Journal of Reproductive Health and Contraception

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Systematic Review of Pregnancy and the Possibility of Vertical Transmission

International Congress on Midwifery and Maternal health - October Webinar
October 11, 2021 | Webinar

Pedram Keshavarz

The University of Georgia, Georgia

ScientificTracks Abstracts: J Contracept Stud

Abstract

Background: There is a growing need for information regarding maternal and neo- natal outcomes during coronavirus pandemic. In this study, a comprehensive investi- gation was done regarding the possibility of vertical transmission using the available data in the literature. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Scholar. All studies containing in- fected COVID-19 pregnant women who had given birth were included, and the search was done up to April 14, 2020. Results: Overall, 21 articles were reviewed, and clinical characteristics of 90 preg- nant patients and 92 neonates born to mothers infected with COVID-19 were re- viewed. The most common symptoms included fever, cough, and dyspnea. The main laboratory findings included leukocytosis, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and ele- vated C-reactive protein. The most commonly reported complications were preterm labor and fetal distress. Three mothers were admitted to ICU and required mechani- cal ventilation; among them, one died, and one was on extracorporeal membrane ox- ygenation. Overall, 86 neonates were tested for the possibility of vertical transmis- sion and 82 cases were negative in RT-PCR, while 4 were positive. Out of 92 neo- nates, one died, and one was born dead. Nineteen patients reported having no symp- toms, while breathing problems and pneumonia were reported as the most common neonatal complications. Conclusion: There were no differences in the clinical characteristics of pregnant women and non-pregnant COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 infection has caused higher incidence of fetal distress and premature labor in pregnant women. Although the possibility of vertical transmission in infected pregnant women is rare, four neo- nates’ test results for COVID-19 infection were positive in this review.