Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Korea

The prevalence and influencing factors of COVID-19 in pregnant women post-relaxation of epidemic control measures in Hunan Province, China

Objective

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in pregnant women after relaxation of epidemic control measures.

Methods

This cross-sectional study employed a multistage stratified sampling method, involving six sampling sites (districts/counties) of three cities (Zhuzhou, Chenzhou, and Huaihua) in Hunan Province, China. A questionnaire-based survey collected basic maternal information, COVID-19 infection status, and pregnancy-related information of the participants. Data were extracted and double checked for accuracy. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 25.0 software.

Results

Among the 7,761 pregnant women included in the study, 5,191 (66.9%) had a positive result of SARS-CoV-2 test or related symptoms. The majority of maternal infections were mild (90.0%), and a very small fraction were severe and critical (0.4% and 0.1 %). Headache and body aches (65.3%) were the most common symptoms. Of the 5,191 pregnant women with COVID-19, 4,150 (79.9%) had no complications during pregnancy. A total of 2,711 (52.2%) infected women had deliveries, and 449 (16.6%) newborns had infections. The impacts of COVID-19 on adverse pregnancy outcomes were limited. Logistic multivariable regression analysis showed that pregnant women with an education level of junior college and above (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.64), those with a monthly household income ≥ 3,000 yuan and above (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.34), those who lived with their family during family member infection (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.32, 1.66), and those with pulmonary (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.85) or other (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.65) underlying diseases were more likely to have COVID-19. A farmer/worker occupation type (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.79) was a protective factor.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of COVID-19 in pregnant women following relaxation of control measures has been observed at provincial scale in China. Most cases were mild, and few effects on newborns were observed. Higher education and income, living with infected family members, and having pulmonary disease were identified as risk factors, suggesting that mobility is the most critical factor influencing infection rates. This study provides useful references for epidemic prevention and control in the future.

Real-World Utilization Patterns of Oral Corticosteroids During Pregnancy: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Korea

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently used during pregnancy, but patterns of their usage and indications are understudied. We described OCS utilization among pregnant women in South Korea using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database, 2010-2021. Among 4,574,294 pregnancies, 6.2% (n = 283,001) were exposed to OCS, with the annual prevalence increasing from 4.98% in 2010 to 6.65% in 2021. Methylprednisolone and prednisolone accounted for 90% of OCS use during pregnancy, and the median duration of prescriptions was four days. Respiratory and skin diseases were the most common indications, and prescriptions for pregnancy-associated conditions increased notably after 2017, coinciding with insurance coverage for infertility treatments. OCS prescriptions declined during the first trimester and increased near delivery, suggesting discontinuation upon pregnancy recognition. Our findings highlight the common and increasing use of OCS during pregnancy, mainly for acute conditions, underscoring the need for further research on their safety in pregnant populations.

Trends, statistics, and policy recommendations on maternal, fetal, and infant mortality before and after COVID-19: a review of the past decade (2012-2022) based on national health information data

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on maternal, fetal, and infant mortality in South Korea using national statistics, in order to inform policy development and enhance maternal and child health outcomes with the provided data.

METHODS

Pregnancy-related mortality in women, as well as deaths of infants, in South Korea was identified using cause-of-death statistics from Statistics Korea. Records from death certificates, cremation reports on infant and fetal deaths, and the complementary cause-of-death investigation system were reviewed for the 2012-2022 period. The classification criteria for cause of death followed the recommendations of World Health Organization and the Korean standard classification of diseases and causes of death.

RESULTS

The maternal mortality rate decreased from 11.3 per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 9.9 in 2019, rose to 11.8 in 2020, and fell to 8.8 in 2021. The actual number of maternal deaths declined from 37 in 2018 to 23 in 2021 due to fewer births. The fetal death rate increased from 11.3 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 11.6 in 2019, continuing to rise to 12.0 in 2021. The number of fetal deaths dropped from 3,743 in 2018 to 3,152 in 2021.

CONCLUSION

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Korea experienced a sharp decline in births as well as in maternal, infant, and fetal deaths. However, maternal, infant, and fetal mortality rates remained at similar levels.

The impact of COVID-19 infections on pregnancy outcomes in women

BACKGROUND

Given that viral infections can increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as spontaneous miscarriage, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and preterm birth, the effects of COVID-19, a novel emerging coronavirus disease rapidly spreading globally, on pregnancy outcomes have garnered significant attention.

METHODS

We conducted a review of studies related to pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 over the past five years (December 2019 to April 2023), utilizing search engines such as PubMed, Web of Science, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). This study was registered with PROSPERO with ID: CRD42024540849.

RESULTS

A total of 218 articles were screened, with 15 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for this research, including 12 cohort studies, one cross-sectional study, one case-control study, and one case series. Six studies found that the preterm birth rate was higher in the infected group compared to the control group; five studies showed that the cesarean section rate was higher in the infected group; three studies found that the APGAR scores of newborns were higher in the control group than in the infected group; three studies indicated that the mortality rate of newborns in the infected group was higher than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our retrospective review suggests that compared to pregnant women not infected with SARS-CoV-2, those diagnosed with COVID-19 are more likely to experience adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and low birth weight in newborns.

