TITLE:
Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of COVID-19 Pregnant Women Followed Up at a Tertiary Care Unit: A Descriptive Study
AUTHORS:
Madye A. Ngo Dingom, Eugène Sobngwi, Félix Essiben, Antoinette N. Assiga, Yves F. Wasnyo, Anicet Ngate, Jean C. Katte, Junie Y. Ngaha, Philemon Nsem, Charles E. Sone, Brigitte Wandji, Gilles T. Libend, Jean J. Bissemou, Filbert E. Eko, Florent Y. Fouelifack, Glwadys Ngono, Jeanne Fouédjio, Rebecca Tonye, Pierre Ongolo-Zogo, Pierre J. Fouda, Robinson E. Mbu
KEYWORDS:
COVID-19, Pregnancy, Mortality, Outcomes
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.10 No.10,
October
28,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background: The SARS-CoV-2 and associated corona virus disease COVID-19 have been declared a pandemic having a poor prognosis among individuals with
debilitating conditions and those who are immune-compromised. Current evidence is however limited on maternal
and fetal transmission and pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to describe the pattern
of SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcomes in a group of pregnant women followed up at a tertiary care unit
in Cameroon. Methods: This was an observational study conducted over a
period of 3 months (April 1 to June
30, 2020) at the Yaounde Central Hospital. All pregnant women who were tested
positive for SARS-CoV-2 and who provided a signed written informed consent were
included in the study. Results: Out of 83 pregnant women who presented
with symptoms suspicious of COVID-19, 25 were tested positive. The median age
of these women was 31 (27 - 35) years. A total of 76%
consulted within 6 days of onset of symptoms and 68% had a gestational age
greater than 28 weeks. The most common presenting
complaint was fever (88%). All 25 pregnant women who were tested positive for COVID-19 were
followed up with 9/25 deliveries registered. There were two intra-uterine fetal deaths and seven live births.
All the live birth babies were tested negative on Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing
which was performed after birth. Conclusion: Deliverance of live and
SARS-CoV-2 negative babies from COVID-19 pregnant women is possible.