Clinical characteristics of SARS-COV-2 associated lethal pneumonia in pregnant women

Abstract

Aim. To reduce maternal mortality by examining the clinical features of the course of lethal SARS-COV-2-associated pneumonia in pregnant women to further optimize diagnosis, obstetric management, and treatment.

Material and Methods. 70 pregnant women were examined: 34 (48.6%) with moderate, 11 (15.7%) with severe, and 25 (35.7%) with extremely severe SARS-CoV-2. The scope of the study corresponded to the standard examination of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection. Of the total number examined, 7 cases (1%) were fatal.

Results and discussion. The main symptoms of lethal cases of pneumonia, which manifested from the first days of the disease and progressed rapidly were: an increase in body temperature to febrile values from the beginning of the disease - 7 (100%), marked weakness - 7 (100%), increasing dry and unproductive cough - 7 (100%). Increasing dyspnea and tachypnea on admission to the hospital were also determined in all pregnant women who died. Chest pain predominated in the majority, 4 (57.1±20.2%) of the pregnant women who died. The symptoms of intoxication were pronounced and manifested as arthralgia - 4 (57.1±20.2%), myalgia - 3 (42.9±20.2%), headache - 3 (42.9±20.2%). Toxic lesion of the cardiovascular system was manifested by tachycardia in 7(100%) and hypotension in 4 (57,1±20,2%) cases.

Conclusion. The combination of febrile fever, low-productive cough, increasing dyspnea, and tachypnea should be considered as specific clinical symptoms of lethal SARS-CoV-2-associated pneumonia in pregnant women in the second half of gestation.