COVID-19 infection in symptomatic pregnant women at the midpoint of the
pandemic in Spain: a retrospective analysis
Abstract
Objective: Determine the strengths and weakness of a symptomatic
screening for COVID-19 in pregnant women. Analyze the clinical
presentation, management and outcomes. Design: Descriptive retrospective
observational study. Setting: Mancha-Centro Hospital (Spain) Population:
Symptomatic pregnant women with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.
Methods: Between the 12th of March and 17th of April 2020, all the
symptomatic pregnancies were screened with diagnostic test for
SARS-CoV-2. Data collection was done by reviewing the medical records
and telephone interviews. Main outcomes measures: Clinical
characteristics, management, treatment, and obstetric and neonatal
outcomes. Results: 20 patients with positive COVID-19 diagnostic test
out of thirty-four suspected. The most common symptoms were fever 70%,
cough 65% and myalgia 35%. A unique symptom of presentation in 20% of
the cases. COVID-19 pneumonia was diagnosed in 30% by chest X-ray and
one case had pulmonary embolism associated diagnosed by CT-Scan.
Thromboprophylaxis was indicated in 16/20 patients. Eight women finished
their pregnancy during the observation period. Type of birth: 25%
natural birth, 12.5% assisted vaginal delivery and 62.5% caesarean
section. We had three severe cases, two of them with intensive care
support. All neonates had negative test for COVID 19 infection.
Conclusions: We recommend universal screening of all pregnant woman for
COVID-19 during the pandemic because of the limits of the symptomatic
screening seen in this studio and the ratio of asymptomatic pregnancies
with positive test for COVID-19 recently published. Funding: No funding.
Keywords: COVID-19, pregnancy, screening, outcomes, symptoms, delivery.