COVID-19 in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis on the risk and prevalence of pregnancy loss

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are more likely to experience preterm birth and their neonates are more likely to be stillborn or admitted to a neonatal unit. The World Health Organization declared in May 2023 an end to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as a global health emergency. However, pregnant women are still becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 and there is limited information available regarding the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in early pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

We conducted this systematic review to determine the prevalence of early pregnancy loss in women with SARS-Cov-2 infection and compare the risk to pregnant women without SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SEARCH METHODS

Our systematic review is based on a prospectively registered protocol. The search of PregCov19 consortium was supplemented with an extra electronic search specifically on pregnancy loss in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 up to 10 March 2023 in PubMed, Google Scholar, and LitCovid. We included retrospective and prospective studies of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection, provided that they contained information on pregnancy losses in the first and/or second trimester. Primary outcome was miscarriage defined as a pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of gestation, however, studies that reported loss up to 22 or 24 weeks were also included. Additionally, we report on studies that defined the pregnancy loss to occur at the first and/or second trimester of pregnancy without specifying gestational age, and for second trimester miscarriage only when the study presented stillbirths and/or foetal losses separately from miscarriages. Data were stratified into first and second trimester. Secondary outcomes were ectopic pregnancy (any extra-uterine pregnancy), and termination of pregnancy. At least three researchers independently extracted the data and assessed study quality. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and risk differences (RDs) with corresponding 95% CI and pooled the data using random effects meta-analysis. To estimate risk prevalence, we performed meta-analysis on proportions. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2.

OUTCOMES

We included 120 studies comprising a total of 168 444 pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection; of which 18 233 women were in their first or second trimester of pregnancy. Evidence level was considered to be of low to moderate certainty, mostly owing to selection bias. We did not find evidence of an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and miscarriage (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.81-1.48; I2 = 0.0%; RD 0.0012, 95% CI -0.0103 to 0.0127; I2 = 0%; 9 studies, 4439 women). Miscarriage occurred in 9.9% (95% CI 6.2-14.0%; I2 = 68%; 46 studies, 1797 women) of the women with SARS CoV-2 infection in their first trimester and in 1.2% (95% CI 0.3-2.4%; I2 = 34%; 33 studies; 3159 women) in the second trimester. The proportion of ectopic pregnancies in women with SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.4% (95% CI 0.02-4.2%; I2 = 66%; 14 studies, 950 women). Termination of pregnancy occurred in 0.6% of the women (95% CI 0.01-1.6%; I2 = 79%; 39 studies; 1166 women).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Our study found no indication that SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first or second trimester increases the risk of miscarriages. To provide better risk estimates, well-designed studies are needed that include pregnant women with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection at conception and early pregnancy and consider the association of clinical manifestation and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection with pregnancy loss, as well as potential confounding factors such as previous pregnancy loss. For clinical practice, pregnant women should still be advised to take precautions to avoid risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and receive SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Impact of COVID-19 on risks and deaths of non-communicable diseases in the Western Pacific region

Countries and areas in the Western Pacific region (WPR) experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and took various preventive measures, which affected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risks and mortality. Due to differences in COVID-19 prevention measures and other characteristics such as culture, religions, political systems, socioeconomic development, lifestyles, and health care systems, the effects of COVID-19 on NCDs varied greatly among WPR countries. Most countries had an increased all-cause and NCDs mortality during the pandemic, but some developed countries, including New Zealand, Singapore and Australia reported decreased mortality. The pandemic and the preventive measures increased NCD risk factors including unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and sleep disorders. The effects varied by socioeconomic status and health conditions. COVID-19 related stress, food shortages, and confined lifestyle had immediate detrimental effects on NCDs, and also affected pregnancy outcomes with long-term effects on NCDs risks in coming years.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk of Hypoxemia Development in Women Infected with SARS-CoV-2 during Pregnancy

PURPOSE

There is limited information on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during pregnancy. The clinical features and risk factors for hypoxemia development were investigated in pregnant women with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 2020 to February 2022, we performed a retrospective cohort study of 410 pregnant women with COVID-19. The clinical characteristics and prognoses were compared between pregnant COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen and those who did not.

RESULTS

Of 410 patients, 100 (24.4%) required oxygen therapy. Among them, fever [163 (52.6%) vs. 81 (81.0%), p<0.001] and cough [172 (56.4%) vs. 73 (73.0%), p=0.003] were more frequently observed than in non-oxygen group. The proportion of unvaccinated women was higher in oxygen group than in non-oxygen group [264 (85.2%) vs. 98 (98.0%), p=0.003]. During the Omicron wave, patients were more likely to have no oxygen requirement [98 (31.6%) vs. 18 (18.0%), p=0.009]. The risk of hypoxemic respiratory difficulty increased if SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred during the third trimester [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.083, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.095-23.593, p=0.038] and C-reactive protein (CRP) was elevated (≥1.0 mg/dL) at admission (aOR 5.878, 95% CI: 3.099-11.146, p<0.001). The risk was higher in unvaccinated patients (aOR 5.376, 95% CI: 1.193-24.390, p=0.028). However, the risk was lower in patients during the Omicron wave (aOR 0.498, 95% CI: 0.258-0.961, p=0.038).

