Placental Histopathological Alterations in COVID-19 Infected Pregnancies

Abstract

Aim: The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has generated significant apprehensions in maternal-fetal medicine. Initially considered to affect the respiratory system primarily, recent findings have indicated that the pandemic has far-reaching implications for various physiological functions, particularly in pregnant individuals. This study focused on examining the influence of COVID-19 on placental histopathology in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. Material and Methods: We conducted a comparative study involving two groups of pregnant women with similar demographic characteristics: a group testing positive for COVID-19 (n=31) and a control group of COVID-19-negative pregnant women (n=31). After delivery, placental tissues were collected and subjected to comprehensive histopathological examination to determine any potential alterations in the placenta induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: Our study revealed substantial histopathological alterations in pregnant women with COVID-19 placentas. Notably, the COVID-19 group displayed a higher incidence of cesarean deliveries, possibly due to concerns related to maternal-fetal transmission and respiratory complications. Furthermore, neonates born to mothers in the COVID-19 group had significantly lower birth weights. Several placental histopathological changes, including villous fibrin deposits, thrombosis, intervillous hemorrhage, agglutination, avascular fibrotic villi, and syncytial knots, were markedly increased in the COVID-19 group, indicating compromised fetal blood circulation. Although not statistically significant, trends toward elevated villous infarction, fetal vascular malperfusion, and chorioamnionitis were observed. Conclusion: Our study underscores the potential risks associated with COVID-19 on placental health, maternal well-being, and neonatal outcomes. We must understand the underlying physiological mechanisms behind these pathological changes to provide optimal maternal-fetal care during this ongoing crisis. Comprehensive and multicentric studies are urgently required to confirm and expand our findings.