Histopathology of Third Trimester Placenta from SARS-CoV-2-Positive Women

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate whether maternal SARS-CoV-2 status affects placental pathology. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted by reviewing charts and slides of placentas delivered between April 1 to July 24, 2020. Clinical history of “COVID-19” was searched in Pathology Database (CoPath). Controls were matched with SARS-CoV-2-negative women with singleton deliveries in the 3^rd-trimester. Pathological features were extracted from placental pathology reports. Results: Twenty-one 3^rd trimester placentas from SARS-CoV-2-positive women were identified and compared to 20 placentas from SARS-CoV-2-negative women. There were no significant differences in individual or group gross or microscopic pathological features. Within the SARS-CoV-2+ group, there are no differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic women. Conclusion: Placentas from SARS-CoV-2-positive women do not demonstrate a specific pathological pattern. Pregnancy complicated with COVID-19 during the 3^rd trimester does not have a demonstrable effect on placental structure and pathology.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• placenta
• pathology
• third trimester