As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, medical professionals are learning more about the impact of the virus on different populations. One group that has received particular attention is pregnant women, who may be at an increased risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. As a result, there has been an increase in the use of medications to treat the virus in pregnant women, particularly in cases of more severe disease. In this article, we will explore the latest developments regarding COVID-19 medication use in pregnancy, providing important updates for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
A recent study has found that the use of medicines for COVID-19 in pregnant women is more common among patients with more severe disease. The study was conducted using the COVI-PREG registry and included pregnant women who had a positive diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2 from March 2020 to July 2021. The researchers recorded the exposure to COVID-19‒related medications, including antibiotics, antivirals, hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, anti-interleukin-6, and immunoglobulins. They then analyzed the prevalence of medicines used, by trimester of pregnancy, maternal COVID-19 severity level, and early/late period of the pandemic.
The analysis included a total of 1,964 pregnant patients, of whom 205 (10.4 percent) received at least one COVID-19‒related medicine. The most commonly used medications were antibiotics, followed by corticosteroids, antivirals, hydroxychloroquine, and anti-interleukin-6. The use of at least one medicine for COVID-19 increased with disease severity, with the highest usage rates observed in patients requiring intubation or oxygen support. Additionally, the use of medicines for COVID-19 was higher before than after July 2020.
Interestingly, the study also observed a trend towards increased corticosteroid use, which appears to be consistent with changing guidelines. Since the start of the pandemic, the use of corticosteroids has been a topic of debate, with some studies showing benefits for critically ill patients and others suggesting potential harms. However, recent clinical trials have shown that corticosteroids can reduce mortality rates among critically ill COVID-19 patients.
While the study provides valuable insights into the use of COVID-19‒related medicines in pregnant women, it is important to note that the sample size was relatively small, and the findings need to be confirmed in larger studies. Nevertheless, the results suggest that the severity of COVID-19 in pregnant women is an important factor to consider when deciding on the use of COVID-19‒related medicines. Additionally, the study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of medicine use during pregnancy to ensure optimal outcomes for both the mother and the fetus.
In conclusion, the use of COVID-19 medicine during pregnancy is a matter of careful consideration and should be guided by health professionals with a thorough understanding of the patient’s medical history and disease severity. As always, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of any medication, especially during pregnancy when the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus must be taken into account. Thus, the role of healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, is critical in ensuring the safe and effective use of COVID-19 medicine in pregnant patients. By staying up-to-date on the latest research and guidelines, medical professionals can provide the best possible care for their patients during these challenging times.
