Impact of antenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection on development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a large, diverse, cohort

Abstract

Objectives

Various studies have noted an association between antenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and increased risk for development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Both disease processes have been shown to involve endothelial dysfunction systemically and in the placenta, suggesting common pathogenesis. We aim to further investigate this association in a diverse urban population.

Study Design

Generation C is a prospective pregnancy cohort study at a large academic institution in NYC established between April 2020 and February 2022. SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy was ascertained using a combination of spike and nucleocapsid IgG antibodies, RT-PCR testing, and electronic medical record (EMR) diagnoses. Maternal demographic and medical data were ascertained from the EMR and/or self-report survey.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was HDP defined using the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology diagnostic criteria. Covariates included maternal age ≥ 35 years, BMI ≥ 30, high social vulnerability index based on patient zip code, maternal chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, and nulliparity. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between antenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and HDP.

Results

Among the 2402 participants, 15.4 % (369) were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and 18.2 % (67/369) of those exposed developed an HDP. In participants without evidence of antenatal SARS-COV-2 infection, 18.0 % (365/2033) developed an HDP. In an adjusted multivariable model, antenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not associated with HDP (aOR 0.89; 95 % CI, 0.65–1.22).

Conclusions

This study did not find an increased risk of HDP associated with antenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection in a diverse prospective cohort.