Maternofetal outcome and six months follow-up of pregnant patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to Covid-19 in intensive care

Abstract

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate pregnant patients followed in the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19. Material and method: In this study, all pregnant patients infected with COVID-19 who were admitted to the ICU with the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic, laboratory and clinical findings and follow-up of the mother and newborn at least 6 months after discharge were recorded. Results: A total of 17 patients were included in this study. Three of the patients died in the ICU, 13 patients were discharged, 1 patient is still being followed up in the palliative care unit. 14 of 17 patients required mechanical ventilation and 11 patients were extubated. All patients had not been vaccinated. We detected tracheal stenosis in four of the eleven patients who were intubated and survived. Conclusion: While managing pregnant patients with respiratory failure, making decisions about delivery timing remains the most controversial. Based on our experience, we can say that if the week of gestation is compatible with life, the decision to deliver should be taken before severe progression of the mother’s respiratory distress. Tracheal stenosis formation caused by intubation should be suspected even in short intubation periods in pregnant patients. In this, the addition of factors such as giving prone position, not following appropriate cuff pressure to physiological changes in pregnancy is involved.

Keywords

• pregnancy
• covid
• intensive care

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