Comparison of third-trimester indices in pregnant women with and without COVID-19 infection: A cross-sectional study

Authors

  • DANIEL OKETCH UON https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8344-0225
  • Dr. Diana Ondieki Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
  • Prof. Ogutu O Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Kenya,
  • Dr. James Amenge Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Kenya
  • Pamela Mandela Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Kennedy Oduor Department of Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v37i2.368

Keywords:

COVID 19 infection, pregnant women, third trimester, blood profile

Abstract

Background: The third trimester represents a critical window in pregnancy when these hematologic changes could have the greatest impact. Therefore, understanding how coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection influences blood profiles during this period is vital for clinical management and risk stratification. In Kenya, while national guidelines recommend laboratory evaluation, including complete blood count, c-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and coagulation profiles for pregnant women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, there is a paucity of local data documenting these hematologic trends.

Objective: To investigate hematologic profile differences between pregnant women in the third trimester with and without COVID-19 infection.

Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was employed to compare hematological parameters in pregnant women with and without

 

 

COVID-19 between May 1st and August 31st, 2021. We recruited 60 eligible patients from the Nairobi hospital using purposive sampling. We assessed the complete blood count, coagulation profile, lactate dehydrogenase, and C-reactive protein.

Results: Pregnant women with COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of neutrophils, prothrombin time, CRP, and LDH compared to those without, with respective AORs of 9.50 (p<0.01), 11.52 (p=0.001), and 3.06 (p=0.078). No significant differences were observed in white blood cells, basophils, and international normalized ratio after adjusting for age, parity, COVID-19 vaccination, and fetus number.

Conclusion: This study reported significant associations between neutrophil count, prothrombin time, CRP, LDH levels, and COVID-19 infection status in pregnant women. These indices may aid in distinguishing healthy pregnant women from those with COVID-19 infection.

Keywords: COVID-19 infection, pregnant women, third trimester, blood profile

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

OKETCH, D., Ondieki, D. K., Ogutu, O., Amenge, J. O., Mandela, P. I., & Oduor, K. O. (2025). Comparison of third-trimester indices in pregnant women with and without COVID-19 infection: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Eastern and Central Africa, 37(2), 81–86. https://doi.org/10.59692/jogeca.v37i2.368