key: cord-348071-0zlzblwi
authors: Tseng, Jen-Yu
title: Potential implications of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy
date: 2020-05-13
journal: Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.03.025
sha: 
doc_id: 348071
cord_uid: 0zlzblwi

nan

The Wuhan Coronavirus (recently named SARS-CoV-2) has been making headline news around the world as there are over 60,000 confirmed cases and a total of over 1300 deaths in China alone since the start of the outbreak [1]. The World Health Organization has declared a global emergency as they are trying to control this outbreak. Over 28 countries and territories around the world has been affected but mainly in Asia.

The 21st century has brought us three novel coronavirus causing fatality on a large scale e SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003, MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) in 2012, and now the novel coronavirus from Wuhan [2] . As to date, there are only limited data on the consequences of this coronavirus on pregnancy. However, SARS and MERS are responsible for severe complications during pregnancy [3, 4] .

In a review of previous coronavirus infections in pregnancy, there were 13 cases of SARS-CoV and 11 cases of MERS-CoV reported in the literature [3, 4] . Maternal outcome of the 13 cases: 4 cases had miscarriage, 2 opted for termination of pregnancy, 2 succumbed to SARS, 2 required mechanical ventilation, and 3 were treated conservatively. No neonatal adverse effect was noted except for 2 cases born prematurely e one at 28 weeks and the other at 26 weeks (Table 1 ). Maternal outcome of the 11 MERS-CoV cases: 2 were asymptomatic, 3 succumbed to MERS, 2 required mechanical ventilation, 3 were treated conservatively, and 1 refused treatment. No neonatal adverse effects were noted except for 2 intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) (one at 38 weeks and the other at 20 weeks) and 1 fetal death due to prematurity at 24 weeks gestation ( Table  2 ). The most important contributing factor for method of delivery in patients with SARS and MERS seems to be dependent on disease progression resulting in maternal hypoxia leading to fetal distress and prematurity. Neonatal infection due to possible vertical transmission was not detected in any of the SARS or MERS infection except for 1 SARS case in the United States where cord blood and breast milk were positive for the SARS-CoV antibody.

As human-to-human transmission exponentially increases, the number of pregnant cases will eventually surface. In light of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) having similar pathogenic characteristics as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, pregnant women who become infected are at risk for adverse maternal and fetal complications [3, 4] . Taking this into account, systemic screening of any suspected case is recommended and prompt referral to medical centers capable of handling and treating these cases is imperative.

The author declares no conflict of interest. 

A novel coronavirus from patients with pneumonia in China

Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of women with severe acute respiratory syndrome

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection during pregnancy: report of two cases & review of the literature