Pregnancy outcomes, Newborn complications and Maternal-Fetal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in women with COVID-19: A systematic review of 441 cases

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this systematic review was to examine the maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 and also assess the incidence of maternal-fetal transmission of SARS CO-V-2 infection. Data sources We searched PUMBED. Medline, Embase, MedRxiv and bioRxiv databases upto 3 rd May 2020 utilizing combinations of word variants for “coronavirus” or “COVID-19” or “severe acute respiratory syndrome” or “SARS-COV-2” and “pregnancy”. We also included data from preprint articles. Study eligibility criteria Original case reports and case series on pregnant women with diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Study appraisal and synthesis methods We included 50 studies reporting the information on 441 pregnant women and 391 neonates. The primary outcome measures were maternal health characteristics and adverse pregnancy outcomes, neonatal outcomes and SARS-CoV-2 infection in neonates was extracted. Treatments given to pregnant women with COVID-19 were also recorded. Results Out of 441 women affected by COVID-19 in pregnancy, 387 women have delivered. There are nine maternal deaths reported. In pregnant women with COVID-19, the most common symptoms were fever (56%), cough (43%), myalgia (19%), dyspnea (18%) and diarrhea (6%). Pneumonia was diagnosed by CT scan imaging in 96 % of COVID-19 pregnant women. Pregnancy complications included delivery by cesarean section (80%), preterm labor (26%), fetal distress (8%) and premature rupture of membranes (9%). Six still births (2%) are reported. The most common co-morbidities associated with pregnant women with COVID-19 were hypertensive disorders (10%), diabetes (9%), placental disorders (2%), co-infections (3%), scarred uterus (3%) and hypothyroidism (3%). Amongst the neonates of COVID-19 mothers, preterm birth (25%), respiratory distress syndrome (8%), pneumonia (8%) were reported. There were four neonatal deaths reported. Vertical transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2 is estimated to be 8%. Conclusion In pregnant women with COVID-19, hypertensive disorders and diabetes are common comorbidities and there is a risk of preterm delivery and maternal death. Amongst the neonates born to mothers with COVID-19, respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia are common occurrence. There are reports of still births and neonatal deaths. There is an evidence of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in women with COVID-19.