differential diagnosis might be difficult in pregnant women with COVID-19 who present with hypertension and proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, or elevated liver enzymes. The most promising markers for earlier diagnosis of preeclampsia is soluble endoglin (sEng), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), and placental growth factor (PlGF). Due to placental hypoxia, sFlt-1 will be overproduced, thus inhibiting PlGF, and this alteration will be observed in the circulation five weeks or more before the onset of symptoms. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio may also be modified via infectious states, but unregulated levels of those mediators are related to placental insufficiency. Hence, pregnant women with COVID-19 may develop a preeclampsia-like syndrome that might be differentiated properly by angiogenic markers to avoid unnecessary interventions and induced preterm labor.

DIC in Pregnancy - Pathophysiology, Clinical Characteristics, Diagnostic Scores, and Treatments

Obstetrical hemorrhage and especially DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) is a leading cause for maternal mortality across the globe, often secondary to underlying maternal and/or fetal complications including placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism, HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets), retained stillbirth and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Various obstetrical disorders can present with DIC as a complication; thus, increased awareness is key to diagnosing the condition. DIC patients can present to clinicians who may not be experienced in a variety of aspects of thrombosis and hemostasis. Hence, DIC diagnosis is often only entertained when the patient already developed uncontrollable bleeding or multi-organ failure, all of which represent unsalvageable scenarios. Beyond the clinical presentations, the main issue with DIC diagnosis is in relation to coagulation test abnormalities. It is widely believed that in DIC, patients will have prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT), thrombocytopenia, low fibrinogen, and raised D-dimers. Diagnosis of DIC can be elusive during pregnancy and requires vigilance and knowledge of the physiologic changes during pregnancy. It can be facilitated by using a pregnancy specific DIC score including three components: 1) fibrinogen concentrations; 2) the PT difference - relating to the difference in PT result between the patient's plasma and the laboratory control; and 3) platelet count. At a cutoff of ≥26 points, the pregnancy specific DIC score has 88% sensitivity, 96% specificity, a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 22, and a negative LR of 0.125. Management of DIC during pregnancy requires a prompt attention to the underlying condition leading to this complication, including the delivery of the patient, and correction of the hemostatic problem that can be guided by point of care testing adjusted for pregnancy.

Complete Blood Count Peculiarities in Pregnant SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients at Term: A Cohort Study

Background: During viral outbreaks, pregnancy poses an increased risk of infection for women. Methods: In a prospective study, all patients admitted for delivery at term to Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital in Iasi, Romania, between 1 April 2020 and 31 December 2020 were included. There were 457 patients, divided into two groups: group 1, SARS-CoV-2-positive patients (n = 46) and group 2, SARS-CoV-2-negative patients (n = 411). Among other tests, complete blood count was determined upon admittance, and the following values were studied: white blood cell count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, red blood cell distribution width, hematocrit, platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit, and platelet large cell ratio. Results: in pregnant SARS-CoV-2-infected patients at term, there was a significant decrease in white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte count, and an increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, compared to healthy pregnant women at term, although all still within normal limits. None of the other components of the complete blood count or fetal outcomes studied was significantly influenced by SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant patients at term.

Analysis of the Role of Female Hormones During Infection by COVID-19

Women have metabolic, immunological, and genetic variables that ensure more protection from coronavirus infection. However, the indication of treatment for several pathologies and contraception is determined by hormones that have adverse effects and raise doubts about their use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study searches women specificities and the relation between female sexual hormones and COVID-19, and reports the main recommendations in this background. To this end, a review of the literature was conducted in the main databases, auxiliary data sources, and official websites. Therefore, considering the hypercoagulability status of COVID-19, the debate about the use of contraceptives due to the relative risk of thromboembolic effects that they impose arises. However, the current available evidence, as well as the recommendations of main health organs around the world, demonstrate that the use of hormonal contraceptives must be maintained during the pandemic.

[Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 during Pregnancy, Birth and Childbed - Update November 2021 (Long Version)]

Since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the Society for Peri-/Neonatal Medicine have published and repeatedly updated recommendations for the management of SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnancies and neonates. As a continuation of existing recommendations, the current update addresses key issues related to the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care of pregnant women, women who have given birth, women who have recently given birth, women who are breastfeeding with SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, and their unborn or newborn infants, based on publications through September 2021. Recommendations and opinions were carefully derived from currently available scientific data and subsequently adopted by expert consensus. This guideline - here available in the long version - is intended to be an aid to clinical decision making. Interpretation and therapeutic responsibility remain with the supervising local medical team, whose decisions should be supported by these recommendations. Adjustments may be necessary due to the rapid dynamics of new evidence. The recommendations are supported by the endorsement of the professional societies: German Society for Perinatal Medicine (DGPM), German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), German Society for Prenatal and Obstetric Medicine (DGPGM), German Society for Pediatric Infectiology (DGPI), Society for Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine (GNPI).

White blood cells in pregnancy: reference intervals for before and after delivery

BACKGROUND

White blood cells (WBC) are commonly measured to investigate suspected infection and inflammation in pregnant women, but the pregnancy-specific reference interval is variably reported, increasing diagnostic uncertainty in this high-risk population. It is essential that clinicians can interpret WBC results in the context of normal pregnant physiology, given the huge global burden of infection on maternal mortality.

METHODS

We performed a longitudinal, repeated measures population study of 24,318 pregnant women in Oxford, UK, to map the trajectory of WBC between 8-40 weeks of gestation. We defined 95% reference intervals (RI) for total WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes for the antenatal and postnatal periods.

FINDINGS

WBC were measured 80,637 times over five years. The upper reference limit for total WBC was elevated by 36% in pregnancy (RI 5.7-15.0×109/L), driven by a 55% increase in neutrophils (3.7-11.6×109/L) and 38% increase in monocytes (0.3-1.1×109/L), which remained stable between 8-40 weeks. Lymphocytes were reduced by 36% (1.0-2.9×109/L), while eosinophils and basophils were unchanged. Total WBC was elevated significantly further from the first day after birth (similar regardless of the mode of delivery), which resolved to pre-delivery levels by an average of seven days, and to pre-pregnancy levels by day 21.

INTERPRETATION

There are marked changes in WBC in pregnancy, with substantial differences between cell subtypes. WBC are measured frequently in pregnant women in obstetric and non-obstetric settings, and results should be interpreted using a pregnancy-specific RI until delivery, and between days 7-21 after childbirth.

FUNDING

None.

COVID-19, thrombosis and pregnancy

Increased thromboembolic events have been seen in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 pneumonia, especially those with acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring intensive care support. The coronavirus pandemic has had varied effects on pregnant women globally. Concerns about the potential for thromboembolic events in the prothrombotic period of pregnancy and puerperium when combined with COVID-19 infection, and the impact this may have on maternal and infant morbidity and mortality has led to the development of expert-led guidance providing increased use of thromboprophylaxis in this group. We discuss the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on national and international guidance to prevent thromboembolic events in pregnant women.

A comprehensive review of vascular complications in COVID-19

This study aims to review the available literature pertinent to vascular complications in COVID-19. A systematic search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify all relevant studies based on our study objective. Multiple studies have reported widespread systemic inflammation and procoagulant/hypercoagulable state in COVID-19, including thrombotic microangiopathy, endothelial dysfunction, bleeding disorder, and thrombosis. However, large specialised studies on vascular complications are lacking despite current evidence indicating dysfunctional coagulation pathways. Furthermore, there are no clear and definitive recommendations regarding thromboprophylaxis or full therapeutic anticoagulation in COVID-19. Several studies have reported hypercoagulability and vascular complications as important predictors of patient outcome in COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to understand the pathogenesis, epidemiology, management, and outcomes of patients who develop venous or arterial thrombosis and those with a pre-existing thrombotic disease who contract COVID-19 for risk stratification, thromboprophylaxis, optimal antithrombotic therapy during active infection and long-term anticoagulation following discharge or recovery.

COVID-19 and pregnancy: Lessons from 2020

The outbreak and spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to an unprecedented wealth of literature on the impact of human coronaviruses on pregnancy. The number of case studies and publications alone are several orders of magnitude larger than those published in all previous human coronavirus outbreaks combined, enabling robust conclusions to be drawn from observations for the first time. However, the importance of learning from previous human coronavirus outbreaks cannot be understated. In this narrative review, we describe what we consider to the major learning points arising from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in relation to pregnancy, and where these confound what might have been expected from previous coronavirus outbreaks.

