ABSTRACT

Background: Disturbance of haematological parameters is prevalent in pregnancy globally leading to a range of feto-maternal complications. Covid-19 infection has potential to enhance the severity of and complications impending due to anaemia in pregnancy.

Objective: To determine the effects of Covid-19 infection on haematological parameters during antenatal care among pregnant women in rural Sindh.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Setting: Shaikh Zaid Institute, Chandka Medical College, Larkana.

Duration: From March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2021.

Materials and Method: A sample of 110 pregnant women, of 18-50 years of age, presenting in first through third trimester with single alive pregnancy, were included in the study after taking a valid written consent. The Research Evaluation Committee of SMBBMU- Larkana granted approval. Women having any haemoglobinopathy were excluded. Covid-19 test conducted through rt-PCR method. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data of two groups. Analysis was performed through SPSS Version-23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated.

Results: Mean ± SD age was 30.3 ± 6.99 (Range: 19 to 45) years.  Both groups were identical in age. Mean ± SD gestational age was 28.12 ± 4.66 weeks (Range: 20-38). Covid-19 positive women had lower mean Hb (9.7 ± 2.11) than the covid-19 negative (10.54 ± 2.51; P = 0.158). Other haematological parameters like MCV, serum ferritin, TIBC, TLC & platelets were statistically different between groups.

Women of eldest group i-e; in 41-50 years, from urban areas, second trimester (gest. age 13-24 weeks), and nulliparous had been affected more from covid-19 (P = 0.271, 0.748, 0.290 & 0.053). Frequency and severity of anaemia was more among Covid-19 positive women.

Conclusion: Covid‐19 demands maternal healthcare to be extra vigilant to the haematological parameters of pregnant women during antenatal care till delivery.