ABSTRACT
The impact of the pandemic outbreak associated with coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) on pregnant women is of interest to obstetricians and gynecologists due to the vulnerability of this target group. In pregnant women and their infants, an exceptional clinical management is warranted. Current epidemiological findings provide information regarding the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on pregnant patients and potential adverse perinatal outcomes. Overall, these findings are a strong indication that an increased antenatal surveillance for pregnant patients infected with COVID-19 is warranted. The aim of the present narrative review was to summarize the data obtained to date regarding the health of women during pregnancy, as well as that of the fetus associated with the risk of severe infection due to COVID-19. The present review aimed to provide further insight into the effects of this pandemic on pregnancy, also providing the experience of the authors on this matter as an example.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A novel digital platform, named STORK, was developed in the COVID-19 pandemic when clinic visits were restricted. A study of its clinical use during the pandemic was conducted. The study aims to advance the state of the art in monitoring and care of pregnancies complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) via online collaboration between patients and care providers. METHODS: This study involved 31 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM and 5 physicians. Statistical comparisons were made in clinic-visit frequency and adverse outcomes between the STORK group and a historical control group of 32 women, compatible in size, demographics, anthropometrics and medical history. RESULTS: The average number of submitted patient measurements per day was 3.6±0.4. The average number of clinic visits was 2.9±0.7 for the STORK group vs. 4.1±1.1 for the control group (p<0.05). The number of neonatal macrosomia cases was 2 for the STORK group vs. 3 for the control group (p>0.05); no other adverse incidents. CONCLUSIONS: The patient compliance with the pilot use of STORK was high and the average number of prenatal visits was reduced. The results suggest the general feasibility to reduce the average number of clinic visits and cost, with enhanced monitoring, case-specific adaptation, assessment and care management via timely online collaboration.