SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy: Clues and Proof of Adverse Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents one of the most threatening viral infections in the last decade. Amongst susceptible individuals, infected pregnant women might be predisposed to severe complications. Despite the extensive interest in SARS-CoV-2 research, the clinical course of maternal infection, the vertical transmission and the neonatal outcomes have not been completely understood yet. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection, obstetric outcomes and vertical transmission. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed, enrolling unvaccinated pregnant patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 (cases) and matched with uninfected pregnant women (controls). Maternal and neonatal nasopharyngeal swabs, maternal and cord blood, amniotic fluid and placenta tissue samples were collected; blood samples were tested for anti-S and anti-N antibodies, and histologic examination of placental tissues was performed. Results: The cases showed a significant association with the development of some obstetric complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction and pregnancy-associated hypothyroidism and diabetes, as compared to controls; their newborns were more likely to have a low birth weight and an arterial umbilical pH less than 7. The viral genome was detected in maternal and cord blood and placental samples in six cases. Conclusions: Pregnant women positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection are more likely to develop severe obstetric outcomes; their newborns could have a low birth weight and arterial pH. Vertical transmission seems a rare event, and further investigation is strongly needed.