COVID-19 Infection During Pregnancy Results In Histopathological Changes Of The Placenta
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 02, 2024 2 days, 19 hours, 57 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has changed our lives in many ways. While it mainly affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms like cough, fever, and in severe cases, pneumonia, it also has far-reaching effects on other parts of the body. One area of concern is its impact on pregnant women and their unborn babies. Recent studies by researchers from Poland that is covered in this
COVID-19 News report have shown that COVID-19 can cause significant changes in the placenta, the organ that nourishes the baby during pregnancy. Understanding these changes is crucial for ensuring the health of both mothers and their babies.
COVID-19 Infection During Pregnancy Results In Histopathological Changes Of The Placenta
The Placenta: A Vital Organ
The placenta is an essential organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby and removes waste products from the baby's blood. The placenta also plays a vital role in protecting the baby from infections and harmful substances. However, when a pregnant woman gets infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus can cause damage to the placenta, leading to complications.
Study Overview
A team of researchers conducted a study to investigate the changes in the placentas of women who were infected with COVID-19 during delivery. The study included 23 placentas from COVID-19-positive patients and 22 placentas from women without a history of COVID-19. The researchers examined these placentas for signs of damage and compared the findings between the two groups.
Key Findings
-Lower Birth Weights and Apgar Scores
The study found that babies born to mothers with COVID-19 had lower birth weights and Apgar scores compared to babies born to healthy mothers. The Apgar score is a quick test performed on a newborn to assess their overall health, including heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflex response, and color. Lower scores indicate potential health issues.
-Histopathological Changes
The researchers observed several histopathological (microscopic) changes in the placentas of COVID-19-positive patients:
-Calcifications: These are deposits of calcium in the placenta, which were more frequent in the COVID-19 group.
-Collapsed Intervillous Space: The spaces in the placenta where maternal blood flows to exchange nutrients and waste with the baby’s blood were often collapsed in COVID-19-positive placentas.
-Inflammation: There was more severe inflammation in the placentas of COVID-19 patients.
-Accelerated Vascular Maturation: The blood vessels in the placenta matured faster in COVID-19-positive patients, which could indicate a compensatory mechanism for the damage.&l
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-Trophoblast Necrosis: Trophoblasts are cells that form the outer layer of the placenta. Necrosis, or cell death, was observed only in the placentas of COVID-19-positive patients.
-Increased CD68+ Expression: CD68 is a marker for macrophages, a type of immune cell involved in inflammation. Higher levels of CD68+ suggest a significant part of the inflammatory response in the placenta was due to macrophages.
-Elevated Levels of CD3+: CD3 is a marker for T cells, a type of immune cell. Higher levels of CD3+ were associated with vascular injury in the placenta.
Implications for Pregnancy
These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy can cause significant damage to the placenta, potentially leading to complications such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), premature birth, and growth retardation in babies. Even asymptomatic infections can result in placental damage, affecting fetal growth and development.
The Role of the Immune System
The study highlighted the role of the immune system in causing placental damage. The increased presence of macrophages and T cells in the placentas of COVID-19-positive patients indicates that the body’s immune response to the virus may contribute to the observed changes. This immune response can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and impaired blood flow in the placenta.
The Need for Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights into the effects of COVID-19 on the placenta, further research is needed to fully understand the implications for pregnancy and fetal health. It is essential to investigate how different strains of SARS-CoV-2 affect the placenta and whether vaccination and other preventive measures can reduce the risk of placental damage.
Conclusion
COVID-19 can cause significant changes in the placenta, potentially leading to complications during pregnancy. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring pregnant women with COVID-19 closely and taking steps to protect both mother and baby. As the pandemic continues, ongoing research will be crucial in developing strategies to mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy and ensure the health and safety of expectant mothers and their babies.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Diseases.
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9721/12/7/142
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