The Prevalence of Pregnancy-Associated Deaths and Related Factors in Pregnant Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rasht, Iran

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women are at an elevated risk for severe complications from COVID-19, which may exacerbate pre-existing conditions and lead to adverse outcomes. Objectives: Given the occurrence of maternal mortality linked to pregnancy-related complications during the COVID-19 pandemic, we undertook this study to examine the incidence of pregnancy-associated deaths and the contributing factors among pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the data of 10 deceased pregnant women who were referred to Al-Zahra Hospital, Rasht, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic and clinical data of patients were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, and a significance level was considered at < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the deceased pregnant women was 29.30 ± 5.31 years. Three patients were positive for COVID-19, and eight individuals had underlying medical conditions, with all patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The mean duration of hospitalization was 10.10 ± 5.68 days, and the mean gestational age was 31.60 ± 4 weeks. Two individuals (20%) had a history of previous miscarriage, and eight patients (80%) had low socio-economic status. Most deaths occurred during pregnancy or shortly after delivery, with pre-eclampsia complicated by COVID-19 being the leading cause (40%). Conclusions: Our study indicated that women with pre-eclampsia were a vulnerable group at higher risk for severe COVID-19 complications that resulted in death.