Risk factors for adverse outcomes among pregnant and postpartum women with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 in Brazil

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Adverse Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes: Time-to-Event Analysis of a Hospital-Based Cohort Study of Pregnant Women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Understanding perinatal health outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy necessitates large-scale studies of mother-infant dyads. Hospital-based studies of pregnant women and their neonates provide valuable insights within the field of perinatal health research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on maternal and perinatal outcomes among hospitalized pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

The study consisted of a time-to-event analysis of a hospital-based cohort of 1185 pregnant women ≥ 16 years and their infants from May 2020 to March 2022. Pregnant women were classified as infected if they had a SARS CoV-2 positive RT-PCR or a positive rapid antigen test. An exploratory analysis of qualitative variables was conducted with calculation of absolute and relative frequencies and calculation of 95% confidence intervals. Survival functions were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazards model was employed to interpret the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on time to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, adjusted for vaccination, comorbidity, and gestational trimester.

RESULTS

A total of 21% (249/1185) women were infected with SARS-CoV-2, with a median age of 26 (range: 16-47). Cesarean section deliveries were performed in 57% (135/237) SARS CoV-2+ participants vs. 43% (391/914) of uninfected participants, p < 0.001. Intensive care unit admission and/or death occurred in 68 of 1185 participants (5.7%), 44 of 249 participants (17.7%) infected with SARS CoV-2 vs. 24 of 936 uninfected participants (2.5%). All 21 participants who died were unvaccinated against COVID-19. Women infected with SARS-CoV-2 were at greater risk of adverse maternal outcomes (crude HR: 5.93, 95% CI: 3.58-9.84; adjusted HR: 5.47, 95% CI: 3.16-9.48) than uninfected pregnant women. SARS CoV-2 vertical transmission was observed in 6 of 169 (3.6%) tested neonates. Preterm deliveries occurred more frequently in patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (30.7% vs. 23.6). In the survival analysis, no effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed on prematurity (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.68-1.23) and adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal distress (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 0.82-2.05), stillbirth (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.48-2.38), and neonatal death (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.35-2.67), even after adjusting for vaccination, comorbidity, gestational trimester, and periods of time.

CONCLUSION

The risk of maternal death due to COVID-19 highlights the need for adequate preventive measures, particularly vaccination, during the prenatal and postpartum periods.

Preeclampsia in the Context of COVID-19: Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Outcomes

The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the global COVID-19 pandemic, significantly impacting the health of pregnant women. Obstetric populations, already vulnerable, face increased morbidity and mortality related to COVID-19, aggravated by preexisting comorbidities. Recent studies have shed light on the potential correlation between COVID-19 and preeclampsia (PE), a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity worldwide, emphasizing the significance of exploring the relationship between these two conditions. Here, we review the pathophysiological similarities that PE shares with COVID-19, with a particular focus on severe COVID-19 cases and in PE-like syndrome cases related with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We highlight cellular and molecular mechanistic inter-connectivity between these two conditions, for example, regulation of renin-angiotensin system, tight junction and barrier integrity, and the complement system. Finally, we discuss how COVID-19 pandemic dynamics, including the emergence of variants and vaccination efforts, has shaped the clinical scenario and influenced the severity and management of both COVID-19 and PE. Continued research on the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and the potential risk of developing PE from previous infections is warranted to delineate the complexities of COVID-19 and PE interactions and to improve clinical management of both conditions.

Medication Use Among Pregnant Women With SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Risk of Hospitalization-A Study in Two Brazilian Hospitals

There is limited evidence about the use of medications among pregnant women with COVID-19, as well as risk factors for hospitalization due to COVID-19 in pregnancy. We aimed to describe the use of medications among SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant women at the time around infection and identify predictors for hospitalization due to COVID-19 in two hospitals in Brazil. This is a hospital record-based study among pregnant women with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests between March 2020 and August 2022 from two Brazilian hospitals. Characteristics of sociodemographic, obstetrical, and COVID-19 symptoms were extracted retrospectively. The prevalence use of medications was based on self-reported use, and this was administered at the hospital. Logistic regression was used to estimate predictors of hospitalization due to COVID-19. There were 278 pregnant women included in the study, of which 41 (14.7%) required hospitalization due to COVID-19. The remaining 237 (85.3%) had mild symptoms or were asymptomatic. Most of the women had the infection in the third trimester (n = 149; 53.6%). The most prevalent medications used across all trimesters were analgesics (2.4% to 20.0%), antibacterials (15.0% to 23.1%), and corticosteroids (7.2% to 10.4%). Pre- or gestational hypertensive disorder (odds ratio (OR) 4.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65, 14.87) and having at least one dose of vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04, 0.39) were associated with hospitalization due to COVID-19. Analgesics, antibacterials, and corticosteroids were the most frequently used medications among pregnant women with COVID-19. Women with hypertensive disorders have almost a five-fold increased risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19. Vaccination was the strongest protective factor for severe COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women should be promoted, and pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 who have hypertensive disorders should be closely monitored.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on excess maternal deaths in Brazil: A two-year assessment

BACKGROUND

Accurate estimates of the COVID-19 pandemic's indirect impacts are crucial, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to update estimates of excess maternal deaths in Brazil during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This was an exploratory mixed ecological study using the counterfactual approach. The observed maternal deaths were gathered from the Mortality Information System (SIM) for the period between March 2015 and February 2022. Expected deaths from March 2020 to February 2022 were estimated using quasipoisson generalized additive models, considering quadrimester, age group, and their interaction as predictor variables. Analyses were performed in R version 4.1.2, RStudio, version 2023.03.1+446 and carried out with support from the "mgcv" and "plot_model" libraries.

RESULTS

A total of 5,040 maternal deaths were reported, with varying excess mortality across regions and age groups, resulting in 69% excess maternal mortality throughout Brazil during the first two years of the pandemic. The Southeast region had 50% excess mortality throughout the first two years and 76% excess in the second year. The North region had 69% excess mortality, increasing in the second year, particularly among women aged 20-34. The Northeast region showed 80% excess mortality, with a significant increase in the second year, especially among women aged 35-49. The Central-West region had 75% excess mortality, higher in the second year and statistically significant among women aged 35-49. The South region showed 117% excess mortality, reaching 203% in the second year among women aged 20-34, but no excess mortality in the 10-19 age category.

CONCLUSIONS

Over two years, Brazil saw a significant impact on maternal excess deaths, regardless of region and pandemic year. The highest peak occurred between March and June 2021, emphasizing the importance of timely and effective epidemic responses to prevent avoidable deaths and prepare for new crises.

Factors associated with hospitalizations and deaths of pregnant women from Paraná due to COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the factors associated with hospitalization in the ward and intensive care unit (ICU), and with death from COVID-19 in pregnant women with confirmed cases.

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional study, carried out with data from pregnant women with a confirmed case of COVID-19 from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System and the Paraná's state COVID-19 notification system. The association between the independent and dependent variables (hospitalization in the ward and ICU, and death) was investigated using the Poisson regression model with robust variance.

RESULTS

4,719 pregnant women comprised the study population. 9.6 and 5.1% were hospitalized in wards and ICU, respectively. 1.9% died. There was an association between advanced maternal age and hospitalization in wards (PR=1.36; 95%CI 1.10-1.62) and ICU (PR=2.25; 95%CI 1.78-2.71), and death (PR=3.22; 95%CI 2.30-4.15). An association was found between the third trimester and hospitalization in wards (PR=5.06; 95%CI 2.82-7.30) and ICU (PR=6.03; 95%CI 3.67-8.39) and death (PR=13.56; 95%CI 2.90-24.23). The second trimester was associated with ICU admission (PR=2.67; 95%CI 1.36-3.99). Pregnant women with cardiovascular disease had a higher frequency of hospitalization in wards (PR=2.24; 95%CI 1.43-3.05) and ICU (PR=2.66; 95%CI 1.46-3.87). Obesity was associated with ICU admission (PR=3.79; 95%CI 2.71-4.86) and death (PR=5.62; 95%CI 2.41-8.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced maternal age, the end of the gestational period and comorbidities were associated with severe COVID-19.

Severe Covid-19 in pregnant and postpartum women admitted to an intensive care unit: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with worse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study aims to describe the characteristics of pregnant and postpartum women with severe Covid-19 admitted to ICU.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

It's a retrospective cohort study evaluating pregnant and postpartum women referenced to a specialized ICU between May 2020 and June 2022. Covid-19 was confirmed with RT-PCR or rapid antigen test on a nasopharyngeal swab. Variables were described by median and IQR when numerical, and by frequency and percentage when categorical. OR with 95% CI were calculated for the evaluation of factors related to death. P-values were calculated using Pearson's ꭓ2-test, Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Kruskall-Wallis test, and statistical significance was established as < 0·05. Missing data were excluded. All statistical analysis were performed using R software version 4.2.2. Of the 101 admissions, 85 (84·2%) were of pregnant women. Obesity (23·0%) and systemic arterial hypertension (13·0%) were the most prevalent medical conditions. Sixty-six (65·3%) were admitted using some type of oxygen support. Forty-seven (46·5%) evolved to mechanical ventilation. There were 61 events considered obstetric complications, with 8 stillbirths/fetal losses. The overall lethality was 15·8%. Pregnancy interruption, need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation, level of oxygen support at admission, prone maneuver, hemodialysis, and healthcare-related infections were factors associated with death. Evaluating the WHO 7-category ordinary scale, there was a trend of increase in the risk of death with higher punctuation, with a statistically significant difference of women with 5 (OR = 7·27; 95% IC = 1·17-194; p = 0·031) or 6 points (OR = 12·0; 95% IC = 1·15-391; p = 0·038) when compared to the ones with 3 points, i.e., of women admitted with a high-flow non-rebreathing mask or invasive mechanical ventilation, compared with the ones admitted at room air, respectively. The main limitations of this study are the relatively small number of participants, and the use of data derived of medical records-which are susceptible to misclassification and variable amounts of missing data.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant and postpartum women with severe Covid-19 have high lethality and a high incidence of clinical and obstetric complications. These findings support that this population should be prioritized in public health strategies that address Covid-19.

Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics of cases of Covid-19-related maternal near miss and death at referral units in northeastern Brazil: a cohort study

Objective: Covid-19 poses a major risk during pregnancy and postpartum, resulting in an increase in maternal mortality worldwide, including in Brazil; however, little research has been conducted into cases of a near miss. This study aimed to describe the frequency of COVID-19-related near miss and deaths during pregnancy or in the postpartum in referral centers in northeastern Brazil, as well as the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of the women who experienced a severe maternal outcome.Methods: A retrospective and prospective cohort study was performed between April 2020 and June 2021 with hospitalized pregnant and postpartum women with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data from five tertiary hospitals in northeastern Brazil were evaluated. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info, version 7.2.5.0.Results: A total of 463 patients were included. Of these, 64 (14% of the sample) had a severe maternal outcome, with 42 cases of near miss (9%) and 22 maternal deaths (5%). Patients who had a severe maternal outcome were predominantly young (median age 30 years) and 65.6% were black or brown-skinned. The women had between 6 and 16 years of schooling; 45.3% had a stable partner; 81.3% were pregnant at the time of admission to the study; and 76.6% required a Cesarean section. The great majority (82.8%) had severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Other complications included hypertensive syndromes (40.6%), pneumonia (37.5%), urinary tract infections (29.7%), acute renal failure (25.0%) and postpartum hemorrhage (21.9%). Sepsis developed in 18.8% of cases, neurological dysfunction in 15.6%, and hepatic dysfunction and septic shock in 14.1% of cases each. The relative frequency of admission to an intensive care unit was 87.5%, while 67.2% of the patients required assisted mechanical ventilation, and 54.7% required noninvasive ventilation. Antibiotics were prescribed in 93.8% of cases and corticosteroids in 71.9%, while blood transfusion was required in 25.0% of cases and renal replacement therapy in 15.6%. Therapeutic anticoagulants were administered to 12.5% of the patients. Of the patients who had a severe maternal outcome, the frequency of respiratory dysfunction was 93.8%, with 50.0% developing neurological dysfunction and 37.5% cardiovascular dysfunction. Hematological dysfunction was found in 29.7%, renal dysfunction in 18.8%, and uterine dysfunction in 14.1%. Hepatic dysfunction occurred in 7.8% of the sample. The near-miss ratio for Covid-19 was 1.6/1000 live births and the maternal mortality ratio for Covid-19 was 84.8/100,000 live births, with a mortality index of 34.4% in the sample.Conclusion: This study revealed a low Covid-19-related maternal near miss (MNM) ratio of 1.6/1000 live births and a high Covid-19-related maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 84.81/100,000 live births. The mortality index was also high. Most of the patients were admitted while pregnant, were young, married and black or brown-skinned, and none had completed university education. The majority had SARS and required admission to an intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation. Most were submitted to a Cesarean section.

Factors associated with the evolution of COVID-19 in pregnant women: a Brazilian population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the evolution of COVID-19 among Brazilian pregnant women, identifying sociodemographic and clinical predictors related to admission to ICU - Intensive Care Unit and death.

METHOD

Cross-sectional, population-based study, carried out with a secondary database, based on data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by multiple linear regression with Poisson response, adopting critical p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Intensive care admission rates of 28.2% and death rates of 9.5% were identified. Region of residence, gestational trimester, number of comorbidities and respiratory signs and symptoms were associated with the risk of admission to intensive care. Age over 34 years, comorbidities, oxygen saturation equal to or less than 95%, admission to intensive care and ventilatory support, invasive or not, increased the risk of death.

