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Published on: April 14, 2023
Survival from Maternal Cardiac Arrest Complicating Coronavirus Disease 2019
Andrea D Shields1, John J Byrne2, Meghan Munisteri3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.
Insights
This case study shows a postpartum woman survived cardiac arrest due to COVID-19, with full neurological recovery. Pregnant individuals with COVID-19 may have better cardiac arrest survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- COVID-19 is associated with severe cardiovascular complications, including cardiac arrest, in adults.
- Limited data exists on cardiac arrest in pregnant and postpartum individuals with COVID-19.
Observation:
- A postpartum female experienced cardiac arrest secondary to COVID-19.
- She also had seizures attributed to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.
- The patient achieved full neurological recovery and was discharged home.
Findings:
- This case demonstrates survival and complete neurological recovery after maternal cardiac arrest in a postpartum COVID-19 patient.
- Pregnant patients with COVID-19 might exhibit a higher survival rate from cardiac arrest compared to the general population.
Implications:
- Further research is crucial to understand the spectrum of cardiac complications of COVID-19 in pregnancy and postpartum.
- This case highlights the potential for positive outcomes in pregnant patients experiencing severe COVID-19 complications.
Introduction:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been linked to significant cardiovascular complications such as cardiac arrest, which are associated with a poor prognosis in adults. Little is known about the cardiac complications, specifically cardiac arrest, of COVID-19 during pregnancy and postpartum periods.
Case:
We present a case of survival and full neurological recovery after maternal cardiac arrest associated with COVID-19 in a postpartum female. Her postpartum course was also associated with seizures attributed to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. After 19 days in the hospital, she was discharged home neurologically intact.
Conclusion:
More information is needed to determine the range of short- and long-term cardiac complications that may be associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy and postpartum. Additionally, pregnant patients with COVID-19 may be more likely to survive cardiac arrest compared to the general population.
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