Maternal risk factors of COVID-19-affected pregnancies: A comparative analysis of symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 from the Q-PRECIOUS registry

COVID-19, Pregnancy, and Diabetes Mellitus

During the severe acute respiratory distress virus coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, many women were infected during their pregnancies. The SARS-CoV-2-induced coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has an impact on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes; peripartum and perinatal morbidity and mortality are increased. Pregnancy is considered a risk factor for severe COVID-19 course. Additional risk factors during pregnancy are diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and obesity. Systemic inflammation can lead to severe metabolic dysregulation with ketoacidosis. The endocrine pancreas is a target organ for SARS-CoV-2 and the fetal risk depends on inflammation of the placenta. Up to now there is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy leads to permanent diabetes in mothers or their offspring via triggering autoimmunity or beta cell destruction. The frequently observed increased prevalence of GDM compared to the years before the pandemic is most likely due to changed lifestyle during lockdown. Furthermore, severe COVID-19 may be associated with the development of GDM due to worsening of glucose tolerance. Vaccination with a mRNA vaccine is safe and highly effective to prevent infection and to reduce hospitalization. Registries support offering evidence-based recommendations on vaccination for pregnant women. Even with the current omicron virus variant, there are increased risks for symptomatic and unvaccinated pregnant women.

Management and outcomes of pregnant ICU patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in Qatar: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group for COVID-19 due to their increased vulnerability to viral infections. The impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women is not well understood, and there is a need for data on managing severe COVID-19 in pregnant patients. This retrospective descriptive cohort study described the characteristics, hospital stay, interventions, and outcomes of pregnant patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in Qatar.

METHODS

Data were collected from medical records and chart reviews of pregnant women admitted to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) with COVID-19 pneumonia from March 01, 2020, to July 31, 2021. The inclusion criteria encompassed pregnant women with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) antigen test or radiological changes at admission, requiring respiratory support, and hospitalized for more than 24 hours.

RESULTS

A total of 43 pregnant women were included in this study. Most patients were admitted during the first wave of the pandemic, with a median gestational age of 212 days [interquartile range 178-242 days] at presentation. The most common respiratory support methods were high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, and invasive positive pressure ventilation. Convalescent plasma therapy was administered to 58% of patients, and tocilizumab was used in 28%. Renal replacement therapy was required by 4.6% of patients and 7% required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant patients admitted to the ICUs in Qatar. The results suggest that pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia require close monitoring and appropriate interventions to minimize adverse outcomes for both mother and fetus. The data may contribute to future guidelines and management strategies for severe COVID-19 in pregnant patients.

Low Interferon-γ Levels in Cord and Peripheral Blood of Pregnant Women Infected with SARS-CoV-2

COVID-19 is characterized by the immune system's overreaction resulting in a 'cytokine storm', consisting in a massive release of cytokine into the bloodstream, leading to local and systemic inflammatory response. This clinical picture is further complicated in case of infection of patients with a peculiar immunological status, such as pregnancy. In this paper, we focused on Interferon-γ, which plays a pivotal immunomodulatory role in normal pregnancy and fetal development, as well as in defense against pathogens. In this study, we compared the levels of Interferon-γ and the Interferon autoantibodies of the peripheral and cord blood of pregnant women with confirmed mild COVID-19 and healthy pregnant women. The Interferon-γ was significantly lower both in the peripheral and cord blood of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers, suggesting that infection can affect the fetal microenvironment even without severe maternal symptoms. In conclusion, further studies are needed to clarify whether lower levels of Interferon-γ due to SARS-CoV-2 infection affect the development or infection susceptibility of infants born to SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers.