Examining the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the umbilical cord

Abstract

Introduction: It is known that COVID-19 in pregnancy causes some negative consequences. Although some studies have been conducted on the possible effects of COVID-19 seen in late pregnancy, its effects in the previous trimesters are not clearly known. This study aimed to examine the umbilical cords of pregnant women who did not have COVID-19 and those who had in the second and third trimesters, after delivery using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. Material and Method: The study included 27 pregnant women who had never had COVID-19 (n:9), who had had COVID-19 in the second trimester (n:9) and had had COVID-19 in the third trimester (n:9). After delivery, sections were taken from the umbilical cords of the pregnant women and examined with histopathological and immunohistochemical (VEGF and vimentin antibodies) methods. H-scores were determined for statistical analysis of immunohistochemical staining results. Group means were analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis Test. Results: In cases that had COVID-19 in the third trimester of pregnancy, histopathological findings were more significant than in the other groups. Hemorrhage, thinning of the tunica intima layer, and deterioration in its integrity were observed in the umbilical vascular structures of this group. VEGF and vimentin expression levels were higher in the third-trimester group than in the other groups. Conclusion: The COVID-19 disease has both acute and long-term effects. The presence of histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in the umbilical cord during the third trimester of pregnancy supports this information. Moreover, the high levels of expression of VEGF and vimentin in the umbilical cords of pregnant women may contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the post-acute effects of these proteins.