The Placental Footprint of COVID-19

Despite no evidence for direct placental infection with SARS-CoV-2, maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion were common.

Emerging data suggest that, unlike influenza, SARS-CoV-2 acquisition during pregnancy is not associated with poor outcomes. To better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the maternal-fetal dyad, U.S. investigators examined placentas in a case series of 16 women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy; 10 were diagnosed at presentation for delivery. The spectrum of infection ranged from asymptomatic (6 women) to requiring supplemental oxygen (2 women). Fourteen women delivered at term, one at 34 weeks, and one had intrauterine fetal demise at 16 weeks' gestation. None of the infants were infected. Placentas from uninfected women with clinical indications for pathologic examination were included for comparison.

Placental histopathology sho…

Reviewing Author

Anna Wald, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris

Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases

Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)