Histopathology of Third Trimester Placenta from SARS-CoV-2-Positive Women

Background This study aims to investigate whether maternal SARS-CoV-2 status affects placental pathology.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted by reviewing charts and slides of placentas delivered between April 1 to July 24, 2020. Clinical history of COVID-19 was searched in Pathology Database (CoPath). Controls were matched with SARS-CoV-2-negative women with singleton deliveries in the 3(rd)-trimester. Pathological features were extracted from placental pathology reports.Results:Twenty-one 3(rd)trimester placentas from SARS-CoV-2-positive women were identified and compared to 20 placentas from SARS-CoV-2-negative women. There were no significant differences in individual or group gross or microscopic pathological features. Within the SARS-CoV-2+ group, there are no differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic women.Conclusion:Placentas from SARS-CoV-2-positive women do not demonstrate a specific pathological pattern. Pregnancy complicated with COVID-19 during the 3(rd)trimester does not have a demonstrable effect on placental structure and pathology.

Automated summary

The study found that the maternal SARS-CoV-2 status does not have a significant effect on placental pathology, both in terms of pathological features and symptoms.