Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain PPOP
Published on: January 27, 2010
Nosocomial COVID-19 infection in women undergoing elective cesarean delivery: a prospective cohort study
Aaron Nizam1, Michael L Nimaroff1, Andrew W Menzin1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY (Drs Nizam, Nimaroff, Menzin, and Goldberg); Division of Gynecology Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY (Drs Nizam, Menzin, and Goldberg); Department of Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY (Dr Molmenti); Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY (Drs Menzin, Goldberg, Miyara, and Molmenti).
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic placed obstetricians in a difficult position of continuing to perform elective cesarean delivery without the knowledge of the risk of the spread of nosocomial infection of the COVID-19 virus.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine the nosocomial infection rate in women undergoing elective cesarean delivery at 2 academic institutions.
Study Design:
This nonrandomized prospective cohort trial evaluated patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery during the reopening phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of New York at 2 large volume labor and delivery units. Eligible patients with a negative preoperative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test and immunoglobulin G antibody test for COVID-19 were retested 6 to 9 days after discharge. The primary objective was the COVID-19 test conversion rate defined as a positive polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2 after discharge with a negative preoperative test. This was used as a proxy for the nosocomial infection rate.
Results:
A total of 136 patients were screened for participation. Of these patients, 2 tested positive for COVID-19 on preoperative testing, and 25 declined to participate. Overall, 111 patients consented to participate, and 96 patients underwent both preoperative and postoperative testing. No patient with a negative polymerase chain reaction test preoperatively, had a positive polymerase chain reaction test for the COVID-19 virus postoperatively.
Conclusion:
With strict and methodical perioperative and postpartum protocols, we can limit nosocomial COVID-19 infection in women undergoing elective cesarean delivery.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...