Brazilian Journals Publicações de Periódicos e Editora Ltda.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review the current scientific evidence of premature birth related to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).METHODS: An integrative review was carried out by three independent researchers, based on the literature available in the MEDLINE (via PubMed) and LILACS databases, using the descriptors "coronavirus infections" and "premature birth". This research included case reports or case series published until 26th February 2021, in English or Portuguese. After reading the articles in their entirety, those specifically related to premature birth in pregnant women positive for Covid-19 were selected. Initially, a total of 21 articles were found, 19 were analyzed in full-text and 13 were finally selected for this study. RESULTS: The rate of prematurity was not reflected at the expense of spontaneous premature birth, since these were relatively low, with a cesarean section percentage higher than 80%. Most reports describe the termination of pregnancy by cesarean section due to maternal-fetal hemodynamic instability. It is known that Covid-19 can cause serious maternal or perinatal outcomes; however, it is suggested that the indication of the delivery route be individualized and the importance of quality prenatal care is emphasized.CONCLUSION: Covid-19 prematurity seems to be elevated by the increased number of preterm births due to cesarean sections possibly to improve maternal and neonatal clinical status. However, more studies are needed to prove the hypothesis of spontaneous premature labor caused directly by SARS-CoV-2
