Sars-cov-2 Infection And Its Association With Maternal And Fetal Redox Status And Outcomes: A Prospective Clinical Study

Background: The impact of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection during pregnancy on the fetus can be direct, transmitted through the placenta, and indirect - creating unfavorable conditions for the development of the fetus because of inflammation, micro-thrombosis, and hypercoagulation. The Aim: Our study aimed to determine the types and frequency of pathohistological changes in placental tissue in SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant women and to examine the possible role of oxidative stress in the prognosis of the delivery and its maternal and fetal complications. Methods: This prospective clinical study included 50 pregnant women divided into two groups, SARS-CoV-2 positive (COVID-19 group) and SARS-CoV-2 negative (Control group), from whose we collected demographic, clinical, obstetric, biochemical, and pathologic data. Data about the newborn characteristics were also collected: anamnestic, clinical, and biochemical data. Results: The values of the superoxide anion radical and index of lipid peroxidation were significantly different in mothers concerning the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, while the levels of the nitric oxide, index of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase were significantly different in the newborns depending on the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Newborn characteristics were similar between groups except for concentrations of IgM antibody. The incidence of pathohistological changes of the FVM type in the COVID-19 group of pregnant women was 46%, while in the control group. Conclusions: This study confirmed the significant impact of the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection on maternal and fetal biochemical parameters and oxidative stress-mediated placental dysfunction. Future studies should be performed with more participants and follow-up neonatal development.