CONCLUSION

Sociodemographic and clinical predictors showed an association with hospitalization in intensive care and death of pregnant women with COVID-19.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Births, Vaginal Deliveries, Cesarian Sections, and Maternal Mortality in a Brazilian Metropolitan Area: A Time-Series Cohort Study

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a worldwide challenge, leading to radical changes in healthcare. The primary objective of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on birth, vaginal delivery, and cesarian section (c-section) rates. The secondary objective was to compare the maternal mortality before and after the pandemic.

Patients and Methods

Time-series cohort study including data of all women admitted for childbirth (vaginal delivery or c-section) at the maternities in the Public Health System of Federal District, Brazil, between March 2018 and February 2022, using data extracted from the Hospital Information System of Brazilian Ministry of Health (SIH/DATASUS) on September 30, 2022. Causal impact analysis was used to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on birth, vaginal delivery, and c-section using the CausalImpact R package, and a propensity score matching was used to evaluate the effect on maternal mortality rate using the Easy R (EZR) software.

Results

There were 150,617 births, and considering total births, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was not statistically significant (absolute effect per week: 5.5, 95% CI: -24.0-33.4). However, there was an increase in c-sections after COVID-19 (absolute effect per week: 18.1; 95% CI: 11.9-23.9). After propensity score matching, the COVID-19 period was associated with increased maternal mortality (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.53-6.81). The e-value of the adjusted OR for the association between the post-COVID-19 period and maternal mortality was 5.89, with a 95% CI: 2.43, suggesting that unmeasured confounders were unlikely to explain the entirety of the effect.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a rise in c-sections and maternal mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly due to disruptions in maternal care. These findings highlight that implementing effective strategies to protect maternal health in times of crisis and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns is crucial.

Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Negative COVID-19 Outcomes and Their Relation to Socioeconomic Indicators in Brazil

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze maternal risk factors associated with negative outcomes of COVID-19 and association with socioeconomic indicators in Brazil.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study, with data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Flu) of pregnant women with COVID-19 and cases of hospitalization and death. For the analysis of risk factors and outcomes, the multiple logistic regression method was used.

RESULTS

Pregnant women who had some risk factor represented 47.04%. The chance of death was 2.48 times greater when there was a risk factor, 1.55 for ICU admission and 1.43 for use of ventilatory support. The percentage of cure was 79.64%, 15.46% without any negative outcome, 4.65% death and 0.26% death from other causes. Pregnant women who did not take the vaccine represented 30.08%, 16.74% took it and 53.18% were not specified. The variables HDI, illiteracy, per capita income and urbanization did not influence the cases of COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors such as age, obesity, asthma and pregnancy were responsible for the increase in hospitalizations, respiratory complications and death. Vaccination reduced the risk of negative outcomes by 50%. There were no correlations between socioeconomic indicators and the negative outcomes of COVID-19 in pregnant women.

Addressing Chronic Gynecological Diseases in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on healthcare systems worldwide. Since the actual influence of the pandemic on gynecological care is still unclear, we aim to evaluate the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on gynecological procedures compared to the pre-pandemic period in Romania. Materials and Methods: this is a single-center retrospective observational study, involving patients hospitalized in the year before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (PP), in the first year of the pandemic (P1), and in the second year of the pandemic until February 2022 (P2). The percentages of interventions were analyzed globally but also according to the type of surgery applied on the female genital organs. Results: during pandemic, the number of gynecological surgeries dropped considerably, by more than 50% in some cases, or even decreased by up to 100%, having a major impact on women's health, especially in the first year of the pandemic (P1), before slightly increasing in the post-vaccination period (PV). Surgically treated cancer cases dropped by over 80% during the pandemic, and the consequences of this will be seen in the future. Conclusions: the COVID-19 pandemic played an important part in gynecological care management in the Romanian public health care system, and the effect will have to be investigated in the future.

Maternal mortality in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic: time series and social inequities

OBJECTIVE

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic goes beyond morbidity and mortality from that disease. Increases in maternal mortality have also been described but have not been extensively studied to date. This study aimed to examine changes in maternal mortality and identify correlates and predictors of excess maternal mortality in Colombia during the pandemic.

SETTING

Analysis of data from the national epidemiological surveillance databases of Colombia (Sivigila).

PARTICIPANTS

Deaths among 6342 Colombian pregnant women who experienced complications associated with pregnancy, childbirth or the perperium during 2008-2020 were included in this study. For inequalities analysis, a subsample of 1055 women from this group who died in 2019 or 2020 years were analysed.

METHODS

We collected data from the national surveillance system (Sivigila) on maternal mortality. Analysis was carried out in two stages, starting with a time series modelling using the Box-Jenkins approach. Data from Sivigila for 2008-2019 were used to establish a baseline of expected mortality levels. Both simple and complex inequality metrics, with the maternal mortality ratios (MMRs), were then calculated using the Multidimensional Poverty Index as a socioeconomic proxy.

RESULTS

Maternal deaths in 2020 were 12.6% (95% CI -21.4% to 95.7%) higher than expected. These excess deaths were statistically significant in elevation for the months of July (97.4%, 95% CI 35.1% to 250.0%) and August (87.8%, 95% CI 30.5% to 220.8%). The MMR was nearly three times higher in the poorest municipalities compared with the most affluent communities in 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic had considerable impact on maternal health, not only by leading to increased deaths, but also by increasing social health inequity. Barriers to access and usage of essential health services are a challenge to achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals.

Profile of Maternal Mortality of COVID-19 in Ceará, in the Period of 2020

The aim of this paper is to describe the profile of maternal mortality of COVID-19 in the state of Ceará, Brazil, in the period 2020. Ecological, exploratory, cross-sectional study, with secondary data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System, were made available by the Obstetric Observatory Brazilian COVID-19. A total of 485 pregnant and postpartum women were included, and the analysis considered the notifications from the year 2020. The variables of interest and the outcome (death/cure by COVID-19) were analyzed in a descriptive way. Most pregnant and postpartum women were between 20 and 35 years old, brown/white skin color and residing in an urban area. The proportion of deaths was 5.8% in the year 2020. In that period, the rates of hospitalization in the ward increased by 95.5%, 12.6% of hospitalization in the Unit of Intensive Care (ICU), and 7.2% needed invasive ventilatory support. Maternal mortality from COVID-19 suggests an emergency in terms of the development of health actions and policies due to the aggravation and risks due to this disease.

