Research Information System
16TH NATIONAL AND 2ND INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF HISTOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY, Sakarya, Turkey, 26 - 28 September 2024, pp.56-57, (Summary Text)
Introduction: COVID-19, first identified in 2019, has rapidly evolved into a global pandemic, posing significant public health challenges worldwide. The virus has caused widespread illness and death, overwhelming healthcare systems and prompting urgent research into its effects. Pregnant women and newborns are considered particularly vulnerable due to potential complications arising from infection. Understanding the specific impact of COVID-19 on these groups is crucial for developing targeted healthcare strategies. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women and their newborns. By focusing on the analysis of histopathological changes in placental and umbilical cord tissues associated with COVID-19, we evaluated maternal and neonatal outcomes to determine the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy and birth. Through this examination, we aimed to provide insights into the risks and implications of COVID-19 for these vulnerable populations. Material-Method: We conducted histopathological examinations of placentas and umbilical cords from two groups of pregnant women. Group I comprised women who had never tested positive for COVID-19 during pregnancy (n = 20), while Group II included women who had contracted COVID-19, displayed mild to moderate symptoms, and recovered before delivery (n = 23). Additionally, immunofluorescence techniques were employed to detect macrophage activity in the umbilical cord. Prenatal assessments included maternal complete blood counts and coagulation assays (n = 40 in both groups). Neonatal outcomes were evaluated based on birth weight, length, head circumference, and APGAR scores (n = 40 in both groups). Results: Our findings indicate that COVID-19 induces placental and umbilical cord inflammation and results in maternal and foetal vascular malperfussion. Immunofluorescence analyses showed a significant increase in umbilical cord macrophage numbers and the macrophage-to-total cell ratio in the COVID-19 group. This study is the first to report on macrophage activity in Wharton's jelly in pregnant women who have recovered from COVID19. Furthermore, we found that COVID-19 shortens gestation periods and reduces maternal haemoglobin levels. Conclusion: COVID-19 with mild to moderate symptoms during pregnancy causes notable alterations in the placenta and umbilical cord but, fortunately, does not significantly affect neonatal outcomes.