Does the presence of symptoms affect pregnancy outcomes in third trimester in women with SARS-CoV-2

OBJECTIVE

Parturients with symptoms to COVID-19 have an increased risk for neonatal adverse outcomes and for any adverse outcome compared to the asymptomatic COVID-19 positive parturients and to the COVID-19-negative parturients. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of COVID-19 on obstetric outcomes based on symptom status of parturients at or near term.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of parturients diagnosed with COVID-19 between 26 March and 30 September 2020. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed by comparing three groups of parturients: COVID-19 negative, asymptomatic COVID-19, and symptomatic COVID-19.

RESULTS

A total of 2299 COVID-19-negative parturients and 172 patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 delivered during the study period. The median gestational age at the time of delivery was 39 (interquartile range 39-40) weeks. The most common symptom was cough (28/56, 50%). Gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly less common in COVID-19-negative than in COVID-19-positive patients. There was no significant increase in cesarean delivery in women who were COVID-19 positive and the incidence of preterm deliveries was not significantly different among the three groups. Of the 172 cases of COVID-19, only one parturient needed mechanical ventilation, and there were no maternal deaths in this group. There were no cases of severe neonatal asphyxia or neonatal death. Composite maternal adverse outcomes were not significantly different between the three groups. The aOR for composite neonatal adverse outcome and overall composite adverse outcome comparing COVID-19 positive to negative parturients was 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.8; p = .02) and 1.6 (95% CI, 1.1-2.3; p = .02), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased risk for neonatal adverse outcomes and for any adverse outcome was found in the symptomatic COVID-19 group compared to the asymptomatic COVID-19-positive parturients and to the COVID-19-negative parturients.

Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage in an Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patient: A Call to Be on Guard

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the loss of more than 500 mL of blood following childbirth, is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has strained health-care systems globally. Pregnant women are a vulnerable group at a high risk of severe infection with COVID-19 due to the physiological changes in their immune state. Although the infection can be asymptomatic, severe COVID-19 infection is associated with respiratory distress, fever and coagulopathies that can complicate an already hypercoagulable pregnancy state. There is a dearth of existing literature regarding the complications of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, and much is yet to be known about this rapidly evolving pandemic. In our case report, we received a 23-year-old gravida 2 para 1 woman who was COVID-19 positive but asymptomatic; she presented to the obstetric department with labor pains which progressed to severe postpartum hemorrhage and development of mild respiratory distress.

The impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review

Several months after the onset of the epidemic, COVID-19 remains a global health issue. Scientific data on pregnancy, perinatal outcomes and vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 are constantly emerging but are still limited and unclear. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize current evidence on vertical transmission rates, maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes and mode of delivery in pregnancies affected by COVID-19. An extensive search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus databases up to June 20, 2020. A total of 133 articles (51 case reports, 31 case series, 40 cohort studies and 2 case-control studies) reporting data from 8,092 subjects (6,046 pregnant women and 2,046 neonates) were considered eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. A substantial proportion of pregnant women with COVID-19 underwent caesarean section (case reports 82.2%, case series 74.2% and cohort studies 66.0%). Regarding vertical transmission, most neonates were tested negative (case reports 92.7%, case series studies 84.2%, cohort studies 97.1% and case control studies 100%). Maternal mortality rates ranged from 1% in cohort studies to 5.7% in case reports; neonatal mortality ranged from 2% in case reports to 3.3% in case series. Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to child is rare. Careful screening of pregnant women seems important and specific guidelines with evidence-based decision algorithms for the mode of delivery in the context of a pregnancy affected by COVID-19 should be established.

Physician experiences in management of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy in pregnancy: Communication from the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on Women's Health Issues in Thrombosis and Haemostasis

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurs following infection with the potentially fatal, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Infection can be complicated by coagulopathy, at times featuring thrombocytopenia and thrombosis alongside other coagulation abnormalities, also termed COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC). Data concerning CAC in pregnancy are limited. Better understanding of physician experiences is essential to identify current practice patterns and knowledge gaps.

OBJECTIVES

To determine physician experiences and practice patterns regarding CAC in pregnancy.

METHODS

Self-administered survey using the RedCap online platform; supported by the ISTH Subcommittee on Women's Health Issues in Thrombosis and Hemostasis.

