The Incidence Rate of NICU Admission following Elective Caesarian Section in Pregnant Women Infected with COVID-19 throughout Pregnancy

El-Hawwary, Gihan El-Sayed; Abo-Shiesha, Ingy Alaaeldin Mostafa; Ali, Mohamed Adel

doi:10.21608/ejhm.2022.274788

The Incidence Rate of NICU Admission following Elective Caesarian Section in Pregnant Women Infected with COVID-19 throughout Pregnancy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

10.21608/ejhm.2022.274788

Abstract

Background: In March 2020, the WHO proclaimed the new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a worldwide pandemic. The symptoms of COVID-19-infected pregnant individuals appear to be comparable to those of the general population, with chest symptoms including fever and cough being the most often reported in investigations. Obesity, diabetes, and maternal age greater than 40 years old are risk factors for fatality and serious illness. The greatest risk for severe illness, ICU admission, and the requirement for mechanical ventilation is among women in their third trimester. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence rate of Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission after elective caesarian section in pregnant women admitted to Ain Shams University Hospitals with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy.
Patients and methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital from April 2020 to April 2022 and performed on total 20 pregnant women who admitted with COVID-19 during pregnancy documented by polymerase chain reaction test (PCR).
Results: There was no statistical difference regarding NICU admission both groups. Hemoglobin and total leucocytic count were lower in mothers of neonates that needed NICU admission (P>0.05). Maternal complications (postpartum hemorrhage, surgical site infection, sepsis)were nearly similar among COVID-19 group and control group (P>0.05).
Conclusion: No appreciable differences between pregnant women with COVID-19 infection and those who were not, in terms of APGAR score, NICU hospitalization, wound infection, postpartum hemorrhage, and sepsis. The clinical features of COVID-19 in pregnant patients and newborns appear to be the same as those in infected individuals who are not pregnant.

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