Pregnancy Outcomes and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The Spanish Obstetric Emergency Group Study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) are at increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes.
• Understanding the relationship between maternal infection and outcomes like preterm birth is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and perinatal outcomes.
• To identify underlying medical and interventionist factors contributing to adverse outcomes, particularly preterm birth.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study involving 1347 SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive pregnant women and 1607 PCR-negative controls.
• Data collected from medical records and analyzed using univariable and multivariate statistical methods.
• Comparison of perinatal outcomes between infected and non-infected cohorts.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnancies showed higher rates of premature rupture of membranes, venous thrombotic events, and severe pre-eclampsia.
• A significant increase in preterm deliveries was observed in infected mothers, primarily iatrogenic preterm births.
• Maternal conditions like pneumonia and pre-eclampsia in COVID-19-affected pregnancies predisposed to early delivery.

Conclusions:

• Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with increased risks of adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth.
• Preterm deliveries in COVID-19-positive pregnancies are often iatrogenic, driven by maternal disease severity.
• Further research is needed to manage and mitigate these risks effectively.