ABSTRACT
Purpose: Management of delivery in pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is mainly based on extrapolated evidence or expert opinion. This study aimed to assess the clinical manifestations and maternal and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 during pregnancy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 20 pregnant women infected with the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Their demographic data and clinical characteristics, including symptoms, laboratory examination, and imaging findings, were evaluated. We also assessed the delivery method and timing and clinical courses of mothers, including oxygenation and treatment for COVID-19, as well as neonatal outcomes. Results: The most common symptoms were fever (65%) followed by cough (45%). Seven cases (35%) of preterm birth were observed. Eight patients (40%) required oxygen administration during pregnancy. Among them, two patients (10%) required a high-flow nasal cannula, and one patient (5%) required venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). No maternal death was observed;however, one instance of severe neonatal asphyxia and one intrauterine fetal death were observed. Conclusion: Although most pregnant women with COVID-19 were discharged without any major complications, some cases became severe. Therefore, the timing and method of delivery should be considered for each case to control maternal and infant respiratory conditions.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major public health problem. Dental procedures that generate aerosols are considered to impose a high risk of infection; therefore, dental professionals, such as dentists and dental hygienists, may be at high risk of viral transmission. However, few studies have reported COVID-19 clusters in dental care settings. AIM: To investigate whether dental and oral/maxillofacial procedures are associated with the occurrence of COVID-19 clusters and measures taken to prevent nosocomial infection in dental clinics. METHODS: An online questionnaire survey on clinical activities (administrative control), infection control measures (environmental/engineering control, personal protective equipment, etc.), and confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases among patients and clinical staff was administered to the faculties of the dental and oral/maxillofacial surgical departments of university hospitals. FINDINGS: Fifty-one faculty members completed the questionnaire. All members were engaged in the treatment of dental and oral surgical outpatients and actively implemented standard precautions. Fourteen faculty members treated patients with COVID-19, but no infections transmitted from the patients to the medical staff were observed. In seven facilities, patients were found to have the infection after treatment (medical staff came in close contact), but there was no transmission from patients to medical staff. Four facilities had medical staff with infections, but none of them exhibited disease transmission from staff to patients. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 clusters are unlikely to occur in dental and oral surgical care settings if appropriate protective measures are implemented.