Impact of Pregnancy on the Prognosis of COVID-19 in Women Hospitalized at the National Reference Center for Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 in a Resource-limited Country

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 in pregnant women. Background: Since the detection of the first case of COVID-19 on March 6, 2020, in Togo, pregnant women have received special attention due to their usual vulnerability to infection. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pregnancy on the prognosis of COVID-19 in patients hospitalized in Lomé. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study of women of childbearing age (15-49 years) admitted between March 22, 2020, and December 31, 2021, to the Lomé Commune Regional Hospital, a national referral center for COVID-19 patients. Results: We registered 438 women of childbearing age, including 31 pregnant women (7.1%). Pregnant women were younger (28.8 years vs. 34.2 years, p = 0.001). Asthenia was more common in pregnant women (38.7% vs. 20.6%, p = 0.025), and SpO2 was lower (88.6% vs. 94%, p= 0.016%). Pregnancy was not associated with the occurrence of severe forms nor with prolonged hospitalization. Independent risk factors for mortality were 3rd trimester of pregnancy, mean age > 34 years, diabetes, HIV, and obesity. Conclusion: Most symptoms were similar to those observed in the general population. However, in addition to comorbidities, complications in the third trimester of pregnancy have worsened the prognosis for COVID-19. These results corroborate the observations made in the subregion. However, it is important to assess the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes.