Cytokine Status in Pregnant Women with Fetoplacentary Dysfunction Associated with COVID-19

Abstract

This study included 150 pregnant women with fetoplacental dysfunction associated with COVID-19. The patients were divided into three groups based on the clinical course of COVID-19: Group I consisted of 40 pregnant women with a mild form of COVID-19, Group II included 40 pregnant women with a moderate form of COVID-19, and Group III comprised 40 pregnant women with a severe form of COVID-19. Additionally, a control group of 30 healthy pregnant women was established for comparison. All participants underwent clinical-laboratory and immunological examinations. The levels of cytokines in the blood serum were determined using the immunoassay method and the ELISA device. The study focused on analyzing the levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IFN-γ during the first week of hospitalization and two weeks after treatment. The results showed that the majority of women with fetoplacental dysfunction associated with COVID-19 exhibited a significant increase in certain cytokines. Specifically, there was an 8-fold increase in IL-1β levels, a 10-fold increase in IL-6, and a 4-fold increase in IFN-γ. These changes in the quantitative indicators of cytokines emphasize their important role in the development of fetoplacental dysfunction in women infected with COVID-19.