COVID-19 in Pregnancy: Influence of Body Weight and Nutritional Status on Maternal and Pregnancy Outcomes-A Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis

In the last two and a half years, COVID-19 has been one of the most challenging public health issues worldwide. Based on the available evidence, pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to infection than the general population but having COVID-19 during pregnancy may increase the risk of major complications for both the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study is to identify the correlation between BMI and nutritional status and the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 infection in pregnancy, its severity, and maternal pregnancy outcomes. We carry out a systematic literature search and a meta-analysis using three databases following the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration. We include 45 studies about COVID-19-positive pregnant women. Compared with normal-weight pregnant women with COVID-19, obesity is associated with a more severe infection (OR = 2.32 [1.65-3.25]), increased maternal death (OR = 2.84 [2.01-4.02]), and a higher rate of hospital admission (OR = 2.11 [1.37-3.26]). Obesity may be associated with adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes by increasing symptom severity and, consequently, hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, and, finally, death rates. For micronutrients, the results are less definite, even if there seems to be a lower level of micronutrients, in particular Vitamin D, in COVID-19-positive pregnant women.

Clusters of Pregnant Women with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Due to COVID-19: An Unsupervised Learning Approach

COVID-19 has been widely explored in relation to its symptoms, outcomes, and risk profiles for the severe form of the disease. Our aim was to identify clusters of pregnant and postpartum women with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to COVID-19 by analyzing data available in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System of Brazil (SIVEP-Gripe) between March 2020 and August 2021. The study's population comprised 16,409 women aged between 10 and 49 years old. Multiple correspondence analyses were performed to summarize information from 28 variables related to symptoms, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics into a set of continuous principal components (PCs). The population was segmented into three clusters based on an agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis applied to the first 10 PCs. Cluster 1 had a higher frequency of younger women without comorbidities and with flu-like symptoms; cluster 2 was represented by women who reported mainly ageusia and anosmia; cluster 3 grouped older women with the highest frequencies of comorbidities and poor outcomes. The defined clusters revealed different levels of disease severity, which can contribute to the initial risk assessment of the patient, assisting the referral of these women to health services with an appropriate level of complexity.

Doppler ultrasound findings in symptomatic pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on maternal and foetal Doppler findings. Doppler ultrasound findings were compared in 40 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 disease who required hospitalisation (group 1) and 30 healthy pregnant women (group 2). Maternal characteristics and birth histories were recorded. Body mass index, gestational week at birth, type of delivery, oligihydroamnios, pre-term birth (<37 weeks), low birth weight (<10 percentile), perinatal death and f1st and 5th minute Apgar scores were recorded. Birth weights and foetal biophysical profile (BPP) scores in group 1 were significantly lower than those in group 2. There was a statistically significant between-group difference in the umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI), umbilical artery resistive index (RI), middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI, MCA RI, mean uterine artery (UtA) PI, mean UtA RI and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), the parameters used to evaluate foetal-maternal blood flow. In the pregnant group diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalised, all foetal-maternal Doppler indicators of foetal-maternal blood flow were impaired, and birth weights and BPP scores in these patients were statistically significantly lower than those in the healthy controls.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Foetal and maternal vascular malperfusion characterised by decidual arteriopathy have been reported in pathologies of placentas from pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection.What the results of this study add? It was determined that COVID-19 disrupted foetal and maternal blood flow.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Foetal biometric measurements and foetal Doppler may be useful in the follow-up of perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Brazilian pregnant and postpartum women: results from the REBRACO prospective cohort study

Brazil presented a very high number of maternal deaths and evident delays in healthcare. We aimed at evaluating the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated outcomes in the obstetric population. We conducted a prospective cohort study in 15 Brazilian centers including symptomatic pregnant or postpartum women with suspected COVID-19 from Feb/2020 to Feb/2021. Women were followed from suspected infection until the end of pregnancy. We analyzed maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes associated with confirmed COVID-19 infection and SARS, determining unadjusted risk ratios. In total, 729 symptomatic women with suspected COVID-19 were initially included. Among those investigated for COVID-19, 51.3% (n = 289) were confirmed COVID-19 and 48% (n = 270) were negative. Initially (before May 15th), only 52.9% of the suspected cases were tested and it was the period with the highest proportion of ICU admission and maternal deaths. Non-white ethnicity (RR 1.78 [1.04–3.04]), primary schooling or less (RR 2.16 [1.21–3.87]), being overweight (RR 4.34 [1.04–19.01]) or obese (RR 6.55 [1.57–27.37]), having public prenatal care (RR 2.16 [1.01–4.68]), planned pregnancies (RR 2.09 [1.15–3.78]), onset of infection in postpartum period (RR 6.00 [1.37–26.26]), chronic hypertension (RR 2.15 [1.37–4.10]), pre-existing diabetes (RR 3.20 [1.37–7.46]), asthma (RR 2.22 [1.14–4.34]), and anaemia (RR 3.15 [1.14–8.71]) were associated with higher risk for SARS. The availability of tests and maternal outcomes varied throughout the pandemic period of the study; the beginning was the most challenging period, with worse outcomes. Socially vulnerable, postpartum and previously ill women were more likely to present SARS related to COVID-19.

Factors associated with vaccination against Covid-19 in pregnant and hospitalized postpartum women: A retrospective cohort study

Objective

To analyze the characteristics associated with vaccination against Covid-19 in pregnant and postpartum women with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Brazil and to investigate a possible association between vaccination and the clinical course and outcome of the disease.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of hospitalized pregnant and postpartum women diagnosed with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) by SARS-CoV-2, presenting onset of signs and symptoms between May and October 2021. Secondary data were used, available in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe). Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical program, medians were applied to present continuous variables and frequencies, and proportions were calculated for categorical variables, using logistic and multivariate regression analysis.

Results

The final study population included 3,585 pregnant and postpartum women, of whom 596 (16.6) were vaccinated: 443 (74.3%) received one dose and 153 (25.7%) received two doses. They were factors associated with non-vaccination against Covid-19 age ≤ 19 anos (OR: 2.57; IC_95% 1.40;4.71), non-white women (OR: 1.34; IC_95% 1.07;1.67) and those who required ventilatory support (OR: 1.51; IC_95% 1.19;1.90) and invasive ventilation (OR: 2.05; IC_95% 1.37;3.08). On the other hand, vaccination was associated with advanced maternal age (OR: 0.60; IC_95% 0.48;0.76), presence of comorbidities (OR: 0.57; IC_95% 0.45;0.72) and loss of taste (OR: 0.63; IC_95% 0.48;0.82).

Conclusions

Demographic, ethnic-racial and clinical characteristics were associated with the vaccination status of pregnant and postpartum women with SARS by SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil. Vaccination against Covid-19 in the obstetric population has already shown positive results in the evolution of severe cases, which reiterates its importance. It is essential that health services advance vaccination against Covid-19 in the obstetric population, especially adolescentes and non-white women.

Maternal Deaths from COVID-19 in Brazil: Increase during the Second Wave of the Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

 To compare death rates by COVID-19 between pregnant or postpartum and nonpregnant women during the first and second waves of the Brazilian pandemic.

METHODS

 In the present population-based evaluation data from the Sistema de Informação da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe, in the Portuguese acronym), we included women with c (ARDS) by COVID-19: 47,768 in 2020 (4,853 obstetric versus 42,915 nonobstetric) and 66,689 in 2021 (5,208 obstetric versus 61,481 nonobstetric) and estimated the frequency of in-hospital death.

