ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON GESTATIONAL DIABETES IN PREGNANCY. OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN A GYNECOLOGY SERVICE

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: Some bibliography suggest that COVID-19 disease can produce deleterious effects on gestation, for example preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm births, low birth weight. Aim: to determine if there is an increase in the incidence of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or alterations in gestational time/birth weight, in those affected by COVID. Methods: Retrospective study, in primary care, analyzing pregnant women assigned to a gynecology service. A representative sample was selected, discriminating those who suffered from COVID during their pregnancy. Results: 135 pregnant women were analyzed. 36 affected by COVID (26.7%). 49 were close contacts, who did not develop COVID disease, and 50 women without a COVID environment. 13 pregnant women (9.6%) had gestational diabetes and 47 were referred to the HOR (high obstetric risk) service. of the COVID free women, a total of 25 suffered from postpartum COVID (18.5%). Comparing the group with/without COVID, statistically significant differences were observed in gestational period (266.7±51.2 d, vs 278.2±11.9, p = 0.04) as well as in birth weight (3.16±0.62 kg, vs 3.51±0.42;p = 0.03). Not significant differences was appreciated in pregnant woman's previous weight or age. Gestational diabetes was not different in both groups (4 vs 9, p = 0.45) nor was preeclampsia (2 vs 2, p = 0.226). Instead, more COVID patients were referred to HOR (17 vs 37, p < 0.005). Conclusions: Similar prevalences of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia were observed in this sample. Being the birth weight and gestational period significantly lower in COVID cases. Significant increase in referrals to HOR, can be attribuible to the indication to administer heparin as prophylaxis of thrombosis.