“We already know that modifications in placental microcirculation may lead to miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia and preterm birth or neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injuries. In this new study we will investigate how Covid-19 infection induces such modifications, the pathogenic mechanisms and the anatomoclinical correlation”, adds González Mesa.

To this end, researchers will analyze placentas from women who give birth anywhere in Andalusia and test positive or tested positive during pregnancy. Thus, the analysis will be performed at laboratories of IBIMA, and the anatomopathological studies at the Regional Hospital under the direction of Dr. Rafael Carvia, head of the Pathological Anatomy service of this hospital.

Placental tissue bank of Covid-19 cases

Apart from studying the placental inflammatory reaction, this study will enable the collection of placental tissue from women who have overcome coronavirus, becoming the first placental tissue and cord blood bank of Covid-19 cases and gestation in a public Biobank.

“This bank will be used to analyze the greatest number of placentas and cord blood samples collected so far worldwide”, says the Professor of the Faculty of Medicine of the UMA. Likewise, as these cases are included in the Spanish register, all related clinical and epidemiological data will be accessible, facilitating the correlation between results from the analysis performed and the medical, obstetrical, and neonatological variables gathered.

Medical protocol in expectant women

“Based on findings at the placental level, we will be able to determine the medical protocol in expectant women infected with SARS-Cov2 in order to terminate high-risk situations or fetal compromise requiring specific treatment or fetus removal”, remarks González Mesa.