Clinical and laboratory differences between healthy and COVID-19 positive pregnant women and the negative effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy

Introduction: Depending on pregnancy; physiological changes in the immune system, respiratory and circulatory systems may cause a more severe course of infection with respiratory viruses. The aim of this study is to examine the clinical and laboratory findings of our pregnant patients with and without COVID-19 and to determine whether COVID-19 disease has a negative effect on late pregnancy. Methods: This study was conducted with a total of 60 pregnant patients followed in the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Clinic and Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of a Training and Research Hospital. Demographic characteristics and laboratory findings of pregnant women and their fetuses were obtained from the hospital management information system. Results: The mean age of the COVID-19 positive pregnant women (n:30) included in the study was 28.87±1.38 years, the mean hospitalization time was 6.33±0.35 days, and it was significantly different from the COVID-19 negative group (n:30) (p<0.001). The most common symptom observed in COVID-19 positive pregnant women at presentation was fever (73.3%), followed by cough (53.3%) and headache (43.3%). C-reactive protein (25.53±5.79, p: 0.005), ferritin (83.97±10.51, p: 0.005) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (30.97± 4.59, p: 0.011) were found to be higher in COVID-19 positive pregnant women. Conclusion: In conclusion; CRP, ferritin and ESR levels were found to be higher in pregnant women with COVID-19. It is important for healthcare providers to know the clinical course of COVID-19, maternofetal or obstetric outcomes in the pregnant population. Mode and timing of delivery should be individualized according to disease severity, pre-existing maternal comorbidities, obstetric history, gestational age, and fetal conditions. Keywords: COVID-19, C-reactive protein, cough, pregnancy