COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT FEATURES IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH COVID-19 CONFIRMED AT ULIN REFERRAL HOSPITAL OF SOUTH KALIMANTAN

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has been a leading cause of mortality  for nearly 3 million people worldwide since the first case detected in Wuhan, China, in  December 2019. In Indonesia, the case fatality rate (CFR) for this disease has reached  2.7%. Meanwhile, South Kalimantan province recorded a high CFR of 2.9% until April  12th, 2021. One of the most vulnerable groups who are susceptible to COVID-19 infection  in pregnant women due to their immunocompromised condition. Blood tests have an  important role in the early diagnosis of the disease, considering the information  regarding the inflammatory process. This study aimed to evaluated complete blood  count features in the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in pregnant women. This was a  retrospective study conducted in Ulin Referral Hospital of South Kalimantan from April  – October 2020. Total 66 pregnant women with positive rapid antibody tests were  included. Hematological parameters were compared in patients with and without  confirmed COVID-19 infection. Continuous variables were analyzed Independent T-test, and Mann Whitney U and categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test. Then  to determine the risk ratio, univariate analysis with Binary Logistics Regression.  Comparisons made according to reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) results revealed that a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found  between the test groups regarding leukocyte (12.800/ul) [OR: 1.167, 95% CI: 1.036- 1.314, P=0.011], lymphocyte (14.24±6.31%) [OR: 0.914, 95% CI: 0.848-0.986, P=0.019],  and neutrophil (78.64±7.71%) [OR: 1.069, 95% CI: 1.006-1.135, P=0.031]. The study  concluded that leukocytosis, lymphocytopenia, and neutrophilia are associated with  confirmed COVID-19 infection in pregnant women. Further studies should investigate  the prognostic role of hematological parameters, especially in pregnant women with  COVID-19, considering the risk of fatal complications and outcomes.