Abstract
Aim: We aimed to examine fetal cardiac output (CO) in patients who
recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) infection. Materials: This prospective study included 48
pregnant women recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection and 50 control cases.
SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
test in patients. Fetal echocardiographic evaluations were performed at
24-37 weeks of gestation in pregnant women who recovered from the
infection and control group. Results: The median value of ultrasound
evaluation was 34 (2.6) weeks of gestation in the recovery from the
SARS-CoV-2 infection (RSI) group, and 32 (7.6) weeks in the control
group (p=0.565). Left cardiac output (LCO) z score was significantly
lower in the RSI group than the control group (p=0,041). LCO and combine
cardiac output (CCO) z score were significantly lower in the severe
disease group than mild, moderate disease groups, and controls (p=0,019
and p=0,013). CCO (mL/min/kg) was decreased in the severe disease group
when compared with control and mild disease groups (p=0,044). Fetal
distress, preterm delivery rate, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
admission were found to be higher in the severe disease group compared
to the control group (p=0,010, p=0,009, and p<0,001
respectively). Conclusion: In the present study, fetal cardiac output in
pregnant women with recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection was found
significantly decreased, especially in whom had severe diseases.
Placental dysfunction and inflammatory cytokines might cause fetal
cardiac changes. Further studies could be clarified on the impact of
SARS-CoV-2 infection on fetal cardiac function.