SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Preeclampsia-How an Infection Can Help Us to Know More about an Obstetric Condition

Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection have a significantly higher risk of maternal death, ICU admission, preterm delivery, and stillbirth compared to those without infection. Additionally, the risk of preeclampsia (PE) increases in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2, particularly in severe cases. The association between COVID-19 and PE is likely attributed to various mechanisms, including direct effects of the virus on trophoblast function and the arterial wall, exaggerated inflammatory response in pregnant women, local inflammation leading to placental ischemia, SARS-CoV-2-related myocardial injury, cytokine storm, and thrombotic microangiopathy. This paper aims to explore the similarities between PE and SARS-CoV-2 infection, considering COVID-19 as a valuable study model. By examining these parallels, we can enhance our knowledge and comprehension of PE. We wish to emphasize the potential for COVID-19-induced myocardial injury in pregnant women and its connection to the increased maternal mortality rate.

Automated summary

Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection have a higher risk of maternal death, ICU admission, preterm delivery, and stillbirth. The risk of preeclampsia (PE) increases in infected pregnant women, especially in severe cases. COVID-19 and PE are likely linked through various mechanisms such as direct effects of the virus, inflammatory response, placental ischemia, myocardial injury, cytokine storm, and thrombotic microangiopathy. This paper aims to explore the similarities between PE and SARS-CoV-2 infection, using COVID-19 as a valuable study model. It highlights the potential for COVID-19-induced myocardial injury in pregnant women and its connection to increased maternal mortality rate.