ABSTRACT
Due to the physiological changes of the pregnancy and considering the susceptibility of the fetus, pregnant women are among the vulnerable health groups. The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has multiplied the health burden on vulnerable and susceptible groups. With over 500,000 new cases daily, the vulnerable groups are in danger more than ever. Therefore, early diagnosis, effective treatment, and efficient prevention strategies are significant among these groups. Since the clinical knowledge about the diagnosis, management, prevention, and many other aspects of pregnancy and lactation during COVID-19 has significantly changed and improved from the pandemic's beginning, most of the previous knowledge has changed, and the previous publications might not be helpful anymore. This review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive review of the mutual impact of pregnancy and COVID-19 infection, discuss the current controversies based on the most recent findings, and highlight the existing knowledge gaps. Due to the increased susceptibility, undesired outcomes are more expected among pregnant women with COVID-19 infection. Still, prevention measures are the best way of managing COVID-19 in this population. Moreover, further clinical studies should address the long-term complications, outcomes, safety of vaccination, and the impact of the pandemic on mental health.
ABSTRACT
Due to the physiological changes of the pregnancy and considering the susceptibility of the fetus, pregnant women are among the vulnerable health groups. The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has multiplied the health burden on vulnerable and susceptible groups. With over 500,000 new cases daily, the vulnerable groups are in danger more than ever. Therefore, early diagnosis, effective treatment, and efficient prevention strategies are significant among these groups. Since the clinical knowledge about the diagnosis, management, prevention, and many other aspects of pregnancy and lactation during COVID-19 has significantly changed and improved from the pandemic's beginning, most of the previous knowledge has changed, and the previous publications might not be helpful anymore. This review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive review of the mutual impact of pregnancy and COVID-19 infection, discuss the current controversies based on the most recent findings, and highlight the existing knowledge gaps. Due to the increased susceptibility, undesired outcomes are more expected among pregnant women with COVID-19 infection. Still, prevention measures are the best way of managing COVID-19 in this population. Moreover, further clinical studies should address the long-term complications, outcomes, safety of vaccination, and the impact of the pandemic on mental health.
ABSTRACT
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected millions and caused tens of thousands of casualties. Epidemiologic studies show that specific individuals with pre-existing conditions are prone to severe disease caused by the virus. Thus, it is necessary to determine clinical signs and symptoms and disease progression course in various pre-existing conditions, namely end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted on 17 ESRD patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Clinical signs and symptoms were extracted, and laboratory test results and imaging findings were retrieved using the health information systems of the institute where the study was performed. Results: Of 17 patients in the study, six patients were females, and 11 were males. The mean age of the patients was 62.29 ± 15.6 years (22-82). The most common pre-existing conditions were hypertension and diabetes. The most common imaging signs were ground-glass opacities. The most common pattern of involvement was peripheral, bilateral, and multifocal involvement, and interestingly, uncommon imaging signs such as crazy-paving, peribronchovascular involvement, and reticulonodular pattern of involvement. The most common laboratory findings were lymphopenia, lymphocytosis, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and positive C reactive protein. Conclusions: ESRD patients undergoing COVID-19 seem to have higher mortalities than the general public and show more significant lung involvement on chest CT imaging. Furthermore, uncommon imaging signs are more common in this group of patients.