ABSTRACT
Maternal and foetal care has become an important concern in the wake of enormous global spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), but there is scarcity of information about maternal and perinatal outcomes. The current review was conducted from March to July 2020. Appropriate and related databases were searched electronically by using terms, like "COVID-19 and pregnancy", "pregnancy outcomes of COVID-19". Pooled analysis of the reviewed studies showed that of the 164 newborns, vertical transmission was noted in 7(2.95%). The most common element 140(84.98%) was caesarean section deliveries. COVID-19 pneumonia developed in almost 54(30.90%) of 175 women. The most common symptom of COVID-19 among women was fever 88(50.77%). Adverse maternal and foetal outcomes were found to be associated with COVID-19 in the form of severe illness, increased rates of caesarean section deliveries and worse birth outcomes. Yet, vertical transmission of COVID-19 infection remains debatable.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Premature Birth , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Cesarean Section , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/diagnosis , Infectious Disease Transmission, VerticalABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fetal safety is a major concern with the global spread of COVID-19, but there is scarce information regarding vertical transmission and how it affects the fetus. OBJECTIVE: To assess and summarize the currently available evidence on vertical transmission (probable/confirmed) of SARS-CoV-2 along with fetal outcomes. METHODS: The current review was carried out from March to October 2020. Relevant databases were searched electronically. Pertinent articles were selected according to eligibility criteria and information was compiled. RESULTS: In 16 selected articles there were total 498 COVID-19 infected pregnant women ranging in age between 15 and 45 years. Gestational age at the onset of COVID-19 symptoms ranged from 25-41 weeks. Vertical transmission (probable and confirmed) rate from series was 4.883% (23/471). Of 17 affected newborns (information available), 08 required NICU admission, 04 developed pneumonia and 04 required mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: There is probable intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Few adverse fetal outcomes are associated with COVID-19.