Universal Sars-Cov-2 Screening in Pregnant Women: Experience from the Italian Epidemic Outbreak

Universal Sars-Cov-2 Screening in Pregnant Women: Experience from the Italian Epidemic Outbreak

Authors

  • Elena Grossi Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Ospedale Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
  • Benedetta Agnoli Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Ospedale Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
  • Monica Baldini Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Ospedale Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
  • Simona Illari Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Ospedale Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
  • Renza Bonini Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Ospedale Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
  • Giuseppe Scagnelli a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:39:"Ospedale Guglielmo da Saliceto Piacenza";}

Keywords:

universal screening, COVID-19, Sars-Cov-2, pregnancy, asymptomatic women

Abstract

Background and aim: Sars-CoV-2 infection has rapidly spread worldwide following the first cases reported in China. Piacenza is one of the most affected cities in Italy. Many infections occurred in the hospital due to the high frequency of patients and healthcare professionals interaction. The aim of the work is to evaluate advantages of universal screening for Sars-Cov-2 in pregnant women admitted to a hospital setting and calculate frequency of infection in an obstetrical population. 

Methods: all pregnant women attending Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital in Piacenza from 22nd April to 18th June 2020 were screened for Sars-Cov-2 using a nasopharyngeal swab. 

Results: 240 pregnant women were tested upon admission: all twelve (5%) testing positive were asymptomatic. None of the positive asymptomatic women developed COVID-19 symptoms or adverse perinatal outcomes.

Conclusions: the diagnosis of asymptomatic pregnant women through universal screening provides the opportunity to protect mothers, babies and heath care workers. In accordance with other studies, our findings add to the growing body of evidence showing high rates of asymptomatic infection in the healthcare setting and highlight a critical need for universal screening of pregnant women.

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Published

31-03-2021

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Section

Original articles: Health Professions 1/2021

How to Cite

1.
Universal Sars-Cov-2 Screening in Pregnant Women: Experience from the Italian Epidemic Outbreak. Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2021 Mar. 31 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];92(S2):e2021001. Available from: https://www.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/11320