RESULTS

Seventy-five respondents fully or partially completed the survey. Of 1546 reported cases, disease severity was specified in 1298. Sixty-four percent of COVID-19 infections were mild, whereas 4% were severe. Of all cases, 1% developed CAC, with 65% classified as severe. The most frequent abnormalities included thrombocytopenia, elevated C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and lymphopenia. Low molecular weight heparin was the anticoagulant of choice in CAC and was provided by 77% of respondents, with 60% using standard prophylactic dosing. Thrombosis occurred in seven anticoagulated patients who were receiving standard prophylactic (four) or weight-based (three) dosing. Disease severity and additional thrombosis risk factors dictated anticoagulation duration.

CONCLUSION

In the select population reported by our survey, CAC appears to be uncommon in pregnancy. Anticoagulation practices vary and may not reflect current guidelines. Venous thromboembolism was observed in some CAC patients despite prophylactic anticoagulation (including standard and weight-adjusted dosing). Urgent research is required to determine appropriate anticoagulant dosing and duration in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection.

The obstetric patient in the Covid pandemic: anaesthesia and perioperative care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on pregnant women, maternity services and healthcare workers. We review recent literature on the course of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy, and recommendations for treatment and service provision.

RECENT FINDINGS

It has been increasingly recognised that pregnant women are at higher risk of severe disease associated with COVID-19 infection. Early critical care input is crucial to guide respiratory support and techniques such as prone positioning, with a low threshold for intubation in critical illness. Timing of delivery remains a highly individualised decision. Following the RECOVERY trial, the use of a course of steroids in cases of severe COVID-19 infection has been widely adopted, and emerging guidance recommends vaccination in pregnant women.

SUMMARY

Rapidly emerging evidence has helped guide clinicians to identify those patients most at risk of severe disease in COVID-19 and implement early interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Laboratory analysis of symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory biomarkers have been used to portend disease severity in nonpregnant individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, currently, limited data are available, and with mixed results, to elucidate which inflammatory biomarkers may be most associated with clinical phenotype in pregnant patients.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare laboratory findings among pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection by symptom status and disease severity.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively evaluated pregnant patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirmed through polymerase chain reaction testing, at an urban academic US hospital between March 2020 and October 2020, performed for reported symptoms or universal screening on admission. In our hospital, all patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were recommended to have baseline laboratory testing, including leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts; aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; procalcitonin; lactate dehydrogenase; D-dimer; and ferritin. We performed multivariable logistic regression to evaluate peak laboratory abnormalities significantly associated with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity with gestational age at diagnosis, maternal age, and obesity as covariates. The sensitivity and specificity of laboratory abnormalities were calculated to identify symptomatic vs asymptomatic infection and severe to critical disease vs mild to moderate disease.

RESULTS

We identified 175 pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, of whom 100 (57%) were symptomatic; 17 (17%) of those who were symptomatic had a severe to critical disease. Laboratory data were available for 128 patients, of whom 67 (52%) were symptomatic. Compared with asymptomatic individuals, symptomatic individuals were more likely to exhibit elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels after adjusting for gestational age (adjusted odds ratio, 5.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.42–22.52; sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 43%). In symptomatic individuals, transaminitis (adjusted odds ratio, 5.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–25.43), elevated procalcitonin levels (adjusted odds ratio, 16.60; 95% confidence interval, 2.61–105.46), and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels (adjusted odds ratio, 17.55; 95% confidence interval, 2.51–122.78) were independently associated with severe to critical disease rather than mild to moderate disease after adjusting for maternal age and obesity. For differentiating disease severity, sensitivity rates for transaminitis, procalcitonin elevation, and lactate dehydrogenase elevation were 47%, 87%, and 53%, respectively, whereas the specificity rates were 89%, 63%, and 90%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory biomarkers in pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited vast heterogeneity, poor discriminative ability, and thereby limited clinical utility. Larger registry studies should evaluate which inflammatory biomarkers may be most useful for risk stratification and prognostication of pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, taking into account the physiology of pregnancy.

