Table 4.
Basic characteristics, findings and suggestions from recent literatures.
| Author | Study type | No. of included studies | Number of pregnant women and neonates | Findings | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raschetti et al. (38) | Systematic review | 74 | PW = N/A; N = 176 | Infections mainly occur postnatally through environmental exposure. However, vertical transmission might be occurred in ~30% of neonates. | Following hygiene advice and proper use of personal protective equipment is important to reduce the risk of transmission. |
| Akhtar et al. (40) | Systematic review | 22 | PW = 156; N = 108 | Increased risk in pregnancy complications such as pre-term birth, PPROM, and may possibly lead to maternal death in rare cases. No evidence of vertical transmission. | Appropriate caution should be taken and further investigate and monitor possible infection in the neonates born to COVID-19–infected mothers. |
| Chamseddine et al. (42) | Systematic review | 48 | PW = 248, N = 201 | There are no evidence of vertical transmission; although, some neonates were tested positive. It can be happened in the hospital or at home environment after birth. | Strictly follow guidelines. |
| Gao et al. (43) | Systematic review and meta–analysis | 24 | PW = 236 | No evidence that COVID-19 can spread through vertical transmission. | Vertical transmission is possible in patients with their first or second trimester or where long–delivery interval. Therefore, pregnant women remain alert for the possibility of vertical transmission. |
| Gatta et al. (44) | Systematic review | 6 | PW = 51; N = 48 | COVID-19 was associated with increased risk of respiratory insufficiency in late pregnancies. However, there is no strong evidence for vertical transmission. | Future studies are warranted to provide a detail information on maternal and fetal conditions, as well as the rationale for obstetrical interventions. |
| Khalil et al. (45) | Systematic review and meta–analysis | 86 | PW = 2,567 | COVID-19 was associated with an increased risk of iatrogenic pre-term birth and cesarean delivery. Vertical transmission probably occurs in neonates. | Comprehensive assessment is required to support or refute the risk of vertical transmission. |
| Smith et al. (46) | Systematic review | 9 | PW = 92; N = 37 | COVID-19 was associated with increased risk of pre-term births, low birth weight, C-section. The evidence of vertical transmission is vague. | A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to monitor patients. |
| Lopes de Sousa et al. (47) | Systematic review | 49 | PW = 755; N = 598 | SARS–CoV−2 may be associated with several pregnancy complications. However, there is no potential evidence of vertical transmission | Recommend a comprehensive monitoring and test pregnant women before deliver or first contact with newborn. |
| Di Toro et al. (51) | Systematic review and meta–analysis | 24 | PW = 1,104, N = 444 | COVID-19 did not significantly influence the Pregnancy. Although, higher rate of C-section had been reported but there was no link to their association. Furthermore, no clear evidence of vertical transmission. | Pregnant women with COVID-19 should not be taken to C-section irrationally. More studies are needed to confirm possible risk of pregnant women with SARS–CoV−2 infection. |
| Trocado et al. (48) | Systematic review | 8 | PW = 95; N = 51 | Pregnant women were more susceptible to SARS–CoV−2 infection and faced several complication. Moreover, vertical transmission to neonate cannot be ignored. | More researches are warranted to get clear information about the impact of COVID−19 in pregnant women. |
| Turan et al. (49) | Systematic review | 63 | PW = 637; N = 318 | COVID-19 was associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. Vertical transmission can be occurred but there is no clear evidence. | Counseling is needed to the pregnant women with COVID−19. |
| Yee et al. (50) | Systematic review and meta-analysis | 11 | PW = 9,032; N = 338 | SARS-CoV-2 infection may increase several complications among pregnant women including neonatal death. The possibility of vertical transmission to neonates can be ruled out. | More studies are needed to confirm or refute some potential harms for pregnant women. |
| Zaigham and Andersson (41) | Systematic review | 18 | PW = 108 | COVID-19 was associated with an increased rate of poor neonatal outcomes. The possibility of vertical transmission cannot be ignored. | Careful monitoring and measurements are needed to reduce the fatal rate. |
PW, Pregnant women; N, Neonate.