Preeclampsia and the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has deteriorating effects on vulnerable populations, including pregnant women. Previous studies suggested increased adverse pregnancy outcomes like preeclampsia in this population, but the results are inconclusive. Therefore, this study evaluated the changes in adverse pregnancy outcomes, primarily preeclampsia, among pregnant women in the Black Sea region in Turkey. Material and Methods: This study included all deliveries between April 1st, 2018, and December 31st, 2019, as the pre-pandemic cohort and between April 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2021, as the pandemic cohort. The primary objective of the study was to compare the preeclampsia rates. Results: A total of 4379 patients were included, 2000 in pre-pandemic and 2379 in pandemic cohorts. The preeclampsia rate in the pre-pandemic cohort (11.0%) was similar to the pandemic cohort (9.7%) (p=0.16), likewise, the mean baby weights were also similar between cohorts (p=0.32). Conclusion: The preeclampsia rates in the pre-pandemic period did not change significantly during the pandemic. However, this was based on observational data, which needs further evaluation and confirmation in controlled studies.