Clinical, Laboratory Characteristics and Pregnancy Outcome of COVID-19 Patients Admitted in the Largest COVID Dedicated Hospital of Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: The 2019 novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) has become pandemic, it is of paramount importance to conduct near-real-time surveillance of women who are hospitalized and test positive for COVID-19 during pregnancy. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory characteristics and pregnancy outcome among COVID-19 patients. Methodology: This was a prospective longitudinal study done in COVID dedicated unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. All pregnant women admitted with confirmed COVID-19 were included. Result: Among 68 pregnant COVID patients mean (SD) age was 26.58 (4.30) years where gestational age was 25.90 (5.34) weeks. Most common symptoms were fever (94%), cough (79%), sore throat (59%), shortness of breath (44), myalgia (34%). According to severity assessment, 51 (75%) was found to be mild, moderate 9 (13%) and severe 8 (12%) respectively. Regarding overall maternal outcome among 68 patients 64 (94%) recovered and discharged, 2 (3%) of them recovered but abortion occurred and 2 (3%) died. Mean (SD) gestational age during delivery was 37.8 (1.2) weeks. Vaginal delivery was done in 18 (35%), cesarean section in 33 (65%) and 13 (19%) continuing pregnancy. Among fifty one neonate, only 41 (80%) completed RT-PCR test and found negative. Regarding neonatal outcome, 48 (94.2%) term baby, 3 (5.8%) preterm, neonatal pneumonia 1 (1%), neonatal hyperbilirubinemia 3 (6%) were observed. Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy might not associate with adverse obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. It appears to be unlikely of perinatal transmission of SARS-CoV-2.