Clinical characteristics of pregnant women in labor with SARS-CoV-2 infection at high altitude: A case series

Authors

  • Jorge Arturo Collantes Cubas1, Obstetrician and gynecologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Regional Docente de Cajamarca, Peru
  • Segundo Alberto Pérez Ventura Obstetrician and gynecologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Regional Docente de Cajamarca, Peru
  • Oscar Eduardo Morillo Montes Obstetrician and gynecologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Regional Docente de Cajamarca, Peru
  • Galo Terrones Julcamoro Obstetrician and gynecologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Simón Bolívar COVID-19 Hospital, Cajamarca, Peru
  • Gilmer Antonio Huancahuire Aguilar Obstetrician and gynecologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Simón Bolívar COVID-19 Hospital, Cajamarca, Peru
  • Jorge Martín Benites Pajares Obstetrician and gynecologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medimagen, Cajamarca, Peru
  • Paulino Vigil-De Gracia Obstetrician and gynecologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid Hospital, Caja del Seguro Social, Panama
  • Francisco José Leyva Obstetrician and gynecologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid Hospital, Caja del Seguro Social, Panama

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31403/rpgo.v66i2276

Keywords:

Pregnancy, Coronavirus infections, COVID-19, SARS CoV-2, High Altitude, Preeclampsia, Cajamarca, Peru

Abstract

Introduction: Fewer COVID-19 cases and less lethality have been observed at high altitude compared to cases reported at sea level. There are currently no publications reporting clinical behavior of pregnant women with COVID-19 at high altitude. Methods: This is a retrospective study with review of medical records between March 6, 2020 and June 15, 2020. The first thirteen cases of pregnant women with COVID-19 who were attended at Simón Bolívar COVID-19 Hospital, located at 2750 meters above sea level, are described. The cases came from altitudes between 2 035 and 3 502 meters above sea level (masl). Statistical analysis used SPSS, version 19.0. Results: Thirteen cases of pregnant women with COVID-19 confirmed by IgM for SARS-CoV-2 were attended at 2 750 masl (9 022.31 feet) in the Peruvian Andes. Delivery by cesarean section occurred in eight cases (61.5%) and five (38.5%) delivered vaginally. There were two cases (15.4%) of preeclampsia, one with diagnosis of HELLP syndrome, prematurity and fetal death. Three cases (23.1%) developed uterine hypotonia that required Hayman or B-Lynch suture. Two cases (15.38%) were complicated with oligohydramnios and two with urinary infection. Hemoglobin levels were between 11.1 and 16 g/dL. Only one case (7.7%) was symptomatic, with mild pharyngeal pain. No vertical transmission was detected by IgM/IgG for SARS-CoV-2. Clinical evolution was favorable in the thirteen cases and they were discharged after 2 to 4 days hospitalization to continue home quarantine. Conclusions: Results in this short study show pregnant women in labor with COVID-19 by rapid IgM test for SARS-CoV-2 at high altitude were mostly asymptomatic; there was no vertical transmission, but high presence of other obstetrical complications.

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Published

2020-11-09

How to Cite

Collantes Cubas1, J. A., Pérez Ventura, S. A., Morillo Montes, O. E., Terrones Julcamoro, G., Huancahuire Aguilar, G. A., Benites Pajares, J. M., Vigil-De Gracia, P., & José Leyva, F. (2020). Clinical characteristics of pregnant women in labor with SARS-CoV-2 infection at high altitude: A case series. The Peruvian Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 66(3). https://doi.org/10.31403/rpgo.v66i2276

Issue

Section

Comunicación Corta

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