SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load in Pregnant Women and Association with Maternal Disease Severity and Neonatal Outcomes


Yasa B., KARABULUT N., Uslu S. I., Memur S., Ozturk D. Y., Bagci O., ...Daha Fazla

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics, cilt.33, sa.1, 2023 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 33 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Dergi Adı: Iranian Journal of Pediatrics
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, Veterinary Science Database
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Pregnancy, Viral Load, Disease Severity, Neonatal Outcomes
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) created unexpected impacts worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in pregnant women with maternal disease severity and neonatal outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 55 pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 and their newborn infants were included. The association between maternal viral load (tested by cycle threshold) and maternal disease severity/neonatal outcomes was examined. Results: Infants had a median gestational age of 38 (29-41) weeks and birth weight of 3200 (630-4570) grams. The median Ct value of pregnant women was 30 (20-37). No significant difference was detected among mild, moderate or severely ill pregnant women in terms of median Ct values (30, 28.5, and 30, respectively; P > 0.05). The median Ct value of pregnant women who gave preterm delivery was similar to those who had term delivery [30 (21-36) vs. 30 (25-35); P > 0.05]. The median Ct values were similar among pregnant women who died or survived [32.5 (30-34) vs. 30 (21-36); P > 0.05]. Preterm delivery rates and overall mortality were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR Ct values, (r = 0.04, P > 0.05). No correlation was found between maternal SARS-CoV-2 viral load and maternal disease severity/neonatal outcomes. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first one examining the association between maternal SARS-CoV-2 viral load and maternal/neonatal outcomes. It was suggested that viral load may not have been used for predicting the severity of maternal disease and maternal/neonatal outcomes.