RESULTS

 We identified 377 maternal deaths in 2020 (first wave) and 804 in 2021 (second wave). The death rate increased 2.0-fold for the obstetric (7.7 to 15.4%) and 1.6-fold for the nonobstetric groups (13.9 to 22.9%) from 2020 to 2021 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.58 in 2020 and OR: 0.61; 95%CI: 0.56-0.66 in 2021; p < 0.05). In women with comorbidities, the death rate increased 1.7-fold (13.3 to 23.3%) and 1.4-fold (22.8 to 31.4%) in the obstetric and nonobstetric groups, respectively (OR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.44-0.61 in 2020 to OR: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.59-0.73 in 2021; p < 0.05). In women without comorbidities, the mortality rate was higher for nonobstetric (2.4 times; 6.6 to 15.7%) than for obstetric women (1.8 times; 5.5 to 10.1%; OR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.69-0.95 in 2020 and OR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.58-0.68 in 2021; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

 There was an increase in maternal deaths from COVID-19 in 2021 compared with 2020, especially in patients with comorbidities. Death rates were even higher in nonpregnant women, with or without comorbidities.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for maternal deaths due to COVID-19 in Brazil: a nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Monitoring the characteristics and associated factors for death among pregnant and postpartum women with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is necessary. We investigated the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with maternal deaths in a nationwide cohort of Brazil.

METHODS

This was a population-based cohort of all pregnant and postpartum women hospitalised with COVID-19 notified to the Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe of Brazil (SIVEP-Gripe), from February 2020 to September 2021. The primary outcome was time to in-hospital death, with risk factors analysed with univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS

Cumulative observation time was 248 821 person-days from hospital admission to the end of follow-up for 15 105 individuals. There were 1858 deaths (12.3%) for a maternal mortality rate of 7.5 (95% CI 7.1-7.8) per 1000 patients-days. The cumulative mortality increased over time. Black/Brown ethnicity had a higher risk of death than women self-identifying as White. Women in the North, Northeast, Central-West and Southeast regions had higher risk of death than women in the South region. The characteristics independently associated with death were a postpartum status on admission [adjusted hazard ratio, HR 1.4 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.2-1.6)], pre-existing clinical conditions [adjusted HRs 1.2 (95%CI 1.1-1.3) for one and 1.3 (95%CI 1.1-1.5) for two comorbidities], hypoxaemia on admission [adjusted HR 1.2 (95%CI 1.1-1.4)] and requiring non-invasive [adjusted HR 2.6 (95%CI 2.1-3.3)] or invasive ventilatory support [adjusted HR 7.1 (95%CI 5.6-9.2)].

CONCLUSION

In Brazil, the in-hospital maternal mortality rate due to COVID-19 is high and the risk of death increases with the length of hospitalisation. Socio-demographic and biological factors are associated with an increased risk of maternal death. The presence of respiratory signs and symptoms should be considered early markers of disease severity and an adequate management is necessary. Our findings reinforce the need for vaccination of pregnant and postpartum women against COVID-19.

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.

COVID-19 and pregnancy: A comparison of case reports, case series and registry studies

BACKGROUND

Selection, outcome and publication biases are well described in case reports and case series but may be less of a problem early in the appearance of a new disease when all cases might appear to be worth publishing.

OBJECTIVE

To use a prospectively collected database of primary sources to compare the reporting of COVID-19 in pregnancy in case reports, case series and in registries over the first 8 months of the pandemic.

STUDY DESIGN

MEDLINE, Embase and Maternity and Infant Care databases were searched from 22 March to 5 November 2020, to create a curated list of primary sources. Duplicate reports were excluded. Case reports, case series and registry studies of pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19, where neonatal outcomes were reported, were selected and data extracted on neonatal infection status, neonatal death, neonatal intensive care unit admission, preterm birth, stillbirth, maternal critical care unit admission and maternal death.

RESULTS

149 studies comprising 41,658 mothers and 8,854 neonates were included. All complications were more common in case reports, and in retrospective series compared with presumably prospective registry studies. Extensive overlap is likely in registry studies, with cases from seven countries reported by multiple registries. The UK Obstetric Surveillance System was the only registry to explicitly report identification and removal of duplicate cases, although five other registries reported collection of patient identifiable data which would facilitate identification of duplicates.

CONCLUSIONS

Since it is likely that registries provide the least biased estimates, the higher rates seen in the other two study designs are probably due to selection or publication bias. However even some registry studies include self- or doctor-reported cases, so might be biased, and we could not completely exclude overlap of cases in some registries.

Factors associated with death among postpartum women with COVID-19: a Brazilian population-based study

Objective:

to identify the factors associated with death due to COVID-19 among Brazilian postpartum women in the first five months of the pandemic and five subsequent months, and describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of postpartum women who developed the disease.

Method:

cross-sectional population-based study using a secondary database available in the Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe -SIVEP-Gripe (Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System), Brazilian Ministry of Health. A total of 869 postpartum women were included, and the analysis considered the first five months of the pandemic and subsequent five months. Association between the variables of interest and outcome (death due to COVID-19/cure) was investigated using logistic regression.

Results:

most participants were aged between 20 and 34, of mixed race or Caucasian, and lived in the urban/peri-urban area. The proportion of deaths was 20.2% in the first period and 11.2% in the second. The likelihood of death increased in both periods due to the presence of respiratory signs and symptoms: dyspnea, respiratory distress, and oxygen saturation below 95%, in addition to the need for ventilatory support and intensive care.

Conclusion:

the proportion of deaths among postpartum women was high and decreased in the second period under study. Respiratory signs and symptoms, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care were associated with death in both periods.

COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalized puerperal, pregnant, and neither pregnant nor puerperal women

OBJECTIVE

To compare hospitalized reproductive age women with COVID-19 who were pregnant, puerperal, or neither one nor the other in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics and disease progression using Brazilian epidemiological data.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the records of the Information System of the Epidemiological Surveillance of Influenza of the Health Ministry of Brazil was performed. It included the data of female patients aged 10 to 49 years hospitalized because of severe COVID-19 disease (RT-PCR+ for SARS-CoV-2), from February 17, 2020 to January 02, 2021. They were separated into 3 groups: pregnant, puerperal, and neither pregnant nor puerperal. General comparisons and then adjustments for confounding variables (propensity score matching [PSM]) were made, using demographic and clinical characteristics, disease progression (admission to the intensive care unit [ICU] and invasive or noninvasive ventilatory support), and outcome (cure or death). Deaths were analyzed in each group according to comorbidities, invasive or noninvasive ventilatory support, and admission to the ICU.

