Is COVID-19 a Risk Factor for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy?

Objective: This study aims to assess whether COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is a risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) syndrome, eclampsia. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on obstetric patients who gave birth between March 2020 December 2021 at Augusta University Medical Center, an academic urban referral center in Augusta, GA. The were categorized into two groups: those positive negative. primary outcome the development disorder pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included preterm delivery, mode maternal death, ICU admission, NICU intrauterine fetal demise/stillbirth, growth restriction, prolonged hospital stay. association status categorical assessed using Chi-squared Fisher’s exact tests. Mean differences groups evaluated Student’s two-sample Additionally, multinomial multiple logistic regression performed when adjusting potential confounding effects. Results: Out 2760 charts reviewed, 2426 (87.9%) met inclusion criteria. Of patients, 203 COVID-positive 2223 COVID-negative . There no significant patient sociodemographic information negative groups. After effects, determined be combined (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.39-2.66) preeclampsia specifically 2.01, 1.38-2.88). For observed secondary outcomes, associated with increased cesarean delivery (p = 0.046), admission 0.008), stay < 0.001). Conclusion: findings this suggest that linked developing preeclampsia. not statistically hypertension controlling unable draw conclusions about more severe conditions (HELLP, Eclampsia), likely due their prevalence sample. shown stay, analysis. research contributes existing knowledge by examining period encompassing strains virus.