loading page

Maternal COVID-19 infection, clinical characteristics, pregnancy, neonatal outcome, and a review of (PPE) use: A prospective cohort study
  • +2
  • Lina Antoun,
  • Nashwa Eltaweel,
  • Honest Honest,
  • Irshad Ahmed,
  • Shalini Patni
Lina Antoun
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Nashwa Eltaweel
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Author Profile
Honest Honest
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Author Profile
Irshad Ahmed
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Author Profile
Shalini Patni
Birmingham Heartlands Hospital
Author Profile

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy, neonatal outcomes; and the use of PPE amongst clinicians caring for COVID-19 patients. Design: Prospective cohort study Setting: A large tertiary maternity unit within a university hospital with an average annual >10,000 births. Population: A cohort of 23 pregnant women including singleton and multiple pregnancies tested positive for COVID-19 between February 2020 and April 2020 inclusive. Methods: Analysis of prospectively collected data to assess the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy, neonatal outcomes; and staff use of PPE. Main outcome Measures Maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, and the use of PPE when interacting with COVID-19 patients Results: 23 pregnant women tested positive for COVID-19, delivering 20 babies. 16/23 (70%) were women from Asian background. Nearly fifth of the patients (4/23) developed severe respiratory complications requiring ICU support, one of which was complicated by maternal death (4.3%). (48%) of the patients had pre-existing co-morbidities, with diabetes being the most prevalent (17.4%). (36.4%) of COVID-19 pregnancies had preterm deliveries, (10.5%) respiratory distress, and pre-eclampsia. 16/23 (68%) of patients delivered by C-section. Out of the 20 new-borns, there were no cases of vertical transmission. FFP3 masks were not used by staff in (28.8%) of cases with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: COVID-19 is associated with high prevalence of preterm birth, preeclampsia, and caesarean section compared to non-COVID pregnancies. There was no clinical evidence of vertical transmission to the new-borns. PPE use was compliant with WHO recommendations. Funding N/A Keywords COVID-19; maternal morbidity/mortality; neonatal morbidity/mortality; PPE