Preeclampsia-Like Syndrome in a Pregnant Patient With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Background: Hypertension, proteinuria, and hepatic dysfunction have been described as manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are generally accepted as poor prognostic factors. However, these same findings can also occur in pregnant women with preeclampsia, thus creating a diagnostic challenge. Case: We report a case of COVID-19 infection in an otherwise healthy pregnant patient with secondary hypertension, proteinuria, and significant hepatic dysfunction. Maternal placental growth factor (PlGF) testing was used to rule out preeclampsia. The patient received supportive care and improved significantly. She went on to have a spontaneous vaginal term delivery of a healthy male baby. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection in pregnancy may present as preeclampsia-like syndrome. PlGF testing can be used to differentiate preeclampsia from COVID-19 and facilitate appropriate management. (C) 2021 The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada/La Societe des obstetriciens et gynecologues du Canada. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can present as a preeclampsia-like syndrome, but it can be differentiated and managed appropriately using PlGF testing.