Telemedical Approaches to Managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus During COVID-19: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In 2019, a new coronavirus emerged in China, and the disease caused by the virus (COVID-19) was rapidly classified as a pandemic. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are considered to be at risk for severe COVID-19. In the context of the pandemic, there are serious concerns regarding adverse effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes for women with GDM. Effective treatments for patients with GDM are therefore particularly important. Due to contact restrictions and infection risks, digital approaches such as telemedicine are suitable alternatives.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to summarize currently available evidence on maternal and offspring outcomes of pregnant women with GDM and COVID-19 and to examine telemedical interventions to improve maternal glycemic control during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Publications were systematically identified by searching the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, and CINAHL databases for studies published up to March 2021. We sorted the COVID-19 studies by outcome and divided the telemedical intervention studies into web-based and app-based groups. We analyzed case reports (COVID-19) and both randomized and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials (telemedicine). To determine the change in glycated hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c), we pooled appropriate studies and calculated the differences in means, with 95% CIs, for the intervention and control groups at the end of the interventions.

RESULTS

Regarding COVID-19 studies, we identified 11 case reports, 3 letters, 1 case series, and 1 retrospective single-center study. In total, 41 patients with GDM and COVID-19 were analyzed. The maternal and neonatal outcomes were extremely heterogeneous. We identified adverse outcomes for mother and child through the interaction of GDM and COVID-19, such as cesarean deliveries and low Apgar scores. Furthermore, we selected 9 telemedicine-related articles: 6 were randomized controlled trials, 2 were clinical controlled trials, and 1 was a quasi-experimental design. In total, we analyzed 480 patients with GDM in the intervention groups and 494 in the control groups. Regarding the quality of the 9 telemedical studies, 4 were rated as strong, 4 as moderate, and 1 as weak. Telemedical interventions can contribute to favorable impacts on HbA_1c and fasting blood glucose values in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meta-analysis revealed a mean difference in HbA_1c of -0.19% (95% CI 0.34% to 0.03%) for all telemedical interventions, -0.138% (95% CI -0.24% to -0.04%) for the web-based interventions, and -0.305% (96% CI -0.88% to 0.27%) for the app-based interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Telemedicine is an effective approach in the context of COVID-19 and GDM because it enables social distancing and represents optimal care of patients with GDM, especially with regard to glycemic control, which is very important in view of the identified adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further research is needed.

Sex hormones, autoimmunity and gender disparity in COVID-19

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has majorly contributed to massive and widespread mortality. Epidemiological data strongly indicates a sex-based disparity in COVID-19 clinical outcomes, with women having lower infection and hospitalisation rates, coupled with better prognosis and lesser mortality. This disparity may be explained by several mechanisms including differences in innate and adaptive immune responses, genetic factors, and an interplay between sex hormones and immune effectors, as well as gender-specific behaviour differences. These pathways, particularly the immunological divergence in response to viral infection, could potentially influence not only COVID-19 pathogenesis and disease course, but also the response to antiviral drugs and vaccines. Furthermore, factors that confer a protective advantage against COVID-19 may be exploited to develop therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19.

Prioritizing pregnant women for COVID-19 vaccination

Despite emerging evidence on safety and efficacy, most countries do not offer COVID‐19 vaccines to pregnant women even though they are at higher risk of complications from COVID‐19. We performed a web search of COVID‐19 vaccination policies for pregnant women under two categories: countries bearing a high burden of COVID‐19 cases and countries with a high burden of maternal and under‐five mortality. Of the top 20 countries affected by COVID‐19, 11 allow vaccination of pregnant women, of which two have deemed it safe to vaccinate pregnant women as a high‐risk group. In contrast, only five of the 20 countries with high under‐five mortality and maternal mortality allow vaccination of pregnant women and none of these countries has included them as part of a high‐risk group that should be vaccinated. India and Indonesia, with one‐fifth of the world's population, fall under both categories but do not include pregnant women as a priority group for COVID‐19 vaccination. To prevent COVID‐19 from further aggravating the already heavy burden of maternal and under‐five mortality, there is a strong case for including pregnant women as a high‐priority group for COVID‐19 vaccination. We recommend including COVID‐19 vaccination in routine antenatal care in all countries, particularly India and Indonesia in view of their high dual burden.

COVID‐19 vaccination should be included in routine antenatal care in all countries, particularly India and Indonesia in view of their high dual burden of cases and maternal and under‐five mortality.