RESULTS

As many as 40,640 reproductive age women hospitalized for COVID-19 were identified: 3,372 were pregnant, 794 were puerperal, and 36,474 were neither pregnant nor puerperal. Groups were significantly different in terms of demographic data and comorbidities (p<0.0001). Pregnant and puerperal women were less likely to be symptomatic than the women who were neither one nor the other (72.1%, 69.7% and 88.8%, respectively). Pregnant women, however, had a higher frequency of anosmia, and ageusia than the others. After PSM, puerperal women had a worse prognosis than pregnant women with respect to admission to the ICU, invasive ventilatory support, and death, with OR (95% CI) 1.97 (1.55 - 2.50), 2.71 (1.78 - 4.13), and 2.51 (1.79 - 3.52), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Puerperal women were at a higher risk for serious outcomes (need for the ICU, need for invasive and noninvasive ventilatory support, and death) than pregnant women.

Mechanical ventilation and prone positioning in pregnant patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: experience at a quaternary referral center

BACKGROUND

We present the care of 17 consecutive pregnant patients who required mechanical ventilation for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia at a quaternary referral center in the United States. We retrospectively describe the management of these patients, maternal and fetal outcomes, as well as the feasibility of prone positioning and delivery.

METHODS

Between March 2020 and June 2021, all pregnant and postpartum patients who were mechanically ventilated for COVID-19 pneumonia were identified. Details of their management including prone positioning, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and complications were noted.

RESULTS

Seventeen pregnant patients required mechanical ventilation for COVID-19. Thirteen patients received prone positioning, with a total of 49 prone sessions. One patient required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. All patients in this series survived until at least discharge. Nine patients delivered while mechanically ventilated, and all neonates survived, subsequently testing negative for SARS-CoV-2. There was one spontaneous abortion. Four emergent cesarean deliveries were prompted by refractory maternal hypoxemia or non-reassuring fetal heart rate after maternal intubation.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, maternal and neonatal survival were favorable even in the setting of severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation. Prone positioning was well tolerated although the impact of prone positioning or fetal delivery on maternal oxygenation and ventilation are unclear.

Clinical evaluation of pregnant women with SARS-COV2 pneumonia: a real-life study from Egypt

BACKGROUND

Knowledge about the outcome of COVID-19 on pregnant women is so important. The published literature on the outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 is confusing. The aim of this study was to report our clinical experience about the effect of COVID-19 on pregnant women and to determine whether it was associated with increased mortality or an increase in the need for mechanical ventilation in this special category of patients.

METHODS

This was a cohort study from some isolation hospitals of the Ministry of Health and Population, in eleven governorates, Egypt. The clinical data from the first 64 pregnant women with COVID-19 whose care was managed at some of the Egyptian hospitals from 14 March to 14 June 2020 as well as 114 non-pregnant women with COVID-19 was reviewed.

RESULTS

The two groups did not show any significant difference regarding the main outcomes of the disease. Two cases in each group needed mechanical ventilation (p 0.617). Three cases (4.7%) died among the pregnant women and two (1.8%) died among the non-pregnant women (p 0.352).

CONCLUSIONS

The main clinical outcomes of COVID-19 were not different between pregnant and non-pregnant women with COVID-19. Based on our findings, pregnancy did not exacerbate the course or mortality of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Spatial clusters, social determinants of health and risk of maternal mortality by COVID-19 in Brazil: a national population-based ecological study

BACKGROUND

Detailed information on how socio-economic characteristics are related to COVID-19 incident cases and maternal deaths is needed. We investigated the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths in Brazil and their association with social determinants of health.

METHODS

This was a population-based ecological study with a spatial analysis of all cases and deaths of COVID-19 in the obstetric population. Data on COVID-19 cases and deaths in the obstetric population, social vulnerability, health inequities, and health system capacity at the municipal level were obtained from several publicly sources in Brazil. A Bayesian empirical local model was used to identify fluctuations of the indicators. Spatial statistic tests were used to identity the spatial clusters and measure the municipalities' risk of COVID-19 in the obstetric population. Beta regression was used to characterise the association between socio-economic indicators and the burden of COVID-19.

FINDINGS

A total of 13,858 cases and 1,396 deaths due to COVID-19 were recorded in Brazil from March 2020 to June 2021. There was a variation in the number of cases per municipality, with 105 municipalities with rates from 2,210 to 3,884 cases and 45 municipalities with rates from 3,884 to 7,418 cases per 100,000 live births. The maternal mortality ratio also varied widely across municipalities. There was a spatial dependence on smoothed maternal mortality rates (I Moran 0•10; P = 0•010), and 15 municipalities had higher risk of maternal deaths. Municipalities characterized by lower health resources and higher socioeconomic inequalities presented the highest rates of incidence and maternal mortality by COVID-19.

INTERPRETATION

In Brazil, COVID-19 cases and deaths in the obstetric population had a heterogeneous geographical distribution, with well-defined spatial clusters mostly located in the countryside. Municipalities with a high degree of socioeconomic dissimilarities showed higher maternal mortality rates than areas with better social and infrastructure indicators.

FUNDING

None.

Perspectives on administration of COVID-19 vaccine to pregnant and lactating women: a challenge for low- and middle-income countries

Women who are in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle or are lactating have been deliberately excluded from participating in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials that aimed to evaluate either the efficacy of the vaccines in inducing the formation of neutralizing antibodies or the investigational products' safety profile. The exclusion of pregnant and lactating women from such studies certainly and inequitably denies these women access to COVID-19 vaccines, since these products have become increasingly available to nonpregnant people and even to those who are pregnant and are in high-income settings. In this clinical opinion article, we discuss some aspects of the prolonged pandemic, the emergence of viral variants, the risks of severe complications of COVID-19 in pregnant women, and the disproportionate impact of the above on low- and middle-income countries. We argue that the decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine should be a joint decision between the pregnant or lactating women and the healthcare providers, while considering the available data on vaccine efficacy, safety, the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women, and the women's individual risks for infection and serious illness. The various types of vaccines that are already in use and their safety, effectiveness, and the potential risks and benefits of their administration to pregnant or lactating women are also reviewed.

COVID 19 and high pregnancy and perinatal complications in Panama

OBJECTIVES

To report the maternal and neonatal results of patients infected with COVID-19 in Panama.

METHODS

The study is based on the analysis of pregnant women with COVID-19, in five hospitals in the Republic of Panama. The inclusion criteria were: patients with or without symptoms, positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in the period from March 23 to 6 months after, whose births were attended in one of those five hospitals and who signed the consent. Data were obtained at the time of diagnosis of the infection and at the time of termination of pregnancy for the mother and newborn.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-three patients met the inclusion criteria. Most were diagnosed in the third trimester (89.3%). 10.3% of the patients presented in a severe form of COVID-19. The most frequent complication was pre-eclampsia and if we add gestational hypertension they represent 21.2%; most of the patients terminated the pregnancy by cesarean section (58%). 26.9% (95% CI 21.3-32.9%) of the births were premature, and perinatal mortality was 5.4% (95% CI 3.0-9.0%). There was a need for mechanical ventilation in 5.9% (95% CI 3.6-9.6%) of the cohort and there were four maternal deaths (1.6% - 95% CI 0.6-4.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study of pregnant women infected with COVID-19 and diagnosed with RT-PCR shows serious maternal complications such as high admission to the ICU, need for mechanical ventilation and one death in every 64 infected. Frequent obstetric complications such as hypertension, premature rupture of membranes, high rate of prematurity, and perinatal lethality were also seen.

Characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection and other severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in Brazil from January to November 2020

BACKGROUND

Knowledge about COVID-19 in pregnancy is limited, and evidence on the impact of the infection during pregnancy and postpartum is still emerging.

AIM

To analyze maternal morbidity and mortality due to severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), including COVID-19, in Brazil.

METHODS

National surveillance data from the SIVEP-Gripe (Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe) was used to describe currently and recently pregnant women aged 10-49 years hospitalized for SARI from January through November, 2020. SARI cases were grouped into: COVID-19; influenza or other detected agent SARI; and SARI of unknown etiology. Characteristics, symptoms and outcomes were presented by SARI type and region. Binomial proportion and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for outcomes were obtained using the Clopper-Pearson method.

RESULTS

Of 945,460 SARI cases in the SIVEP-Gripe, we selected 11,074 women aged 10-49 who were pregnant (7964) or recently pregnant (3110). COVID-19 was confirmed in 49.4% cases; 1.7% had influenza or another etiological agent; and 48.9% had SARI of unknown etiology. The pardo race/ethnic group accounted for 50% of SARI cases. Hypertension/Other cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and obesity were the most common comorbidities. A total of 362 women with COVID-19 (6.6%; 95%CI 6.0-7.3) died. Mortality was 4.7% (2.2-8.8) among influenza patients, and 3.3% (2.9-3.8) among those with SARI of unknown etiology. The South-East, Northeast and North regions recorded the highest frequencies of mortality among COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSION

Mortality among pregnant and recently pregnant women with SARIs was elevated among those with COVID-19, particularly in regions where maternal mortality is already high.

COVID-19-related deaths among women of reproductive age in Brazil: The burden of postpartum

Objective

To compare risk of death due to COVID‐19 among pregnant, postpartum, and non‐pregnant women of reproductive age in Brazil, using the severe acute respiratory syndrome surveillance system (SARS‐SS).

Methods

A secondary analysis was performed of the Brazilian official SARS‐SS, with data retrieved up to August 17, 2020. Cases were stratified by pregnancy status, risk factors or co‐morbidities, and outcome (death or recovery). Multiple logistic regression was employed to examine associations between independent variables and risk of death.

Results

A total of 24 805 cases were included, with 3129 deaths (12.6%), including 271 maternal deaths. Postpartum was associated with increased risk of death, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and mechanical ventilation. Co‐morbidities with higher impact on case fatality rate among non‐obstetric cases were cancer and neurological and kidney diseases. Among pregnant women, cancer, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and rheumatology diseases were associated with risk of death. In the postpartum subgroup, age over 35 years and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with higher chance of death.

Conclusion

Postpartum was associated with worse outcomes among the obstetric population, despite lower risk of dying without accessing ICU care. Non‐pregnant women with cancer, neurological diseases, and kidney diseases have a higher risk of death due to COVID‐19.

Postpartum increased the risk of death, admission to the ICU, and mechanical ventilation among reproductive‐age women admitted to hospital due to COVID‐19 severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Ultrasound and Doppler findings in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection

OBJECTIVES

To describe and compare ultrasound and Doppler findings in pregnant women who were positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with findings in those who were SARS-CoV-2-negative, evaluated during the pandemic period.

METHODS

In this retrospective case-control study, we analyzed data from 106 pregnant women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at the time of, or within 1 week of, an ultrasound scan between 1 May and 31 August 2020. Scans were either performed for routine fetal evaluation or indicated due to a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Forty-nine women were symptomatic and 57 were asymptomatic. For comparison, we analyzed data from 103 pregnant women matched for maternal age, parity, body mass index and gestational age at the time of the ultrasound scan. These control women did not report symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of the ultrasound scan or at the time of admission for delivery and had a negative SARS-CoV-2 test at admission for delivery. Fetal biometry, fetal anatomy, amniotic fluid volume and Doppler parameters, including umbilical and fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility indices, cerebroplacental ratio and biophysical profile (BPP), were evaluated as indicated. Biometric and Doppler values were converted to Z-scores for comparison. Our primary outcome, an adverse prenatal composite outcome (APCO) included any one or more of: small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetus, oligohydramnios, abnormal BPP, abnormal Doppler velocimetry and fetal death. Comorbidities, delivery information and neonatal outcome were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven (82.1%) women who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 had a body mass index > 25 kg/m2 . SARS-CoV-2-positive women had a higher prevalence of diabetes (26/106 (24.5%) vs 13/103 (12.6%); P = 0.03), but not of pre-eclampsia (21/106 (19.8%) vs 11/103 (10.7%); P = 0.08), compared with controls. The prevalence of APCO was not significantly different between SARS-CoV-2-positive women (19/106 (17.9%)) and controls (9/103 (8.7%)) (P = 0.06). There were no differences between SARS-CoV-2-positive women and controls in the prevalence of SGA fetuses (12/106 (11.3%) vs 6/103 (5.8%); P = 0.17), fetuses with abnormal Doppler evaluation (8/106 (7.5%) vs 2/103 (1.9%); P = 0.08) and fetuses with abnormal BPP (4/106 (3.8%) vs 0/103 (0%); P = 0.14). There were two fetal deaths in women who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 and these women had a higher rate of preterm delivery ≤ 35 weeks of gestation (22/106 (20.8%) vs 9/103 (8.7%); odds ratio, 2.73 (95% CI, 1.19-6.3); P = 0.01) compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in abnormal fetal ultrasound and Doppler findings observed between pregnant women who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 and controls. However, preterm delivery ≤ 35 weeks was more frequent among SARS-CoV-2-positive women. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Mortality in pregnancy and the postpartum period in women with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome related to COVID-19 in Brazil, 2020

OBJECTIVE

To estimate fatality rates due to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to COVID-19 in Brazilian women, comparing pregnant and postpartum women with nonpregnant women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 12 566 pregnant and postpartum women (obstetric group) and 90 025 nonpregnant women (nonobstetric group) aged 15-49 years reported with severe ARDS in 2020. The Brazilian ARDS Surveillance System was used to compare the outcome (death or cure) between the groups, considering age, race, or comorbidities.

