The association of race and ethnicity on obstetric patients' COVID-19 outcomes: A summary of current literature.

TitleThe association of race and ethnicity on obstetric patients' COVID-19 outcomes: A summary of current literature.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsMathew DM, Ampatey NA, Aaronson JA, Samuels JD, McCullough D, White RS
JournalAm J Reprod Immunol
Volume89
Issue5
Paginatione13698
Date Published2023 May
ISSN1600-0897
KeywordsBlack or African American, COVID-19, Ethnicity, Female, Hispanic or Latino, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Minority Groups, Pregnancy, Racial Groups, SARS-CoV-2
Abstract

Amidst the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, evidence suggests racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19-related outcomes. Given these disparities, it is important to understand how such patterns may translate to high-risk cohorts, including obstetric patients. A PubMed search was performed to identify studies assessing pregnancy, neonatal, and other health-related complications by race or ethnicity in obstetric patients with COVID-19 infection. Forty articles were included in our analysis based on novelty, relevance, and redundancy. These articles revealed that Black and Hispanic obstetric patients present an increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and maternal mortality; racial and ethnic minority patients, particularly those of Black and Asian backgrounds, are at increased risk for hospitalization and ICU admission; racial and ethnic minority groups, in particular Black patients, have an increased risk for mechanical ventilation; Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to experience dyspnea; Hispanic patients showed higher rates of pneumonia; and Black patients present an increased risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). There is conflicting literature on the relationship between race and ethnicity and various pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Several factors may underly the racial and ethnic disparities observed in the obstetric population, including biological mechanisms and social determinants of health.

DOI10.1111/aji.13698
Alternate JournalAm J Reprod Immunol
PubMed ID36991562