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SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy: Clues and Proof of Adverse Outcomes

Author

Listed:
  • Rosa Sessa

    (Microbiology Section, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Simone Filardo

    (Microbiology Section, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Luisa Masciullo

    (Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Marisa Di Pietro

    (Microbiology Section, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Antonio Angeloni

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Gabriella Brandolino

    (Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Roberto Brunelli

    (Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Rossella D’Alisa

    (Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Maria Federica Viscardi

    (Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Emanuela Anastasi

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Maria Grazia Porpora

    (Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents one of the most threatening viral infections in the last decade. Amongst susceptible individuals, infected pregnant women might be predisposed to severe complications. Despite the extensive interest in SARS-CoV-2 research, the clinical course of maternal infection, the vertical transmission and the neonatal outcomes have not been completely understood yet. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection, obstetric outcomes and vertical transmission. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed, enrolling unvaccinated pregnant patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 (cases) and matched with uninfected pregnant women (controls). Maternal and neonatal nasopharyngeal swabs, maternal and cord blood, amniotic fluid and placenta tissue samples were collected; blood samples were tested for anti-S and anti-N antibodies, and histologic examination of placental tissues was performed. Results: The cases showed a significant association with the development of some obstetric complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction and pregnancy-associated hypothyroidism and diabetes, as compared to controls; their newborns were more likely to have a low birth weight and an arterial umbilical pH less than 7. The viral genome was detected in maternal and cord blood and placental samples in six cases. Conclusions: Pregnant women positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection are more likely to develop severe obstetric outcomes; their newborns could have a low birth weight and arterial pH. Vertical transmission seems a rare event, and further investigation is strongly needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosa Sessa & Simone Filardo & Luisa Masciullo & Marisa Di Pietro & Antonio Angeloni & Gabriella Brandolino & Roberto Brunelli & Rossella D’Alisa & Maria Federica Viscardi & Emanuela Anastasi & Maria G, 2023. "SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy: Clues and Proof of Adverse Outcomes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-15, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2616-:d:1053494
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maria Grazia Porpora & Lucia Merlino & Luisa Masciullo & Rossella D’Alisa & Gabriella Brandolino & Cecilia Galli & Casimiro De Luca & Francesco Pecorini & Giovanni Battista Fonsi & Andrea Mingoli & Cr, 2021. "Does Lung Ultrasound Have a Role in the Clinical Management of Pregnant Women with SARS COV2 Infection?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-16, March.
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