RESUMO
There is limited evidence regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in the placenta of pregnant women who tested positive, and if this could be a route for vertical transmission of the virus in utero. We present the cases of 2 pregnant women in their third trimester who were admitted for delivery by cesarean delivery and who, through universal screening, tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019. The maternal and fetal sides of the placenta were sectioned from both patients for viral analysis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of the placental-extracted RNA revealed a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection on the fetal side of the placenta in both patients. The virus was isolated from the patient with the lowest cycle threshold value on the fetal side of the placenta. Whole genome sequencing showed that the virus detected in this placenta was from the B1 lineage. Immunohistochemical analysis of the placental tissue detected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the endothelial cells of chorionic villi vessels proximal to both the maternal and fetal sides, with a granular cytoplasmic pattern and perinuclear reinforcement. Histologic examination of the placenta also detected a dense infiltrate of lymphoid cells around decidual vessels and endothelial cells with cytopathic changes, especially on the maternal side. Nasopharyngeal swabs from the infants that were subjected to reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing were negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at 24 hours after birth. A follow-up analysis of the infants for immunoglobin G and immunoglobin M expression, clinical manifestations, and long-term developmental abnormalities is recommended.
RESUMO
RESUMEN Objetivo . Buscar toda la información y evidencia disponible sobre el SARS-CoV-2 -que surgió en estos primeros 4 meses de 2020y el embarazo. Metodología . Revisión sistemática en las bases de datos PubMed y Google Scholar, hasta el 25 de abril de 2020. Se buscó artículos publicados relacionados con mujeres embarazadas infectadas con SARS-CoV-2. No hubo restricción de idioma. La búsqueda se extendió a las referencias de los artículos encontrados. Resultados . La enfermedad COVID-19 en mujeres embarazadas se caracteriza porque más del 90% de las pacientes evoluciona en forma leve, 2% requiere ingresar a las unidades de cuidados intensivos. Una muerte materna ha sido reportada. La prematuridad es alrededor de 25%, con predominio de recién nacidos prematuros tardíos; aproximadamente el 9% se complica con rotura prematura de membranas; la mortalidad perinatal es baja o similar a la de la población general y no se ha demostrado la transmisión vertical. Conclusiones . Los ginecólogos obstetras deben prepararse para atender cada vez más casos con COVID-19 y, por lo tanto, es necesario tener su conocimiento. La enfermedad evoluciona de la misma manera que en las no embarazadas, genera mayor prematuridad, no se ha demostrado la transmisión vertical, pero hay altas posibilidades de transmisión horizontal durante el parto vaginal.
ABSTRACT Objective : To search for all the information and available evidence on infection with SARS-CoV-2, a virus that appeared during the first 4 months of 2020, and pregnancy. Methods : Systematic review in PubMed and Google Scholar databases until April 25, 2020. We searched for published articles related to pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. There was no language restriction. The search was extended to the references of the articles found. Results : In pregnant women with COVID-19, more than 90% of patients evolve mildly, 2% require intensive care. One maternal death has been reported. Prematurity occurs in approximately 25% of the cases, with predominance of late preterm infants; premature rupture of membranes presents in about 9%. Perinatal mortality is lower or similar to that of the general population, and vertical transmission has not been shown. Conclusions : Obstetrician-gynecologists must prepare to attend more cases with COVID-19 and therefore they need to know this disease. COVID-19 progresses similarly in pregnant and non-pregnant women, although it is associated to prematurity. While vertical transmission has not been demonstrated, horizontal transmission during vaginal birth is very likely.
