Maternal mortality linked to COVID-19 in Latin America: Results from a multi-country collaborative database of 447 deaths.
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ABSTRACT: Background
This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of maternal deaths associated with COVID-19 registered in a collaborative Latin-American multi-country database.Methods
This was an observational study implemented from March 1st 2020 to November 29th 2021 in eight Latin American countries. Information was based on the Perinatal Information System from the Latin American Center for Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health. We summarized categorical variables as frequencies and percentages and continuous variables into median with interquartile ranges.Findings
We identified a total of 447 deaths. The median maternal age was 31 years. 86·4% of women were infected antepartum, with most of the cases (60·3%) detected in the third trimester of pregnancy. The most frequent symptoms at first consultation and admission were dyspnea (73·0%), fever (69·0%), and cough (59·0%). Organ dysfunction was reported in 90·4% of women during admission. A total of 64·8% women were admitted to critical care for a median length of eight days. In most cases, the death occurred during the puerperium, with a median of seven days between delivery and death. Preterm delivery was the most common perinatal complication (76·9%) and 59·9% were low birth weight.Interpretation
This study describes the characteristics of maternal deaths in a comprehensive multi-country database in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barriers faced by Latin American pregnant women to access intensive care services when required were also revealed. Decision-makers should strengthen severity awareness, and referral strategies to avoid potential delays.Funding
Latin American Center for Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health.
SUBMITTER: Maza-Arnedo F
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9073212 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Maternal mortality linked to COVID-19 in Latin America: Results from a multi-country collaborative database of 447 deaths.
Maza-Arnedo Fabian F Paternina-Caicedo Angel A Sosa Claudio G CG de Mucio Bremen B Rojas-Suarez José J Say Lale L Cresswell Jenny A JA de Francisco Luis Andrés LA Serruya Suzanne S Lic Diana Carolina Franco Pulido DCFP Urbina Luis L Hilaire Erika Saint ES Munayco César V CV Gil Fabiola F Rousselin Erick E Contreras Leonardo L Stefan Allan A Becerra Alvinzy Velásquez AV Degraff Evelyn E Espada Franco F Conde Victor V Mery Gustavo G Castaño Víctor Hugo Álvarez VHÁ Umbarila Aura Liliana Torres ALT Romero Ivy Lorena Talavera ILT Alfonso Yeimy Catherine Rodríguez YCR Lovato Silva Raquel R Calle Jakeline J Díaz-Viscensini Cynthia Marlene CM Frutos Vicente Nicolas Bataglia VNB Laguardia Elodia Vysokolán EV Padilla Haydee H Ciganda Alvaro A Colomar Mercedes M
Lancet regional health. Americas 20220506
<h4>Background</h4>This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of maternal deaths associated with COVID-19 registered in a collaborative Latin-American multi-country database.<h4>Methods</h4>This was an observational study implemented from March 1st 2020 to November 29th 2021 in eight Latin American countries. Information was based on the Perinatal Information System from the Latin American Center for Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health. We summarized categorical variables ...[more]
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