Effects of SARS-COV-2 infection on fetal pulmonary artery Doppler parameters.

Purpose: To determine the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the fetal pulmonary system using the acceleration time (AT), ejection time (ET), and acceleration/ejection time ratio (PATET) of the fetal main pulmonary artery Doppler waveform.

Methods: We prospectively studied pregnant women attending our hospital with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR test and an age-matched control group who admitted for routine prenatal care. An ultrasound examination that included measurements of the AT, ET, and AT/ET ratio (PATET) were performed and the results were compared.

Results: Fifty-five SARS-CoV-2-infected and 93 control group pregnant women were included in this study. AT found higher in the COVID-19 positive group when compared with controls. When the ET and PATET parameters were compared, no differences were detected between the groups. Eleven neonates had Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) requirement in the COVID-19 positive group while there were none in the control group. All fetal pulmonary artery Doppler values were decreased in NICU admitted fetuses. The mean gestational week of this group was lower than non-NICU COVID-19 positive group and the control group.

Conclusion: COVID-19 infection increases fetal pulmonary blood flow, which appears high AT values on Doppler parameters. NICU admission only occurred in the COVID-19 group and their Doppler values were found significantly lower than non-NICU COVID-19 group. The clinical significance of this result must be evaluated with further studies.