Maternal COVID-19 exposure and placental characteristics

Abstract

Introduction The impact of COVID-19 on the placenta is poorly described, particularly among minority women. Materials and methods This is a retrospective case-control study. Micro- and macroscopic placental pathologic findings were compared for 15 COVID-19 positive and 36 negative mothers. Cases and controls were frequency matched on gestational age, race, maternal comorbidities, and delivery type. Data from the electronic medical record were supplemented with independent review of microscopic slides. Results Placentas from cases and controls were similar except the median distance from the site of the cord insertion to the nearest disk margin was statistically significantly shorter among placentas from COVID-19 positive cases (3.5 versus 6.0 cm, p = 0.006). Case status was not associated with an increased risk of placental pathologies. Conclusion There are few pathologic differences between placentas of COVID-19 positive and negative mothers. Additional studies are needed to investigate the role of timing of infection.