RESULTS

The mortality rate related to ARDS/COVID-19 in the obstetric group was 7.8% (377/4853) compared with 13.9% (5946/42 915) in the nonobstetric group. Comorbidity was associated with increased fatality cases for both groups, but higher in the nonobstetric group (22.8% vs 13.3%). In the obstetric group, deaths related to COVID-19 were concentrated in the third trimester or postpartum period. If comorbidity was present, deaths by COVID-19 were 4.4 times higher than ARDS due to other etiologies, and twice higher in women who self-reported as black (13.7%) than white women (6.7%). Considering ADRS etiology, deaths by COVID-19 were 3.4-6.7 times higher than any other etiology.

CONCLUSION

ARDS related to COVID-19 in obstetric patients was an important factor for worse clinical outcomes, with 3-6 times higher death rates than other ARDS etiologies. Pregnant and postpartum women with severe ARDS related to COVID-19 had a lower fatality rate than nonpregnant women, even with associated comorbidity.

How can countries create outbreak response policies that are sensitive to maternal health?

Ensuring women’s need for sexual and reproductive healthcare are met should be a priority during disease outbreaks, say Maira L S Takemoto and colleagues

The risk of clinical complications and death among pregnant women with COVID-19 in the Cerner COVID-19 cohort: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women are potentially a high-risk population during infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, because of physiologic immune suppression in pregnancy. However, data on the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 among pregnant women, compared to nonpregnant women, are sparse and inconclusive. We sought to assess the impact of pregnancy on COVID-19 associated morbidity and mortality, with particular attention to the impact of pre-existing comorbidity.

METHODS

We used retrospective data from January through June 2020 on female patients aged 18-44 years old utilizing the Cerner COVID-19 de-identified cohort. We used mixed-effects logistic and exponential regression models to evaluate the risk of hospitalization, maximum hospital length of stay (LOS), moderate ventilation, invasive ventilation, and death for pregnant women while adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, insurance, Elixhauser AHRQ weighted Comorbidity Index, diabetes history, medication, and accounting for clustering of results in similar zip-code regions.

RESULTS

Out of 22,493 female patients with associated COVID-19, 7.2% (n = 1609) were pregnant. Crude results indicate that pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women, had higher rates of hospitalization (60.5% vs. 17.0%, P < 0.001), higher mean maximum LOS (0.15 day vs. 0.08 day, P < 0.001) among those who stayed < 1 day, lower mean maximum LOS (2.55 days vs. 3.32 days, P < 0.001) among those who stayed ≥1 day, and higher moderate ventilation use (1.7% vs. 0.7%, P < 0.001) but showed no significant differences in rates of invasive ventilation or death. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women, saw higher odds in hospitalization (aOR: 12.26; 95% CI (10.69, 14.06)), moderate ventilation (aOR: 2.35; 95% CI (1.48, 3.74)), higher maximum LOS among those who stayed < 1 day, and lower maximum LOS among those who stayed ≥1 day. No significant associations were found with invasive ventilation or death. For moderate ventilation, differences were seen among age and race/ethnicity groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with COVID-19 disease, pregnancy confers substantial additional risk of morbidity, but no difference in mortality. Knowing these variabilities in the risk is essential to inform decision-makers and guide clinical recommendations for the management of COVID-19 in pregnant women.

The risk of clinical complications and death among pregnant women with COVID-19 in the Cerner COVID-19 cohort: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women are potentially a high-risk population during infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, because of physiologic immune suppression in pregnancy. However, data on the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 among pregnant women, compared to nonpregnant women, are sparse and inconclusive. We sought to assess the impact of pregnancy on COVID-19 associated morbidity and mortality, with particular attention to the impact of pre-existing comorbidity.

METHODS

We used retrospective data from January through June 2020 on female patients aged 18-44 years old utilizing the Cerner COVID-19 de-identified cohort. We used mixed-effects logistic and exponential regression models to evaluate the risk of hospitalization, maximum hospital length of stay (LOS), moderate ventilation, invasive ventilation, and death for pregnant women while adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, insurance, Elixhauser AHRQ weighted Comorbidity Index, diabetes history, medication, and accounting for clustering of results in similar zip-code regions.

RESULTS

Out of 22,493 female patients with associated COVID-19, 7.2% (n = 1609) were pregnant. Crude results indicate that pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women, had higher rates of hospitalization (60.5% vs. 17.0%, P < 0.001), higher mean maximum LOS (0.15 day vs. 0.08 day, P < 0.001) among those who stayed < 1 day, lower mean maximum LOS (2.55 days vs. 3.32 days, P < 0.001) among those who stayed ≥1 day, and higher moderate ventilation use (1.7% vs. 0.7%, P < 0.001) but showed no significant differences in rates of invasive ventilation or death. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women, saw higher odds in hospitalization (aOR: 12.26; 95% CI (10.69, 14.06)), moderate ventilation (aOR: 2.35; 95% CI (1.48, 3.74)), higher maximum LOS among those who stayed < 1 day, and lower maximum LOS among those who stayed ≥1 day. No significant associations were found with invasive ventilation or death. For moderate ventilation, differences were seen among age and race/ethnicity groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with COVID-19 disease, pregnancy confers substantial additional risk of morbidity, but no difference in mortality. Knowing these variabilities in the risk is essential to inform decision-makers and guide clinical recommendations for the management of COVID-19 in pregnant women.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mortality in Brazil: 523 maternal deaths by acute respiratory distress syndrome potentially associated with SARS-CoV-2

During the study period, 523 pregnant or postpartum women died in Brazil due to confirmed COVID‐19 or undetermined etiology. This results in a projected COVID‐19 MMR of 17.5/100 000 or potentially even higher.

Effect of COVID-19 on Mortality of Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Based on what is known at this time, pregnant women are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 compared to nonpregnant women. Additionally, pregnant women with COVID-19 might have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. To investigate the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on mortality of pregnant and postpartum women, we performed a systematic review of available published literature on pregnancies affected by COVID-19.

METHODS

Web of Science, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE- databases were searched for original studies concerning the effect of COVID-19 on mortality of pregnant and postpartum women published by July 10, 2020. Meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine data and report pooled proportions.

RESULTS

117 studies with a total of 11758 pregnant women were included. The age ranged between 15 and 48 years. Most subjects were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the third trimester. Disease severity was not reported in 1125 subjects. Maternal mortality was 1.3%. In 100% of fatal cases with adequate data, fever alone or with cough was one of the presenting symptoms. Also, dyspnea (58.3%) and myalgia (50%) were the most common symptoms. Sore throat (8.3%) and gastrointestinal symptoms (anorexia, nausea) (8.3%) were rare. The rate of comorbidities was 20% among COVID-19 deaths. The majority of COVID-19-infected women who died had cesarean section (58.3%), 25% had a vaginal delivery, and 16.7% of patients were not full term.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 infection in pregnant women was associated with higher rates (and pooled proportions) of cesarean section and mortality. Because new data are continuously being generated and published, the findings of this study can be complete and updated with new researches. The results of this study can guide and improve prenatal counseling of COVID-19-infected pregnant women.