Effects of COVID-19 on the placenta

Objective A significant number of pregnant women is affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 not only affects the respiratory system but also shows effects on other organs. So far, little is known about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the placenta as main maternal-fetal interface. Here, we analysed histopathological changes of the placenta after Covid-19 during pregnancy.

Methods and material Women with Covid-19 during pregnancy delivering between January 2022 and May 2022 were identified. Medical history, as well as Covid-19 specific information were obtained. Placentas were worked up histopathologicaly. Descriptive analysis was performed.

Results Between January 2022 and May 2022, 52 placentas of women with Covid-19 infection during pregnancy were analysed with 1 patient having had Covid-19 during first trimester (1.9 %), 8 patients during second trimester (15.4 %), 44 patients during third trimester (84.6 %). There were 22 deliveries during acute infection (42.3 %). Histopathological work up showed changes in 28 placentas (53.8 %), most of them being minor changes. 8 placentas showed to be hypotrophic (15.4 %). Infarction was seen in 7 placentas (13.5 %) with infarction areas being ≤ 5 % in all cases. Intervillous thrombi were detected in 3 cases (5.8). There was only one case of severe acute subchorionitis (1.9 %).

Conclusions Due to the systemic inflammatory and hypercoagulable state caused by Covid-19 histopathological changes of the placenta can be expected. However, this analysis showed only minor changes of placental tissue in the majority of cases.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 October 2022