Clinical Features and Maternal-fetal Results of Pregnant Women in COVID-19 Times.

Melina De Barros Pinheiro,Patrícia Nessralla Alpoim,Gilcelia Correia Santos Bernardes,Ana Paula Nogueira Godoi,Leilismara Sousa Nogueira

doi:10.1055/s-0041-1729145

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which usually leads to non-specific respiratory symptoms. Although pregnant women are considered at risk for respiratory infections by other viruses, such as SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), little is known about their vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, this study aims to identify and present the main studies on the topic, including the postpartum period. In this narrative review, articles were searched in various databases, organizations, and health entities using keywords compatible with medical subject headings (MeSH), such as: COVID-19, pregnancy, vertical transmission, coronavirus 2019, and SARS-CoV-2. The review of the scientific literature on the subject revealed that pregnant women with COVID-19 did not present clinical manifestations significantly different from those of non-pregnant women; however, there are contraindicated therapies. Regarding fetuses, studies were identified that reported that infection by SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women can cause fetal distress, breathing difficulties and premature birth, but there is no substantial evidence of vertical transmission. Due to the lack of adequate information and the limitations of the analyzed studies, it is necessary to provide detailed clinical data on pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 and on the maternal-fetal repercussions caused by this infection. Thus, this review may contribute to expand the knowledge of professionals working in the area as well as to guide more advanced studies on the risk related to pregnant women and their newborns. Meanwhile, monitoring of confirmed or suspected pregnant women with COVID-19 is essential, including in the postpartum period.

Highlights

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large viral family, known since the mid-1960s, that cause respiratory infections in humans and animals
Due to the lack of adequate information and the limitations of the analyzed studies, it is necessary to provide detailed clinical data on pregnant women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 and on the maternal-fetal repercussions caused by this infection
O monitoramento de gestantes confirmadas ou suspeitas com COVID-19 é essencial, incluindo o pós-parto

Summary

Introduction

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large viral family, known since the mid-1960s, that cause respiratory infections in humans and animals. Some coronaviruses can cause severe respiratory syndromes, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Severe acute respiratory syndrome is caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), with the first reports being made in China in 2002. Middle East respiratory syndrome, in turn, is a respiratory disease caused by the MERS-CoV. It was identified in 2012, and, since 2016, it has been drastically reduced after public health efforts to prevent transmission of MERS-CoV.[1,2] Recently, a new coronavirus has been identified, SARS-CoV-2, and it is associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).[1,3,4,5]

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