CONCLUSION

A quarter of SARS-CoV-2-infected women developed hypoxemic respiratory difficulty during pregnancy. SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third trimester, CRP elevation at admission, and no vaccination increased the risk of hypoxemia in pregnant women.

Adverse Drug Events Associated With Remdesivir in Real-World Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19, Including Vulnerable Populations: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Remdesivir is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Clinical trials were conducted under strictly controlled situations for a selected population, and their reported adverse events may not fully represent conditions in real-world patients. We aimed to estimate the incidence of adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with remdesivir in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, including vulnerable subpopulations, such as those with impaired renal or hepatic function and pregnant women.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 treated with remdesivir between January and December 2021 at ten hospitals. ADEs and severe ADEs (Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥ 3) were operationally defined and analyzed through laboratory investigations. The incidence of ADEs was compared with that of each matched control in subpopulations with renal or hepatic impairment and pregnant women.

RESULTS

Among 2,140 patients, 1,416 (66.2%) and 295 (13.8%) experienced at least one ADE and severe ADE, respectively. The most frequent ADE was 'hepatic injury' (42.9%), followed by anemia (27.6%). The most common severe ADEs were 'hypokalemia' (5.3%), 'hepatic injury' (2.9%), and 'anemia' (3.6%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of ADEs in patients relative to their respective matched-control groups, including those with renal impairment (80.0% vs. control 71.8%, P = 0.063), hepatic impairment (70.4% vs. control 75.0%, P = 0.623) and pregnant women (78.6% vs. control 63.7%, P = 0.067). However, severe ADE incidence was significantly higher in patients with renal impairment (40.8% vs. 16.0%, P < 0.001). The most common severe ADEs in those were 'anemia' (15.3%), 'hypokalemia' (10.5%), and 'thrombocytopenia' (8.9%). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of severe ADEs in patients with hepatic impairment or in pregnancy (P = 0.230; P = 0.085).

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of patients with COVID-19 treated with remdesivir experienced ADEs and severe ADEs. Given the high incidence of severe ADEs, caution is required in patients with renal impairment. Further studies are needed to investigate ADEs in pregnant women and patients with hepatic impairment.

Association between maternal coronavirus disease 2019 and transient tachypnea of the newborn: a single-center study

BACKGROUND

Limited clinical reports have investigated the effects of maternal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on fetuses and neonates.

PURPOSE

This retrospective study aimed to assess the impact of maternal COVID-19 on neonates during the perinatal period, including neonatal clinical outcomes, versus the outcomes of neonates of mothers without COVID-19.

METHODS

Neonates born to COVID-19-infected mothers at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital between February 2021 and March 2022 were included. Those with gestational age (GA) ≥35+0 weeks who were born within 2 weeks of the maternal infection were matched 1:2 with a control group based on GA. The main outcomes were respiratory diseases, including transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), respiratory distress syndrome, meconium aspiration syndrome, the need for respiratory support, and length of hospital stay. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed and adjusted for relevant covariates, including maternal age, obstetric complications (hypertension and gestational diabetes), delivery mode, birth weight, sex, and small-for-gestational-age status.

RESULTS

The case group comprised 103 neonates (mean GA, 38.5±1.3 weeks; mean birth weight, 3,121±397 g), while the control group included 206 neonates (mean GA, 38.4±1.2 weeks; mean birth weight, 3088±428 g). In the case and control groups, the proportion of cesarean sections was 91% and 40%, respectively, while the proportion of male infants was 56% and 47%, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, the case group had a higher risk of TTN (adjusted odd ratio [AOR], 3.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-8.07), noninvasive respiratory ventilator use (AOR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.05-4.97), and oxygen support (AOR, 4.83; 95% CI, 1.46-15.95).

CONCLUSION

Newborns born to COVID-19-infected mothers are at increased risk of TTN and may require respiratory support. Close monitoring of respiratory symptoms is crucial in neonates.

Analysis of pregnant women with critically severe COVID-19 in Republic of Korea from February 2020 and December 2021

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe the characteristics and risk factors for severe disease in pregnant women infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic in Korea to the predominant period of the Delta variant.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 2020 and December 2021. Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare severe and mild cases after adjusting for pregnant women's age, nationality, infection route, outbreak area, infection period, symptoms, underlying disease, smoking status, trimester, and COVID-19 vaccination status.

RESULTS

In total, 2,233 pregnant women were diagnosed with COVID-19 by December 2021. Among these, 96.7% had mild symptoms, 3.3% had severe symptoms, and 0.04% died. The risk factors for severe disease in pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19 were being in the age group of 35 to 45 years, having hyperlipidemia, being in the second or third trimester of pregnancy at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, being infected during the Delta-predominant period, and having a fever (≥38 °C) at diagnosis. Furthermore, 47.1% of patients in the mild group and 84.9% of patients in the severe group had 3 or more risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women with COVID-19 mainly experienced mild symptoms, but those with risk factors were at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms. Therefore, treatment and follow-up management should be thoroughly implemented.